Ive been planning to visit palawan, boracay, donsol and caramoan pen on my trip to the philippines in Jan. Im interested to hear some favorite dive spots and bungalow locations of yours...I am not to concerned with price just experience as i am not on a long trip, will only be there for 3 weeks...I want something private and semi remote (no crowds) right on the water, with good snorkeling and diving right off the beach. Does this still exitst? Thanks :)
1
dxb1969
Private and semi remote? I would highly recommend Apo Island which is a short boat ride from Dauin, roughly 45 mins from Dumaguete. OK i appreciate it's not listed in the places you plan to visit, but it's great diving and a lovely little island, Extremely peaceful - no bars or nightlife. There are 2 places to stay - a kind of upmarket place and Liberty Lodge - a more basic but still comfortable option. Both are right on the water. Another option for peace and solitude is Pandan Island Resort, it's in Mindoro near San Jose. Also quite liked Alona Beach, Bohol, although that is a lot more developed. Also enjoyed nice diving in Southern Leyte, near Padre Burgos. Bungalows there are right on the beach and it's quiet. Good chance of seeing whale sharks in Jan in Southern Leyte, and in Donsol too.
Sorry, never actually been to any of the places you mentioned, I'm sure they're nice, but neither Boracay nor Donsol are especially renowned for diving. Boracay is not what I would call remote, if you are looking to escape crowds. Lots of remote places in Palawan though.
3
anonymous
There is little Siquijor. Diving is okay. Has a couple of WW2 wrecks. Definitely has bungalows on the beach. Very quiet island. And has at least one really good spot for snorkeling.
4
koichiafable
There's so many people in the Philippines. Everywhere. You've got to get really far off the beaten track to find secluded locations. I just got back from a trip to Caramoan with my wife. I highly recommend it. There are beach bungalows on Paniman beach, where you get boats for island hopping, but the beach itself is unremarkable. If you take a boat to the islands, especially the far islands, you can be on a beach all by yourself. I don't think there are any dive outfits in Caramoan, but I could be wrong.
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