bshort4
Contributor
Just returned from a week of diving in Sipalay (Takatuka Resort) and then a week diving in Dauin (Mikes Beach Resort). First time diving in Sipalay---it's a bit of a trek to get there--fly from Manila to Bacolod, taxi to the bus terminal and a five hour bus ride to just outside Sipalay on a nice a/c bus all the way. A two kilometer trike ride to the bridge and call the resort who then sends a boat to pick you up and take you to the beach in front of the resort. Takatuka resort is very nice and the beach in front is even better--no rocks, nice white sand and clear water for those not diving. Great variety of rooms--you pay extra if you want either a/c or hot water or both--your choice. Nice small dive shop with European guides---mostly German divers and me. Small banka boats for diving which I didn't find very comfortable on the long rides out to the dive sites--which averaged about 40-45 minutes. Nitrox available for about 300 pesos a tank which I used. The dive sites are nice but vis this time of year seemed to be limited--about 15 meters at most sites, a little better at some--nice walls, reefs and we dived one very shallow wreck (7 meters) where we found the most fish life and best vis. My biggest disappointment was lack of fish life--just not a lot to be seen--even small reef fish. The resort I'd return to in a heartbeat--great food and good variety by the way--but I wouldn't return just for the diving. Also some of the best sunsets I've ever seen. There is a little diving for the small stuff--some nudi's etc., but I'm not much of a "muck" diver but I did buy a macro lens for my camera to try it out--I suck at it. Just a few pics at Sipalay. Now on to Dauin--separate trip report