Komodo dive shop construction - Part 2

And the work continues on our Tiny Komodo shop...

This is going to make a great "before" picture!

We have had lots of things to learn. From small things all the way to the big cultural differences between Thailand and Indonesia.

Working on the roof!

Construction is moving pretty fast. The guys are doing good work and there is a "specialist" for each part of the construction.

And lots of coffe breaks too!

We still have spaces available on our June Komodo Liveaboard departures! Then you can stop by and see the completed shop for yourself! The diving is great, Labuan Bajo is not anywhere as developed as Thailand and the weather is very nice.

-Wicked Diving, Komodo

Komodo dive shop construction started!

Komodo Construction started!

Please excuse our brief absence - we have finished up the Season in Khao Lak, taken the Jaya on a massive expedition from Thailand to Komodo and now we are opening our small shop in Labuan Bajo in 6 days.

Been a very busy time!

We hope that everyone who comes to visit us realizes that Indonesia is NOT the first world. In many ways, it makes Thailand look like a first world country.

And then to realize that Flores (home to Labuan Bajo) is considered a backwater!

Our small shop has a great location and is very, very easy to find.

However - it's just small! Very, very, very small!

With a foot print of 2 meters x 4.5 meters, we won't be spoiling you with luxury!

Day one found us setting the pillars. These are recycled wood, as is most of the construction material (Roofing tiles will be new).

The little building to the right is a police post - though they have not been seen in there for a couple years :) We are also going to adjust and repaint this...never know when a happy policeman can come in handy :)

The second Day found us pulling down some of the tree (sorry tree) and building the first part of the frame. with such a small size, we are able to move pretty fast!

Watch for a few more posts over the next few days as we finish this off and start getting everything ready!

June 3rd our first trip is departing and we have already had a couple weeks of GREAT diving!

-Wicked Diving, Komodo

Wicked Diving - Shop updates..

Our first official Similans trip of the season is off just a day ago. This is actually our second scheduled trip, but due to weather concerns we had to cancel the first one. As we felt the safety and comfort of our guests would be affected - we decided to not run that trip. Weather cancellations for the Similans are quite rare, in fact we didn't have any trips canceled all last season. But the weather was rough enough for the Similan Park officials to close the entire park - something else that never happened last year. In the end, it was perfect weather to go to Khao Sok for an overnight lake and cave diving trip. Almost all of our guests decided to on that trip and they all came back super happy. So fingers crossed for no more bad weather this season, but if it comes now we know we've got a great alternative!

Our shop is getting a makeover! Last year we added a fountain, pond and a longtail boat in our front yard. The boat was quite a popular place for tourists to take photos in front of. However our landlord took it all away while we were closed for the off-season, so now we're re-makeovering. (Is that a word?) Will look very nice when its all done. Photos of the finished product should be ready soon.

-Similan Islands Diving

Similan Diving - The new shop at night

Yes...oh yes...that is a longtail in our front garden and we ARE very happy to see you!

Stop on by!

we've put in mood lighting, a small water accessory and some relaxing music. What a perfect way to get ready for diving!

Of course there is always coffee, tea and cold water waiting inside too!


If you would like to join us - it's best to reserve your spaces now! November trips on our Similan Liveaboard are nearly full, but early December still has some spaces available. Get the best spaces now.






Similan Diving

The Kings Birthday

In celebration of the Kings Birthday we gathered at Wicked to send off some lanterns. A Thai tradition. Check out what happens next....Oscar apparently needs some lessons on how to correctly light the lantern torches. Don't worry though - no one was burnt, well, except the actual lantern!

Khao Lak's newest dive shop - the after pictures

Here is part of the sexiest equipment room in Khao Lak. I know it's hard to imagine a sexy equipment room (or is it?) but we got one! Just installed the new racks for regulators and it' s a beautiful pair of racks.












And another sleek piece of work - Marcel's custom designed and hand built Fins racks! Not only does it keep them orderly but it also keeps them out of the way!

All these racks, I'm excited!

Khao Lak Diving

Khao Lak's newest, shiniest, best dive shop....Ever!

Wicked Diving has moved!!!!



We have officially moved to our new location! With new facilities we built to our own specs - new classroom, new equipment area.

We are only 20 Meters from our old shop, so you won't need any new directions or maps....




In addition we have the facilities to conduct larger courses including DAN Instructor Courses, Divemaster programs and even IDC programs in the near future.






Our swimming pool is just up the hill and in a beautiful location. Perfect for learning!



The classroom has such amazing amenities as: TV, DVD player, Tables, Chairs, Air-Con, whiteboards and even....carpet! All the tools the modern, progressive instructor and student could demand!


