Another LITE trip to PG in 2025.

[Centrals]

The plane UO514 was barely a quarter full so I had three seat all to myself. The flight was quick and smooth.
Changed some money at T3 and the exchange rate was very very good US$1.00 to P57.92. Not too far off from the all time high of around P59.00!! Peso is very weak at the moment unlike Thai Baht.
Checked in at KHotel a budget hotel in Newport City which is just across from T3. Got up early in the morning and the nearest jeepney stop was less than 5mins away. Did not have to wait long and caught one to EDSA for P13.00. There are two separated routes out from EDSA: MRT or LRT. LRT was the one I took to Gil Puyet(2 stops) and the fare was P20.00. Ceres Bus Terminal is more or less just below the platform. Caught the bus to Batangas Pier for P268.00, arrived just in time to make the ferry to Balatero at 09.00. Fare is P620.00 and Terminal fee is P30.00.
Environment fee in Balatero is still P120.00 and the trike is also P250.00.
Diving tomorrow.

 

[ArskaDiver]

Thanks for update on NAIA fx rates and the local cost levels while arriving at PG, these come handy as it is exactly 2 months prior to our arrival for a long waited 1st trip to PG and Philippines.
I hope you’ll have some nice dives!

 

[ArskaDiver]

Our dive operator informed few weeks back the boat rates to Verde Island being substantially increased due to the additional requirements / some sort of permit required for the dive boats going to the Verde. All due to the unfortunate incident at VI last spring. He was guessing that boat prices may remain higher than what they used to be until more boats get the required permits. Would be interested to know if you came across this issue while there, if you plan to go for Verde?

 

[Centrals]

The diving rate to Verde was not high at all years ago. Back in those days, the extra was to cover the fuel and the local barangay demand. Unfortunately, there is no solution to human greed so it has escalated substantially.
Only few boats has the licence to operate there from PG. The rate for the boat has just increased from P12,000.00 to P14,000.00. There might be extra charge for individual diver at P350.00 per head!!!
Supply and demand.
I had dived there on many occasions previously so it does not bother me of not going there ever again. However, diving there is very very good.
Avoid the period around Full and New moon just to be on the safe side.

Have a nice one.

 

[ArskaDiver]

Thanks for more info! My dive operator warned the cost of boat (example was for group of 10) had just been PHP 18 000. If I understand correctly the price is for boat and cost per individual depends on number of persons sharing the cost.
Yes, I am aware of the moon cycles, which makes my ”Verde window” pretty tight, new moon being 20th Dec, thus targeting our Verde dives Dec 17-18th as per suggestion by my operator, prior to new moon being possible, at or just after new moon ”no-go”
Additional factors to consider they notion direction of current, whether it is Flood current (tide coming in) being recommended over Ebb current.
So hoping we could make it, and as I have no clue when might be the next time I will be in this area - I am prepared to even cover the full cost of the boat just by myself and my daughter.

 

[Centrals]

Ebb or flood current is not important because you are diving round a pinnacle ie. always a lee side from the current. Just follow the guide and stay close to the wall and beware of the down current.
Do carry at least a smb but only deploy it on the surface if separated from the group.
Another interesting site is the "Chicken feather Island", underwater hot spring but again a special trip is required as the island is quite a distance away. You should be able to see the island from Sabang if you know where to look for it. .

 

[d^2b]

I agree that Verde Island is some of the best diving around P.G. In particular the visibility is unmatched. We were there not too long ago (2024), and were lucky enough to have around 10 people that wanted to go, so the cost of the boat was not too bad. It was noticeable though, I think we found 2 trips enough in 10 days of diving, balancing cost and experience. This was before the recent accident.