Philippines January 30th – February 6th & February 6th -13th, 2016
Magic Oceans Scuba Diver’s Macro Mecca Only $1749
Package Includes
Unlimited Diving Package
Nitrox Package (unlimited)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
One Hour Massage
The Philippines is part of the “Coral Triangle” area with more species of fish and corals than any other marine environment on earth. Some call the PI reef “The Amazon of the Sea”.
With more than 7100 islands, the Philippines tropical climate, warm water, vast coral reefs and mind blowing beautiful flora and fauna make this country a true SCUBA diver’s paradise.With more than 1200 marine life species, and more likely waiting to be discovered, the underwater ecosystem is the epicenter of marine biodiversity.
The Philippines is a great place to see clown fish, scorpionfish, emperor, barracuda, parrotfish, moorish idol, flute
mouth, tuna, batfish and trevally. Some of the more unusual creatures spotted include pygmy seahorses, lionfish, Triton triggerfish, unicorn fish, trumpet fish, assorted wrasse, mantis shrimp, blue ribbon eels, cuttlefish, and octopus. Bigger animals include eagle rays, devil rays, manta rays, sharks (including threshers, hammerheads and whale sharks!).
If you like nudibranch, this is the place. Matt and I agree, in our four times to the PI, we have seen more variety and number of nudis than anywhere else we have been.
The Philippine archipelago is one of the most important global centers of biological diversity. many of it’s species can only be found there, such as the tube nosed fruit bat and the Visayan warty pig. More common mammals include the wild hog, deer, wild carabao (water buffalo), monkey, tarsier and civet cat. There are around 196 species of birds like the megapodes (turkey like wildfowl), button quail, jungle fowl, peacock, dove, parrot and hornbill. Reptiles like crocodiles, cobras and pythons and the other 190 reptile species call Philippine rain forests home.
The Filipino people will warmly embrace visitors and are generally very friendly and relaxed. Americans are well received. They will want to talk to you and get to know you, practicing using their English skills. While walking down the street, you will be met with a lot of smiles and waves. Many times we have been called out to with things like “Hello, ma’am-sir!” or “Hi Joe!”. (The whole Joe thing comes about from GI Joe and the WWII history there.)
The PI and it’s people are considered “The Melting Pot of Asia” in part because it’s been a trade stopping point since people started wandering the open seas by boat. Foreigners ended up staying, intermarrying and living among the islanders.
This country has been of major interest to different Spanish conquistadors, pirates and sea marauders not to mention the Japanese and American influence left by WWII.
The Philippines are teeming with restaurants and food vendors. Most residents eat five or six meals per day! Breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner and finally bedtime snack.
Meals are generally eaten communally. Rice is a staple, flavorful sauces are abundant. Soups and stews, pork and chicken, eggs, eggplant, tamarind, (the best) mangoes, calamansi lime, seafood and banana ketchup are just a few of the yummy flavors you may come across. Think twice about accepting a balut though. (duck embryo)
Regardless of socioeconomic status, to Filipino families meals are an important time to socialize with friends and family and a great way to welcome guests.
Traveling to PI:
American passport holders can get a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after return date.
There is a tax to be paid at the airport upon exit. Appx $35 USD in cash.
You may bring up to two liters of spirits. (Hello Duty Free store!)
As of 11/01/2015 $1 USD = $46.85 Philippine Pesos.
Our resort will exchange USD to PI Peso at a rate of $1 USD to $45 PI Pesos.
It is best to use the peso, get small bills as it’s hard to get change for big bills.
General Info:
Power- you don’t need adapters but the power is 220 volt, not 110.
Bring bug spray.
Average water temp low 80’s.
Average air temp mid 80’s.
Average price for a local beer in Cebu is 55 pesos.
Jan 30-Feb7 2016
Magic Island Dive Resort
Basdiot, Moalboal
6032 Cebu Philippines
ph: + 63 32 358 5477
WIFI included in rooms and lounge.
Food is included, drinks and booze are not.
Credit cards can be used at the resort for a 5% fee. (Not including what your cc may charge for foreign transactions.)
One hour massage included, make your reservation ASAP upon arrival.
No TV in rooms, bring a book and/or games. (Matt and I are bringing Settlers of Catan.)
There are motorcycles for hire at the Magic Island resort. (The small beach town of Moalboal is about 15 minute drive away from the resort, trikes for hire are about $5 to Moalboal.)
Feb 6-Feb 13 2016
Magic Oceans Resort
6311 Anda, Bohol
ph: +63 928 399 1835
WIFI included in rooms and lounge.
Food is included, drinks and booze are not.
Credit cards can be used at the resort for a 5% fee. (Not including what your cc may charge for foreign transactions.)
One hour massage included, make your reservation ASAP upon arrival.
No TV in rooms, bring a book and/or games. (Matt and I are bringing Settlers of Catan.)
The beach town of Anda is a short ride away and we can hire a trike to take us there after our morning dives. Anda is known for it’s white sand beach.
There is an activities center we can inquire about at the resort for post am dives. (Zip lines, tours to the Chocolate HIlls, see Tarsiers -tiny big eyed monkeys- in a conservation area and more.)
Philippines Jan 30th- Feb 6th Flyer for you to share!
