Feedback for Negros/Cebu visit in August

[kisstheturtle]

We are visiting Philippines in August and have 14 diving days available. Given August isn't the best diving time, looking for more protected areas and was thinking of flying into Dumaguette and back out of Cebu.
Would be keen on feedback of draft itinerary and suggestions of 3 star or more dive resorts in Moalboal as there seems to be some mixed reviews of the ones I've looked at so far. Note we went to Bohol last visit, so not keen to visit there again.

We were thinking fly into Dumaguette then:

• 6 nights at Siquijor Kawayan Holiday Resort for a bit of diving and relaxing
• 3 nights at Dauin (I visited there about 10 years ago and loved it - particularly Apo Island)
• Transit and 4 nights in Moalboal
• 1 night in Cebu before leaving (no diving)

We like are both experienced divers and like all types of diving - coral, muck and big things so pretty flexible. Is 4 nights in Moalboal enough/not enough? If there are any alternates to Moalboal as well please put them forward.

Lastly do people recommend private transfers or taking the bus between locations (excluding where we are on ferries of course) and which type of transport is the quickest?

Thanks in advance for your feedback

 

[Centrals]

Extra night in Dauin and 3 nights in Moalboal.
I would take the public transport from the port in Cebu after arriving from Negros to Moalboal and then to Cebu City. Bus(AC or non AC) from Moalboal to Cebu Southern Bus Termjnal is frequent and dirt cheap. Private transfer is of course quicker but at a cost.
Give yourself plenty of time to Cebu Airport.
Keep your eyes on typhoon warning, slim chance but the risk is there.

Have a nice trip.

 

[Scuba Mom of Two]

I love staying at Pura Vida dive resort in Dauin and diving with Sea Explorers there. I would give myself a few more days in Dauin than you have planned; but good thing, you can get to Apo Island from either Dauin or Siquijor. Siquijor has EXPLODED since I was there nearly 20 years ago; I am in the process of planning my own return and am looking at Coco Grove Beach Resort. I haven't been to MoalBoal in that many years as well, so have no recommendations there...except to say, wherever you are going, always give yourself more time than you think you need. A trip that in the US or Europe would normally take an hour can take three (or more) in the Philippines. Listen to the timeframe that the locals give you...and add a little bit of time to it! We always arrange for private transportation; having lots of dive gear and on the older side of life, it is an expenditure we are willing to make. Ferries are reliable; we use them all the time. Carry plenty of smaller local currency to tip; there are porters EVERYWHERE and 50-100 pesos per bag will either mandatory or certainly welcomed.