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Some recent info here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2192937&messageID=19811143#19811143

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1) With all the dive operators in town, can anyone recommend someone they were happy with and was professional?

Sea dive resort was ok - not the best. Especially since they often have large groups so cannot give you proper attention. Hence I would suggest shopping and deciding on the spot. They might have been better if they had fewer people that day.

2) Anyone stay at Sea Dive Resort, Darayonan Lodge or Village Lodge and can give me the lo down on their experience?
Sea dive resort is a lousy place to stay and I would not suggest it. More of a backpacker hippie place with an ego the size of an over inflated balloon.

I have posted a full account of my trip to Coron here - http://corontrip.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/coron-how-to-get-there/
this may be of use to you.

3) Been to the island recently and know if the bank in town takes western ATM cards?

For Coron / Busuanga, I would suggest comign with US dollars or Pesos. While changing money (or getting western union) is very easy, I saw 3 ATMs - only in Coron town (nil in outlying islands) and they all were local banks (would charge you a commission of 200 pesos for foreign bank atm cards)

Hope this is of help to you

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Dived the wrecks in Coron Bay two weeks ago. Brilliant diving and not to be missed. I went with Discovery Divers who I thought were brilliant. One dive master guide per 2 divers and small group. I'm sure they tailor dives to group experience. Eg first day less experienced group so wreck penetration only in big wide areas, second day with a more experienced group and on these dives passed into narrower spots.

There are two ATMs in Coron town - the one I used was happy to spit out Peso's.

Have a great trip.

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Discovery Divers, hands down :) If you can even get to dive with Gunter (the one who found most of the wrecks there), better! Otherwise, it's still good.

If you want to stay in town, Darayonan is okay. If you're a group, you can definitely save money with the shared rooms. They're pretty comfortable for a cheap rate, plus it has a pool in the resort. It's definitely not fancy, though.

Having a few drinks at the bar of Seadive Resort is okay, but not when there's someone singing their lungs out by the nearby karaoke place.

Yup, there are a couple of ATMs in the town proper, but best to come with cash - either US dollars or Philippine Peso. I'm sure you'll be able to use your credit card as well, but they would most likely add a service fee.

When are you thinking of heading down there? I love Coron! Wish I could head back each time I get time off work. If you're swinging by Metro Manila for your transfer, feel free to drop me a line. I'd be happy to meet up for a drink or coffee! Hope you have a great trip!

Cheers!

LESLIE

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Discovery divers has 2 resorts where you can stay. Both are on outlyign islands (10-15 minutes boat ride from Coron town) which is good.

If you want more information regarding their cottages and photos , click here here

I did not dive with them, hence cannot tell much about that. However, you do have to book in advance. The resorts are run by establishments that are different fromt eh dive center.

It is the one at Puerto del sol - Coron that is closer to the wrecks (hence good for divers) - http://www.puertodelsolresort.com/

The one at Aldanco here is better if you wish to have a relaxed time. They DO have a dive center, but need advance booking.

Btw, the snorkeling in Siete Pecadoes (20 mins by bangka from Coron) is excellent. Almost as good as GBR

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Darayonan Lodge -- I stayed here on my trip to Coron! I was happy with their service.. Food was great! VERY FILIPINOish~ Sadly, i can't tell u much about the diving part because i had surgery on my left eye hahaha too bad! but even if i didnt dive, i enjoyed floating on my lifevest while carving into my mind the most beautiful place that i've went so far. Can't even compare it to thailand.

Edited by: maokawaii

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Well for ATM no problem 2 international and 1 local, so you can cash out a cash... for dive shop try the new one Neptune Dive Shop, new always good and the divemaster are from there also they are smart and helpful... For accommodation I suggest Krystal lodge quiet and simple, that is if you prefer like this...

Don

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Here is a rather informative blog on Coron -

http://corontrip.wordpress.com

More importantly, it has among the best maps I have seen on the net of Coron - scroll down to the middle part. It has the location of about a dozen lodges and resorts in Coron shown