Joepster Blog Goodness

Hello folks! Just came back from another great holiday and of course, would like to share it with you

Here are links to some photo sets that I have just uploaded on Flickr for your viewing pleasure as well as some tips if you plan to visit these destinations someday!

These were two day trips to kick off the holiday. Anilao dives were done in Mainit and Secret Bay.

Tips for Anilao:

1) There are lots of accomodations to choose from. Currently my preferred home base is Mayumi.

2) Public Transportation is rare to get to a dive resort. Try to arrange it with Manila dive buddies – makes it easier to get there and on the pocket too.

3) More divers – better! Boat rides are a little pricey – so get a group of 5-7 to make it super affordable.

4) There’s a dive site for all dive levels here! So take your pick and tell your dive guide what you prefer and they will take you there!

Mount Pinatubo was an experience and I enjoyed it despite the bumpy ride and trek (I am a Water baby, not a Trekky :-p)

Tips for Pinatubo:

1) Be ready to hike a little

2) Bring water/cap/sunblock.

3) Bring a change of clothes if you’re picky about getting down and dirty. This is dust country- expect to come out a shade grayer :-p

4) Bring a camera – the view is breathtaking – you can’t miss out on documenting this view!

This set shows the 5D/4N stay in Bicol. Glad to have seen the giants of Bicol: the Mantas, Whalesharks and the Mayon Volcano.

A trip to remember with all the first encounters and relaxing sunsets. For those wanting to travel here some tips:

1) Cash only – no ATM’s or credit cards in Donsol.

2) Food is a bit pricey ($6 at least for a dish) but beer price is reasonable.

3) Know your contacts and make sure things are arranged ahead – BUT the great thing is everyone is more than willing to help and set you up with something even at the last minute.

4) You are away from the city – do not expect wifi, do not expect fancy things, do expect local hospitality at its best!

5) If you get to Legazpi city and want a luxurious break – Venezia Hotel is a great relaxing stop overnight.

Also a first for me and I believe, a must for any diver to experience. Wreck diving is at it’s best here for the following reasons: better viz than any other wreck sites I have seen, very attainable depths (even on air, but of course better with Nitrox), Wreck penetrations vary in difficulty levels – from super easy for Wreck-virgins to adrenalin rush for Wreck-nuts, and the nudibranch/coral/fish life is ALIVE and kicking (with a possible whaleshark or two as we have been told by our DM Endoy.) The lakes were great to visit as well (despite that hike up– we were not warned!) and don’t go on a Sunday (locals and tourists galore make the area noisy and removes the serenity of the lakes. More photos to come for this set as I haven’t uploaded my 400D shots yet.

Tips for Coron:

1) Cash and Credit cards are the mode of payment – but CC’s have 10% interest – I suggest you go cash and spend that money for beer :-p

2) The lakes have entrance fees so bring your PH pesos. I spent roughly $7 for all 3 destinations

3) Bring mosquito repellant. Mangroves galore here, which means insects galore too! Watch out for ants too. The geckos can’t eat all of them in one go.

4) Discovery Divers is the best place to go to for your diving and accomodation needs (which vary from local rustic cottages to first class amenities!) oh and food is fantastic here! Compliments to the chef!

I had a truly wonderful time (as always) with Steve as we had a very well balanced mix of heart pounding (literally) adventure-filled days and steady-chillax afternoons and evenings over beer and iPhone games. Now it’s time to go back to work and replenish the funds for future adventures and awesome encounters!

Oh and standby for more videos on YouTube as well.

Cheers!

Edited with Photogene

Edited with Photogene

Sent through my iPhone

IMG_0041.mov (6330 KB)