Club Ocellaris in Anilao

Hello,

It seems threads about Philippines diving are popping up everywhere; that said, I am having trouble finding anything in-depth about Club Ocellaris. Well, aside from people saying it is a great place for photographers to stay!

I am about to book 4-5 nights at Club Ocellaris during an 18 day trip - diving Anilao and Tubbataha. I have decided to do Anilao for the famed muck diving and have seen many recommendations for Club Ocellaris.

I am asking: can anyone give a review of the accomodation, food, dive guides (anyone recommend someone specific?), etc. I have emailed them and they have been exceptionally fast to reply and sort out details. The 2-4 dives per day, meals, and use of boats/guide seems perfect for me as I am travelling alone. I am just looking for some last info. before booking!

Incase people are curious I read another post that was just put up recently regarding a bad stay at Anilao Outrigger and bad food, etc. so I just wanted to post and seek some final advice! And I do not require exceptional accomodation, just adequate, and not terrible.

Thank you!

Steve

I stayed at Club O a couple of years ago and it was one of my most productive trips ever. The accomodations at Club O are very basic. I guess you'd call them rustic. No AC but each room has one or more good fans. The hot water was solar so once it ran out...well you get the picture. The food was good but, again, pretty basic and a bit repetious after 11 days. The focus is on diving and they provide a great venue even if it's not the Hyatt. Of coarse YMMV and club O is definitely not going to make everyone happy. If I ever took my wife there I'd very quickly be sporting one of her dive fins sticking out my posterior.

I don't think that Club O owns any of the dive boats and they use local boats and guides on an as needed basis. I was on the King Maro for most of my trip and Peri was our guide...highly recommended.

I was there in 2003, I think, so my info is a little old so take that into consideration.

I think Lionfish43 gives a good read on Club O; it's all about the diving & guides for photography. I'm headed for my third trip to Anilao; first to Club O. I have visited friends staying at Club O twice. Some of them go there every year; one I know goes there twice a year.

You can check undercurrents.org for an old review of Culb O.

Regards,

Bob

Steve, I go to Club O. 2-3 times a year. They own just one boat which may be used for a maximum of 6 divers (I think). If they have more people they hire other local boats. Peri has always been my guide (actually I "book" Peri before booking the resort) and he is one of the best guide I had.

The accommodation is basic. There are 3 bungalows (one more will be built... if not done yet) plus few rooms. 2 of the bungalows are on the hill side, very pretty. No a/c, only ceiling fans. All is made in bamboo. The beds are very comfortable. If you stay in the lower rooms (the one close to the sea) it may take a while to get used to "noise" of the sea waves. Everything is clean and tidy.

The food: it is usually served as buffet. Lots of variety and great dishes. You can eat as much as you want without problems. Everything very natural, simple and tasty. There is always rice, meet, veggy and dessert every time. All the meat is barbecued and the fish very fresh.

The staff is very smiley and kind.

What else to say? I have some photos of the resort. If you want i can send them to you.

alex

Hi Steve,

Have a look at their website, there is a very comprehensive trip report on another forum that they have linked to.

I'm booked with Ocellaris for first half of March but that will be my first stay there so can't give a first hand account at the moment.

Adam.

Hi Steve,

 

Have a look at their website, there is a very comprehensive trip report on another forum that they have linked to.

I'm booked with Ocellaris for first half of March but that will be my first stay there so can't give a first hand account at the moment.

 

Adam.

Thanks, that would likely be my report from my trip there last June I loved Club Ocellaris... I'm headed back to the Philippines in April. Even though the focus this time will be on Tubbataha and Palawan (Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron), I'm still going to squeeze a few days in at Club O before I head home

Sorry, I don't post at wetpixel much... I've kind of been lurking for the most part and trying to soak up knowledge where I can. I'll re-post my report when I get a little time...

Thank you for the replies! I have been reading them and figured I should reply.

I have booked myself in at Club O for the 17th to 22nd of April.

If anyone is going to be around at this time shoot me a PM! And thanks to those who posted their thoughts, I now know what to expect and am excited to be diving!

Steve