MIDE 2018 – All You Need To Know
This year, Malaysia’s pioneer scuba diving expo, MIDE 2018, will take place from 4 to 6 May at the regular Putra World Trade Center venue in Kuala Lumpur.
For this year’s dive expo, I have written a need-to-know article about MIDE 2018 for anyone who wants to learn more about this scuba diving expo held here in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia International Dive Expo 2018 (MIDE2018)
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| Visitors at the Malaysia International Dive Expo. |
MIDE was the only Malaysian dive expo that started in 2006, but now another world-class dive expo, DRT Malaysia, had its inaugural event in Kuala Lumpur early in 2018.
With that, there are now two major diving events which strongly favour the scuba diving community of Malaysia. Isn’t it great that we have more choices? From a positive point of view, these two dive expos in Malaysia will provide healthy competition among diving expos and more opportunities for divers to choose from.
This year, the Malaysia International Dive Expo 2018 will see over 150 exhibitors participating, compared to 133 last year. Various professionals from the scuba diving industry will give 30 presentations, sharing valuable information, tips, and tricks with the public.
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| Visitors shopping at MIDE. |
Some MIDE Facts
Below are some statistics from the previous MIDE 2017, which is quite impressive, considering that scuba diving in Malaysia is still a very niche hobby and sport.
- MIDE 2017 generated RM8.2 million in total sales
- 3000 Scuba Diving Courses were sold during the expo
- A total of 133 companies took part in MIDE 2017
- A record 12,166 visitors attended MIDE 2017 over three days
- Visitors from 45 countries visited MIDE 2017
- A whopping 928 international brands participated in MIDE 2017
- 95% of visitors had scuba diving interest
- 80% of attendees were professional scuba divers
- 85% of visitors had dive travel interest
- 1,777 Non-Divers attended MIDE 2017
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| International vendors ate MIDE. |
MIDE 2018 Program
As Malaysia’s scuba diving industry is growing steadily, multiple programs have been scheduled throughout the expo.
- Asia Dive Conference (ADC)
- Freediving Forum
- Ocean Rescue Forum
- Underwater Photography Forum
- Speaker Presentations (Various)
- B2B Meeting Sessions
- Dive Diva Fan Club Presentation
- Marine Educational Program
- A person with Disabilities Program (PWD)
- Purchaser Lucky Draw
- Pool Try Dive
- Lens Beyond Ocean Photography Competition
When is MIDE 2018?
The Malaysia International Dive Expo 2018 will take place from May 4th to 6th. The expo usually occurs just before the fasting month of Ramadan, which falls in June.
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| The PWTC LRT Station is on the left, while Sunway Putra Mall is a colourful building. |
Where is MIDE 2018?
Malaysia International Dive Expo 2018 has always been held at the Putra World Trade Center or PWTC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This venue is perfect due to the huge space and multiple halls offered.
Kuala Lumpur is also the capital of Malaysia, making it easy for visitors, speakers and vendors to get to. The main KLIA and KLIA 2 airports are a 60-minute drive from KL or a 30-minute train ride into the city from the airport.
How to go to MIDE 2018?
There are two main ways to get to the event, and most locals will self-drive to PWTC and park there. For visitors, the best way to get to MIDE2018 is by taking the STAR LRT Train, which stops at Sunway Putra Station.
Alternatively, an easy way to go to MIDE 2018 is to take a private car service like GRAB. You can do this anywhere in Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya, and the prices are very reasonable. The important transit station for those taking the train is Masjid Jamek in KL City, where other trains, such as the LRT and MRT, stop.
Here, you must walk to the LRT station and head to PWTC. PWTC LRT Station (SP4 & AG4)) is served by the RapidKL Ampang Line and Sri Petaling Line.
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| Where to park near PWTC KL |
Where to Park at PWTC?
If you go to MIDE 2018 early, there will be ample parking at PWTC, which charges by the hour. Alternatively, you can also park at Sunway Putra Mall, just opposite PWTC; they also charge hourly.
The old Putra Bus Terminal car park is no longer there, as some renovations are taking place. Some open-air car parks are outside the main road along Japan Putra for those planning to stay much longer.
The open-air car park charges a flat rate of RM6 to RM10 for a full day of parking, so that would be a cheap option. You must walk to PWTC, which takes about 5 minutes. The parking lot is in front of the Sani Hotel.
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| MIDE sales are something many divers wait for |
Tips for MIDE 2018
For those planning to visit the Malaysia International Dive Expo 2018 or MIDE2018, here are some tips, especially for first-time visitors.
- Hate Crowds? Go early on each day when the event opens.
- Pick Pockets? There are always unscrupulous people at any expo or event, so be cautious.
- Hungry or Thirsty? There is a mall opposite PWTC and a Riverside Cafe with local food.
- Toilets? Surprisingly, the bathrooms at PWTC are quite clean.
- Lonely? Best to come with a friend or friends.
- Scared to Spend? Don’t bring your wife or girlfriend.
- Scared to bring Cash? Don’t worry; most vendors accept debit and credit cards.
- See Something Cheap You Like? Grab it! Don’t think too long.
- Cannot Decide What To Buy or Where To Go? Call your friends.
- Too Much Walking Around? Wear comfortable shoes, not high heels or slippers.
- Kiasu? Wait for the last hour of the last event day for some last-minute extra deals.
MIDE 2018 Information
Date: 2-4 May 2018
Venue: Dewan Tun Razak 1, PWTC, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 10.00 AM to 7.00 PM
Admission: RM5.00 per person
Website: https://mide.com.my/
Phone: +6 03 7980 9902
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| The writer at Lankayan Island |
About the Writer
After 15 years of casual scuba diving and over 1000 dives, I decided to take up a much easier hobby: birdwatching rather than fish-watching. Sometimes, a balance is needed in life to fully enjoy it. My last dive trip was to Raja Ampat, Alor Island, and Komodo Island in far east Indonesia, where I spent 14 days in October 2017.
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| The beautiful and colourful underwater landscapes at Komodo Island. |
That indeed burned me out big time, as it was fly-van-dive-sleep-boat-fly-dive-eat and repeat. Usually, I go for 3-5 day easy dive trips. Still, Raja Ampat was the highlight and my major diving bucket list item. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive into some of the most beautiful places in Indonesia.
You should know that I am an overall travel writer; hence I only do a little underwater photography. I have also done some articles on my experience diving there, and hopefully, some of the articles, like how to fly to Raja Ampat, will come in handy.
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| The must-see Wobbegong Shark at Raja Ampat. |
While I did a live on board at Komodo, I chose to stay at the Raja Ampat Dive Resort for a more casual experience. If you are thinking of visiting here, start saving up and do it quickly.
I also wrote about why Alor Island should be your next diving destination. It is so untouched and beautiful. Take a look at my article, and you will see why.
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| MIDE 2018 is on May 4-6 at PWTC Kuala Lumpur. |
Conclusion
This article on all you need to know about MIDE 2018 will help you have a fantastic and productive time here. Most visitors do. I will be there for the first day, visiting friends and checking out the dive expo. If we know each other, remember to say hello and be happy diving wherever you go.
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