Atmosphere Resort, Dumaguete, The Philippines June 30 - July 9 2020 group trip

We fly Philippines airlines (Melbourne – Manila) who upgraded their entire fleet as of June 2017 to include seating configurations similar to Singapore airlines standards (18 inch width; 32 inch pitch – 4 way headrest) wide armrests and 25 cm individual touch screens with full entertainment options and fully functional multi-media entertainment screens. We then change over to the domestic terminal for a Cebu Pacific flight Manila-Dumaguete (this means changing airlines but it saves us the overnight in Manila). Atmosphere staff will meet us at Dumaguete, and escort us for the 30 minute bus trip to our wonderful resort on the grey sand beach at Dauin.

We don’t need to do a stopover in Manila but, as always, Ian Lockwood of Allways can customise the flight schedule to suit your needs. If you wish to stay a night or two in Manila, then contact Ian. Further if you wish to depart from another airport, Ian can also arrange this for you.

SUPERB SNORKELLING AND DIVING IN THE LAP OF LUXURY AT ATMOSPHERE RESORT Highlights of the diving include – Apo Island Marine Reserve (blue water; coral reef slopes; currents; turtles; school of Bigeye trevally; thriving fish life); possibly Siquijor – blue water coral wall dives; Dauin – Dumaguete coastline (mixture of macro “muck” diving; lots of unusual critters interspersed with beautiful coral bommies); Oslob – where we will again snorkel with several huge harmless Whale Sharks – this is not to be missed! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hXZnI9dqgI – 60 minutes report on Oslob.

N.B. Atmosphere only allow snorkelling at Oslob in accordance with WWF guidelines.

Our first trip to Atmosphere Resort in The Philippines Islands in July 2011 was incredibly successful, so much so that we went back to back in 2012 for yet more Atmosphere! In 2015 we returned again but struck unusually poor weather with rain and freakish gusty winds that closed off Apo Island (which generally only happens a few times a year). We still managed some great diving though and the resort looked after us so well. There are some terrific dive sites in the area and Atmosphere Resort is certainly the best dive resort I have visited. N.B - Atmosphere is not situated on a gorgeous white sand beach – the beach is grey volcanic sand with some small pebbles - this is the very reason why there aren’t masses of 5 star resorts crowding the area. Offsetting this are two superb pool areas and a third larger pool will be open this October. Many of our group have been to Atmosphere for all three trips. This is how I saw Atmosphere Resort after our July 2015 trip – I posted this review on tripadvisor soon after my return.

Further research: www.tripadvisor.com

www.atmosphereresorts.com https://atmosphereresorts.com/virtualtour.html (great 360° panoramas) http://issuu.com/alanwiggs/docs/the_perfect_mix (my Sportdiving magazine article on Atmosphere Resort) https://photos.app.goo.gl/4ikBaskxu8rHYfWY6 - link to Google photo gallery from 2015 trip. https://issuu.com/alanwiggs/docs/a_sure_thing__002_ (Sportdiving article on the Whale Shark experience)

Photos from the 2011 trip by Alan Wiggs

ACCOMODATION OPTIONS are as follows – •

14 Suites (90 sqm) o Sleeps up to three o Set up as a double & one single or three singles o 6 Suites have with adjoining doors

8 Apartments (105sqm) o One bedroom with living/dining room and kitchen facilities o Set up as a double & one single or three singles Sleeps three – extra bed can be set up in the bedroom or in the living room.

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4 Penthouses (205sqm) o Two ensuite bedrooms, living / dining room and kitchen facilities. o Sleeps five – extra bed can be put in either of the bedrooms. o Ideal for a family, or two couples….or even four singles. (Queen size bed in one room but they can add in an extra bed if needed)

• 4 Family suites (90 sqm) The four Family Rooms are Atmosphere’s newest room type with enough space to house a family of four sharing the same room. A large luxurious room with plenty of space for two double beds or one double and one twin bed set-up, a seating area with comfortable lounging chairs and a 48 inch flat screen TV. The extensive semi-outdoor bathroom has double sinks, a rain shower and a large pocket garden. Wireless internet will keep guests connected and the terrace boasts a corner couch overlooking the lush green gardens.

