Cagraray Island

Cagraray Island is located in the province of Albay in the Philippines. Except barangays San Antonio and Salvacion which belongs toMalilipot, the other barangays of Cagraray belong to the municipality of Bacacay, Albay.The other islands on this strip of islands on the Lagonoy Gulf are San Miguel Island, Batan Island and Rapu-rapu Island.The island is sandwiched between San Miguel and Batan islands.

Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Legazpi City and the province borders the Camarines Sur to the north and Sorsogon to the south. Also to the northeast is Lagonoy Gulf leading to the Philippine Sea, and to the southwest is Burias Pass.Mayon Volcano is the symbol most associated with the province. This nearly perfectly-shaped active volcano forms a scenic backdrop to the capital city of Legazpi 15 kilometers to the south.

Bacacay is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Albay, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 58,357 people in 11,154 households.

Lagonoy Gulf is a large gulf in the southeastern part of Luzon island, Philippines, at 13.5833333° N 123.75° E. It is separated from the Philippine Sea by Caramoan Peninsula in the north.

There are two Batan Islands in the Philippines. The first Batan island is the main island of the Batanes Province, in the Philippines. It is where the capital, Basco, is located. It is known chiefly for Mount Iraya.Batan is part of the Batanes Islands.The other Batan Island, is in the Bicol region, in the municipality of Rapu-rapu, in the province of Albay, Philippines.

Rapu´-Rapu and Sorsogon communities recently wrapped up with a massive eight-day Kampong Bayan in front of the Albay Capitol in Legaspi to call for Lafayette's closure. This is the second Kampong Bayan and fourth massive protest rally to be held by Rapu-Rapu residents after a fish kill hit at least five barangays after heavy rains on October 28, 2007.

After months of being in the red, Lafayette Mining Limited, the Australian owner of Lafayette Philippines Inc. which operates the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Mining Project in Albay, today declared in a press release that they will be undergoing 'voluntary administration', allowing it to seek recapitalization or to sell off its mining operations in the Philippines. Lafayette's Board of Directors today transferred control of the company's business, property, and affairs to Australia-based administrator Ferrier Hodgson under Rod Sutton and Peter McCluskey.

ISLAND PARADISE

Cagraray Island 
(Bacacay)

A paradise found 20 km. from the town of Bacacay and about two hours by boat. In the island one finds the most most significant among the caves discoverde, namely: Cagbucao Cave, Malubago Cave, Misibis Cave, Buhi Cave & Mataas Cave. Beaches that are almost virgin & paradise-perfect can be found particularly in Misibis, Mosboron & Sula.

Misibis Beach 

The Boracay of Bicol, the first island residential beach resort in Bicol located in Cagraray Island accessible by boat or cable car from the mainland. It's white sand beach facing the Pacific Ocean with Hillside Villas of the semi-exclusive beach club members who can drink, dine & dance the night away in the clubhouse.

Misibis, a barangay in the cagraray island is 17km. away and is about 45 minutes by boat ride. It is noted for its almost fine white sands with an irregular coastline stretching almost three km. facing the Pacific Ocean. A Paradise for beach lovers, artists and nature lovers. Misibis is an ideal place to enjoy swimming & discover exotic marine life underneath.

Cagraray Island Hotels

Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is the northwestern most municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is located at the southwestern end of the Isla Verde Passage, about 130 kilometers (81 miles) south of Manila.

Puerto Galera is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. This coastal town is well known among tourists for its numerous pocket beaches and many snorkeling and diving spots. Among the famous beaches in Puerto Galera are Sabang Beach and White Beach, which have an active nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants. Both beaches also have an array of first-class and economy-class accommodations.

Puerto Galera is only three and a half hours away from Manila.

Tourism

This coastal town is well known among tourists for its numerous pocket beaches and many snorkeling and Scuba diving spots. The area was designated a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973 and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia. The marine environment has benefited in recent years from the influx of tourist dollars. This has seen a huge reduction in the number of fishermen in the area, as they gain higher revenue from tourists.

Puerto Galera is a listed by the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World, and is the only bay in the Philippines to be listed there.

Among the famous beaches in Puerto Galera are Sabang Beach and White Beach, which have an active nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants. Both beaches also have an array of first-class and economy-class accommodations.

Sabang beach is the main destination for foreign tourists, while White Beach remains popular with local travelers.Big La Laguna Beach and Small La Laguna Beach are considered part of Sabang with resorts lining the beaches. Big La Laguna Beach is popular for local swimmers and snorkelers. Since 2001 White beach has seen uncontrolled development. New restaurants and places to stay are rapidly encroaching on the beach itself and little remains of the once charming beach. Puerto Galera town is a pleasant but sleepy Philippine town with few attractions. It has a large central catholic church and a Pier area, with a selection of bistros and cafes.

Behind the beaches are the huge and generally unexplored mountain ranges of central Mindoro. A particular local attraction is the nine hole golf course perched on the hillside above White Beach which commands spectacular views over Puerto Galera's natural harbor and the Verde Island Passage. Mangyan tribes are scattered over the mountain sides - some of the more remote tribes have virtually no contact with the outside world. Of the eight tribes on Mindoro, the Iraya are the largest. They are based in the Puerto Galera area.

