Another LITE trip to PG in 2025.

[Centrals]

Tropical storm "Ramil" is approaching fast.
My home bound flight is tomorrow evening. Therefore I will leave early in the morning to be on the safe side. Long wait at NAIA T3 but is still better than missing the flight.
Could be a bumpy flight home.

 

[d^2b]

I think Canyons is worth the effort / waiting for appropriate conditions. I also enjoy the one muck/sand spot near Sabang beach.

 

[Centrals]

Canyons is very good but best with weak ebb/flood current, experienced dive guide is absolutely necessary. This is the site that 70bars is the minimum to ascend to safety because of the risk of down current. This is a blue water ascend even from the anchor at 16m. Anyone who has experienced the down current there knew what I am talking about. Inflating and deflating the bc all the way up to 6m.

20,000+ has been evacuated to safety ground in certain areas(Albay Province and Catanduanes Island) in southern Luzon because of this coming storm.

 

[YYCLuke]

Hi centrals, for first time visit to PG, which divesites are must-see I should ask my diveshop to take me to? Thanks.

If you like macro, Montani is gaining in popularity. Shallow, but lots of seahorses and cowfish and tiny shrimps and a bunch of stuff.
My favorite was Hole in the Wall/Canyons if there is a ripping current. And Kilima Steps. Also I would usually see tons of turtles in Monkey Beach, and a small wreck there at around 18m. Dungon is nice too, tons of life on the wall.

 

[Centrals]

Coast Guard has hoisted typhoon No.1 overnight. Therefore ferry is suspended from Balatero and Calapan and no water taxi either.
In another word, I am stuck in PG and will need to buy another ticket unless my flight is being cancelled officially.
NAIA is in full operation at the time of writing. There are a few cancellation but nothing significant.
"Ramil" is still a tropical storm not a typhoon. I would had left earlier if it was a typhoon but not a tropical storm. Lesson learnt.
Cebu Pacific is asking about P13,000.00 for a single to HK tomorrow afternoon. While HK EX only charges P5100.00 for the late evening flight. My original return fare by HK EX was more or less the same.
I will make sure the outbound flight by HKEX leaves HK this afternoon before proceeding to purchase the ticket.
There are at least 14 Taiwanese divers and several Korean divers being stranded in our resort. And there should be plenty more in others.

 

[Centrals]

Tropical storm "Ramil" has exited the landmass of Philippines and entered West Philippines Sea, projected to hit the central part of Vietnam.
Bought a new single ticket around US$100.00 for tomorrow evening.
I had underestimated the action of Philippines Coast Guard on this tropical storm.

Anyone spending holiday in Philippines should always pay attention to any approaching low pressure, storm or typhoon if they do not want to miss the departure flight.

 

[d^2b]

On my first (and so far only) trip to PG, we got back from our last morning of diving, planning on a leisurely afternoon packing before catching the water taxi, only to discover that the coast guard had stopped the water taxi's, and we had to immediately throw all our gear in bags and rush for the last ferry. We were luckier than you, and made the last ferry (before the Coast Guard shut those too), but it does show the weather can change quickly. The diving was basically fine in the morning, maybe slightly bouncier than usual getting back in the Asia Divers speedboat.

 

[YYCLuke]

On my first (and so far only) trip to PG, we got back from our last morning of diving, planning on a leisurely afternoon packing before catching the water taxi, only to discover that the coast guard had stopped the water taxi's, and we had to immediately throw all our gear in bags and rush for the last ferry. We were luckier than you, and made the last ferry (before the Coast Guard shut those too), but it does show the weather can change quickly. The diving was basically fine in the morning, maybe slightly bouncier than usual getting back in the Asia Divers speedboat.

At least you went for the best shop there! The taxi from the shops pier is so convenient though.