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A vacation in the Philippines (part 2) |
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Written by Wendy Wood - View Profile
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Saturday, 27 October 2007 |
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[Editor's note: this is the second blog by Lake Tahoe local Wendy Wood about her travels in the Philippines. Click here to read her first entry.]
After staying in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, for two nights and one day, we boarded a 30 passenger bus for the trip to Batangas. From there, we boarded a Bangka (outrigger type boat) for the hour trip to our destination resort, the Atlantis Beach Resort (one owner does live in Zephyr Cove, Nevada). This was my first dive trip to the Philippines, although having lived in Hong Kong for three years 20-plus years ago; we used to visit several prominent Philippines resorts for vacation. Bamboo Reef Enterprises, a long-established dive shop in San Francisco, arranged this portion of our four-month trip.
 I was somewhat concerned as to what we would find as the Philippines have been a major supplier of tropical fish for the aquarium trade and wholesale dynamiting of reefs has occurred for years. Fortunately recent conservation efforts by environmental groups along with dive center support have had many positive results.
There are dozens of dive sites within a few minutes of most of the resorts in the area, we chose the Atlantis because it has the best all-around combination of good diving, qualified staff, excellent food service and exceptional accommodations for a dive resort. The stairs up to our “suite” numbered 64 but the view at the top was breathtaking and the privacy and quiet well suited to a restful vacation.
 We planned four dives each day with a ratio of one dive master to six divers, each dive site was within 10 minutes of the resort, except for Verde Island. Due to tidal changes and the numerous channels and cuts, a popular dive is riding one of the currents.
One particularly challenging area is named “the washing machine” and if you think you have experienced adrenaline-charged currents before, hang on to your facemask. The clarity of the water around Verde Island is also clearer than just off Sabang beach, the sub-tidal zone is full of crinoids and soft coral. Invertebrates pack the reef and everything from tiny ghost shrimp to gigantic gorgonians crowd together in an explosion of color. There is also excellent wall diving here, the largest school of adolescent triggerfish I have ever seen circled our group for several minutes. Black spotted moray eels and big scorpion fish teased us with their now you see us now you don’t antics.
 On virtually every dive someone can see cuttlefish, king-sized frogfish, and the occasional sea snake added for excitement. The anthias are particularly colorful with school big enough to cut your visibility.
Another interesting site just a few minutes from the beach is know as “Sabang Wrecks” and it is one of the most popular dive sites in the area. While the wreckage itself is not terribly interesting, the collection of life is amazing. You are virtually guaranteed to see at least one creature worth chatting over at the bar that evening with your fellow divers. I discovered frogfish, anemones, lionfish, a giant squid, nudibranchs, gobies and batfish, to name a few and in an area not much larger than an SUV.
 Another popular dive site is called “Hole in the Wall.” It is marked with an actual hole in the reef at a depth of about 20 feet and just large enough to allow a single scuba diver to swim through. Large schools of snappers, big trevally and sweetlips are often found suspended in the current. It is rumored the Shark Cave contains white-tiped sharks; however, I did not see any.
At West Escarceo, some well-fed cuttlefish and squid make appearances. Along this stretch I encountered crinoids that seemed determined to hitch a ride on a passing diver, these are relatives of the starfish family but are lacelike in appearance and “dance” through the water, they love to attach themselves harmlessly to divers.
 The Atlantis is an excellent destination for individuals who want to learn to dive as well as seasoned professionals, in other words there is something for everyone. For those who come along and do not care to dive, Puerta Gallera has a number of good beaches for relaxing and plenty of activates including hiking, kayaking, golfing and a good selection of tours. We took a jeepy about an hour away from Puerto Gallera, into the basket making region of the island and we were completely entertained by the local kids, animal life and artistry of the basket making.
One additional fact: The locals are expert in massage and the cost is a fraction of what we pay in the States meaning it can work into a daily habit without severe constraints on the budget.
We will begin heading back to Manila tomorrow, an overnight. Then off by plane, then car to another exotic dive location — Malapascua on the island of Cebu.
All photos courtesy of Wendy Wood
Check back frequently for more stories and photos from the author as she continues to explore the islands of the Philippines.
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Written by waketrex on 2007-10-27 09:38:56
Interesting that you mentioned the Atlantis, I have a dive video hosted on my blog.
http://waketrex.com/blog/2007/10/23/philippine-marine-species-in-hd/
it's from scubamagazine.net | Good article Wendy!
Written by jimcolhoun on 2007-11-02 15:05:31
This is a thorough and accurate portrayal of a great dive trip. I should know; I'm the bald guy in the photos! Looking forward to hearing more of your remaining jorney through S.E. Asia |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 23 October 2007 )
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