Puerto Galera is among the top diving destination in the Philippines. Excellent diving is found less than 5 minutes from Sabang Beach. The diving generally focuses around the areas either side of Escarceo Point, which is famous for its current rips. Strong currents are a feature of the diving in Puerto Galera and it is good advice to employ the services of an experienced local guide or dive centre. There are more than thirty dive sites all within a 5-10 minute banca ride from Sabang Beach. Marine life is highly diverse. 180+ species of nudibranchs are found in the area and many species of fish can be seen. A variety of wrecks have been sunk over the years in addition to the one wreck of an engine of a WWII Japanese patrol boat.

Puerto Galera is also one of the main technical diving destinations in Asia. Technical Diving International - [TDI] has many dive centers in the area, offering the full range of TDI courses from Basic nitrox to advanced trimix.

Barangays:

• Aninuan
• Balatero
• Dulangan
• Palangan
• Sabang
• San Antonio
• San Isidro
• Santo Niño
• Sinandigan
• Tabinay
• Villaflor
• Poblacion
• Baclayan

Environment

In the summer of 1998 there was some extensive coral bleaching around Medio Island and a large section of shallow reef ('Coral Gardens') was virtually destroyed. Recent evidence has shown it has almost recovered with a larger diversity of coral species, replacing the prolific table corals.

In 2006 two super-typhoons damaged the shallow areas around Escarceo Point. Many of the faster growing coral species were destroyed to a depth of 6m. This represented about 5% of the coral reef in the area. Since mid-2008 there are extensive signs of new coral recruitment. Acropora species (staghorn and table coral) are rapidly recolonating the area, with 10~20 cm growths. Within a few years most of the damaged coral will have been replaced.

During the period 2001~2005, large numbers of Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTs) migrated to Puerto Galera from adjacent areas. While most of the reef was unaffected, a few sites showed COTs density in the thousands/per hectare. A program run by the local dive shop association removed tens of thousands of COTs. Whether this had any real impact on the long term health of the coral reef remains to be seen. Control was made by injecting the COTs with a solution of swimming pool PH-control chemicals.

By 2008 the density of COTs had greatly reduced, down to a 'normal' range of 30 per hectare. This seems to have been a natural reduction, rather than due to any collection program.

A study by the University of the Philippines in the 1980s, found that the Batangas, Puerto Galera area has one of the highest diversity of marine species in the world. It forms the centre of the golden triangle - The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia - renowned for their coral and fish species.

Getting There

Puerto Galera is only three and a half hours away from Manila.

Instructions:

• Go to Gil Puyat, LRT Station. Light Railway Transit is such a popular mode of transportation, you can ask anybody how to get to LRT. Buy a ticket for Gil Puyat Station. Ticket costs Php 15.00.

• Just below the station is a bus terminal. Take a bus with Batangas Pier sign-board. Tell the conductor/driver to drop you off the pier. (2 Hour Trip)

• At the pier, look for a ticket booth. Buy tickets for the motor boat going to the beaches. The famous beaches in Puerto Galera are Sabang - the main destination for foreign tourists and White Beach - famous among the locals.

• At the booth, you will be informed of the boat's name you'll be in (sometimes a number) , the arrival time of your boat, and the date and time the boat will come and bring you back to Batangas Pier. You can also choose the schedule yourself.

• Wait in the sitting area as the names or number of the boat is being announced. Once the boat arrives, you will be assisted in getting on it. Expect a one and a half hour boat ride.

Things You'll Need:

• Money
• Sunblock
• Swimwear
• Camera

PUERTO GALERA HOTELS & RESORTS / PUERTO GALERA HOSTELS

Bolinao, Pangasinan

Treasure Of Bolinao

Patar Beach - Nearby Is The Cape Bolinao Light House

Bolinao Falls

Bolinao - Rock Formations

Bolinao is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 69,568 people in 12,182 households.

History

Folk etymology attributes the name "Bolinao" or this remote fishing enclave from the fish piece "monamon" but commonly called "Bolinao" by the Tagalogs, Bicolanos and the Visayans. A theory also points out that once upon a time "pamulinawen" trees grew luxuriantly along its shores, thus, the Ilocano migrants who crossed the Lingayen Gulf named it phonetically similar to the name of the tree. Nowadays, however, such tree does not exist anymore.

Legend also relates that during the first days of the Spanish era, a lovely lass nicknamed "Anao" lived at the present site of the town proper. She used to bathe leisurely for hours under the Boli-Bolinao tree where a chieftain's son who lived across the channel first saw her and then wooed. An early marriage ensued but with the condition, among others, that the seat of the chieftain's government be moved to the place where Anao lived. There they were to stay rulers, hence the name of Bolinao, Boli-Bolinao and Anao.

The town is famous for its two lighthouses:1) The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Barangay Patar is the tallest in the country second to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte. There is also the Port Bolinao Lighthouse in Guigui-wanen in Barangay Luciente I; both structures serve as crucial warning beacons to ships against storms and treacherous reefs.

