The Malaysia International Dive Exhibition, or MIDE 2013, is back again and will be held at the PWTC in Kuala Lumpur from 9 to 11 July.

This is also the largest scuba-related event in the region, where various organizations and businesses from Malaysia and around the area will participate.

The event, which attracts mostly divers and those interested in this sport, is also in its 8th year now; therefore, you can expect a lot of exhibitors and participants this year.

A majority of locals and also international participants take part in the largest dive expo in Malaysia.

MIDE Malaysia Dive Expo

 

Sabah Tourism’s Dive Sabah booth at MIDE.

MIDE 2013 is expected to see more participation from new players in the industry, where many new products and information are being offered.

Tourism Boards have also shown an interest in Sabah Tourism, which features some of the best diving spots in Malaysia.

You can find them at booth A79-84 in Hall 3. As an avid diver, I want more participation from other tourism boards besides Sabah Tourism Board or STB.

Several diving tour operators are also regular participants here who offer various diving packages locally and internationally.

The most popular booths during the dive expo would be the diving equipment re-sellers and among the exciting booths to visit.

For the seasoned diver, you would own your own BCD and some of the retailers are seen carrying some of the most practical and yet interesting BCDs, which come in various colours. 

Another important item for scuba divers is the dive computers or dive coms as it is usually called. Over the years, many brands have been in the market; some have been recommended by dive masters and friends.

I have always been a Suunto user, owning a Suunto Adventurer watch and a Suunto D6i Dive Com. At the dive expo, many vendors sell popular and new dive computers to suit your style. 

LiquiVision Dive Com in Malaysia.

Did you know that some new and interesting dive computer watches now come with LCD colour displays? Yes, LiquiVision has been one of the brands in the market over the last 12 months and now seems to be getting popular.

Diving Packages are also sold during MIDE, and sometimes, you can get some excellent deals or packages from the various dive operators here. The best is to shop around before making your decision.

Many divers only dive with their own group, so I recommend trying different dive groups or operators. 

Diving Courses are also available from several dive schools at MIDE. Sometimes they even offer prices which are below the market rate.

But on a professional level, I recommend that you do your homework before committing to cheap dive courses as sometimes, due to volume, specific standards are not met, which can cost your life.

When people sell under market prices, they are usually desperate for the business and lose focus on safety principles.

With this, I am giving you a heads up about this sport; it is not the cheap price that is important but the level of professionalism and safety procedures that can save your life. Who said diving is a cheap sport anyway?

Finally, those attending the Malaysia International Dive Expo 2013, take your time and visit all the booths before deciding.

As a dive writer, I will always attend this diving expo to learn and observe the changing trends and so on for the sport and industry so I can share the info with everyone.

MiFlex Hoses on sale at MIDE 2013.

For stylish divers, there are many choices of dive equipment available. You can modify your first stage with colourful hoses and do many other things. Colour coordination is the trend for Malaysian divers too. 

MIDE 2012 booths.

For those who have been to the Dive Expo here in Malaysia, you are looking for new upgrades for your equipment or simply to catch up with friends and further information.

For the first-timers, be prepared for a whole expo filled with dive-related items and information. Some will go early on Friday to grab some limited items, while others usually wait for the weekend. 

Below is information about the event here;

MIDE Admission Fee:
Adult – RM3
Under 17 yrs old – Free Admission 

MIDE Opening Hours:
For Visitors:
5th July – 7th July
10.00 am to 7.00 pm (All Visitors)

Venue: 

Putra World Trade Center, KL

Hall 3

MIDE Trade:
5th July – 7th July
Between 10.00 am to 2.00 pm (Open to all Trade Visitors)
Trade Lounge (Hall 3)

  
MIDE Opening Ceremony:
Level 3, Hall 3, Main Stage, Putra World Trade Centre
5 July 2013 at 3.00 pm

Conclusion

Other activities available at the event include sea-related sports equipment and apparel, a colouring contest, a photo competition, dive seminars, a marine talk, a discover scuba diving session (DSD) and even general information about dive locations, so see you at MIDE 2013.