Discover Scuba, Discover Philippines
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Hello careless readers, how have your Easter Holidays been? It feels like forever since I wrote to you guys, and I must say, I needed a little break. Believe it or not, I ended up spending some time off my phone while on holidays (thanks to the very limited, to say non-existent, wifi service in Philippines) and had a great real life-time with my friends. It was THE BEST.
Some of you have been asking me to give a summary of my travel itinerary so that they can somehow duplicate it in the future if they ever go visiting, so I will try to do my best here :)
One of the first memorable experiences in Philippines and a place you really need to check out is Mindoro, and more precisely, Apo Reef. Only an hour flight from Manila, this low-key island is perfect for those wanting to fall off the tourist wagon and start their own adventure. The main city, San Jose, is very raw and rural, but it will provide you with everything you need. About 1h ride from there you’ll encounter Apo Reef Club, one of our first stops in Philippines, and probably one of the most memorable, too. This lil resort run by a German called Dirk is perfect for diver lovers. It was the first time I was going to dive and I was very, VERY scared. Little fact here: I am scared of the dark and I panicked in open water before, so this was indeed a big deal for me!
However, the crew at this place could not have been nicer, both in and out of the water. We lived on a boat for two days and had the best experience ever. Along the way we shared many stories with the crew and the divers and swam with turtles, sharks and barracudas, to name few. We also walked along what’s probably the most beautiful desert island I’ve ever seen and snorkeled in the bluest water I’ve ever been in. Being in the open sea at night and watching the stars was also pretty magic. Mesmerizing, really.
After our 2-day trip we went back to club and enjoy one more restful day by the pool, or by the beach, while playing videoke (their take on karaoke) with the other guests at nighttime. All in all, a thrilling yet peaceful start to our holidays.
TCB xx