The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse at Patar rises majestically 351 feet above sea level atop Punta Piedra Point, a towering hill of solid rock which is the sharp point of Cape Bolinao itself.

The lighthouse provides a panoramic view of a portion of the 1,269 hectare Cape Bolinao Dendro Thermal Ipil-Ipil Plantation
on a land area where archaeological excavations have revealed relics from the 14th to the 15th centuries.
Filipino, British and American engineers constructed the lighthouse in 1905.

According to the Bureau of Geodetic Surveys, the land elevation is 250 feet. Visibility is 20 miles at midsea towards the lighthouse in Poro Point. The winding stairway has 6 platforms with 20 steps or rungs for a total of 120 steps plus 14 more to the illumination room, or an over-all total of 134 steps.

Isla Silaki Sea Urchins

Sea urchins or “uni", (among the most expensive dishes in Japanese restaurants) are regularly harvested in Isla Silaki, Bolinao, Pangasinan. A sack costs only P 80 ($ 1 = P 40).

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse at Patar rises majestically 351 feet above sea level atop Punta Piedra Point, a towering hill of solid rock which is the sharp point of Cape Bolinao itself.It was built by the Americans in 1903 on a 351 feet (107 m) high promontory at the western part of Cape Bolinao, the lighthouse still sends signals to vessels passing by the area.
The lighthouse provides a panoramic view of a portion of the 1,269 hectare Cape Bolinao Dendro Thermal Ipil-Ipil Plantation on a land area where archaeological excavations have revealed relics from the 14th to the 15th centuries. Filipino, British and American engineers constructed the lighthouse in 1905.
According to the Bureau of Geodetic Surveys, the land elevation is 250 feet. Visibility is 20 miles at midsea towards the lighthouse in Poro Point. The winding stairway has 6 platforms with 20 steps or rungs for a total of 120 steps plus 14 more to the illumination room, or an over-all total of 134 steps.

Getting There

If you are traveling by bus, just go to a Victory or 5 Star bus terminal nearest you. You can call their office for the definite time of departure because there are limited time schedules of buses that goes straight to Bolinao. Still if you dont catch that, you could take the bus that goes to Alaminos ( leaves every hour) and from there get on another bus or jeep (sometimes there are also vans at Nepo Mart that travels to Bolinao). It takes 30-40 mins of travel time from Alaminos to Bolinao

Bolinao Hotels

Caramoan Island

Caramoan is a 2nd class municipality on the Caramoan Peninsula, in the province of Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 40,810 people.

History & Geography

The name Caramoan has been officially adapted since 192.619, the year it was founded by a Spanish missionary friar, Francisco de la Cruz Y Oropesa. Fr. Oropesa penetrated the thick virgin forest of the Caramoan Peninsula and founded a small settlement in a place called Baluarte. This settlement was subsequently turned over to the administration of the Holy Bishopric in 1696.

The small town of Caramoan is located at the tip of Caramoan Peninsula, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the North and East and Lagonoy Gulf on the South.

Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, it was determined that the place was once called Guta de Leche, which was given by Dutch traders who operated a gold mine in Lahuy Island and who frequented the area to trade with the natives. The name was perhaps derived from the milkdrop stalagmites found among the rocks of Guta Port. Upon the arrival of the Spaniards, the place came to be called "Carahan" for the sea turtle, which was at that time to be found in great number along the shores of the Peninsula.

Caramoan is one of the thirty-five municipalities of the Province of Camarines Sur and is situated at the heart of the Caramoan Peninsula at the southernmost tip of Luzon. It occupies the lower eastern portion of the Province of Camarines Sur. It is bounded on the north by the town of Garchitorena and the Pacific Ocean; on the northeast by the island province of Catanduanes; on the south by Lagonoy Gulf; on the east by the Maqueda Channel and on the west by the municipality of Presentacion.

The municipality is situated between east longitude 1 and 13o46" north latitude. It covers approximately 27,741 square kilometers with approximately 71 kilometers of irregular coastline surrounded by the vast ocean, bay, seas and swamps. It is approximately 501 kilometers away from Metro Manila; 95 kilometers from the municipality of Pili, where the seat of the provincial government and the Pili Domestic Airport are located; and 110 kilometers away from Naga City, the heart of Bicol.

Tourism

The Caramoan Peninsula has gained tourism popularity in recent years. After the place has been featured in the news and local television programs, local and foreign travelers started to explore the beaches of the peninsula. Caramoan is one of the National Parks of the Philippines.

Popular tourist destinations are the Caramoan National Park, the Centro, and Gota Beach, and popular activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling and spelunking.

Survivor Favorite

Caramoan has been a favorite site for international franchises of Survivor. The place has hosted the Serbian version in two consecutive years. It has also hosted the Israel version of Survivor for three consecutive seasons. Bulgarian Survivor also filmed their fourth season there in 2009.
The 8th season of Koh-Lanta (French edition of Survivor), was also shot entirely in Caramoan. TV director Corinne Vaillant, stated that "the powdery sand, the coconuts on Gota beach and the neighboring islets are a 'dream' for the French people. We chose Caramoan because it’s really wild. It’s necessary that contestants don’t see anything other than nature for them to believe that they’re really lost in the wilds.”

