Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MrMr]

Hi all
I just got one of those cheap tickets to Cebu from Dec 19th to Jan 8th(18 days). I'd like to do some amazing snorkeling both in terms of marine life and corals. I'm willing to travel some to achieve my goal.
I used to dive a little but am not interested in re-certifying, so only snorkeling. I've snorkeled in Australia, Hawaii, and most SE Asian countries but it seem like awhile since I've experienced a brilliant coral reef and great visibility.
This may be my last chance to snorkel in the tropics for some time, so can any of you help me with suggestions and stories of your snorkeling experiences in the Phils
Thanks

[BoholDiver]

I'd recommend Bohol.

I went snorkelling at a neighbouring island of Bohol on a day trip. I saw some pretty beautiful fish and underwater reef.

If you need info, PM me.

[MrMr]

Thanks Bohol Diver
I was looking at Bohol, so now I'll do a little more research on the area. I hope you found something suitable in Phuket

[BoholDiver]

Working on it. Another nice poster of this site has been helping me.

[daniel-andersson]

Hey, I just got back from Cebu in the Philippines and here were the replies I got before departure.

In Cebu you can go high end- Shangrila in Mactan. You
can go more natural at Bantayan Island but its about 2
hrs addnl land trip.

But I super love palawan! You can go either to puerto
princesa from there you can go to the underground river
and honda bay.

there are a lot of high end resorts around as well.

but my favorite- more suited to students and young
people is staying in Coron Town, from there you island
hop all day going to lakes, shipwrecks, lagoons and
amazing corals, sights and people!
If you want to go to a party place, the most famous island for this is Boracay - "Bora": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boracay
Very peaceful, with a long white beach called "White Beach". Here you can go snorkling, kiting, windsurfing.
This is also where most bikini competitions are held The summer season in the Philippines is march-april, most youth come here then.

There's a lot to see in the Philippines if you want to travel a bit. Haven't even seen that much myself yet! But yes, you should stay a way from the most southern places, the islands with muslim minorites have had some problems with terrorism. And the Philippines is not a particulary safe place, very corrupt. Just take your precaustions - lock the door while taking taxi, write down the taxi no. and check the meter (shouls start with 30 pesos, jumping 2.5). Don't drink if the taxi driver offers you something Some places you shouldnt even show your cellphone, they will snap it out of your hand (but that's the cheap crowded shopping places like Divisoria, I still go there cause it's so good shopping Alternative, Green Hills is also good, safer, marked-shopping. When in Metro Manila, I usually travel around alone - even 4 am, and im still in one piece - so not that much to worry about
Usually the people are very warm and friendly!

[MrMr]

Thanks Daniel. I booked a flight on impulse because i saw the cheap prices so I haven't done much research yet. Palawan sounds interesting . I'll do more research regarding travel times etc. In 18 days I don't want to be always on the move ... 2 or 3 spots. I want to chill, enjoy the beach and the snorkeling. I won't be doing high end resorts...hoping to keep room charges between 30 and 40 Thousand won a night.
Thanks for the warnings also. I've been travelling independently throughout SE Asia and South America for some time but it's always good to get a reminder to keep one's head up.

[BoholDiver]

I paid 40k for an air-con room in Bohol. I could have gotten something for half that price. I saw a sign for an air-con room for 800 peso a night.

Boracay is a little pricy I heard. I am not sure about Palawan. I'd love to see it.

[prideofidaho]

[daniel-andersson]

[MrMr]

Thanks for all the replies. I thinks it's going to be Bohol and/ or Palawan.Other than already having the ticket to Cebu, I'm a last minute type of person so I'll start serious research about an hour before I leave. Thanks again.

[travelnguy]

My wife and I spent a week in Bohol (White Beach on Panglao Island). We stayed at Oops Cottages. Great restaurant and it's at the end of white beach where the beach is larger. It was really cheap. The rooms were clean and the staff was great. I'm sure you could do a search online for them as most places have websites.

It was easy to get to from Cebu. From Bohol, we took another ferry to Siquijor. The nice thing about white beach in Bohol is that you could take a few different snorkeling tours. The reefs were nice and they had some nice drop offs. Siquijor was different. We were able to snorkel right from the beach. The reef started less than 50 meters from the waters edge.

Did you get the Cebu Pacific Air cheap tickets? We got them as well. Great price.

[simpleminds]

[BoholDiver]

Yes, quite far. I doubt they have a direct flight from Puerto Princesa to Tagbiliran.

[travelnguy]

[simpleminds]

Thanks, guys, that's good to know! I know someone in Manila, so a stop for a day or two would be okay.


I bought my own snorkelling gear back in Thailand. I wanted to know because it takes room, and I travel light.