PURA VIDA CABILAO : 7 – 16 JULY 2017 : (now 8 nights!) Cabilao is a small island off the west coast of Bohol in the central Visayan islands of The Philippines. It is easily accessed via Singapore airline flights Melb-Singapore-Davao-Cebu and from Cebu’s International airport, it is a 2-2.5 hour bus drive (to Argao) and a 1 hour boat trip. We don’t need to do an overnight in Singapore or Cebu city, but they can be arranged for you if you wish. We are now opting for an 8 night trip (at a great rate) which means a 50 minute stop at Davao International Airport (Philippines en route). Cabilao has attracted my interest over the last few years – an area with excellent wall diving, plus abundant macro critters and fish life. It is a good mix of all things and is widely regarded as some of the best diving in The Philippines. There are some great day trip options also – The Whale Sharks of Oslob are a 2 hour boat ride away and Sea Explorers (our dive operator) run SCUBA dives (or snorkelling) with these gentle giants. Balicasag also has some legendary dive sites and is possible for a day trip to dive sites such as ‘The Black Forest’ or ‘Cathedral Wall’. Included is a day trip to the famed ‘Chocolate Hills’ of Bohol, and for the divers a night dive is included in the 10 dive package. Those of you who went to Atmosphere Resort, Dumaguete in 2011, may remember Bigs Eggert, who was Sales Manager at the time. She has moved on and is now part owner of Pura Vida Cabilao and I feel confident that she will ensure we have a terrific time. The dive operator Sea Explorers, is Philippines largest with resorts and dive centres scattered around the island nation. N.B. There is no pool at this resort, but a lovely beach and great sunsets from the restaurant!
ONLINE BOOKING LINK: http://www.diveadventures.com.au/pages/booking.php?booking=S19413&agent=Alan%20Wiggs&consultant=Tracy &destination=Philippines&departuredate=08/07/2017&departurepoint=Melbourne&DepositAmt=$700 (please
also email/call Tracy at Dive Adventures with your preferred room type) Youtube videos: Nice 24 minute video of walls; gorgonians and soft corals; coral gardens; sea kraits and turtles, etc. Thousands of Big Eye Trevally at 20:20 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXux9bP7muM Blue clear water; vertical walls; barracuda and trevally schools; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xsFPVoHbiw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mblk6XjGXsk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t35a5aqiZq4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3w95ot-XF0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxjDGqpeS6o
THE DEAL: Cabilao is both well priced and popular and we have only just scraped in to be able to book the resort – there is no flexibility with dates. We have booked the entire resort and with only 20 rooms, we are likely to fill it fairly quickly. The resort consists of – 6 x Standard A/C Rooms (can be either Twin or Double ) – Twin share per person
$2896
12 x Deluxe rooms (can be twin or Double ) - Twin share per person
$3038
2 x Suites : 1 x king size bed (an additional bed can be added if needed) Twin person
$3345
Plus 10 dive package
$ 518
Unlimited dives (4 per day over 6 days)
$ 946
Extra dives post package will be charged at 1650 pp (inclusive of Marine park fees)
$
Snorkelling (from shore or boat trips – includes Marine Park Fees)
FREE!
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1 . SQ 218 07JUL MELSIN HS1 0005 0600 FR 2 . MI 588 07JUL SINCEB HS1 0900 1435 FR 3 . MI 599 15JUL CEBSIN HS1 1615 1940 SA 4 . SQ 227 15JUL SINMEL HS1 2115 #0640 SA/SU
Note : The flight on the 7th July from SIN / CEB will travel via Davao. The stops will be as follows ; 7 July : SIN / DVO 0900 / 1245 ( 50 min on the ground ) 7 July : DVO / CEB 1335 / 1435
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Dive sites around Cabilao –
Great wall dives with big gorgonians Muck diving Different species of pygmy seahorses Early morning and night dives Special day trips to Balicasag Island Trips to Pangangan Island and Sandingan
Cabilao Island Dive Sites Cabilao is a marvellous place for scuba diving and snorkeling. The area is the perfect dive spot for beginners and experienced divers. Scuba Diving is possible all the year round. The water temperatures in the dive areas of the Visayas vary between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore a 3 to 5 millimeter neoprene wet suit is normally sufficient. The visibility can range from 20 to 40 meters.
Current View Point This plateau in approx. 25-30m depth is located on the north-western corner of the island, where quite often there is current. The sandy bottom is full of broccoli and some fan corals and if you look hard enough you will find the rare Pygmy seahorse. It’s also a good dive to see white tipped reef and sometimes other sharks, schools of barracudas and jackfish. The bottom is home to ghost pipefish, many different nudibranches and thorny seahorses.
Lighthouse Next to Current View Point is a slope covered with sea grass and corals going down to 20m. This is a highlight for under water photographers as it has a great variety of rare marine life. Several kinds of scorpionfish, different ghost pipefish, pegasus, stargazer, crocodile snake-eel, sea snake, many different kinds of shrimp and crabs and the fascinating lightning file shell are all regularly sighted. Do not miss any day or night dives at this fantastic dive site.
