all the 5 star is just an extra rating a resort gets by paying extra to PADI.
While Dive Centre vs Resort = Availability of accommodation, or island based operator.
Instructor Development Centre (IDC) is a resort/dive centre that offers instructor level courses.

as a general idea, those with 5 star ratings are usually a bit more posh... but expect to pay posh level prices as well 

---

Added on March 15, 2010, 2:55 pm

don't worry too much about the agency which you opt for. PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, BSAC, CMAS are famous international organisations. you won't go wrong with these. no dive centre will refuse you if you have a certification from the above agencies.
more importantly get the right instructor 

depends on where you want to go or what you want to do?
i can give you recommendations based on my personal experiences only.

Hey guys, my wallet was stolen recently and inside was my Advanced PADI Diving License. Can anyone advise me on how to go about reapplying for another card?

Anyone can advise operator for OW course padi. I thinking of redang or phention but stil confuse~we may go 4 person. Or is it same price for both islands incl meal and accom i got quotation rm1.7 per person

Tq putraskyline. But i saw many promote phentian. Why ar?last time went both for snorkel i think prefer redang hehe

Hello divers!!
i need your help...
- where can i get diving gear in penang/kedah??
- im looking for diving camera (yg biasa2 sj, not for commercial dive), any suggestion?what brand, how much and where can i get it?
- is there any dive center at p.perhentian accept for solo traveler??

Hi putraskyline!

dive package (accommodation) for solo traveler. but they will let us know if we have to combine or not rite?

Hi lck*G9!

ehehe..although i had Adv. OW cert., ya, i still not good with my buoyancy..do your meaning if we take pictures underwater, it would affect in marine life?

including p.perhentian?  may i know which dive center? I already google, but still not yet find dive center which accept solo traveler.

neway, thanks for info n advice..really appreciate it.
ya i will, U too.. 

^Berjaya resort in Redang.
Everything they do for you. They give you each a water bottle and an apple for each dive.
They even washed, dried and packed my dive gears into my bag when we dived on the last day as we had to bath before checking out at noon.

But then again, we were the only two divers during those few days so we had extremely good VIP treatment. Whole fishing boat was ours. During inter-dive breaks, just lay on the deck and suntan, very nice. I don't know if it's during peak seasons though. Their per dive prices isn't that expensive either.

Did you manage to see Mola-mola, I was there last year with Aquamarine and 2009 with another dive center but both trip also no luck. my last year safari was good from north till south 7d6n.

two thumbs up for diving! cant wait for my next trip..dont know when..so hard to plan ahead this half of year.

i would say most dive centres wont assemble your eqpmt, at most they will load the tanks on the boat.  IMO its better that way cos we get to really check our own eqpmt esp if its the rental ones.

the dive centres operating out of KK -TARP would be pretty OK if u looking for full service, just hop on boat, then lunch at the island. try Sabah Divers, Scubs Zone, or Diverse Borneo.

<Off Topic> Anyone know where to get Suunto D4 dive computer with lowest price?

i'm looking for courses, trip and stuff.....if possible near bangsar, sunway or bangi area, plus which brand you recomended for the mask, suit and fin...

I am planning to buy a BCD. I am interested in Mares Dragon or Scubapro model which is similar to the Dragon. If any of you got contact where can i get a vary good price.. pls share with me.

I cant use back inflated as recommended by my instructor. Better follow his advice coz he knows best.

If any of you guys knows anybody wanna sell their jacket BCD, size "MEDIUM".. pls Pm me. I dont mine buying 2nd hand as long its in great condition.

Thanks for your response guys..

I want to get a pair of fins. What brand and model do you guys recommend? Open heel preffered but not priority. And if possible name the shop selling them and the price. Thanks 

Alright will put those into consideration. Thanks. Does sealantis only sell scubapro fins?
The key point here is to find a fin that is all rounder/efficient for me but i prefer open heel without bootie. Strong legs or not when you have to swim faster without efficiency i think thats when more air is consumed.

its heavy and I would say its a good training especially for newbies but not for clients that dive with them. I have knee problem that's why i don't like it