Yes, sorry. Another selfish post. BUT I seek to query the wisdom of the Scubaboards!
Here is my conundrum: A business trip got cancelled so I have about a week and a half free and I want to take a holiday in mid-February. I have a ton of airmiles on Cathay so Hong Kong will be my hub, (or Bangkok/Manila I suppose as it is a short trip).
Here are my requirements:
My current thoughts:
Thanks in advance!
Here is my conundrum: A business trip got cancelled so I have about a week and a half free and I want to take a holiday in mid-February. I have a ton of airmiles on Cathay so Hong Kong will be my hub, (or Bangkok/Manila I suppose as it is a short trip).
Here are my requirements:
- On a budget, happy to slum it for accommodation, but I will spend money on fast and efficient transportation: time > money.
- 1 day travel from Hong Kong or Bangkok (including planes, taxis, boats, jeepneys, etc...)
- I hate Manila airport, avoiding it would be nice, but not a deal-breaker
- Good visibility an absolute must - going in mid-February
- I would like healthy reefs, lots to see, nothing too crazy - 40m max depth (not doing Trimix as trying to keep costs down). I really just need to unwind, and destress, all of that underwater while looking at pretty colourful things and breathing slowly.
- Some nightlife, I am going alone so some nice bars would be nice, otherwise I will be bored when not underwater.
- Big fish would be a big plus, but not an absolute requirement
- Nothing that will break the bank (Palau is out due to cost of getting there, but I would love to return there one day!)
- Not really considering liveaboards as since I am alone it will cost double...
My current thoughts:
- A return to Puerto Galera, but I have been there/done that, twice. I do like it though.
- Going back to Subic Bay - last time I saw little because the visibility was terrible
- Something on Cebu again? I have done Moalboal and Malapascua and they are tedious to get to.
- Thailand? But I don't know it well. Only dived from a liveaboard for a few days in the Andaman, I was based in Phuket and would like to avoid that place. It's pretty filthy and yet expensive.
- Coron? Someone told me it was fun.
- your suggestion here.
Thanks in advance!