Where to go ...?

[clgsamson]

Capi, been here twice already www.clubparadisepalawan.com. I love the place. You can do some diving around the area and do a safari to Apo reef. Everything can be arranged by the resort. Ohh and there's a tour to nearby Calauit Island where some african animals are running free (giraffes are the main attraction)

ps - the malarial problem is in the deep south of Palawan island.

 

[rhadamantus]

yup u shouldnt worry about malaria. its only within the dark, deepest part of the island.

@Kuya Caloi, club paradise is expensive! @jag, so is Dos Palmas!

 

[Pez7378]

Was reading your post....have to agree, Philippines is pretty much unknown territory for the Dutch divers, except this one! Loads of German and Scandinivians there though. If you have three of four weeks (watch the visa - its 21 days on arrival, at least in 2005)

YES!! Make sure you apply for an extention. I was 1 day past my departure date last week (22days) and was sternly scolded at immigration on my way out. Thought it might cost more than the standard 750php to exit the country. Fortunately my dumb American act paid off and she let me go.

 

[Pez7378]

I wouldn't worry to much about the connections from NAIA to the Domestic terminal. Its relatively close and you can just grab a cab, or a van. Just watch out for the Cabbies as they like to play the broken meter routine and charge you three times the fare. No meter, no fare. Period. And if someone suddenly appears and grabs your luggage and begins heading off somewhere, don't panic as they are probably escorting you to a cab/van. Of course, although you didnt solicit this service you should expect to pay for it. My first mistake upon arrival was tipping a guy 2 usd. boy was he happy! Get yourself a pocket full of Piso's for tipping.
If your not in a big hurry and on a tight budget, you could also take the SuperFerry down to Cebu. It was a nice way to unwind after a long flight but you may have to stay a night in Manila.

 

[pakman]

Actually, do be careful about the transfer. Not sure what was going one day I landed in Manila but could not get a single cab. Even the official rental cars were booked and had people waiting. Went upstairs to the departure entrance and it was a zoo with many other passengers trying to catch an arriving taxi. Usually it's not a problem but it can happen. Most of the time I've found that you can catch a quick cab if you head up to the arrival entrance.

 

[Capi]

Thanks again Bombarie, great thoughts.
I have checked out cocut grove...really looks great even for some more days.. I found that They do daily dive trips to Apo Island (must be great diving)and have a small second resort on Apo Island too. So we will be able to relax and do some great diving as well from there. Alona beach is great too, we have to decide on the resorts but we will see about that. To start the journey I am now looking in to Malapusca. I found a nice resort where they do safari`s from as well. Safaris on traditional boats. This wouldbe nice. Diving around the island, spot some sharks and then also do a north or south safari for about 3/4 days.

The plan is coming together thanks to you guys!

Thanks again.

Later I will post the final trip and resorts I have chosen!

 

[rhadamantus]

btw, when are you visiting the country?

 

[Capi]

btw, when are you visiting the country?

travelplans are for january 2008 (dec 30-jan 23)
Too far away but already so much fun.....

 

[rhadamantus]

ah ha, yes, but it doesnt hurt to plan in advance!

 

[marinea]

hi, can i ask for advice please:
1) is it safe to dive El Nido in coming Feb? I understand recent typhoon has caused relative instability in the roads etc. in some parts of Palawan.. just want to know whether El Nido is affected??
2) For those who have been there and done that for the amazing El Nido, i would like to seek advice on how easy or difficult to secure tickets from Manila - El Nido via ITI ? the fact that we are allowed to book tickets only 5 days prior to departure (for non-resort guests) freaks me out. I want to dive El Nido, but the last thing is to be stranded in Manila because i cannot get tickets to El Nido is it common for non-resort guests to be unsuccessful?
I appreciate any advice please. Thanks very much!!