Philippines Destinations

Hello all,

I have a friend and his wife that are thinking of going to the Philippines for a getaway. They both dive, but don't do photos or video. They are probably a 2 dive a day couple, with a couple days off during the week. Their main experience has been day excursions from Cruise ships in the caribbean. So, not too serious divers. They would like to see some more diversity than they have seen in the caribbean

They would like a very nice resort, not necessarily a dive resort. Ya know, a resort that actually has a bed mattress, not a foam pad. But one with a nice beach. They also want some fun non diving topside activities.

Having been to Anilao and Dumaguete, while I loved them, and would go back in a heartbeat. This might be too "rough" for them. I think they would enjoy reef diving more than muck.

I have been looking at Bohol or Moalboal for them. Having not been there, I am nervous, recommending a place for them. Could anyone give me some advice on these locations?

Dustin

i would suggest the following in addition to the places that you have suggested:

CEBU - kasai village resort and as it is a bigger island they can do other excursions.

Malapascua - might be a bit basic but they could do a few days there and go to CEBU easily.

Any of the Atlantis resorts as i understand that they are probably some of the most luxurious. Puerto galera is good and has reefs and muck as well as beautiful coral diving on Verde island.

if i was taking my in laws i would do the CEBU option as they like to walk, but then there is a lot to do in Mindoro (puerto Galera)?

AM

I'd forget Malapascua. Not much to do after diving and the beaches are so so. Panglao Island is a nice place for varied diving and the beaches are quite nice, if a bit crowded. The resorts like the Amorita are good (but not top notch).

If they want luxury, the Amanpulo is very nice and the diving was decent (2010), but not spectacular. But then again, the biodiversity vs the Carib is probably going to beat out. It's simple to get to, fly into MNL and it's a private plane to the island.

I do not recommend Puerto Galera or Verde Isl if your friends don't "rough" it. PG's beaches are small and the resorts aren't good.

i would also suggest bohol (Pangalo Island)

Nice beach, ok diving & a few other topside activities on offer.

Some decent hotels.

Cabilao is only a couple of hours away(Check out Polaris beach resort). Diving there is good.Lots of macro and some nice reef.

Could spend a few days Pang island & then move to Cabilao for a few days.

Other option may be Boracay(i did not dive there) but there are a few dive sites around. It may be ok for a handful of dives. Really nice beach & lots of great hotels.

Definitely better diving elsewhere in Philippines but beach & hotel facilities are great.

Bohol could be just the ticket. There is good diving, some nice resorts, a really great beach, and several spas. Depending on the season, the early morning dolphin-spotting trips are fun. Topside, there are river cruises (including a spectacular night-time river trip to see bazillions of fire flies), a visit to the tarsiers, and many old churches and quaint towns. It's a short domestic flight from MNL then an easy 30 min drive to Panglao island.