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Title: Diving Southeast Asia: A Guide to the Best Dive Sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand (Periplus Action Guides)
ISBN: 079460076X
Author:
David Espinosa
Heneage Mitchell
Kal Muller
John B Williams
Publicate Date: 2003-03-15
Publish: 2003-03-15
List Price: $24.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $12.95
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $15.49
Amazon Merchant Price: $19.46
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Lots of detailed info & resources. Sloppy editing.
This book is Pre -tsunami. & Pre-enviromental-ban for Sipadan
CONS:
1) This edition is basically the same as the 2nd edition. If you have #2 then you don't really need #3. Just call ahead and make sure the LDS info is correct.
2) Although some of the information may have been updated since the 2nd edition, sloppy editing ruins the book. Maps are not on the page indexed and are not on the page referred to in the paragraph. You'd really expect better editing and not just #2 regurgitated with add-on info.
3) Many of the contributors also have their own Dive Guide/Book published, so you may find some duplicate info.
4) Doesn't list all major dive shops in the area, (but it comes pretty close). Doesn't list dive shops on the smaller islands (not even reputable ones).
5) Publishing company extremely rude (Periplus Singapore) and unhelpful to the public when called at the number listed.
PROS:
1) Maps of the entire region are very helpful especially if you want to be sure whether you are diving island 3 or island 4a. & your dive guide doesn't know - unfortunately happens more than you think since everyone wants to do their divemaster/instructor training course here. Just show the boat captain the map and he'll tell you.
2) This book packs a lot of detailed info on each and every area and dive site. All you need is a Guide that knows where the fish are and how to get back to the boat.
3) This book often contains more pertinent and detailed info than many "single area" books out there.
4) All the contributors are highly respected and very well-known in their own areas and beyond. Most are regular contributors to dive magazines and have their own guides published. Some still take groups out despite owning their own dive shop, travel agency, internet cafe, Tshirt stand, satay and fruit juice stall.
5) Good quality photos and paper.
6) Nice map of the region inside the front cover.
Overall one of the better dive books out there. You will find this one really helpful for:
*Planning dive trips in S.E. Asia
*Knowing where you are
*What to look out for at a site/area
*Alternative dive resources for S.E. Asia (Lists of websites diving & otherwise).
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