ACTIVITIES

CAMPING

ROCK CLIMBING

KAYAKING

ISLAND HOPPING

TREKKING

KITE BOARDING

MOUNTAIN BIKING

SPELUNKING

SNORKELING

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Caramoan can also be reached via the southern Luzon expressway to CBD(Central Business District) in Naga City . There are also direct flights from Manila to Pili Airport, the Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific fly regularly from the Manila domestic airports to Pili airport. The best, easiest and most comfortable way to reach the Gota Village Resort is to let the office in CWC or Camsur Tourism Office organize the transport transfers.

Fast Craft Schedule CamSur Daily Express (M/V LRAY)
	Schedule	Travel Time
Departs	10:00 am	1 hour	Nato Port, Sagnay Camarines Sur
Arrive	11:00 am		Guijalo Port, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Depart	01:30 pm	1 hour	Nato Port, Sagnay Camarines Sur
Arrive	02:30 pm		Guijalo Port, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Fare: php350			One way only
Fare: php700			Round Trip

*subject to change without prior notice.

By Boat: (Outrigger Pumpboat)		Travel Time	Fare
From Sabang Port	Regular boat trip with 1 hour and 45 minutes boat rides daily from 7am to 12nn and vice versa	2 hours	Php120
From Guijalo Port	1st Trip: 7am Last Trip 11ams	2 hours	Php120
	Jeepney (Rental) one way	30 mins	Php1,000
	Tricycle	35 mins	Php 600

Boat Rental @ Gota Village Resort

Pumpboat:	Basic Rental		Ratio/Per Person	Seating Capacity
	Duration	Price
A:(Big)	Half-day (5 hours) 1-day (8 hours)	Php1,500 Php 1,700	PhP300 adult - child half PhP150 adult - child half 1:10	15 persons
B: (Small)	Half-day (5 hours) 1-day (8 hours)	Php 1,200 Php 1,200	PhP300adult - child half PhP150adult - child half 1:4	8 persons
Succeeding Hour (Addition Fuel)	Half Day	P500
Pickup Service (gota) Round trip transfers

Other Travel Info (how to get to there):

By Land (BUS)		Travel Time	Fare
From CWC	CWC shuttle (transpo rates for land transfer by car, van or coaster are available upon request).
	Bus (Naga-Sabang)		Php80

By Land(JEEPNEY)		Travel Time	Fare
	Philcab (Van)@ CBD Look for Naga-Nato Port, Sagnay route or Sabang Port, San Jose	1 hour	Php65
From Naga	Jeepney (Naga-Sabang)	1 hour	Php65

Other Facilities/services

Active Beach

Restaurant and Bar

View Deck

Television

Parking Area

Restroom

Uniformed Security

Other Services	Rental Price
Gota SHUTTLE (Pickup Service)	Caramoan town - Php 300 Guijalo Port - Php 500	ONE WAY ONLY!
Snorkel Set	Half day - Php 150 Succeeding Hour - Php 150
Kasko (limited Only to Gota Area) tradional small bangka	2 hours - Php 200 Succeeding Hour - Php 150
Helmet w/ headlamp	4 hours - Php 150
Rock climbing Equipment	2 hours

Entrance Fee:
Php 150 – Resident of Caramoan
Php 300 – Resident Outside Caramoan

Book Naga Hotel

Catanduanes Island

Catanduanes island is located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf.

Composed of 11 municipalities, namely: Virac, San Andres, Caramoran, Pandan, Bato, Gigmoto, Baras, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Viga, and San Miguel. There are 315 barangays all over the province and one Congressional district. It is indeed Bicol’s best-kept secret.

It is the first land group of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones, thus, the Catanduanes Island has been termed, “The Land of the Howling Winds.” The perfect time to visit Catanduanes is from the months of March to August when the weather turns dry. It is coolest and rainiest from October to the early part of January, hottest from March to May.

Catanduanes, which they also call, “An Eco-Adventure Paradise,” is for those who like nature at its best. The whole strip of this pearly island of the Pacific is almost untouched, unblemished, and unexplored. It has a long string of palm-fringed beaches and deep blue waters against a backdrop of luxuriant grassy mountains, and a totally laid-back rural charm and crowned with jewel-like island. It offers a totally laid-back rural attraction, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed. The local folks have always chosen a relaxed rural village life. They seem to be disinterested in rush development or any hurriedly rush into the modern world. As a result, the tourism industry is still in its early stages.

But if you are interested in outdoor quest, an easy lifestyle among warm and friendly people and a general escape from the hysterical rate of urban life, Catanduanes is the ideal hideaway. It is a place where you could go back to simplicity and party in the absence of man-made anxieties and self-made entrapments; a total escape, they say.

