The Resort
The resort looks out to the sea and is very close to Sabang beach (5 minutes walk away). The beach in front of the hotel is a bit pebbly and is probably not suited to sunbathing but turn left or rightand walk along the sea shore to some very pretty beaches.
Whilst the hotel is listed as being in Puerta Galera this is not quite right as this is merely the nearest town, and it is a bustling working town. We are closer to Sabang beach and other areas where there are plenty of bars and restauarnts and lost to see and do if you like to wander around and explore. If you would like to explore the town this is a 20 minute taxi ride or a to minute boat ride away.
The hotel itself is truly spectacular with its own bars and restaurants one of which the Lonely Planet Guide described as "World Class cuisine". But don't worry about the cost, as we will be staying there on a full board basis so you will get to eat at an excellent restaurant. Follow this link to learn more about Toko's Restaurant.
To see some pictures of the hotel and the area please follow this link
Our accomodation will be on a full board basis so unless you spend loads in the bar, or in the local markets it shouldn't cost too much
We will be staying in deluxe rooms all of which have the following:
- Climate controlled air conditioning
- Fully stocked mini bar
- Supply of emergency toiletries
- Adjustable ceiling fans
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- Cable T. V. with free movie and sports channels
- In-room safety deposit box
- Wireless Internet available in all rooms
- En-suite facilities
- Solar heated hot water
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Two deluxe rooms at the resort
The resort obviously has its own dive centre. It also has two bars, swimming pool, and health spa
 
The Seaview bar and Toko's restaurant
Other facilities at the resort
The resort also has its own retail shop, camera room, and massage facilities
 
The shop and the camera room
If you decide to visit the local towns then please be aware that as this is the Philippines there are parts of the town where you can find "girly bars". Please note that this is not "in your face" and you are unlikely to be accosted whilst walking in the streets.
But what about the diving I hear you ask?
Puerto Galera offers more or less 40 prime dive sites. The sites are between 5 metres to 40 metres depth and the water temperature is ranging between 26 - 29 Degrees Centigrade. Since Puerto Galera is considered as warm water diving area 3mm thick wet suits are the norm. The tide exchange is from a few centimetres up to 2 metres. The selection of the dive sites depends on the tidal exchange and the slack tides, which is an important part of dive planning.
Boats, daily plans
The main thing about this trip is whist we will enjoy some of the best diving of our lives it will be very relaxing. The schedule will not be as demanding as a liveaboard, as you can plan the dives to suit yourselves. The boats leave 6 times a day and you can plan which one, if any you wish to be on. If you plan to bring a non diving partner you will have plenty of time to go sightseeing or just relax together - it is planned to be a very relaxed holiday in a paradise resort. The main thing to note is that the diving is unlimited. You can do as many as you can as long as you follow standard safety planning and established practices. Boats leave 6 times a day at 9.am, 11am, 2pm, 4pm, 5.15 for Mandarain fish dives, and 6.00pm for night dives
Shallow, no-current or very slight current sites are always available for beginners. The visibility ranges from 15-25 metres average and on special days even up to 30-35 metres.
It is possible that we may see some big stuff such as White tip Sharks, Barracudas, Tunas, even Eagle Rays, but the area is more noted for the spectacular corals, and the rich diversity of marine life. It is often called the centre of the centre of marine biodiversity.
 
Pygmy seahorse and a cowfish
For those that haven't seen it we can also go muck diving. here you will see the most unusual creatures you have ever seen (that is unless you have been here or Indonesia before !)
On the house reef wreck, thriving fish life include batfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, wrasses, butterfly fish and other reef dwellers. Aside from rarely seen exotic fishes like Spanish Dancers, harlequin ghost-pipefish and at least 5 different colours of camouflaged frogfish, fire gobies and blue-ribbon eels.
It is highly recommended for underwater photographers and marine biologists and enthusiasts alike since it has a lot to offer like the varied species of soft corals, gorgonians, crinoids, colourful sponges and turnicates, crustaceans and shrimps, not to mention the most popular invertebrate subject amongst MACRO-PHOTOGRAPHERS, which has various colours, shapes and sizes the "NUDRIBRANCHS". The house reef alone which is just directly in front of the dive shop can already satisfy the urge to shoot various subjects for underwater photographers.
For almost 50 years Puerto Galera has attracted experts studying the ecostructure of micro-organisms, marine life, animals and plants. The University of the Philippines Marine Biological Station was set up in 1934 and in 1974, the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program International declared the area a research centre and the reefs a marine reserve. The great ecological complexity and the abundant species have earned Puerto Galera a reputation as the best dive area in the Philippines and maybe in Asia.
Sightseeing and other things to do
We are situated near the tourist areas which are situated on either site of the resort. It is also very easy to get to local towns in about 20 minutes - so there is plenty to do if you don't want to dive every day
White Beach and Sabang are popular destinations worldwide bringing in thousands of tourists from different countries. The people of Puerto Galera have evolved as exceptional hosts to all types of tourists and showcase Filipino hospitality at its best.
Nature – Puerto Galera’s natural landscapes both above and under water are its foremost tourism asset. There are many beaches and coves, named and unnamed; mountains and forests with orchids, known and unknown; waterfalls and rivers ideal for picnics and sports; 33 spectacular dive sites very close to shore; and Puerto Galera Bay which is now regarded as one of the most beautiful in the entire planet.
Tourism Establishments – Like any other tourist towns, Puerto Galera has all types of establishments catering to all types of tourists. Puerto Galera caters to both the budget-conscious and the upscale tourists. There is also an amazing number of activities and services that will make your time in Puerto Galera truly memorable.
Diving – The channel between Puerto Galera and Verde Island, known internationally as the Verde Island Passage, is “the center of the center of the world’s marine biodiversity” according to American scientists – making Puerto Galera’s underwater world a favourite amongst dive enthusiasts. Puerto Galera also has the biggest number of dive schools in the entire Philippines so they can't all be wrong.
Puerto Galera is located on the north shore of Mindoro Island, 130 kilometres south of Manila and 14 nautical miles away from Batangas City. It comprises of 12 coastal villages (barangays) and 1 mountain district scattered over an area of 23,247 hectares, bordered on the north by Verde Island, on the south by Baco and Malasimbo mountains, on the southeast by the town of San Teodoro and on the northwest by the province of Occidental Mindoro. Its natural seawall, exciting dive sites, lush mountains and pristine beaches make Puerto Galera one of the Philippines’ top travel destinations.
Health Stuff
As always when traveling to such divers countries it is not advisable to drink water from a tap. Drink only bottled water and peel all fruit. No particular innoculations are required but please ensure your tetanus is up to date and hepatitis A is recommended but not required. We will provide a more detailed list of requirements nearer the time The Itinerary
Well it is obviously a long way away but it will be worth it.
The flight leaves Heathrow on Thursday 10th June at 1030 and arrives in Kuwait at 1935. It leaves there at 23.55 landing in Manilla at 1610 on Friday 11th June. The return journey leaves Manilla at 2315 on 21st June arriving in Heatrow at 1320 on 22nd June. Please note that no alcohol is available on these flights |