Family suite >>

• 6 NEW PREMIUM SUITE ROOMS: (90 SQM) Furnished veranda, a very spacious room with a California King bed – alternatively twin beds. The room has a 48 inch flat screen TV, a comfortable lounging sofa and plenty of storage space. The luxurious outdoor bathroom has twin sinks, a rain shower, a private pocket garden and a comfortable chair making changing easy. OCCUPANCY: Up to 2 guests. Please note that this is a room type primarily intended for couples. A baby cot can be added and a small child can also share the parent’s double bed. The sofa can be converted into a bed for an extra fee of 1500 pesos per night. BEDDING: California King with Egyptian cotton linens. AMENITIES: Flat screen LCD Television, Wireless Internet, Minibar, Nespresso Machine, Handmade Eco-friendly Cosmetics, Semi-outdoor Rain shower, Energy reduction air-conditioner, Solar Water Heating, bathroom pocket garden.

The food is ‘to die for’! Ask anyone who’s been there. Even if you don’t dive, I guess you still eat…? A ‘foodies’ delight.

Visit : https://atmosphereresorts.com/dining

At Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in Dumaguete, we are proud that our name is fast becoming synonymous with a quality dining experience within South East Asia. From the exquisite fine dining dishes of our beachside restaurant, to the sumptuous cakes in our poolside bakery and the guilt-free organic options on our Healthy Living menu, our Atmosphere luxury menus and venues have something to please every palate.

Healthy Living is a cornerstone at Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in Dumaguete. Our Healthy Living menu launched this year, following the start of our yoga retreat programs and Atmosphere’s stronger focus on wellness. The menu takes a simple approach; clean healthy living. We chose to focus on the use of lean meats, healthy proteins, whole grains, good fats, fresh & locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs, low salt and limited sugar. You can expect to see raw foods, gluten free and vegan meals along with plenty of low fat and high protein options. All of it delicious – there is even a sweets section!

Atmosphere’s fine dining restaurant Blue is located by the beach front and overlooks the famous Apo and Siquijor islands. The emphasis in Blue is on a personal dining experience, from a sumptuous steak, a soft soufflé to dazzle your taste buds or the freshest of daily seafood delicacies; our Head Chef and his team will be delighted to tailor the menus to suit your specific preferences. Our chefs work with Filipino fishermen and farmers to source local ingredients for our exquisite dishes and in line with our eco policy, we ensure that nothing goes to waste.

The deal for 2020: FOR THE DIVERS: Diver deluxe suite twin share 10 dive (+ 1) package

$3963

Diver deluxe suite twin share 15 dive (+ 1) package

$4238

FOR THE NON DIVERS Non diver deluxe suite twin

$3870

OPTIONS: Upgrade to Premium suite twin share :

$125 per person

Optional Whale Shark snorkelling to Oslob

$130

Family suite quad share: saving of

$300 per person

Penthouse quad share : saving of

$250 per person

Optional 2nd dive day at Apo Island

$ 30 per person

(payable onsite)

Interested..?

Then fill in the booking form on the final pages and send it off to Ian Lockwood

The deposit situation is a little ‘tricky’ in that Philippine airlines require a $100 nonrefundable deposit at time of booking (ASAP). If you delay and deposit later, your airfare may be priced at a different price structure to that offered now, i.e. to secure airfares at the current advertised rate, deposit $100 now and you can pay the balance of deposit later.

Alternatively, kick in the full $750 deposit now if you wish!

Any questions – either contact Ian Lockwood at Allways (detail above) or email me on awiggs@pgs.vic.edu.au or call/text at 0466308409 or (03) 9787 1613.

Atmosphere Resort – for a family friendly holiday Atmosphere is a family friendly resort and welcomes both big and small. With two separate pool areas, of which one comprises of three shallower pools, and a Kids’ Club, we hope that families will feel right at home at Atmosphere Resorts & Spa. In addition to regular babysitting services for the children of Atmosphere guests, we have Kids’ Cove on Atmosphere’s premises with access to both educational materials and toys and an on weekends an outdoor playground. We also have arts and crafts activities and movies – see more at https://atmosphereresorts.com/weare-family . For the older kids we offer PADI Bubble Maker Dive Courses, the PADI Seal Team program as well as snorkeling programs. We also cater to families in the spa with Kid’s yoga and a Kid’s Spa Menu.

