Palau is indeed one of the most awesome dive spots in the world - I went there for the first time back in June this year and wrote up my 3 day liveaboard here
http://divehappy.com/palau/palau-scuba-diving-liveboard-day-one/

However, there are several other dive edens in Asia. Raja Ampat in Indonesia has been declared as having the greatest marine biodiversity in the world, with its remoteness greatly contributing to its pristine reefs and spectacular marine life. But you don't need to go to the ends of the earth (with the expense that entails) to find great diving in Asia - the Philippines still has many areas that have also been protected, like Sogod Bay in Leyte, where the untouched coral attracts whale sharks
http://travelhappy.info/philippines/in-the-water-with-the-biggest-fish-in-the-world/

Lankayan Island in Borneo, Malaysia is a model of recovery from an area previously ruined by dynamite fishing.
http://divehappy.com/borneo/lankayan-borneo-paradise-under-threat/

Global warming is destroying the world's coral reefs and industrial fishing methods are wiping out the fish population - but there are plenty of examples in Asia of underwater environments that have recovered and flourished when they've been given a chance. Great diving can still be affordable and open to everyone - and it's only if more people come and snorkel and scuba the reefs that we can inject some urgency in trying to save them.

Reply