General Comments On Where To Stay When Diving the Philippines

[ScubaBackpacker]

This is a general comment about where to stay when diving the Philippines. I’ve noticed that recommendations on Scubaboard, Undercurrent, etc. most frequently recommend the relatively expensive/elaborate places like Evolution, Ocean Vida, etc. There are lots of less expensive but nice alternatives, particularly in off season. For example, I’ve stayed at Celtis in Malapascua, a clean new place but not on the water currently on Agoda for US 20 dollars with air. On a previous trip to Dauin , Mike’s accommodations were full, so I dove with Mike’s but stayed in my own small cabin next door at Puertocita’s for about $20 a night. In sum, the accommodations directed at US, Hong Kong, and European divers are way overpriced by local standards it seems to me. If you are a bit adventurous and want to save a few bucks so you can stay longer! lots of alternatives exist.
If it’s off season and you have time you don’t need to make many reservations in advance.

 

[tbm13]

Agreed. I dive at Evolution but don't stay there.

Having said that, for those coming from abroad, staying at a cheaper hotel won't save too much given their overall expenses. And there's something to be said for convenience, especially in Malapascua where dives are extremely early because of the sharks.

 

[Strombo]

Are you asking for recommendations?
$20 a night is a great value for Philippines these days. My personal experience for outstanding values in two accomodation/dive ops: Bongo Divers in Dauin and 1Peace in Anda (eastern Bohol). Both offer dorms as well as private rooms.

 

[Centrals]

US$20.00 per night is really really hard to find.
AAA Apartment in PG has AC room, hot water and even a kettle for a mere P1,200.00.
Peter's in Southern Leyte has dorm room or AC room with shared bath room. The budget twin room is only P1,250.00(divers only).

Location and location, a dorm bed in Koh Lipe in Thailand is well over US$20.00 per night.

My tactic:
Chose where I want to go.
Surf the net on operator and then accommodation.
It does take time.

 

[Strombo]

US$20.00 per night is really really hard to find.
AAA Apartment in PG has AC room, hot water and even a kettle for a mere P1,200.00.
Peter's in Southern Leyte has dorm room or AC room with shared bath room. The budget twin room is only P1,250.00(divers only).

Location and location, a dorm bed in Koh Lipe in Thailand is well over US$20.00 per night.

My tactic:
Chose where I want to go.
Surf the net on operator and then accommodation.
It does take time.

Wow, great deal for PG. I'm also interested in Leyte. Have you ever been to either in October/November? Looking for options for my fall trip.

 

[ScubaBackpacker]

Are you asking for recommendations?
$20 a night is a great value for Philippines these days. My personal experience for outstanding values in two accomodation/dive ops: Bongo Divers in Dauin and 1Peace in Anda (eastern Bohol). Both offer dorms as well as private rooms.

Happy to get recommendations! In fact thinking of heading to Anda after Sogod Bay so will definitely look at 1Peace. At my age I don’t stay in dorms often but clean, small, private rooms are fine. I’ve been called tight but I prefer frugal.

 

[Douglasdiver]

This is a general comment about where to stay when diving the Philippines. I’ve noticed that recommendations on Scubaboard, Undercurrent, etc. most frequently recommend the relatively expensive/elaborate places like Evolution, Ocean Vida, etc. There are lots of less expensive but nice alternatives, particularly in off season. For example, I’ve stayed at Celtis in Malapascua, a clean new place but not on the water currently on Agoda for US 20 dollars with air. On a previous trip to Dauin , Mike’s accommodations were full, so I dove with Mike’s but stayed in my own small cabin next door at Puertocita’s for about $20 a night. In sum, the accommodations directed at US, Hong Kong, and European divers are way overpriced by local standards it seems to me. If you are a bit adventurous and want to save a few bucks so you can stay longer! lots of alternatives exist.
If it’s off season and you have time you don’t need to make many reservations in advance.

What you describe so well is the dive travel industry. I live in Dauin, and agree there is a wide range and level to choose from. Before relocating to Dauin, I came three times as a tourist. I wanted to try different resorts, dive operators, and dive sites. I enjoyed great dives and met some wonderful people. This is how I came to find, Azure Dive Resort. The owner is not only local, but an active diver and president of the local dive association. This love of diving is shared with everyone at the resort. There are 13 rooms and three dive boats. Under construction are individual 1 bedroom bungalows with kitchens for those that like to cook. Send an inquiry to infoazuredive@gmail.com

 

[Centrals]

Wow, great deal for PG. I'm also interested in Leyte. Have you ever been to either in October/November? Looking for options for my fall trip.

Nov is the beginning season for whaleshark spotting(snorkelling only) in Sogod Bay.
Oct is still the off season so less demand for accommodation.
AFAIAC, Sogod Bay offers offer the best diving in Visayas. Malapascua is the close second. Connecting these two places requires a lot of travelling but well worth it.

 

[Strombo]

Nov is the beginning season for whaleshark spotting(snorkelling only) in Sogod Bay.
Oct is still the off season so less demand for accommodation.
AFAIAC, Sogod Bay offers offer the best diving in Visayas. Malapascua is the close second. Connecting these two places requires a lot of travelling but well worth it.

Is there more to Malapascua than thresher sharks? I mean, that alone is worth the travel but I'm curious about the reefs, other sea life, etc.

 

[Centrals]

Is there more to Malapascua than thresher sharks? I mean, that alone is worth the travel but I'm curious about the reefs, other sea life, etc.

It has more than just thrasher shark.
A nice wreck as well.
A lot of threads in SB for you to digest.
The only catch is getting there, very expensive by private transfer.