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ATMOSPHERE RESORT, THE PHILIPPINES, GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY:

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Atmosphere Resort, Oriental Negros, is an operation that gives something back to the community.

The resort sponsors a feeding program that provides 85 children with a cooked lunch 5 days a week. The children are from one of the most impoverished areas in Dumaguete, 30 minutes away from the resort. Their parents are part of a large community that has developed at the dump site and their income is gained through foraging through the city’s refuse in search of recyclables for conversion to cash. Rice Sacks and plastic bags are collected and washed; glass and cans are gathered as is anything of the slightest value. The average family income here is around $2 per day and families are accommodated in housing provided by Scandanavian mission organisations. The aim is direct and simple: One nutritional balanced meal per day to school children between the ages of 6-12. Too often, these children do not have access to one substantial meal a day, which makes it hard to pay attention in school or even go to school if they have to spend that time finding a means to get food. The soup Kitchen also provides toothbrushes to each child and dental hygiene is part of the process.

The success of the program is owed to the mothers of the children who volunteer and run the program, do the daily preparation, serving and clean-up. Atmosphere Staff visits the Soup Kitchen on a weekly basis to monitor weight and nutrition. A great contrast is evident between the squalor of the tip, and the brilliant smiles of the children, turned out neatly in immaculate school uniforms. It is possible for resort guests to volunteer as a helper or server. If you would like to make a donation, anything is welcome but children’s vitamins are most useful. Simple first aid items (bandaids; antiseptic creams) are also in short supply.

From www.atmosphereresorts.com Atmosphere Resorts brings you a unique experience within the Philippine archipelago. Sympathetically situated within an old five acre coconut plantation, eight spacious boutique style suites, four garden apartments and two penthouses nestle discreetly, enjoying the spectacular beach front location of the estate alongside the warm coastal waters of the Philippine Sea. Our welcoming staff, beach side infinity pool, state of the art dive centre, fine dining restaurant and tasteful, well equipped accommodation provides a melting pot of delightful experiences, making your stay with us unforgettable.

Indulge yourself and surrender to Atmosphere.

Best known for exceptional scuba diving and the friendliness of its people, the Philippine archipelago is comprised of 7,107 tropical islands situated in South East Asia between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. Although the country's terrain is an interesting mix of natural resources, it is the magnificent sanctuary beneath the sparkling waters that provide a plethora of wonders, earning a reputation as one of the world's best diving destinations. Coral fringed islands carry some of the world's most diverse eco systems, offering a truly memorable underwater experience to snorkelers and divers alike.

Atmosphere is located near the coastal town of Dauin, in the south east region of Negros Oriental, Philippines.

The neighbouring islands of Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor frame magnificent views of sunrise whilst Apo Island, one of the Philippines best scuba diving destinations, harbouring a national marine reserve, is just a short boat ride away. The uneven silhouette of the Twin Horn Mountains on Negros provides a stunning vista whilst the endless stretch of silver sand alongside the inviting blue sea is an ideal place to relax and enjoy your luxury resort holiday.

Upon landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila, we then transfer (5 minute walk) to the domestic terminal for our departure to Dumaguete.

On landing at the Dumaguete City Airport, Atmosphere Resort personnel will be standing by to transport us to Atmosphere Resort – a chance to enjoy the scenic views during the short 30 minute ride.

The accommodation is scattered through Atmosphere's lush tropical gardens and with choices ranging from suites, garden apartments or luxury penthouses, there will be something to meet your needs. All the accommodation has its own private garden/ outside space for your relaxation and all views are across the gardens with most through to the sea.

Crisp, white Egyptian cotton linens, soft white fluffy towels, branded cosmetics, flat screen televisions and mini bars are standard throughout, as well as your choice of king-size or twin beds. All rooms have wireless internet connection, light airy bathrooms and large external balconies.