Gorgonia Wall This wall runs 100m out from and parallel to the shore. It starts at 5m and goes down to 60m and is completely covered with different kinds of corals, giant gorgonians, sponges and has many small caves and overhangs. Plenty of coral fish, rare nudibranches, frogfish and pygmy seahorses can be spotted. Occasionally large napoleon wrasses are cruising by. This easy dive is especially recommended for afternoon dives.
Fallen Tree and Talisay Tree A gradual slope from the shore to 18m and then a steep wall which slopes down to approx. 50m makes this a great drift dive for the advanced diver. Off the wall and in to the blue, you can sometimes meet schools of large barracudas or even turtles. Frogfish, pegasus and rare nudibranches are also be found on the slope. At the end of the dive in the shallow area we can spot the beautiful pyjama cardinal fish and other colorful fish in the hard corals.
Cambaquiz This wall at the northeastern tip just in front of Pura Vida Cabilao goes from 10m down to ca. 70m. In some of the many caves you can find baby sharks and at 30m, there is a large cave which you can enter. A gentle slope on the east side of the wall is rich with reef fish and quite often turtles. Great night diving in the area with stargazers, sometimes wonderpus and many different kind of crabs and shrimps.
Housereef It is a good dive site for macro lovers right in front of the dive center, many different species of nudibranches can be found here as well as the famous Long nose hawk fish. There is always a good variety of anemonfish as well as scorpion and stonefish. We often see sea turtles during our dives here. The dive site is also suitable for novices, photographers and is recommended for night dives.
Chapel Point Excellent spot for the afternoon dives when the sun is in the right angle. Lots of hard coral and caves in the shallow part together with loads of coral fish. There’s a big area with huge table corals. A steep wall down to -50 meters is covered with plenty of soft corals and gorgonians – home of small frogfish and different kind of nudibranches.
Pangangan Wall Beautiful muck diving area in the shallow part between the rocks at around -3 to -6 meters. It is the home for pegasus, devil scorpion fish and various nudibranches. A steep wall is starting at -7 meters down to -60 meters with soft and hard corals. Here we usually have sightings of harlekin ghostpipe fish, ribbon eels, juvenile batfish and nudibranches. Occasionally a few whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays are passing by.
Sandingan Slope Nice coral garden with sandy spots, sea grass and coral blocks. There’s big chance to see stargazers and different kind of nudibranches, crabs and shrimps. The slope is slowly going down to -30 meters. Frogfish, Turtles and often barracuda are spotted here. It’s perfect for a morning dive when the sun is still rising.
Bamboo Reef This reef is a perfect spot for afternoon or night dives. There’s a Seagrass area from -3 – -9 meters with coral blocks, sponges and soft corals. Many anemones give home to various species of anemone fish and shrimp. This spot is suitable for beginners as well as experienced divers. During evenings you can see different kind of octopus and cuttlefish and also big turtles.
Paradise A nice wall/slope combination forms our dive spot Paradise. Mostly hard coral along the wall and soft coral and sponges in the shallow are characteristic for Paradise. A big sea grass area with sandy spots and coral blocks is fantastic for the muck diving fans of you.
Talisay Pier It is a steep slope and wall down to more than 60 meters with interesting hard coral formations. Many nudibranches and reef fish call this place their home. Also a group of barracudas is generally seen here in this area. The shallow part is covered sea grass and blocks of corals.
Lighthouse 2 This one is a very nice slope with sandy bottom, which is partially overgrown with sea grass and individual coral formations. It gently declines from shore to the wall to a depth of approximately -20 meters. It is home to a great variety of species, e.g. devil fish, leaf fish, robust and harlequin ghost pipefish, little sea moths, stone fish, eels, sea kraits, harlequin shrimps, mantis shrimps, an extraordinary variety of nudibranchs, occasionally eagle rays, sea turtles and octopus (blue-ring, mimic). In about -26 meters you can also see different kinds of pygmy seahorses.
South Point It’s a great wall with overhangs & caves which is totally covered in corals & it drops down to approx. 60 meters. The dive site is located at a “corner” where slight currents can occur. Spectacular formations of hard corals at a depth of 5 to 12 m have been growing here undisturbed for centuries. Observe the “fight for light” between the corals and the “construction of different floors”- home to an abundance of coral fish. Along the reef schools of mackerel & many other fish are patrolling. In flat caves in 20m you have a chance to see whitetip reef sharks.
Balay Reef Another dive spot with coral gardens is Balay Reef – a good mixture of soft & hard corals. The wall runs about 100m parallel to shore, starts at 5m & drops down to approximately 60m. The wall is entirely covered with corals of all kinds & has numerous small caves & overhangs. This is the place where you can still find really beautiful big gorgonians! Countless coral fish in all colors are always present plus Napoleon fish & rare nudibranches as well as frogfish can be seen. Diving is always feasible here. It’s best in the afternoon, when the sun illuminates the wall.
