Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 2/2016 | Page 18

4. Puerto Galera is brimming with tiny critters, like this juvenile filefish 5. Pack your macro lens for photo opportunities like this shrimp in a sponge coral PRACTICALITIES WHEN The best visibility is from October to May. The water temperature ranges from 20°C in December to 29°C during the summer months. 4 SATURDAY Enjoy three to five dives a day at world famous dive sites including: Hole in the Wall, Alma Jane Wreck, The Hill, Ernie’s Cave, and many more. End the day with dinner on the beachfront. î SUNDAY Take a day trip to Verde Island, where you can dive with big schools of jacks and banner fish, thousands of bass – and maybe catch sight of the ever-elusive turtles, dolphins and sea snakes. Enjoy a Chinese hot pot dinner on the beach, before a relaxing evening at the spa. î SDOP 16 MONDAY There are a range of activities you can choose from: Follow the path of the Tukuran River to the clear waters of Tukuran Falls, try go-kart racing, or test your luck at the City of Dreams casino. There’s plenty to keep you busy before you take the boat ride back to Batangas. î HOW The Philippine capital, Manila, is well connected to all the world’s major cities, and divers from nearby Asian countries can do Puerto Galera over a long weekend. STAY/DIVE • Atlantis www.atlantishotel.com/ puertogalera • Beach Life Dive www.facebook.com/ beachlifediveresort • Manarra Sea View Resort www.manarraresort.com TOPSIDE Enjoy an icy beer on a float bar or play snooker with the locals. Sabang and White Beach are filled with fantastic restaurants and lively bars and clubs where you can drink and dance the night away. Adrenaline junkies should head to the X-Treme Sports Adventure Park for some paintball in the jungle, and the unique Zombieland Crossbow and Airgun Range! ENTRY Most foreign nationals can enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for 30 days. Chinese Nationals, including citizens of Hong Kong and Taiwan require a special permit.