Pairing second location with Puerto Galera, end of May

[mariusz_scis]

Hi all,

Planning my first trip to Philippines, probably end of May for two weeks.
I wanted to pick couple of different destinations for diving and other activities as I can't imagine myself in one spot for two weeks.
Generally, I am very active when traveling and OK to change destinations even if it costs me one full transit day as long as I end up somewhere interesting to explore.
Diving would be my primary reason for travel but I like food, hiking, outdoors experiences and rather active holidays.

I was thinking to go to Puerto Galera as it seems to be an easy first spot with generally good intro to diving in Philippines (my first time in this country).

As for second pairing location, Anilao seems to be the closest and good pair, but it seems to me that it keeps me in just one part of the country. I am ok to travel a day to see something else and go somewhere further.

Looking for some advice what would be a good second destination that would be reachable in one day, good for diving end of May and give us a different taste of the country as well as maybe some other experiences outside of scuba diving.

Any thoughts on the second destination?

 

[YYCLuke]

Probably Bohol might fit your requirement. Good above water activities, not the busy season so you should be able to easily hit Balicasag Island. Plus it's just a short flight from Manila. And you can literally be off the plane and to the dive shop in a half hour.

I'd personally recommend Philippines Fun Divers, been there twice and always treated me well. Good boat as well, and they often sell empty seats to other shops. Ole is also a wicked instructor and guide.

 

[Centrals]

@Marius
First time in the country. Where is you flight lands, Cebu or Manila?
PG is very good but getting there can be really expensive if you opts for private transfer. I am talking US $300.00 each way if there is no one to share the cost.
Bohol + Malapascua is my suggestion if you fly directly to Cebu or a brief stop over in Manila.

 

[clownfishsydney]

To go anywhere except Anilao, you will need to go all the way back to Manila to catch a plane. Anilao is very good, I did in conjunction with PG last year. I reckon do Anilao first as this will work better for ferries etc.

 

[Searcaigh]

@mariusz_scis

What's your main interest?

Puerto Galera + Anilao is a good combination with excellent macro diving around Anilao. This means flying into Manila.

If you can get a direct flight to Cebu then your diving options expand considerably, however internal travel in the Philippines takes time due to the restricted infrastructure.

 

[Volleyball]

Two very unique experiences

Imperial Japan's sunken WW2 wrecks in Coron. I've only flown, they have ferries but spoke to a diver who took it there and said they're going to fly back regardless of the costs...lol

Threshers in Malapascua, it's a flight to Cebu, then a car ride, and if you want to visit the island, a ferry but you can dive the Malapascua sites without going there. Golden Sands in Maya has a dive shop for an extra 2000 pesos or around $35 USD, CebuLink dive shop will pick you up from Maya at 5:30 am

 

[mariusz_scis]

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions.

I have looked at your comments and in my mind I have two clear options now for my first trip to this country.

1. Anilao paired with Puerto Galera

Seems to make sense to combine these two together. Good option flying into Manila.
Good for macro, good reefs, good for photography (something I will be picking up), visibility can be patchy.
Some night life, food and so on.
Good first trip into the country to get a feel and get to know it.
Not really sure what else is here apart from diving for day trips but i will do some more research.

2. Fly to Cebu City, Bohol and Malapascua

Extra flight, as from Sydney there is no direct flight. A bit more travel I guess.
Two sites that I can still get to within one day of travelling, more varied diving? Trasher sharks and Panglao Island.
Potentially more to do with side trips and hikes? A bit more adventurous ?

I will do some more in depth research now, and decide.

Appreciate everyone giving me some tips here.

 

[Volleyball]

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions.

I have looked at your comments and in my mind I have two clear options now for my first trip to this country.

1. Anilao paired with Puerto Galera

Seems to make sense to combine these two together. Good option flying into Manila.
Good for macro, good reefs, good for photography (something I will be picking up), visibility can be patchy.
Some night life, food and so on.
Good first trip into the country to get a feel and get to know it.
Not really sure what else is here apart from diving for day trips but i will do some more research.

2. Fly to Cebu City, Bohol and Malapascua

Extra flight, as from Sydney there is no direct flight. A bit more travel I guess.
Two sites that I can still get to within one day of travelling, more varied diving? Trasher sharks and Panglao Island.
Potentially more to do with side trips and hikes? A bit more adventurous ?

I will do some more in depth research now, and decide.

Appreciate everyone giving me some tips here.

I was in PG a year ago, it's cheap and easy but you're not going to see anything there that you can't see elsewhere in the Phils. The nightlife is sketchy, it's based on bar girls (hookers), if a guy or group of guys shows up to a bar without a girl, bar girls will be constantly hitting on you. Even if with a girl a few bold bar girls will ask if you want a 3-way. Many go to PG for that reason, both the cheap diving and cheap

I just got back from Malapascua, it's the best place in the world to see Threshers and they get somewhat close; that's probably not the case anywhere else. Gato Island is cool, there's a very good chance you'll see Mandarin fish during twilight and can snorkel with baby black reef tip sharks and an IJN wreck. There's a 20% chance you can see tiger sharks as well. There is regular nightlife and most girls are not bar girls. I'm not saying you SHOULD, just mentioning you COULD do all 6 dives in one day in Malapascua. 3 tank morning dive which goes out early, 2 tank thresher, 3rd tank tiger dive, 4th and 5th in Gato, and 6th tank for the twilight mandarin fish. You could also bundle it with other locations like Bohol or Moalboal. If you have any questions, ask away!

 

[Pearlman]

I’ve only taken the public bus to PG and it’s cheap. Just find a cab to the local bus station at Manila and make your way from there… will be a good local experience as well…

 

[bmag78]

PG and Bohol would be my choice. In fact it is my choice next week and the week after
Very easy to get to PG from Manila.
Easy to get back to the airport to fly directly to Panglao int'l airport. (Bohol)
Take a half day off on your last day in PG and ride a motorbike around the stunning coast around PG to clear your no-fly.
You can leave PG early and be on a plane to Bohol by noon next day.
Some people like ANILAO and I'm not gonna get into that but there's NOTHING to do there except dive.
Bohol is full of excellent things to do aside from diving .