Major industries in Catanduanes Island include abaca and lasa that flourished in the whole province. Native products made of abaca fiber like bags, lamps, utility boxes, handmade paper, among others, beautify the local souvenir shops and serve as local “pasalubong” and souvenirs. Lately, the original abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” created and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its position in the local and international fashion industry. This native fabric has shown its usefulness in the globally attractive designs and creations of the people in Catanduanes.

In terms of the language or dialect, Bicol is the native tongue but with various tones and distinctions, especially when one goes up to the northern towns like Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban. English and Tagalog are commonly spoken and understood.

You will be dazzled by the provinces' rugged and various landscapes, undiscovered caves, tamed white sand beaches and colorful marine life. You will never really expect such a wonderful gift of nature exists in this part of the country. Come, experience and enjoy the richness and wonders of nature in Catanduanes Island, Philippines.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CATANDUANES ISLAND

Weather can be very bad in Catanduanes because it is the the first land group of the Philippine archipelago to "kiss" the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones! For this reason, the Catanduanes Island has been termed, “The Land of the Howling Winds.”The best time to visit Catanduanes is from the months of March to August - dry. Coolest and most rain from October to the early part of January, hottest from March to May. 

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Travel time from Manila to Catanduanes is one hour and 15 minutes with domestic route and Asian Spirit has direct flights daily. The airport at the capital, Virac., is very small but also very efficient. You may see some Westerners with surfing boards during the nice months.

BY LAND:

Take the bus in Cubao or Pasay, Metro Manila terminals and jump off at Tabaco Port. Philtranco Bus covers the 580 kms from Manila to Tabaco Port. TAWTRASCO offers its roll-on-roll-off service to its couch passengers in the ferry (Bus station is in front of Ali Mall, Cubao).
Bus ride from Manila is a long 12 hour ride - airconditioned.

Once in Tabaco Point you have three ferries to choose from to get yourself to Catanduanes.
Ride either MV Eugenia, Star Ferry, or MV Regina Shipping Lines. The ferries are small and some people are scared of them, but we braved it and I did not feel seasick at all and the weather was good. Travel time is 3 to 3 ½ hours for MV Eugenia or Star Ferry, which dock straight at Virac Seaport.

MV Regina takes only 2 ½ hours to reach San Andres Seaport on Catanduanes from Tobacco Port and just get to the capital town of Virac via passenger jeepneys or tricycles for rent.

Dakak Park & Beach Resort

The famous Dakak Beach is most known for its strikingly shaped bay and powdery white sand, and as adiving Mecca in Mindanao. Perfect blue waters, tremendous dive sites with great quantity of coral reefs, and a wonderful sunset scope characterize this tropical Eden. Dakak Park and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, and a 750-meter private white-sand beach.

Nestled on the tip of Northern Zamboanga, Dakak faces the Sulu Sea in the west and is surrounded by mountains on its east side. Conveniently encircled by large island, Dakak tactfully avoids the typhoon belt, making it the ideal all-season destination.

Zamboanga del Norte today is equally famous for Dakak Beach, the province's leading natural attraction. The very popular Dakak Beach is most known for its beautifully shaped cove and powdery white sand, and as a diving mecca in Mindanao. Perfect blue waters, tremendous dive sites with an wealth of coral reefs, and a splendid sunset horizon distinguish this tropical Eden. Dakak Park and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, and a 750-meter private white-sand beach

In Dipolog which is about 2 hours by air from Manila, you will enjoy the beauty of Dakak where you can discover coral reefs while you scuba dive in astonishing clear waters. It also boasts of fine white sand and surrounded by glamorous flowers and coconut palms.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Diving sites
Dakak

Diving in Dakak is best in the months of March until September.
Dakak dive sites in the beach resort provide a variety of environment from gradual slopes to coral thickets, vertical walls and caves. Marine life is assorted. Some spots are thick with soft coral growth and huge basket sponges, others with schools of jacks, surgeons, and small reef inhabitant.

Liuay Rock

A low dive, sloping bottom, and a good selection of invertebrates, especially soft corals. Unusual nudibranchs and several species of starfish. Good for novices for general poking around. Ideal for check-out dives.


The Caves

Striking walls drop to an average of 60 degrees where there is a sandy bottom and a series of caves occupied by sweepers, soldier fish, puffer fish, and sea plumes. Some nice bushes of black coral are seen here. Night diving is impressive with Spanish dancers, sleeping fish and a wide diversity of nocturnal crustaceans.

Mushrom Wall

At only 10 ft, the shallow roof area turns to a nice wall with fan corals, encrusting sponges, crevices, small ledges and dramatic undercuts, bottoming out at 60 feet. Huge scraps of hard corals (Stag horn, lettuce leaf) with thousands of reef fish separate Mushroom Wall from "The Caves" on its end and to Snapper Ridge to the West.

The Gardens

A sequence of coral gardens, small walls, sandy area with coral heads and slopes with soft corals. Plenty of anthias, hawk fish, and invertebrates. Good for snorkeling and for trainee or beginner in diving.

