Under the Sea @Malapascua Island

Diving has always been one of the things that I wanted to do. To know what its like to actually see the view below the waters, up close and personal. But since I'm not the best swimmer there is, I was hesitant to try it. 

For my birthday I wanted one thing off my bucket list and this time, it would be diving! So off I went for a trip to Malapascua Island to discover scuba diving.

We contacted one of the dive shops (near Ging-Ging's Restaurant) and arranged our schedule for diving. We got our DSD (discover scuba diving) for P2500 and Sam's fun dive for P1200 since he is a licensed diver.

We went to Bantigue Island for the briefing near the shore and then off we go to the site where we can see soft corals.

 Before the dive; TIPS FROM SAM:
1.Drinks lots of water
2.Take a rest before the dive
3.Equalize — Begin equalizing before your head submerges and continue to equalize frequently during descent.

Equalization is the act of forcing air into an open space to offset increasing hydrostatic pressure. This can be applied to such spaces as a dive mask or the diver's ears, and prevents what is known as a squeeze.

~http://www.gooddive.com/



preppin for the briefing




briefing before the dive

 After the briefing, I got a bit scared because its different to breathe through a tank. Its also important to listen very carefully to the dive master so you know what to do once your under the water and lastly but I think one of the most important, DO NOT PANIC.

The first few meters on our way down was scary because it would hurt your ears but you just need to equalize underwater ear pressure.



under the sea





ohh the ocean floor.


After descending, I cant stop looking at the surface cause I cant actually believe I was that deep under the water. I didn't touch anything because I was scared that they would move or could be poisonous or something, but it was so much fun.

But the view under water is really different compared to snorkeling. Its like having a backstage pass for a concert. I felt like I was Ariel from The Little Mermaid. I felt like I was visiting my fishes in the tank in Doodle Fish Farm, up close and personal..hahaha



ok!





exhausted and hungry after the dive



thinking: I'll get a diving license!!!

 I once said that I would never go back to places Ive traveled before but well I must say "Malapascua, I shall return!" and next time with a diving license! #FingersCrossed

The Visayas Getaway: Cebu-Bohol

 The Plan: 5 days.Plane to Cebu-Ferry to Bohol- and ferry back to Cebu.Will it work?

we arrived in Cebu almost 3 or 4pm.We checked in @Sampaguita Suites . Their rates are affordable, we didnt look for hotels that has many ammenities since were just staying here for one night.

sample rates are as follows, but you can check their website http://www.sampaguitasuites.com

Matrimonial Standard (Good for 2 Persons) P898
Aircon Room with 1 queen-size bed, private bath with hot & cold shower, 21-inch cable TV, dresser & closet and PABX telephone and headed to The Walk to have dinner.

Barkada Room (Good for 4 Persons) P1,298
Aircon Room with 2 double-size beds, private bath with hot & cold shower, 21-inch cable TV, dresser & closet and PABX telephone

We were so hungry so after leaving our bags at the hotel, we headed to the Walk. near IT park  to have dinner.

dinner @the walk

Early morning, we took a cab to  Ocenajet, pier 1 Cebu port area, Cebu City. Cebu-Tagbilaran via SuperCat is P520.00 (one way) .They also offer discounts if you purchase the tickets in advance or in groups, for more info their website is http://www.supercat.com.ph/.

at the port

Cebu-Tagbilaran port is approx 1.5-2 hours via Supercat. 

When we arrived in Bohol, our contact was already waiting for us. The tour was arranged by one of my friends prior to the trip (sorry i dont have the details)....Let the tour begin=)

Bohol Chocolate Hills




butterfly sanctuary





Bohol's hanging bridge

Bohol tour wouldnt be complete with seeing a tarsier=)

We were supposed to have lunch at Loboc river but we changed our minds since it was raining a bit, the river looked muddy and water was green.So we decided to go directly to the resort.

We checked in at Panglao Tropical Villas. The resort was big, with a swimming pool, billiards, and a restaurant.We got their Villa Vidas which is in front of the pool for P7200 per night good for 6pax.
Occupancy - 6 Guests - each additional P475 per guest

the pool

living room

our villa



The resort's beach front

resort's restaurant

We ordered lunch since we dont have time to cook for lunch and were tired from the tour. Food from the resort ranges from P200-300 per meal which is quite pricey so we decided to go to the market and cook food for dinner and breakfast since the villa has its own kitchen.

We woke up early the next day to get ready for dolphin watching. Dolphin watching was for P2000/boat/max in 12 pax.

ready for dolphin watching

the dolphins!

After the dolphin watching, we decided to hang out at the pool a bit and after breakfast, we prepared to leave Bohol and to get back to Cebu.

Going Back to Cebu

We went back to the Tagbilaran port and rode a Supercat again back to Cebu P520, which is again 1.5-2hrs. Then from the Cebu port, we hired a van to bring us to the bus terminal, where we can ride a van or a bus going to Bantayan port.

We hired a van to Bantayan port for P1500. We were in a hurry because we need to catch the last trip to Bantayan Island at 5pm. Unfortunately, when we got there they dont have any trips anymore since it was raining hard and the waves were too big. Many people were stranded at the port and we just decided to look for a place to stay since we have to wait in the morning for the next trip to Bantayan.



early morning trip to Bantayan

with the crew-)

 We checked in at Beach Placid Resort, For reservations email beachplacid@gmail.com or contact@beachplacidresort.com, or txt 09177222993 or cal 032 438-5340

 

The resort serves food so we ordered lunch there and then decided to go to the market after. Dinner and breakfast the next will be cooked by my friend Robyn=)

lunch

chillin at the hammock

Unfortunately it has been raining for the past days and the wind in the beach was so strong. The resort is near the port and there's no mountain to cover the strong winds.

 

 After lunch, we went to another resort, the Sta Fe Beach Club (I wished we checked in there instead!) It was so nice there and the rates are affordable as well. They have a pool and the beach front is good since it is already located on the other side, it faces a mountain so the waters were calm there.

white sand @Sta Fe Beach Club

 Aside from the white sand and clear waters at the beach, another cool thing is that inside the resort, you can find the Ogtong Cave, where you can take a dip. The water was cold, sooo clear and very relaxing.

ogtong cave

enjoying the cave water

Around 6pm, we headed back to the resort because we still need to cook dinner. Robyn cooked adobo and chopsuey.Yum! We drank a bit, they serve beers at the resort and we also bought brandy at the market earlier.

Earlier the next day, we prepared to leave the island and to get back to Cebu city. The resort took us back to the port.

leaving Bantayan Island

shopping for pasalubong

Our Cebu-Bohol was fun but tiring. I wish we booked the flight back to Manila from Bohol instead because if that is the case, I bet we didnt have to spend a lot of time traveling from one place to the other. A better IT would be Manila-Cebu-Bantayan-Cebu-Bohol.