Philippines 2004?

Hi Folks,

I've been organizing trips to the Philippines for the past 5 years. I have an up and coming trip in the Spring of 2004. The trips cater to photographers =) I have a few spots available due to some of my friends who had to opt out to go on an African Safari....

It's a 1 week liveaboard to the Sulu Sea, specifically to the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Sanctuary, then 1 week land based at Scubaplus Dive Center in Puerto Galera.

If you want great pelagic action then the Sulu Sea is the place to go, last year we had tons of turtles, reef sharks and Mantas, apparently this year they had a whale shark lurking about too. Macro nuts will be very satisfied at Puerto Galera....especially for Nudis, there are about 700 species found in the Philippines.

Trip Dates are April 11th to the 25th.

Prices: Airfare West Coast Gateway LAX, SFO or YVR about U$900....return, includes air fare to go to the city of Puerto Princessa (1 hr flight) to board the boat. MV Svetlana.

Liveaboard price: U$1250 (includes the park fee)

Resort Price: $800

All are double occupacy. You can reach me through the list or directly:

stewart.sy@final-frame.com

Stu

Hello Stu,

My wife and me will be in the Philippines in one month.

We can take a full liveaboard this time since we are going to Palau after the Philippines but I'll be happy to ear about diving there for few days.

Is it possible to go to the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Sanctuary fro shore or only by liveaboard?

Our main interest is the pelagics.

Thank's

Hi Alto,

Tubbataha is an 18 hour boat ride out from the city of Puerto Princessa, which is an hour or so flight from Manila.

Have a great time in Palau! Where are you going diving there?

I'll be diving in the Philippines in 4 weeks, diving in Anilao and Puerto Galera, doing digital UW for the first time. If you're staying in Manila then those 2 are the best places to go.

Stu

Hello Stu

Another question, do you have some recommended hotel in Manila?

There is too much information on hotels there but I prefer to get some recommendations, it’s usually proof itself.

Thank's, Arnon

The Shangrila in either Makati or Edsa are really good. The Mandarin Oriental, Nikko Manila Garden are also good choices, mind you these are all 5 star set ups, around U$200 per room.

s.