Itinerary: 2-3 weeks "Visayas Vistas"
Content:
Check out the main page on Cebu/ Malapascua/ Moalboal here!
Check out the main page on Dauin & Apo island here!
Check out the main page on Panglao & Anda here!
Check out the main page on Siquijor here!
Visayas Vistas quick summary:
- Cebu
0-1 day - Click here to book.
- Malapascua - Thresher Sharks
(2-3 nights) - Click here to book.
- Moalboal - Sardine Run
(2-3 nights) - Click here to book.
- Dauin/ Apo Island - Makro Heaven
(2-3 nights) - Click here to book.
- Siquijor - Reefs and Coral
(2-3 nights) - Click here to book.
- Panglao - Balicasag
(2-3 nights) - Click here to book.
- Anda - Makro/ Turtle heaven
(2-3 nights) - Click here to book.
Itinerary: 2-3 weeks "Central Visayas" Day-by-Day
Cebu.
Once arrived in Cebu City you have a few options for going about your travels. I personally stayed the night in Cebu City which has a nice atmosphere and plenty of places to stay, eat and enjoy yourself!
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If you're heading north to Malapascua Island, the best idea, in my opinion, is to arrange a taxi via grab. It's quite the trip, but this part of your ultimate diving trip is quite essential! You could also take public transport and either way you will be dropped off at the Maya-Malapascua Ferry.
On the pier, there is a small kiosk that will take you to Malapascua Island. The island is divided into a southern and northern part and the southern part is designed for tourism mostly.
When not diving, you can explore the northern part by walking and meet the real people living there, and perhaps even witness a festival or party while you're there among the locals!
Tip: If somehow you're stuck in Maya port, due to storms that can occur in September, don't panic. There is a small harbor just south of the port, where you will most likely find people who can transfer you. Due to Typhoons, sometimes ferries are canceled out of precaution, even when not seeming necessary. Be your own judge.
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Once in Malapascua
seek out the diving centers along the eastern coastline. They will organize the famous "Thresher shark" dives, very early in the morning! Usually leaving 5.30 AM, thresher sharks come up to the cleaning stations around sunrise. These dives are usually requiring Advanced dive certifications though, be mindful.
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Recommended days to stay: 2-4.
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When leaving Malapascua Island you can travel, again by transfer a taxi or bus to Moalboal as your next stop.
Tip: I found it quite easy to share a taxi with some tourists leaving the island. So I would recommend asking people on the boat back to the mainland if they want to share.
Moalboal
is famous for its "Sardine run". The dive centers are located all along the coastline and the Sardine run dive is a shore dive! Moalboal is more than just "Sardine run" though.
You can do amazing night diving, close to wrecks, and see some amazing reefs during the day. Well worth it! You can also do some waterfall climbing, hiking, and cycling.
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You can easily spend a week here and I highly suggest diving the "Sardine run" at least twice.
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Recommended days to stay: 2-4.
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Dauin & Apo Island.
From Moalboal it's quite easy to get to Liloan Port all the way in the southern part of Cebu Island. Transfer to Dumaguete from here (buy a ticket at the port, no need to make reservations) and get yourself a taxi to Dauin.
Dauin is a lovely, small town situated a short ride from Dumaguete in between the main road and the ocean.
I highly recommend booking Bongo Bongo Divers. This hostel/ hotel/ dive center is one of the best I've ever experienced!
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They organize probably the best muck diving in The Philippines, and also have their own boats to organize excursion trips to Apo Island.
This type of diving is different but very interesting as you'll mostly be searching for small, incredible creatures in all colors!
You could also choose to stay on Apo Island. The island is basic and tranquil and diving is absolutely amazing, in crystal clear water among pristine coral reefs.
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To travel directly to Apo Island, drive a bit further south from Dumaguete to the port of Malatapay and arrange a boat ride on one of the boats leaving multiple times a day. However, I would prefer to stay in Dauin.
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Recommended days to stay: 2-4.
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Siquijor island:
To travel to Siquijor island will be easy from Dumaguete. Boats leave multiple times per day (Exact schedule can be found on the main page), and will bring you to Siquijor island in 20 minutes.
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Once arriving on Siquijor island you can either arrange yourself a tricycle or rent a scooter for 350 pesos per day (don't pay more than 400 pesos!)
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I highly suggest heading to San Juan because most of the diving is done from here, and seek out Sea pearl divers, or Apo reef divers to book your diving for the next few days.
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Recommended days to stay: 2-4.
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Panglao - Bohol:
To get to Panglao - Bohol you can arrange a boat leaving daily at 8 AM and 6 PM to Tagbilaran Port. You can then find a trike to take you to Panglao (Alona or Tawala beach).
Panglao is famous for Balicasag Island, but don't forget about Pamilacan island and Doljo! (read the blog here). Diving here is a full day trip usually, so plan accordingly. 1 or 2 days of Balicasag and 1 day Pamilacan or Doljo should give you your fix.
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Recommended days to stay: 3-4.
Anda - Bohol:
Now this is your final stop in this itinerary, but a very nice one! Anda isn't as developed as many other places on this list, which is nice!
You can take a van from Dao Terminal in Tagbilaran which will take you to center Anda in about 2 - 2,5 hours. There are many resorts in this area and most are dedicated to diving, however you can also opt to stay in Anda, Poblacion and rent yourself a scooter to drive to Anda Scuba diving or Anda Divers nearby (10 minutes max).
When leaving Anda you can get a van at 7 AM from Anda Poblacion(village) or take a trike to the next big town (Guindolman) for 200 pesos.
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Recommended days to stay: 2-4.
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When wishing to return home, you can fly to Manila from Dumaguete, Tagbilaran or Cebu City.
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