PHILIPPINES MEGA & MACRO ADVENTURE | MAY 2024 (small group)

The Philippines is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world and on this trip we’re going to get around many of the hot spots!  Our group size is limited to 12 people. 

Level of Experience

This trip is suitable for all levels of diver although Advanced Open Water is recommended.

Operators 

Malapascua - Evolution Dive Resort (evolution.com.ph)

Moalboal - Neptune Dive Resort (neptunediving.com)

Dauin - Bongo Bongo Divers (divebongo.com)

Accommodation

In Malapascua and Moalboal the rooms are twin share. This just means two double or single beds to a room where sharing near-as-makes-no-difference halves the cost. The differences in price are that in Dauin, we’re holding all the differing private rooms from Deluxe A/C rooms to Single Fan rooms. 

Of course, if you’re traveling with a spouse or buddy you’ll be paired together (unless you’d rather not!). It’s fluid and because we’re a small group we can be nimble with the arrangements. 

Any questions just drop me a note.  There’s also the option to upgrade to a private room in any location. 

Once participants are locked in we'll do a group zoom call to meet one another and we can start thinking about who would like to share with whom.

Payment and Expenses

There’s a deposit of $300NZD pp due before the 28th of February. I have already paid the deposits to hold rooms and will wear the risk. The balance is due 31 March 2024. 

You’re welcome to pay as you go, do a lump sum, whatever. So long as the balance is paid by March 31 next year you’re all good. The money is being held in a trust in a New Zealand company called “High Country Hospitality” of which I am the director. It means our accountant won’t let me steal your cash and you can see the balance at any time.  

• Its fully transferable if something changes and you can’t go. Everything except the deposit is refundable up until the 31st of March.
• Because we’re not hauling gear on public buses, jeepneys and pump boats you can bring as much or as little equipment as you like. Rental equipment is cheap and of high quality if you don’t wish to bring your own.
• The Philippines is very affordable. 1000PHP ($29 NZD) is plenty per day for meals and drinks. You could get by on half this.

Getting There

There are various flight routes to Cebu from Australia and New Zealand with Air NZ, Singapore Air, Qantas, Scoot and Philippine Airlines.

I strongly recommend arriving in Cebu at least a day before departure to allow for delays - ESPECIALLY if you’re going via Manilla. We will be leaving early in the morning from Bayfront Hotel Cebu. Accommodation is about $80 for a night there which I can book for you - ask me.

Friendly warning: hangovers and sickness in the Philippines are BRUTAL. I’ve had gout there TWICE and would sooner lose my foot than experience it again. A basic level of fitness and health is recommended and while this is not a party trip hydrating beers will be had a plenty!

The Itinerary - Departing 9 May

Cebu – Malapascua

We start by taking a private coach from Cebu to Port Maya where Evolution will pick us up and transfer us to Malapascua island. The journey takes between 3 and 5 hours.

Malapascua is one of the few places in the world where you can routinely see Thresher Sharks as well as other pelagic stuff. Also Gato Island which has a beautiful swim-through in which large White Tip Reef Sharks gather. There are all sorts of cool critters hanging about the island waters and you never know what you’ll see.

The island of Malapascua is tiny and can be walked around in an afternoon. There are beach bars and restaurants along the southern edge whereas we will be on the east which is quiet and chilled out. It’s a 200 metre walk to the nightlife or local food market. Evolution are considered leaders in environmentally responsible tourism on the island and are the first boat at the sharks most days.

13 May – 16 May

Malapascua – Moalboal

Evolution will transfer us by boat back to Port Maya where our private transport to Moalboal will be waiting. The very scenic (and at times adventurous) drive along the coast through the jungle and mountains to Moalboal takes 3 – 5 hours. Taking this route in private vans halves the travel time and distance.

In Moalboal we’ll be staying and diving with Neptune Dive. It is literally a 20 metre walk to the dive site. Here we will dive with the millions of sardines that gather on the deep wall of the coast. It can also be snorkelled. Moalboal is a bustling village with various food and drink options, karaoke and live music. 

On our second day we’ll do a double boat dive. The site will be at the discretion of the skipper but typically means Pescador island.

17 May – 23 May

Moalboal – Dauin

On the morning of the 17 May we take a private transfer along one of the most scenic roads in the Philippines south to Liloan port where we’ll take a short 30 minute ferry ride to Sibulan. From here we’ll take tricycles (sidecar motorcycles) to Dauin, about 45 minutes away. I’ve deliberately left this as a tricycles transfer rather than a bus or a van because it’s heaps of fun!

Once in Dauin we’ll settle into Bongo Bongo Divers. This feels like home and I’ve been visiting and staying here for many years. Things have changed now and they have a fancy swimming pool and the rooms have been upgraded. It’s got a tight community vibe, is 50 metres from the beach, and welcomes adventure seekers from around the world. Currently we’re holding every room and would almost have the place to ourselves.

On 18, 19 and 20 May we will do double shore or boat dives. Optional extras include night dives which are well worth it. The diving in Dauin is exceptional and hasn’t been ruined by mass tourism. There’s a reason I’ve been eight times in 6 years! On the 21 May we’ll take a day trip to the iconic Apo Island which has some of the best reef diving in the world.

The next is a lay day to off gas, dry gear, nurse hangovers and get organised for the journey back to Cebu on the following day.

On the morning of the 23 May we will board two vans and start the journey back to Cebu via Sibulan up the east coast of Cebu island. There’s no rush today and we’ll be able to stop for lunch and just pootle our way north. For our final night we’re staying in a surprise resort near the airport. This evening is for farewells and onward journeys for anyone staying in the Philippines.

Any questions please contact us, it would be amazing for you to join us in this special place for a very memorable adventure.