Philippines Puerto Galera island

[Pearlman]

I am going to Sabang a week later. How easy is it to just arrive a day before and find the best dive shop? And is it equally convenient to stay at a local hotel instead of a dive resort? I am not sure about the guest-friendly policy (evening entertainment, nightlife) of these dive resorts so I am considering a regular hotel. I dont want to go against the decorum and serious diving culture of the place.

Another question is are there any challenging dives around like drift and current ? Can't get too lazy just having easy dives. Need to experience how to mange the more difficult conditions a little regularly.

--Pearlman

 

[blue steal]

I am going to Sabang a week later. How easy is it to just arrive a day before and find the best dive shop? And is it equally convenient to stay at a local hotel instead of a dive resort? I am not sure about the guest-friendly policy (evening entertainment, nightlife) of these dive resorts so I am considering a regular hotel. I dont want to go against the decorum and serious diving culture of the place.

Another question is are there any challenging dives around like drift and current ? Can't get too lazy just having easy dives. Need to experience how to mange the more difficult conditions a little regularly.

--Pearlman

Pretty much what I always do is just show up. there are several dive ops not connected to "resorts". You could just walk around and check out a few places. Plus there are lots of hotels, and smaller cottages to stay at in every price range.

 

[alwayssummer]

I am going to Sabang a week later. How easy is it to just arrive a day before and find the best dive shop? And is it equally convenient to stay at a local hotel instead of a dive resort? I am not sure about the guest-friendly policy (evening entertainment, nightlife) of these dive resorts so I am considering a regular hotel. I dont want to go against the decorum and serious diving culture of the place.

I just got back last week. I dove with South Sea Divers. They helped me find a cheap place to stay, which I found to be quite nice. It's called Reynaldo's. I'm a no frills kind of traveler though. They are also a good dive shop. Ola, one of the DMs there finds so much small stuff that you'll start to think he has an extra set of eyes. I would recommend them highly.

Another question is are there any challenging dives around like drift and current ? Can't get too lazy just having easy dives. Need to experience how to mange the more difficult conditions a little regularly.

Yeah, the current picks up from time to time. We did several drift dives. I didn't find the conditions difficult otherwise.

 

[Searcaigh]

Another question is are there any challenging dives around like drift and current ? Can't get too lazy just having easy dives. Need to experience how to mange the more difficult conditions a little regularly.

--Pearlman

The "Washing Machine" over at Verde Island might be challenging for you, recommend that you don't bring a camera though with the exception of a GoPro

Although given your current experience <50 dives maybe not!

 

[Pearlman]

Thanks guys. I guess I will just book a hotel and shop around the day before for whos pemosing the most exciting dives in the following two days.

@SearCaigh - Whats so dangerous about the washing machine thats not recommended for a noob with just 48 dives?

--Pearlman

 

[drbill]

Just back from Anilao and Sabang (and editing nearly 200 GB of raw video footage from my 60 dives in the PI). Should be no problem finding a walk-in dive shop and accommodations as it is slow season there. I went with Action Divers and was very satisfied. Stayed at Banana Moon... a very basic accommodation but with a nice view of the Verde Island and Passage from my deck. The cost for my single room was $20 US and that included an $8 breakfast each morning at Full Moon (the only meal I ate each day).

One word of advice... DON'T TAKE TRAVELER'S CHECKS. No one would cash them and I was almost stranded there with no available funds to pay my bills (but a nice lady to spend the time with). I was VERY fortunate in that a couple from Singapore loaned me the cash to pay up my bills and I repaid them in Manila a few days later. VISA seems to be preferred over MasterCard.

 

[Pearlman]

That's scary..but wait all the dive shops accept cards right? And hotels?

Sent from my GT-N7000

 

[blue steal]

That's scary..but wait all the dive shops accept cards right? And hotels?

Sent from my GT-N7000

Cash is king. bring lots of Pesos.

---------- Post added May 11th, 2013 at 07:20 PM ----------

Just back from Anilao and Sabang (and editing nearly 200 GB of raw video footage from my 60 dives in the PI). Should be no problem finding a walk-in dive shop and accommodations as it is slow season there. I went with Action Divers and was very satisfied. Stayed at Banana Moon... a very basic accommodation but with a nice view of the Verde Island and Passage from my deck. The cost for my single room was $20 US and that included an $8 breakfast each morning at Full Moon (the only meal I ate each day).

One word of advice... DON'T TAKE TRAVELER'S CHECKS. No one would cash them and I was almost stranded there with no available funds to pay my bills (but a nice lady to spend the time with). I was VERY fortunate in that a couple from Singapore loaned me the cash to pay up my bills and I repaid them in Manila a few days later. VISA seems to be preferred over MasterCard.

Glad you are back Dr. Bill. Funny banana Moon is where I always stay, up on the fourth level, great view, and close to your dive shop, and full moon for eats and a nice happy hour from 5p-10p. Your got a good price on the room.

 

[drbill]

That's scary..but wait all the dive shops accept cards right? And hotels?

Sent from my GT-N7000

The answer is NO, NO and NO. I Gather there are a few dive shops that accept credit cards, possibly with a surcharge, so definitely check ahead. If you have a credit card (preferably VISA in Sabang from what I heard) with a PIN you can get cash advances. I had no PIN on my MasterCard as I never use ATMS here in the States. I guess that will be changing on my next trip.

 

[Pearlman]

Cash it is then... anyone knows if citibank charges a withdrawal fee for overseas debit cards in the Phil? And its it possible to use a citibank card in an hsbc ATM? I hear they don't charge...
When I went diving in Thailand I found it very convenient to use an ATM rather than encash TC's

Sent from my GT-N7000