We are also putting in Khao Lak's only Evacuation center for diving accidents in association with Diver Safety.






Don't forget our new boat! With plenty of space and overnight trips to the Similan Islands, we have some of the best, safest options for diving and snorkeling in the region.




Please check back here frequently our on our home page for many more details and information as we continue to grow and evolve.



With massive space for all our activities and plenty of room out front for relaxation before or after diving - we look forward to seeing you here!

The first beer is on us!

Equipment room - beta

Here's Marcel next to his latest invention.

Actually it's part of our retrofit - making the equipment room big, beautiful and safe.

We are avoiding sharp corners and other hazards that could damage your equipment!
We are also setting up a servicing desk to take care of all minor needs, like o-rings and adjustments.

The major servicing is done at One-Stop service center in Krabi. They are fully certified and experienced, so our gear is in great shape.

Keep looking - more to come


Similan Diving

Thailand Liveaboards

Diver Safety

Whale Shark Conservation

Hot sweaty men in a small room....

Our new shop! Here are a few clips of Keith and Marcel doing the hard work.

They felt my skills were "better suited" for measuring and sweeping. That's okay....


they can't type nearly as fast as I can!


Still on track for being open Monday!

Khao Lak's newest dive shop - part 4

Here is the progress we made on our new classroom. I know it looks ...well...not finished....but it's getting there.






Anyhow WE are proud of the mess....work....we did.







Of course we are now considering releasing a "Men of Wicked" calender.
















I would like to point out the tan and amazing physique

Our new shop - part 3

Some pictures for the Before and after catalog...








The back alley, now....










The equipment room, before....


Just come back in a few days....we are so deep into this....it will be gorgeous!

Khao Lak's newest dive shop part 2

So I am going to keep adding a few pictures every couple of days for the development of our shop.


Here is the biggest, scariest part of our shop - the electrical...

This was built and designed by a group of deranged wombats. Seriously weird layout. With one switch in the back of the shop controlling the outside, while there is one in the front of the shop that controls the upstairs and four switches that do nothing, and several switches that only control other switches. Beyond that it's all put together with cheap tape and spit. Well...

you will also note three cords that are left hanging there. That three different cords, live, ungrounded just dangling near each other.


Anyhow, on more joyous news...we have the front side of the shop out of beta, and ready to move on. There will be significant upgrades, so wait and see.

Here is Aom and her brother scrubbing the shit out of the front. I then had them bleach it to kill all the gunk. We are painting it next week.

Also the electrical guy comes, then air conditioning, then to government comes to see if the electric was done right (if you didn't know, we don't pay bribes, so this could be very interesting indeed).

It's never as easy as it seems. But next week I start doing construction myself - building classroom, clinic and office upstairs.

And...still have equipment room to go!

Similan diving - our new shop!

So we are deep into painting right now. Pretty funny, as Aom is a "delicate flower" and doesn't like to get dirt on her - is getting right into it.

Her brother is a really hard worker and he is loving it.

They spent the last two months hanging out doing just about nothing because the shop was closed and Khao Lak was not that exciting in rainy season.


I think that when we come back to these same pictures in a few weeks we will have a great before after scene.

The neighbor shops saw us cleaning, so they decided to do the same. They are pulling weeds and making their shops look nicer. Which is good, because they looked like crap.

I tried to get a picture of the woman in her chair, but she leapt away as soon as the camera came out.....so it looks like stealth camera action this year....


Again - check out whale-shark.org for more news about our new research project in association with Golden Buddha resort on Koh Phra Thong


and as always....

Similan Diving

Safer Diving

Thailand Liveaboards

Khao Lak's newest dive shop

That's right! we are busy setting up our new shop. Lots of space, great location and easy to find - the bus stops right in front of the shop!

If you look at the picture to the left, please keep an eye out for the woman in the chair. I have a feeling she will be in every picture of our shop for the next year. She works in the "shit shop" next door. They sell tourist crap and not much else. She spends her days in that chair, until a tourist approaches, then she attacks.



It's great to start from scratch...there is nothing in the shop at all. so we are cleaning the walls, scrubbing floor and even going at the grout with toothbrushes!

We have the front office, the equipment room, the cleaning area, the classroom upstairs office and even room for a clinic. In addition we will have plenty of space out front for coffee and even beers at the end of the day. We'll have free wireless for all those with computers and phones.





Here we go...the start of a new season.


Also keep an eye out for several new projects - including our whale shark research program, our new boat, new staff, new websites and so much more.


In the meantime....


Similan Diving

Safer Diving - Dan courses

Thailand liveaboards