OW Certification in Puerto Galera - BUDGET but safe

[zflutebook]

Hi all,
I'm planning on learning to dive at the beginning of February (Chinese new year time) in Puerto Galera. I'm traveling alone and on a budget, and I don't want to skimp too much on training, so I'm looking for super cheap accommodation as well if at all possible. Fan is ok, I don't need any extras. I would be super grateful for ideas on both a good place to dive for the first time as well as a cheap place to stay during this time. I've seen some recommendations for Mark at Searider; does anyone have any other suggestions? What is the contact info for Mark?
Thanks a lot!

 

[Tortuga68]

Google Searider Sabang

There are at least 30 dive ops in PG. Walk the beach when you get there and talk to the instructors, see who you like

You should be able to find a room with fan for ~PHP800 a night

OW will be <USD$300, most ops will do you a deal with extra dives depending on how long you're staying

 

[sonar]

there are so much ops in sabang that you get what you pay for. For OW i would recommend just going there and pick your store on location.

more expensive means better instructor, better equipment, better boat and pbb better locations cause they care less about fuel charges. Lot of people choose their operation by language; some stores are more korean orientated, others more USA.

Location is same story; cheapest are just outside sabang but that will cost you extra when you want to go home at night (motorbike)

Chinese NY is pbb a busy period so less bargains.. (in cambodia prices quadruppeled for two days lol)

 

[Centrals]

I am afraid you have chosen the WORST time to go to PG ie. Chinese New year!!! But the last Christmas was pretty quiet by PG standard, it might have something to do with everything in the world. Most of the shops will be extremely busy and budget accommodation is more difficult to find. You might find all the "reputable" instructors are fully booked or extremely busy and you might feel being neglected after enrolling for the course. In the low season you could well be the only diver in the shop BUT during peak period your guess is as good as mine.
If you do believe what you had read then you should contact Mark at Searider. It shouldn't be too difficult to find the respective web page.
Alternatively, you can just turn up and see for yourself but ignore any touts that approach you for accommodation on the ferry/land. Good luck.

 

[spacething]

Dive VIP in Sabang was excellent. We did the open water course there in July. Accommodation and breakfast are part of the package. John was an excellent instructor. You'd be best to book through their website rather than just turn up at that time of year I think.

 

[Big Apple]

Open water P14500 including all materials and equipment, cert card etc etc, no other charges. You will train you in a pool and a proper classroom instead of in the shallows of sabang bay as most other shops will do. (Enter Sabang Bay at your own risk!) My equipment is brand new. My instructor 20 years experience. My fan rooms are p950 per night at chinese new year.

divebigapple.com

 

[sonar]

Every shop should be on scubaboard; never understand when they aren't. Told Ethei a thousand times to join here. Such an easy way to get in contact with possible customers

p950 for a big apple room is not bad. Small and simple (if i remember correctly) but you won't find a room at a better location for that price

 

[Tortuga68]

I thought the idea was that we didn't want threads like these to become full of self-promotion & glorified ads, especially when they contain misleading information & promote themselves to the detriment of other businesses like the above example

Ethei is freelancing now by the way

 

[sonar]

you got a point there..

but as store owner I would be here

 

[Centrals]

Enter Sabang Bay at your own risk! My equipment is brand new. My instructor 20 years experience. My fan rooms are p950 per night at chinese new year.

divebigapple.com

Stepping into Sabang Bay water make me nervous!!
How many dives had Peter registered in PG now? It was over 6000 several yrs ago.
Usual rate for you fan room is ONLY P500.00(low season).