Have some questions about a trip to Philippines.

[scubafamile]

Hi, everyone! We are booked on the Solitude One for Tubbataha in May 2023. Trying to decide if we should stay a few days at a land based hotel before or after the trip, or just do the liveaboard. Also wondering about the Covid restrictions in place for the liveaboard. I would love to talk with someone who has done this trip and if they have any recommendations.

 

[Doc]

I see no reason to extend in a major Philippine gateway (int’l airport) city, unless you’re interested in the kind of “adventures” that might offer. A resort-centric town for land based diving, ok then, look at Sabang Beach.

If I were young and able? I’d extend for Thailand- since you’re in the neighborhood.

 

[Damselfish]

For more diving, or just to chill and play tourist?

Palawan looks like a pretty island, and the underground river sounds like an interesting thing to do - I sort of regret not staying there a few days after our LOB, since I probably wouldn’t go there otherwise. For more diving, it doesn’t seem to be a dive destination, so I’d look at other places, depends what you want and how much trouble you want to take getting there.

 

[Centrals]

Hi, everyone! We are booked on the Solitude One for Tubbataha in May 2023. Trying to decide if we should stay a few days at a land based hotel before or after the trip, or just do the liveaboard. Also wondering about the Covid restrictions in place for the liveaboard. I would love to talk with someone who has done this trip and if they have any recommendations.

The entry restriction has been scaled down considerably.
One Health Pass has been replaced by eArrival Card.

One Health Pass

onehealthpass.com.ph

Even a non-vaccinated tourist will be allowed in as long as..........

So by next May there might not be any restrictions on Covid.
Wait and see.

El Nido up the extreme north is good for few days of diving and of course the World Heritage Site of The Underground River in Sabang. Puerto Princesa is a clean, nice and quiet provincial town.