Korean Job Discussion Forums

GB · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

If this has already been done...then apologies...please show me the thread.

I am leaving with girlfriend for Boracay on the 4th Feb for 6 day. The flights and hotel is booked...got an inclusive deal...less hassle.

Firstly, what I am looking for is any advice on a quality diving shop, neither of us have dived before and I want somewhere that has a good reputation and service. This is supposed to be a relaxing, hassle free trip. Money is not an issue...I just want somewhere quality with great, friendly customer service.

Secondly, any other advice about nice bars and restaurants would be great. Are there any special, romantic restaurants for watching the sunset?

Any help would be great appreciated.

Cheers

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

GB · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

Thanks for the reply. I read that most dive centres offer similar options and prices but just wondered if anyone had a special recommendation for a particular place.

Cheers once again.

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

I went with my girlfriend last month to the Blue Mango Dive Shop. Our two instructors were an English guy and a former U.S. serviceman. It was great but a bit pricey at 3,000 pesos a person.

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

I've been doing my open water course at Blue Mango this week and it's been great. If you want a cheaper rate then you should stop by Daves Straw Hat Inn, which is just a 3 minute walk away, and pay them in cash (USD or Peso) and show the guys at Mango your receipt. I think I got the whole for about 13,000 pesos, or $350

GB · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

Thanks for that, seem Blue Mango it might be.

Cheers

chachee99 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Location: Seoul Korea

I just came back from the Philippines and did lots of diving there. First thing I will point out is that all dive shops prices on the island are the same. Many dive shops take divers out in groups. Since you are new to diving I would recommend diving one on one with a dive master. Also, there are many dive shops ran by Koreans. These shops will give preference to Koreans over foreigners. Some Korean divers wouldn't even take out a foreigner.

One reason is because Koreans usually pay big bucks to go diving in groups. However, they don't actually do real diving. What happens is the group get on a nice big speed boat with their nice new diving gear and go out to diving location near the beach. Then will all stand on a platform that lowers them three meters under the water. Two dive masters enter the water. One moves the platform around while the other takes pictures of the entire group with an underwater camera. Koreans pay big money, around 3000 pesos each, for this "diving experience". Personally, I think it's a waste of money.

If you are looking for a good dive shop I highly recommend a place called Dive Gurus. http://www.divegurus.com That's who I did my diving with. They are located on the beach just off station three. There are two cool instructors , Edwin long (haired Filappino) and Jung Eun Yoon ( Korean woman). She's pretty cool and doesn't act like the other Koreans at the other dives shops. She's been a working in Boracay for over 15 years and a Master Instructor She was the one who informed me about Korean tourist diving method of diving. I thought she was joking until we actually seen them doing while on our way to do some real diving. Yes, I had a good laugh.

Anyways, more about the dive shop. Dive Gurus is very flexible with their customers regarding a dive location and dive time. They will take you solo if you like and not charge you anymore. Also, they were the only dive shop that gives each diver their own computer, which is a nice touch. Once you use a computer you will never go back!

Dive Gurus offers all kinds of dive courses. Prices are generally the same all around the island. If you want to your Open Water Padi certification I highly recommend Dive Gurus. They are very flexible and take care of their students. I did my Padi Nirtox course through them. Jung Eun Yoon was my instructor. Excellent teacher! She is a very strict teacher and explains everything thoroughly. Edwin is a blast to dive with and also a great teacher. He taught an open water course to a new student who was terrified of the water, but guided her through the course at her own pace and took well care of her during each and every dive.

I highly recommend Dive Gurus. You will not be disappointed.

If you want any more details send me a PM. I'll be happy to help you out.

GB · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

That is perfect. My girlfriend is Korean and I really wanted her to feel comfortable...so Dive Gurus sounds great. I will check it out. Sorry can't PM you as haven't posted enough, but please feel free to PM me with any extra details. I am leaving Monday so look forward to diving next week.

Cheers Smile

GB · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

Chachee99....I just came back from Boracay. I went to Dive Gurus but Jung Eun was busy, we were taught by Edwin. It was great....really good fun and it was just the three of us when we dived.

We didn't have time to do Open Water...which lasts 4 days, but we did get the 'Scuba diver' part, and can carry on with the rest any time.

Thanks alot for the recommendation...was great.

Cheers