Decisions, decisions

[andshand]

Hello to everyone, its my 1st post here so go easy on me. I will tell you a bit about me b4 explaining the dilema.

I found scuba March this year and did OW in Koh Tao Thailand, followed that up with a few more dives b4 doing AOW in Pattaya then back to Koh Tao for some more dives 21 in totall. Not bad i dont think 4 a 1st timer.

I have booked flights again for this xmas period 1 mnth in totall and would just like a bit of advice on dive areas and time lengths. I am not after progressing anymore with diving level just doing some good dives being able to see lots of different types of fish and some nice coral oh and enjoying myself. Wrecks dont do it for me.

I have a lot of my itinerary planned but need to iron out a few areas and this is it. Do i
A. have a long break in Phuket maybe 3-4 day live aboard and 7 nights on the mainland split between fun time and a bit of local diving, and forget going to Philippines.
or
B. have 6 nights in Phuket doing local diving with days off as i enjoy the nightlife then travel to Philippines for 8 nights with 4 days solid diving in somewhere like Puerto Galera the rest of the time travelling to and from and having fun?

So its either 1 long stay in Phuket or split between Phuket and Puerto Gallera, i want advice on whether the travel time and hastle considering time of year is worth going to Phillapines or the diving is so good in Phuket just keep my roots there.

Its a tough call as i dont know what the diving is like in PI and Phuket is obviously going to be top notch plus hotels and travel can be a ***** that time of year. Yes i am going for a mnth but that is the time i have alotted for diving, except 4 nights will be in Pattaya brushing up my skills.

Thanks a lot guys. . .Andy.

 

[Malene]

Hello,

Are you absolutely set on going in Thailand ?
Since going in the Philippines could be part of your plan, I would recomment spending your whole holidays there !
I dived in Phuket and did a cruise towards the Similan, Richelieu Rock, etc... two years ago, and last year I went in the Visayas (Philippines). I like MUCH BETTER the diving in the Visayas : more coral, more fish, better visibility, etc...

 

[andshand]

Hey, where in Visayas did you go to? I do have to go to Thailand and i booked the liveaboard a couple of days ago to Similans and Rechilau rock, i was going to pass on PI this trip but after your reply i might just spend the last week and a half there. I will prob make my decission after the trip to similans.

 

[jonix]

if you're thinking going to the visayas then i'd recommend doing bohol. do a search on cabilao, panglao, balicasag and pamilacan islands. i was at cabilao a month ago and i can say it surely beats the crap out of puerto galera. i plan to go back next year.

there are photos in the underwater photography section from me, clgsamson, wolverine, diver dennis and gilligan. might get you in he mood.

travelling around that time will be a bit busier at the airports as people are going home for the holidays. but i'm pretty sure the longer waiting time at the check-in counters will surely be rewarded

 

[Malene]

Hi,
I would also go to Cabilao... But I also loved Apo Island and Moalboal. All dives there were amazing, and these islands are much less touristy than Thailand.

 

[andshand]

Hi, thnx for the input. I have booked on a liveaboard from Phuket to similans and rechilau rock for 5d/n over new year then i fly to PI. I have a week there and will spend 4 days diving, i have never been to cebu so i think a few nights out on the town there then off to cabilau will be just the ticket.
Do u guys have any top tips for the place? like places to stay that are nice but not so expensive certain dive shops with good DM and small numbers or a particular ferry to catch?

The trouble with PI is that it is so big and with sooo many islands where do you go??? This trip will be a good taster on what PI has to offer, if i like the set up and way things are done i will be sure to return time and time again.