Cesar's Reef

Tiny reef area with bounded coral covers. Rich with large fish such as napoleon wrasses (Chiefly tropical marine fishes with fleshy lips and powerful teeth; usually brightly colored), tuna and parrot fish. View schools of surgeon fish, barracuda (Any voracious marine fish of the genus Sphyraena having an elongated cylindrical body and large mouth with projecting lower jaw and long strong teeth), snappers, and blue-spotted sting rays. For experienced divers only.

The Wreck

 Seven year old sunken passenger liner with bottom depth of 180 feet, and 130 feet at its highest point. Big schools of fish from deck such as black and white snappers, red snapper, jacks, and groupers. Great visibility. For adventurous, experienced divers.

Octopus Wall

Small wall with pretty growth, octopuses, scorpion fish, sponges, tubastrea, continuous into a slope to the north with some strange crinoids covered formations provide a very scenic view of rudderfish, groupers, etc.

Buchok's Reef

A series of large coral mounds with nice selection of marine life: giant reef rays, small white tip sharks, unicorn surgeons, snappers and sweetlips. For experienced divers only.

Challenger Reef

The reef area is almost half the size of Aligua, its top is about 125 feet deep, with soft coral growth. The northern part of the island has short walls and a long narrow opening and a few juvenile fish.

Romy's Reef

Plenty of coral mounds, with enormous basket sponges, a fine and nice selection of reef fish and invertebrates. Sightings have been reported of blue spotted rays and a few turtles. Some coral damage and unfruitful areas though; eastern area though has massive coral thickets and extends through to Escuelahan.

Eskuelahan

Named for the numerous schools of fish (snappers, jacks, >rainbow runners, surgeons, etc) and occasional tuna found in the area. It is a center of activity with fish of all sizes feeding. Giant frog fish have been also sighted. Currents may be a problem for novice divers.

GETTING THERE

• Philippine Airlines flies four times a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday) to Dipolog City from Manila.

• From Cebu, you may take the fast ferry to Dapitan City.

• The flight from Manila is 70 minutes while the fast ferry from Cebu takes 4 hours.

• All visitors and guests are met by Dakak's A.N.G.E.L.S. at Dipolog Airport or Dapitan Landing stage and are escorted to the resort via private coach to Dapitan and from then on via private motor take-off, arriving at Dakak approximately 45 minutes later. Baggage is checked through to reception.


The newest attraction in Dapitan, Dakak, is fast becoming a popular dive spot. Dapitan, a city since 1963, is on the northwestern coast of Zamboanga del Norte in Mindanao. The city is known for the Rizal Shrine where the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal spent his last four years in exile.

BOOK DAKAK PARK BEACH HOTEL / BOOK NEARBY HOSTELS

Busuanga Island

Busuanga is the largest Island of the Calamian archipelago in the Northern part of Palawan province in the Philippines. Nice beaches, gentle landscape, good hiking and great diving make the island a good holiday destination. Wreck diving is the main attraction and many Japanese ships wait patiently for you under the sea. Nearby Coron Island has the beautiful Kayangan and Barracuda lakes the latter is known for its thermoclines and fabled gigantic barracudas.

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Francisco B. Reyes Airport(IATA: USU) serves the general area of Busuanga, fly into Busuanga from Manila via PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, SEAIR or Zest Air. The flight from Manila takes one hour.

BY SEA:

SuperFerry stops in Coron on its way to Puerto Princesa. Leaves Manila on Friday afternoon and arrives in Coron early Saturday morning. Heads back to Manila on Sunday night. Wait until a couple of days before it departs to get cheaper tickets. Don't wait too long, though.

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Coron Island

Coron Island is surrounded by Islands with large rock formations

Large granite rock formations make up most of the Islands around Coron

CORON ISLAND

Coron Island is the third largest island in the Calamian Group of Islands in northern Palawan in the Philippines. The island is part of the larger municipality of the same name. It is about 170 nautical miles (310 km) southwest of Manila, is known for several Japanese shipwrecks World War II vintage. The island is part of the ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanwa people.

The area around the wrecks have pleasant rock formations which provide for excellent snorkeling opportunities, with underwater visibility extending up to 80 feet (24 m). The water is usually calm, with almost no current. Coron is one of the most visited destinations for wreck diving in the Philippines. Wreck dive sites are found in a depth as shallow as 10-30 feet and as deep as 120-140 feet. Most are in the range of about 60-80 feet, perfect for sports divers.

Divesites around Coron include also many different reef divesites and the famous "Günter´s Cave". Also known as Cathedral Cave as, during the right time of the day, the sun throws a beam of light through a hole in the cave-ceiling, illuminating the inside. It is possible to surface in the cave, as the hole in the cave-ceiling allows fresh air to enter. The cave is named after Günther Bernert. He was part of the first dive-group exploring the cave after hearing from local fishermen about the existence of the cave.

Wreck Diving Sites in Coron Bay include the Irako Wreck, Okikawa Maru Wreck, Akitsushima Wreck, Kogyo Maru Wreck, Olympia Maru Wreck, Kyokuzan Maru Wreck, East Tangat Gunboat Wreck (real name of the ship, Teru-Kaze Maru, was recently discovered by a group of Dutch divers, who spent a couple of days digging into bottom sand around the stern), Nanshin Maru Wreck, Lusong Gunboat Wreck and Skeleton Wreck.