The suites are our standard accommodation. All of 90 square meters, each room has an en-suite bathroom complete with a sunken tub, rain shower and solar water heating, set within an open air private garden. The front balcony with day bed and hammock, interior lounging area with day bed and changing studio are all part of the comfort you will find in an Atmosphere suite.

If living or holidaying in a secluded tropical garden that is a stone's throw away from the beach is your perfect slice of paradise, then Atmosphere has the ideal home for you. The beautiful single storey apartments allow for complete independence whilst at the same time offering security and all the benefits and facilities of the resort.

Each apartment has a total floor area of 105 square meters, encompassing a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom both overlooking a private tropical garden, an open plan fully fitted kitchen, dining and living areas which lead seamlessly onto a private veranda.

The penthouse is Atmosphere's flagship and most luxurious type of accommodation. The floor area of over 200 square metres gives a beautiful spacious arrangement comprising of the master bedroom and guest bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an open plan kitchen, living and dining area which leads onto a large external balcony.

Tastefully furnished and decorated, all apartments and penthouses provide a calm oasis for every traveller.

Soft, natural hues dominate the fully furnished interiors, while different exotic textures such as tropical hardwoods and the traditional Philippine abaca provide exciting contrasts to streamlined, minimalist style architecture.

Here at Atmosphere we place the utmost importance on the quality of our food and beverages and are proud that our name is fast becoming synonymous with excellent food and dining experiences.

A flexible approach to dining has been created to cater for the personal requirements of our guests and whether you wish for a romantic dinner on the beach, a chef to cook for you in your own apartment, eating at 'Blue', our signature fine dining restaurant or a light lunch round the pool, we will be happy to oblige.

At atmosphere we place a large emphasis on the quality of our wine selection and storage. Atmospheres climatically controlled wine cellar has over 500 hundred world class wines from France. All our wines are handpicked from boutique French estates by our Sommelier on a yearly basis to guarantee top quality throughout our diverse range.

Our concept is to give the guests a unique wine experience, one where you can try various grapes and bottles to find a wine that you enjoy. We have a wine for every taste and we will always recommend wines to match your mood or culinary choices.

We can hold wine tastings when our Sommelier will introduce different wine concepts and bottles from varying regions around France. Whether you are drinking our house wine or our finest Bordeux's we have a wine for you.

The Dive Sites of Dauin and Apo Island – There are about 13 dive sites along the coast of Dauin, 8 of which are marine sanctuaries, and another 12 sites at the nearby Apo Island (not to mention several more sites at Siquijor – which I’ll try to do in another post). There are several great walls, steep slopes, gradual slopes and huge coral gardens all teeming with life. A macro lover’s paradise, as most of the creatures here are on the small side, however there are plenty of turtles, and it’s been said an occasional manta sighting at Apo.

All the dive sites are easily accessible from which ever resort you choose to stay at, ranging from a shore entry in front of your resort, to a 5-10 min boat ride. The sites at Apo can be reached in about an hour and are generally done on a two dive trip. The water temperature is usually around 27°C and diving here can be done all year round.

Considered to be some of the best diving in the Philippines (with a few sites considered worldclass), you definitely wont get bored diving in Dauin.

Atlantis Rating: Depth: 5-20m Current: gentle to moderate Visibility: 5-15m Sea grass in the shallows with large areas of stag horn and other hard corals as you go deeper. There is also an artificial reef made up of old truck tires nicely covered with hard and soft corals. A popular site for night dives.

spanish dancer.

What to see here: Mandarin fish, lionfish, scorpionfish, many nudibranchs, schools of catfish, freckled porcupinefish, big schools of yellow tail snappers, blue spotted stingrays, moray eels, ringed pipefish, crocodile fish, juvenile batfish, devilfish, ghost pipefish, frogfish, ribbon eels, twin spotted goby, double spotted lionfish, comet fish, blue ringed octopus,

Masaplod Sanctuary (North) Rating: Depth: 5-25m Current: moderate to strong Visibility: 10-25m One of the oldest sanctuaries in the area, teeming with life. A slopping patchy reef that descends to about 25m, with large coral formations throughout.

