Side trip to Panglao?

[Ecru]

I'll be in Laoag early September, and have the opportunity of taking time for a few days diving. There doesn't seem to be much diving in that area though.

I was thinking of stopping in Manila then traveling by road to Subic Bay or Batangas / Puerto Galeria, then read a post suggesting just flying to Panglao. That sounds much easier since I'll be flying out of Laoag anyway.

Can you recommend for / against any of the dive groups or accommodation in Panglao?
Are there any options around Laoag I'm missing?

Thanks

 

[Centrals]

There is a bit of diving at San Fernando in La Union. I dived with Ocean Deep several yrs ago.
San Fernando is also well know for surfing but Sept may be a bit too early.

 

[Smit]

Panglao and Dumaguete are both easy flights from Manila. There are probably more.

In Panglao, there are nice walls near Panglao and very good reefs around Balicascag island.

Dumaguete (Dauin) is mostly muck diving.

But I don't know anything about Laoag.

 

[Centrals]

Anilao is only about 3hrs by road from Manila.