The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world.

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Airlines and Zestair have daily flights from Manila – Coron – Manila. These depart Manila and land at the Busuanga Airport, flights take approximately an hour. It is recommend to book at least 10 days before departure, as the planes have a limited seating capacity.

BY SEA:

WG&A Superferry sails from Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor (behind Manila Hotel) to Coron, Busuanga on Friday nights and returns on Monday mornings, the trip is approximately 12 hours each way.

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Samal Island

Samal Island

Beach Resort 
Samal

Paradise Like Resort 
Samal

The Island of Samal was created with the merger of the municipalities of Babak, Samal, and Kaputian by virtue of Republic Act. No. 8471 which was approved by former President Fidel V. Ramos on January 30, 1998 and later ratified by its residents on March 7 of the same year.

Politically , Island Garden City of Samal is a component City of Davao del Norte Province. As a result of the merger, the three municipalities involved in the creation ceased to exist, thus the newly created city acquired all the physical characteristics of the former municipalities which now become its three political districts. Babak as District l , Samal as District ll where the center of the city government is located , and Kaputian as District lll.

GETTING THERE

For International Visitors, you can fly direct to Davao City, Philippines via Cebu Pacific Airlines or SilkAir from Singapore. Or if you're entering the Philippines via the capital city of Manila, take a domestic flight to Davao City. The domestic flight to Davao City from Manila is serviced by four(4) major airlines with a combined frequency of fourteen(14) flights daily. More flights are expected as another airline is slated to open its domestic route in Davao City.

Upon arrival in Davao City, choose your preferred route in going to Samal Island from the available choices as that of a Local Visitor.

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Camiguin Island

Guinsiliban Beach Sunrise

Mt. Hibok Hibok

The Island

The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.

Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao, with its land area pegged at 29,187 hectares. It is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao – the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok. According to the National Statistics Office, Camiguin has a total population of 74,232 persons, making the province the second smallest in the Philippines in terms of population.

Among the Province's major products are coconut, cassava, banana, camote, palay, corn, fruits, coffee and vegetables. Camiguin's volcanic soil has proved to be a fertile ground for planting various crops. At present, the Provincial government is looking into an agricultural program that would increase the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables in Camiguin. The Province is also among the best abaca fiber producers in the country. Camiguin is proud of its natural resources, which include sulfur deposits, geothermal energy, agricultural lands and fishing grounds.

The Camiguin culture is a mixture of both Boholano and Cebuano culture. It is very colorful and creative. The people are deeply religious, hospitable and friendly. Cebuano is the major dialect in the Province. However, in the towns of Sagay and Guinsiliban, where most of the indigenous tribes reside, the Kinamiguin dialect is still spoken. Kinamiguin is derived from the Manobo dialect with some mixture of Boholano.

Camiguin is in the Southern part of the Philippines,
North of Cagayan de Oro City.

GETTING THERE:

From Manila, you can take direct flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or Air Philippines to Cagayan de Oro City. Flying time approximately takes one hour and 20 minutes. From Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City is even nearer -- a mere 30 minutes away. One can also take the longer but infinitely more exciting ferry trips from the North Harbor aboard the ships of WG&A, Negros Navigation, and Sulpicio Lines. Depending on the routes (sometimes they stop over at certain ports such as that of Cebu City, Iloilo City or Bacolod City), a ferry trip to Cagayan de Oro City usually takes 28 to 36 hours.

From Cagayan de Oro City airport, you can take a cab to the bus terminal located at the Agora Market and get on a bus for Balingoan, a town 88 kilometers outside the city. At Balingoan, take a ferry bound for Camiguin Island approaching Camiguin by sea. The trip usually takes an hour before you reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, which is 17 kilometers from the capital town of Mambajao.

You can also take a three-hour ferry ride from the Cagayan de Oro Ferry Terminal to Guinsiliban, also in Camiguin on board M/V Yuhum.

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Boracay Island

Boracay is the ideal island destination for a family vacation, honeymoon, romantic getaway or even an action-packed holiday.

The world-famous island of Boracay is located in Aklan province 345 kms. South of Manila. The island is accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through two principal gateways: Caticlan airport or Kalibo airport.

Boracay with its famous for its White Beach - so called because of its truly white beach as you can see - White Beach certainly is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - may be second to the most beautiful beach i ever saw and experienced myself - a hidden beach white, wide and long - approximately 9 km long beach just next to real wild jungle ... in Cambodia.

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GETTING THERE:

From Manila, the Manila Domestic Airport has flights to Boracay either via Kalibo (45 minutes) or via Caticlan (30 minutes). From the Kalibo Airport, air-conditioned vans and buses for hire are available to take you to the Caticlan Jetty, where boats are stationed to take you to the island. The bus trip takes around 90 minutes, and the boat ride, 20 minutes.

From Iloilo, there are air-conditioned vans and buses going to Kalibo or directly to Caticlan, where boats going to Boracay are stationed.

