Travel in Visayas/Palawan

I m going to the phillipines mid April for 5 weeks.

The main purpose of the trip is going diving. I have previously posted a message and the visayas have been recommended to me.

I have been reading about palawan, and I ve only read good things. Do you think 5 weeks is to short to appreciate the beaches and diving visayas anad palawan? I don t want to be rushing....and i have no idea how big the phillipines are....therefore any suggestions to the optimum time spent in both regions would be appreciated.....

Also has any one been or heard or cuyo islands……they seem interesting and after a hard year working in the UK it could dbe what the doctor ordered…..

cheers

I spent just under two weeks in Palawan, never felt rushed. Arrived at Puerto Princessa a couple of days there and on to Sabang for a couple of days, explored the underground river. Finally a week or so in El Nido. Lot's of opportunities for diving around El Nido.

WeiLong in Palawan

Hi, there is an earlier post on the Cuyo Islands here, and some photos of Cuyo here.

I've done some googling on Cuyo, thinking that it looked rather inviting for a few days of diving. However, I could not find any info on dive operations at all. Actually you'll be in the region for the short dive season at Tubbataha Reef (March-June). But since these reefs can only be reached by live-aboard, it can be a little expensive. Actually I'll be diving in the Philippines at the same time as you, and am still trying to work out where to go. I was thinking about Port Barton, but have just read a recent report, and unfortunately there seems to be a lot of distruction from dynamite and cyanide fishing. But I'll definitely be going to Southern Leyte for the whale sharks, and also to Camiguin Island off the coast of Mindanao. I think it's possible to spend months and months diving in the Philippines, so I'll be hanging around for a while. keep on blowing bubbles.

There were no diving operations at all based on Cuyo Island as at January 2007.

HEy dont miss APo island in the visayas island. The jump off point is Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. APo island is philippines top 5 dive spot. while in Dumaguete stay at Harolds Mansion - its a hip and friendly hostel in town. They can help you sort out diving to Apo. They have a website www.haroldsmansion.com. Dumaguete is only 45 min to Siquijor island and 4 hr bus ride / boat ride to Cebu and 1 hr & 30 mins boat ride to Bohol.
Safe travels and Mabuhay!!!

I must just say Apo Island is awesome...pristine reefs,and apo island beach resort is great,only two resorts on the island.Also IN Damagette Haroldsmansion is a great place to stay .....friendly owners and staff.I have stayed at both places twice .
cheers Chris
Australia