Equipment

 

Holdall or rucksack for all gear is probably best, although a suitcase is OK. You will have to carry your luggage by hand on a number of occasions, so take care that it's not too heavy. Maximum weight allowed is 20kg, but only 10kg for the flight to Tioman. You might get away with 12 or 13 kg but don’t bank on it.  Bring a light weight plastic bag for leaving items at the hotel in Singapore.  We stay there before and after our visit to the islands, and the hotel is happy to keep a bag for you while you are away.

Wallet or bumbag for passport, money and tickets is useful.

Small rucksack for day trips - every day.

Camera: Disposable underwater cameras can be bought at airport. Otherwise, bring any type you wish.
Video camera is useful, but a high-risk item. On our first trip, one was immersed in salt water on day one!
Reminder: carry valuable items with you on the plane. The insurance for them insists you do so.

Sunblock - best to be waterproof. Pupils have been burned sitting under an awning, because the reflection from the sea was so strong. Sunblock can be bought on Tioman island, but bring a good supply with you.
Good quality torch (waterproof torches suitable for diving can be borrowed from us). The nights are much longer and darker than in Scotland at this time of the year and a good torch is particularly useful. Bring spare batteries, or buy in Singapore or Tioman.

First aid - we will have a first aid kit with us, but you should bring your own small first aid kit: eg. plasters, antiseptic wipes, aspirin or paracetamol. Antihistamine cream is useful for insect bites.
You might wish to take sea-sickness tablets or wrist-band, as we spend many hours on boats of one type or another.

Mobile phones are very useful, but remember to get your provider to arrange for foreign access.

Mobile phones work well in Singapore and Tioman, and we are told they now operate on Aur Island too.

 

A small pair of binoculars would be worth bringing. You might consider sharing with others in the group.

Disposable contact lenses for diving are useful for those who normally wear glasses.(£1 a day)

Water bottle - this is essential for long days away, but bottles of water can be bought on the island.

Pen/pencil and notebook. It is worthwhile keeping a diary of your trip. Pupils have produced very attractive folders with photos and notes, on return from their trip.

Plastic bags to hold dirty/wet clothes.

Mask, snorkel and fins are all supplied, but you may bring your own if you wish. Remember, however, that they represent extra weight and bulk in your luggage. Details of suppliers can be found on the Diving page.

Insect repellent. Insect bites can be a nuisance, although much depends on the weather. For example, if the weather is very dry there is little problem with insects. Scotland can be much worse! Insect repellents can be bought on Tioman.

When wading in the sea and when snorkelling, rubber or neoprene water shoes are essential, to protect feet from very sharp coral, mussels and dangerous spiny fish. These can be bought in any sports shop or diving shop. The nearest dive shop to Dollar is FYM at Port Edgar Marina, S Queensferry.

 

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