What to see here: Seahorses, double ended pipefish, large mangrove snappers, big schools of yellowtail snappers, blue spotted stingrays, nudibranches, scorpion fish, sweetlips, porcupine fish, ringed pipefish, batfish, large schools of juvenile travellies, moray eels, turtles, ghost pipefish, sea snakes, mantis shrimps, big barracudas, stargazers, thorny cow fish.

Current: gentle to moderate Visibility: 5-20m

Masaplod South Rating: Depth: 5-26m

A similar site, just bit further south, with just as many fish. Soft coral fields with mixed coral blocks, slopping up towards a sandy bed of sea grass.

What to see here: Moray eels, turtles, ghost pipefish, anglerfish, nudibranches, sea snakes, scorpion fish, sweetlips, porcupine fish, ringed pipefish, batfish, large schools of juvenile travellies and sometimes a rare bluering octopus.

Bahura Rating: Depth: 5-22m Current: moderate to strong Visibility: 10-25m

A sloping reef of hard coral blocks that descends to a sandy bed of soft corals.

What to see here: Mantis shrimp, nudibranches, leaffish, scorpionfish, small lion fish, ghost pipefish, angler fish and lone baracudas.

Apo Island

Current: very strong Visibility: 15-35m

Coconut Point Rating: Depth: 5-35m

Nicknamed ‘The Washing Machine’, this site almost always has a strong current and can be very challenging due to both up and downward currents. A slopping reef that gives way to a rock wall. Halfway through the dive you will pass over a sandy channel that runs between two rock cliffs.

What to see here: Bump-head parrotfish, jacks and snappers, sweetlips, emperor fish, fusiliers, barracuda, tuna, rainbow runners, turtles, sea snakes, batfish, potato grouper, mapoleon wrasse.

Olo Rating: Depth: 15-30m Current: very strong Visibility: 10-35m Olo means “head” is Visayan, and this dive site lies and the head of Apo Island. Only for experienced divers as the current can be quite strong here where it splits to Coconut Point one way and Cogon the other.

Made up of two walls, with a sandy slope full of staghorn coral dividing them.

What to see here: Lots and lots of fish, Triggerfish, pufferfish, sweetlips, snappers, turtles, emperor fish, butterflyfish, and more.

Cogon Rating:

Depth: 15-35m Current: moderate to very strong Visibility: 10-35m Subject to strong currents, this dive is only for experienced divers. This drift dive starts on a slopping reef of mixed corals and sponges and finishes on a wall of soft corals.

What to see here: Big eye trevallies, banded seasnakes, turtles, snappers, boxfish, clown triggerfish, scribbled filefish, pyramid butterflyfish, longfinned bannerfish napoleon wrasse, cuttlefish, bumphead parrotfish, batfish, eagle ray, mantis shrimp, blue spotted stingray, flatworm, frogfish.

Mamsa Point Rating: Depth: 38m Current: moderate to very strong Visibility: 10-35m A slopping reef and a steep wall of soft and hard corals, subject to strong currents. Mamsa, meaning jackfish in Visayan (the local dialect), is home to big schools of jacks.

What to see here: Big schools of trevallies (Jacks), banded seasnakes, turtles, snappers, boxfish, clown triggerfish, scribbled filefish, pyramid butterflyfish, longfinned bannerfish napoleon wrasse, cuttlefish, bumphead parrotfish, batfish, eagle ray, mantis shrimp, blue spotted stingray, flatworm, frogfish.

Kan Ura Rating: Depth: 25m Current: moderate Visibility: 10-20m A steep slope with some beautiful soft and hard corals.

What to see here: Many nudibranches, razor fish, rubble pipe fish, moray eels, rigid shrimp, scorpionfish.

Marine Sanctuary (Clownfish City) Rating: Depth: 5-25m

Current: gentle Visibility: 10-25m A slopping reef of diverse hard and soft corals.

Some interesting overhangs and small caverns. At around 4-7m you’ll find “Clownfish City”. Huge anemone covered coral blocks that are home to many species of clownfish.

Diving here is limited to 15 people per day.