There are also day trips to Balicasag Island: (weather permitting) Balicasag Day trip: 800.00 Peso Boat Surcharge per person (about $22 AUD) 250.00 Peso Sanctuary Fees Diver per person 100.00 Peso Snorkeling Fees per person
Pura Vida Cabilao
Pura Vida, Cabilao House Reef
ACCOMODATION OPTIONS 6 x Standard rooms: These have the advantage of being right on the beach are air-conditioned and comfortable. Only suitable for twin share.
^ 12 X DELUXE ROOMS^
2 SUITES: DOLPHIN AND LAPO LAPO:>
Optional extra day trip (payable at resort and subject to weather conditions) N.B. 2-2.5 HOUR TRIP EACH WAY. Oslob Whale Shark SCUBA or snorkelling: 5000.00 Peso Boat Surcharge per person (groups with 10 person and up) {about $140 AUD) 1500.00 Peso Diving Fee with the Whale Sharks per person 300.00 Peso Sanctuary Fees diving in Sumilon per person 1000.00 Peso Snorkeling Fee with the Whale Sharks per person
Any further queries, contact Alan Wiggs at awiggs@tps.vic.edu.au; or 9787 1613 ; or 0466 308 409 or contact Tracy at Dive Adventures at tracy@diveadventures.com.au
Pura Vida Cabilao – Sample Menu over 5 days Day 1 App:
Lunch Menu Bruschetta Fresh Tomato Soup
Main:
Chicken Adobo with Garlic Rice Tuna Spaghetti Insalata Mista with French Dressing Pizza Diabolo
Dessert:
Mango Float Maja Blanca
App:
Dinner Menu Shrimp Fritas Crispy Cheese Heart Meatball on Salad Bed
Main:
Fish Provencale with Rosemary Potato & Salad Vegetable Chopsuey with Rice Bistek Negrito with Garlic Rice Curried Pansit Sotanghon Guisado with Meat and Vegetable
Dessert:
Ube Ice Cream Banana Fritters
Day 2 App:
Lunch Menu Oriental Sashimi Beer Batter Coconut Shrimp
Main:
Italian Salad Ham ‘n Cheese Macaroni Chicken with Roasted Cashew Nuts, serve with Garlic Rice Pork Afritada, serve with Rice
Dessert:
Mix Ice Cream Chocolate Cake
App:
Dinner Menu Kinilaw Mix Vegetable Soup
Main:
Fresh Dorado Fillet, top with Tropical Salsa, serve with Mango Puree and Wasabi Mashed Gyros Chicken with Tsatsiki Sauce, serve with Fries and Salad Breaded Fish Finger in creamy roasted bell pepper dip, serve with Fries and Salad Thai Lemon Prawns, serve with Garlic Rice
Dessert:
Grand Marnier Crepe
Homemade Banana Cake Day 3 App:
Lunch Menu Chicken Tinola Vegetable Spring Rolls
Main:
Chef Salad Cheese Burger with Fries Quattro Stagioni Spaghetti Carbonara
Dessert:
Caramelized Banana Creamy Fruit Salad
App:
Dessert:
Dinner Menu Chicken Cordon Bleu with French Fries and Salad Beef n’ Onion serve with Garlic Rice Sweet and Sour Fish, serve with Rice Stir Fried Vegetables with Garlic Rice Banana in Caramel Sauce Mango Split
Day 4 App:
Lunch Menu Gambas Con Bacon or Chili Cheese Springrolls
Main:
Beef Caldereta, serve with Garlic Rice Wok Fried Pork ‘n Mushroom, serve with Fries and Salad Cabilao House Sandwich Insalata di Pomodoro
Dessert:
Caramelized Fruits with Vanila Ice Cream Ultimate Chocolate Cake
App:
Dinner Menu Coconut Carrot Cream Soup with Fresh Herbs Asian Lettuce Wrap
Main:
Chicken Provencale with Rosemary Potato and Salad Peper Crusted Fish Fillet, serve with Rice and Salad Creamy Prawns Spaghetti with Fresh Basil, serve with Salad Pork Kebabs with French Fries and Salad
Dessert:
Banana Springrolls with Chocolate Ice Cream Leche Flan
Day 5 Lunch Menu
App: Main:
Dessert:
App:
Fried Mozzarella Sticks Lumpia Chili Pasta with Salad Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato Sandwich Chicken Pepper Schnitzel with Fries and Salad Spiced Beef Stew serve with Mashed Potato and Salad Banana Foster Crema de Fruta Dinner Menu Tom Yum Soup Tomato Avocado Salad
Main:
Lemon Ginger Dorado Fillet with Fried Rice and Salad Chicken and Prawn Laksa with Glass Noodle Braised Chicken in Balsamic Reduction Sauce with Rosemary Potato and Salad Red Hot Pork in Mango Curry Sauce, serve with Rice
Dessert:
Don Papa Crepe Caramelized Fruits with Malibu Sabayon
Vida Spa Choose between Shiatsu, Swedish or Harmony Massages or a Hand and Foot Reflexology in the resort’s own Vida Spa. It’s a perfect way to end your day of diving
Any further queries, contact Alan Wiggs at awiggs@tps.vic.edu.au; or 9787 1613; or 0466 308 409 or contact Tracy at Dive Adventures at tracy@diveadventures.com.au