Puerto Galera Travel Forum

Hello everyone, My girlfreind and I are going to Manila in a week and have not decided where to go yet.My girlfreind wants to take her PADI advanced course(she is french and would idealy like a french instructor,but not essential.)I am already Qualified.Neither of us have been to the Philippines.We are going there to expeirience the people,culture,nature,food etc and particularly the Diving.A three week trip is planned would like to go to Bohol (panglao island),Cebu (Malapasua Island) and we thought about starting off in Mindoro It seems Quite a popular Tourist Area ,a bit scared to go too far off the beaten track in our first week!! we thought about Sanandigan Point Beach seems cleaner and less busy. but is still close enough to all dive resorts etc .ANY advice would be realy Apreciated I have booked nothing yet not even a hotel in Manila ,we land at 11 pm and dont know What to do for the best?? is it safe in beach bungallows for leaving your camera dive computer etc or do you need a room safe .I have so many Questions any advice would be greatly apreciated .we are in our late thirties by the way...cheers mal uk.

Absolutely dive in Puerto Galera. Most of the dive shops/resorts are located in Sabang/La Laguna area and quite reputable too. You could stay in the Lalaguna areas (called Big Lalaguna and Small Lalaguna if you want some peace and quiet. Several dive shops offer courses in several languages so your girlfriend might luck out. You have to be aware though that there is some girly bars and seedy stuff in Sabang but easily avoidable. Of course Sinandigan is okay but I'm not sure about the logistics to the dive shops.

If you go to Bohol, don't miss Balicasag. Great diving. Other points in Cebu is Moalboal and I heard Liloan has good diving too. Other places close to Cebu is Apo Island in Dumaguete and Siquijor. All good places for diving. Most of the dive resorts around the country usually have secure rooms but you never know. Just use caution and if you feel it is more secure to keep it in a safe then by all means do it.

Thanks Verry Much, your Information is Great. I will check out the places you recomended. I have just received my first email from a hotel in PG. they are full due to Chineese new year.we are looking for somewhere reasonably quiet and were you can swim and snorkle straight off the beech reasonably near the hotel.I like Authentic type places ,and dont mind the creapy crawlies that sometimes come with this sort of place just as long as i feel safe. do you have any sugestions,price is not the deciding factor when i pick a hotel/ bungalow.I am only there a short while and dont mind paying a reasonable price if I have a great expeirience.... :) Thanks again! you seem to know the Philipinnes realy well. We have only been to Thai Land before.but realy loved it the people so freindly and the scenery was amazing. REaly looking forward to discovering the Philippines.. :)

You can try Club Mabuhay at www.clubmabuhay.com You can snorkel right off the beach. Nice and quiet place.

Wow. Amazing how these touristy places easily catch on with 'made up' holidays. Chinese New Year isn't even a big deal here in the Philippines. Anyway, check out this site: http://www.puertogaleradive.com/. They give a list of dive resorts and those with websites are listed. I can only recall (resorts only, can't remember which ones have house reefs): EL Galleon, Portofino, Coco Beach Grove. When inquiring ask them if they have a house reef for you to snorkel.

Happy travels!

For a preview of what to see in the Philippines, visit this site Philippines travel pictures
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=144498

Enjoy your trip to the philippines.