What to see here: Clownfish, moray eels, fusliers, butterflyfish, angelfish, nudibranchs, scorpionfish, giant trevally, snappers, sweetlips, different species of surgeonfish, fantastic hard and soft corals, sea moth, flounder, napoleon wrasse, bump head parrotfish, turtle, frogfish, ghost pipefish, long nose hawkfish.

Katipanan Rating: Depth: 5-20m Current: gentle to moderate Visibility: 10-20m A soft coral garden with lots of marine life. Perfect for beginners.

What to see here: Turtles, big cuttle fish, dart fish, harlequin sweetlips, trigger fish, butterfly fish, goat fish, angel fish, bat fish, surgeon fish, sea snakes, comet fish and loads of damsel fish.

Chapel Rating: Depth: 5-35m Current: gentle to moderate Visibility: 10-20m A gentle sandy slope that leads to a very steep slope, and then a wall with lots of small caves and overhangs. The flat reef on top of the wall is a prefect spot to explore during your safety stop.

What to see here: Lionfish, scorpionfish, blue fin trevally, nudibranches, surgeonfish, black and white snappers, fusiliers, golden sweepers, garden eels, moray eel, turtle, batfish, sea moth, comet fish, frogfish, napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, giant trevally.

From the

Atmosphere is ideally located to take full advantage of some of the world's best scuba diving. The world renowned Apo Island and myriad of dive sites along the Dauin coastline are regarded as some of the best in the world for macro photography and are often frequented by photographers in search of exquisitely rare shots.

Atmosphere's dive centre is at the heart of the resort and plans to become a 5 star instructor development centre in the near future. Offering a full range of PADI affiliated courses and specialty courses, the dive staff including Instructors and Dive Masters are trained and managed by Atmosphere's Dive Centre Manager and resident PADI Course Director.

Atmosphere's state of the art dive centre is designed by divers, for divers. We understand the need for space in our wet facilities but also the growing demand for technological requirements. With this in mind guests can enjoy private equipment storage spaces and wireless internet throughout the dive centre for their convenience.

The amenities of the dive centre include: multi-media suite for lectures, seminars, video/camera downloading and editing, retail area for sales of equipment and support gear, briefing and de-briefing area, lounging area for logging and pre/post dive socializing, diver toilets and showers, kit washing and personalised storage area, nitrox analyzing station, pump house/tank store.

On a daily basis the dive centre runs dives to all the Dauin Sanctuaries and also Apo Island via the dive boat Victoria.

Victoria is a beautiful 84 foot long, local banka-style boat that was designed and built specifically for Atmosphere's day trips and diving. Depending on demand, the dive centre also runs numerous day trips to dive sites further away, including:

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Sijiquor Island

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Balicasag

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Sumilon Island

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Liloan Point

There need never be a dull moment when you're with Atmosphere. We can book you on numerous local daytime tours or even take you to interesting night hotspots within the city come sundown. Treks to the hillside, a dip in the lake or a night of live music are just some of the experiences you can sample while on your luxury Atmosphere holiday.

SNORKELLING WITH THE WHALE SHARKS OF OSLOB – ONLY METRES FROM SHORE –

Waterfalls Casaroro is one of the most popular destinations in Negros Oriental. Your Atmosphere guide will take you by car to the start a short adventurous hike on a nature trail which takes you to the 70 metre high cascading waters that fall into a frothing basin. Here your atmosphere guide will prepare your buffet lunch whilst you swim in the refreshing pool surrounded by lush vegetation and steep rock formations returning to the resort around 4 hours later to enjoy a well earned drink at the bar.

Caving The Odloman Cave in Mabinay is the second longest cave in the Philippines, with a total depth of 8,870 meters. Spelunking here is considered challenging as the course includes many obstacles such as corridors and streams. The Cayaso Cave also in Mabunay boasts a subterranean river running beneath its main chamber and is one of the longest caves in the Philippines. Choose from beginner to advanced level caving and the skilled cave guides are ready to tak you on an exhilarating and unforgettable exploration!

