Palau, Chuuk, and where else?

[HowDidIGetIntoThis?]

I have a week booked on a liveaboard at Chuuk and a week at a resort in Palau next Nov. Being as it will take the better part of third week to get there and back from N.A. it has occurred to me that it may be worthwhile to try to have another week, or part thereof, somewhere in the general area to do a little more diving and/or experience the local sights and culture.

By general area I mean somewhere that won't add horrendously to the travel cost. Australia initially appeared to be a good choice but that side-trip turned out to be almost as much airfare as the trip from N.A. Singapore and Tokyo have been suggested by a couple of friends as they are logical connections for the flight home. Hawaii is too close to home to be a good choice.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated before I start searching travel websites at random

Thanks
HDIGIT

 

[Desert_Diver]

Consider Yap. And you probably stop there on your way to Palau (and back).

Art

 

[akdeepdiver]

Consider Guam. Its probably on your route, its a US territory, its inexpensive, and the diving is great.

 

[deepstops]

Consider Guam. Its probably on your route, its a US territory, its inexpensive, and the diving is great.

Ditto. I dove with Micronesian Divers Association in Guam on the way home from Chuuk in 2003 and had a fantastic time.

 

[HowDidIGetIntoThis?]

Thanks folks.

Both locations got a good write-up in Scuba Diver mag. in December and it's nice to have you confirm the recommendations. I'll do some research.

Would any of you recommend Manila as a good place to visit? It appears to be a shorter route from Seattle than going via Hawaii(?)

 

[robint]

after a week at Truk and Palau, any other diving destinations will be disappointing. I would stop in Hawaii and do a 3-4 days topside touring and relaxing.

 

[Damselfish]

It seems like it should relatively easy and cheap to get to other places in the Pacific region once you're already there, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way. I've been through that hunt a few times myself. I would suggest another stop on the Continental Micronesia route such as Yap or Guam, where you are likely stopping anyway.

Do you not want to go to Hawaii because you've already been there, or just because it's close? Depending on what you like you may or may want to dive there after Palau and Truk. But there's many wonderful sights to see above water and well worth a visit for that.

 

[HowDidIGetIntoThis?]

You are right twice, Damselfish. I've been to Hawaii and it's relatively cheap / easy to go back from the mainland. Once I've gone to the expense and effort of going as far as Micronesia I want to maximize my time at the more distant points.

If Manila or Singapore don't work out then Guam or Yap look like good options. Singapore seems to me to be completely illogical but if the airlines want to connect through there at a reasonable price who am I to argue?

 

[japan-diver]

You could always head to Okinawa, via Tokyo for some great diving.

 

[dave martin]

Hi,
In answer to your question on Manilla we did a trip to Truk, Yap and Palau in September 08 (see our trip report in Travel Club section of the BSAC website for detail) and did a stopover in Manilla. We stayed in the Dusit Thani which was inexpensive, well located and comfortable. We also did a city tour thro a local tour company(booked over the net for peanuts). It took 4 hours with a personal driver and minibus for the 2 of us. It was great value and we saw most of the main sites safely and in comfort. I would thoroughly recommend it for a day or so but not for much longer.
Hope this helps.
Dave