Try Redang Pelangi one of the cheapest resort in redang, take 1 week from begginer (Open water) to advance open water cost RM2+++ checkout this website
http://www.redangpelangi.com/

My recommendation look for strict instructor coz you will master your diving skill after you finish your course rather then half tank water. bitter first sweet later.

Any particular brand or model. I have done a lot of reserch lately, just bought whole set of them.
Advise buy in 1 shoot , you can save few hundred in total .

For TUSA go to 1 utama GlobalScuba 3rd floor. http://www.globalscuba.com.my/
For Mares go to hobby & sport http://www.tce-sports.com/main.htm
For Seacsub & Appollo & oceanics go to Rainbow Runner. http://www.rainbowrunner.net/
also try this dive shop in desa sri hartamas behind True Fitness on 1st floor, forget the shop name try look for it no too many shop there.

advise to nego to 25% or lower discount from selling price.

BCD you can get Seacsub in rainbow runner, go for those in promotion is cheap.

MY equip. list
BCD: Seacsub Profly
regulator: i choose appolo A110 with moisturizer, feel more comfortable with it also bought in rainbow runner.
Wet suite: Bare Ignite- the cheapest bought in DiversDEN www.diversden.com.my
FIN: Mares quadro and Atomic split. I would like to sell my mares fin for RM150 (use 2 trip only)
Dive com: Oceanics - cheapest model. Rainbow runner.
Mask & snorkel : Mares

If you dun mind pls tell me

I will be in lang tengah 31 Aug 4d3n, if you are going there with the rest of the gang in this forum you can look for me in redang lang resort, then we can share some info.

Which resort you choose "Coral Redang" or "Redang Pelangi". I might be going too... depend on next month budget

Oct most likely east coast weather is bad, always rain or storm and the sea choppy, not good for island trip. Go some other place if possible. (my own opinion & experience)

It's ok if you stay in redang lang. I've tried that before its fun and relaxing. If you are girls just be careful a bit.