Dolphin and Whale Watching In the azure waters between Bais Bay and the Tañon Strait, about 1 hour from Atmosphere) is a multitude of Spinner, Bottle Nose and Fraiser Dolphins. In addition, Pygmy Killer Whales, Pilot Whales and Pygmy Sperm Whales are regularly seen. Relax aboard a spacious catamaran while the engine throttles out into open sea between Cebu and Negros. The tour includes lunch on the boat and hopping to a nearby white-sand island for some serious sunbathing and swimming. Guests must book very early to guarantee a space.

Helicopter Tours Helicopter tours can be arranged which will take you around the neighbouring islands, along the coastline and up the mountain, descending into the twin lakes basin to bank hard and skim the water surface at speed. Guests are picked up directly from the Atmosphere estate and taken on the tour where the views are spectacular and exhilarating.

Island Tours One of our most popular tours is to the neighbouring island of Apo. Not only good for divers, non divers can also enjoy a trek up to the lighthouse on top of the island where views back to Negros can be seen. You can also wander through the village to the marine sanctuary where snorkelling is world class. Lunch is usually a fresh fish bar-b-que on the white sand beach before heading back across to Atmosphere for that well earned cocktail.

Market Tours Matapalay market is the largest open market in Negros Oriental and visitors are treated to a glimpse of the real Philippines. You can wander among the native water buffalo, cows, pigs and people and soak up the indigenous culture first hand. It is also an opportunity to sample some rare Philippine culinary delights such as the local lechon baboy (spit roast pig).

Lakes and Nature Parks The twin lakes are awe the inspiring prize at the end of challenging drive up the mountain which offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside. Here you can swim, canoe across the lake or hike round to the viewing deck whilst your Atmosphere guide prepares your buffet lunch. On the return journey you can relax and enjoy views down to the coast and city.

Balinsasayao lake is an extensive natural park that is home to almost 200 different species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles in a flourishing rainforest eco-system. Other activities include kayaking at the lake and horseback riding in the nearby trails.

City Tours The Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City is a favourite spot for locals and travellers alike. You can stroll along the promenade or sit with a drink or two by one of the many bars and restaurants lining the pavement and take in views of the sea or people-watch as the local life passes by. The promenade is a popular place with locals and revellers who love to congregate and party at this side of town.

At the heart of the city, Silliman University is also a site to explore. It is the oldest educational American institution in Asia and Dumaguete City earned its reputation as the 'University Town' because of Silliman's role in the city's development.

Visit http://www.atmosphereresorts.com/pdf/nearby_attractions.pdf for more details.

^Apo Island

An article I wrote for Sportdiving evaluating the feeding of Whale Sharks at Oslob – N.B. ‘Butanding’ is the local term for Whale Shark >>>

Award-winning Wellness and Fitness at Atmosphere Resort in the Philippines The Sanctuary Spa at Atmosphere resort in the Philippines is synonymous with Wellness. Our core belief is that establishing a balance between a healthy mind, body and spirit is the key to successful healthy living. Our luxury spa, one of the best spas in Asia, promotes physical and mental relaxation. We have a variety of treatments such as massages, facials, specific detox spa treatments and full detox programs, meditation and life coaching.

Our Fitness center has a large Warrior Gym facility with personal training available, TRX, as well as guided mountain biking and guided running. Our tree top yoga platform overlooks the ocean and we have yoga classes everyday, suitable for all levels and with private classes available.

The spa at Atmosphere in Dumaguete is set in a tranquil tropical garden with streams and ponds, beautiful flowers and trees. Four outdoor pavilions have space for two guests in each, each with its own private bathroom. There is also a heated pool present in the grounds for watsu (water shiatsu) treatments and relaxation.

Interested..?

Then fill in the booking form on the final pages and send it off to Ian Lockwood

The deposit situation is a little ‘tricky’ in that Philippine airlines require a $100 nonrefundable deposit at time of booking (ASAP). If you delay and deposit later, your airfare may be priced at a different (increased) price structure to that offered now, i.e. to secure airfares at the current group advertised rate, deposit $100 now and you can pay the balance of deposit later. Alternatively, kick in the full $750 deposit now if you wish!

Any questions – either contact Ian Lockwood at Allways (detail above) or email me on awiggs@pgs.vic.edu.au or call/text at 0466308409 or (03) 9787 1613.