Philippines - Where to go for one weekend?

[tetonbarbie]

Hi Everyone,
thanks for all the feedback so far. Very helpful and I like what I see from Action Divers. Just to answer some questions:

I'm flying in late Thursday night and can fly/drive out early Friday morning. The plan was to stay at an airport hotel if I fly out early the next morning. I'm going to be in Makati and will need to arrive back into Manila/Makati on Sunday evening.

A co-worker is flying to Cebu/Mactan island Friday morning - and that is one reason why I was considering Cebu diving vs other locations.

I'm in a unique position since my company would be covering hotel costs and I will pay for airfair/transport costs above normal req's, and the diving. So, I'm not too worried about having to stay in a budget location.

I also want to add - that although I'm very keen to do the diving - I'm not opposed to going somewhere where I'll have some relaxation as well.

FYI, this is the last week in May - so should I be concerned about weather when selecting the location?

 

[chip104]

One of the factors you must consider is what to do during your free time. Anilao is more laidback with no night life, while Puerto Galera has a pretty upbeat night life.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the weather in May. It might rain, it might not. Typhoons usually go through that area during the latter part of the year.

 

[jigo]

if hotel cost is not a problem, stay at atlantis or out of the blue villas in puerto galera or solana bezo in anilao.

 

[hanna_banana]

I vote Anilao too.

 

[jonix]

anilao gets my boat as well. solana would be good.

 

[norbs007]

This is based purely on experience. I've never been to any of the mentioned locations but was in Mactan, Cebu during the holidays for the first time. All I can say is WOW! Had the time of my life, experienced scuba diving for the first time and got hooked right away. I stayed at the Shangri-La Resort where the hospitality is second to none. Great dive site, good food, world-class spa to name a few. I grew up in Manila and never had a chance to really venture around, but what I experienced there is something I will always cherish.