From Cebu, Asian Spirit and Sea Air fly to Kalibo two times weekly.

Boracay Trip Guide
GETTING THERE

Take a flight to Manila. You may have to spend a night in Manila on your outward journey because onward flights to Boracay are limited.

Fly Philippine Airlines from Manila (Domestic Airport) to Kalibo Airport. (The flight takes 30 minutes and costs about 3,000 Philippine peso return).

From Kalibo Airport takes the air-conditioned bus to Caticlan and the boat from Caticlan harbor to Boracay (the bus trip takes 90 minutes and the boat 30 minutes; combined ticket Pp140).

Various charter companies fly direct from Manila to Caticlan Airport (Pp4, 000 return; 60-90 minutes).

As there is no jetty on Boracay, you have to wade ashore from the boat, so wear something suitable!

 ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Natural Beaches / White Beaches

Boracay boasts of a sugary white sand beachand azure blue waters. The best part of the island is the four-kilometer White Beach known to be the "finest Beach in the world." The surrounding water is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago. White Beach is so, soooo fine, it feels like treading on miles of baby powder!

Aquasports

The island paradise of Boracay is a perfect place for watersports. Here, you can partake in a smorgasbord of exhilirating aqua action - from swimming and snorkeling to scuba diving, windsurfing, sailboating, kayaking, boardsailing, and boating.

Boardsailing

On the eastern side of Boracay Island is Bulabog Beach. It is a boardsailor's mecca that draws enthusiasts from all over the world, especially during the peak season from November to March. In January, it is the site of an International Funboard Cup.

Diving

Dive sites surround the island and are learning venues to both novice and professional divers, guided by competent instructors of the many dive shops that operate in the area. For trueblue scuba diving enthusiasts, Yapak in Boracay is a great deep dive.

Paraw Regatta

Sailboating and kayaking are popular sporting activities, with Boracay playing host to the annual Paraw Regatta, an international sailboat race that makes use of the native outrigger.

Mambo Number 5

For the adventure-driven, "Mambo Number 5" is a little bit of boating and wind surfing, a little bit of scuba diving, a little bit of trekking, a little bit of mountain biking, and a little bit of golf.

Nature Tripping / Eco-Adventure

World-renowned Boracay is an adventure island ideal for island hopping, hiking, trekking, caving, mountain climbing, biking, and horseback riding. Trekking and mountain biking can bring even the intrepid to the island's quaint interior villages and to the edges' scenic rocky cliffs, discovering along the way many hidden coves with isolated beaches far from the tourist crowd.

Festivals Ati-Atihan

(second weekend of January). January is the time to hang loose in Kalibo, the "Land of the Atis" and the gateway to Boracay. For all of three days, it celebrates the Ati-Atihan Festival - where frenzied streetdancing is performed by costumed and black-sooted "tribes" as they wend through the main streets from dawn until the witching hours. Ati-Atihan commemorates the 13th-century land deal between ten migrating Bornean chieftains and the aboriginal Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Santo Niño. To the accompaniment of hundreds of lyres and drums, merrymakers throw all inhibitions to the wind as they join the tribes in a mad jig punctuated by rhythmic shouts of: "Hala bira! Puera pasma! Hala bira! Viva Santo Niño!" (Loosely translated: "Let go! Don't get sick! Let go! Hail the Holy Child!")

Paraw Regatta

Yearly, Boracay Island plays host to the Paraw Regatta, an international sailboat race that makes use of the native outrigger.

International Funboard Cup

Bulabog Beach, situated on the eastern side of Boracay Island, is a boardsailor's mecca that draws enthusiasts from all over the world. Every January, it is the site of an International Funboard Cup.


Special Interests:

Recreational Sports

Laid-back Boracay is the perfect venue for golf, tennis, bowling, even beach volleyball. Top-of-class amenities for these activities are available in the island. For golf bugs, Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Countryclub has an 18-hole championship course.

Party Hopping

The code in Boracay is strictly informal. Walking barefoot than shod is the rule rather than the exception. Swinging discos have the beach for a floor, giving dance a new twist. From dusk to dawn, the island turns into one big party place where everyone is welcome to join in.

Shopping

Bargain shopping is a joy of a diversion while in Boracay. Souvenir pieces provide endless possibilities, from trinkets and native accessories made of shells and semi-precious stones to exotic or contemporary beach wear and fashion artworks.

Dining

The taste of the 6th Region, to which Boracay belongs, is quite simple. Charbroiled chicken is common fare. Another favorite dish is raw fish marinated in spicy vinegar. Dining is no problem in Boracay, with most resorts having their own restaurants that serve both Filipino and international cuisines. Small snack bars line the island.

Relaxation

Diversions are not a problem in Boracay, with leisure activities calendared throughout the year and amenities offered by some 350 tourist establishments. The island is ideal for beachbumming, relaxing, and simply lazing around. At the end of the day, unwind with a relaxing massage. The island never runs out skilled masseurs offering massage services by the beach. For a more luxurious treat, visit the new Mandala Spa.

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