Tagged: diving

30 Dec, 2012

Island hopping in El Nido, wreck-diving in Coron & visit to Taal Lake

The center of El Nido wasn’t that big at all and was mainly occupied by tourist vendors and travel agencies offering island hopping tours and also dive shops. Main reason for me was the diving since there was some really diving to be done in the area. But more on that later. First up was the island hopping tour. There are 4 different pre-packaged routes that all the agencies offer. Depending on what you want to see, you can select a tour that visits the major sights or one that visits the hidden lagoons. But be sure to check out...

Philippines / South East Asia

28 Dec, 2012

Dumaguete and diving around Apo Island and 1 day visit in Cebu

Dumaguete as a city was quite energetic for a “small” city. It’s actually known as a university town as a huge college campus engulfs much of its centre. Upon arriving, I didn’t really notice that many tourists around, good thing I blend in seamlessly now. The main reason why tourists come to Dumaguete is to go diving around Apo Island, UNESCO World Heritage Centre. One of the Philippines’ famous diving sites, Apo Island has one of the world’s best known community-organized marine sanctuaries. It is home to over 650 documented species of fish and estimated to have over 400 species...

Indonesia / South East Asia

25 Dec, 2012

Diving in Bali and quick getaway to Lombok-Gili Trawagan

After some surfing and commerical atmosphere in Kuta and breeze of culture in Ubud I continued my trip towards the east of Bali to do what many come to Indonesia to do: DIVING! And partly snorkeling. Amed We made our way to Amed, one of the 7 villages that make up the eastern coastline of fishing villages. The life here is slow and the scenery quite stunning which makes for a perfect place for a relaxed holiday in Bali. Amed is a recent tourist development area in Bali. They just started laying tarmac here in 2000 and telephone lines in...

View from top of hill between my accomodation and the main beach

Malaysia / South East Asia

9 Dec, 2012

White beaches and great diving on Perhentian Islands

I’ve always said I’m not a beach bum and that I’d rather visit other places than “just a nice beach”, but to be honest… all these nice beaches one of the other are starting to get to me. It took me time to really enjoy the peace and serenity of these amazing beaches and just sit back in the sand, enjoy the breeze and go for the occassional swim or snorkel session. I must say I’ve grown more fond of beach destination, given that they have things to do other than just lying on the beach, such as snorking, surfing...

South East Asia / Thailand

2 Dec, 2012

Diving in Koh Tao and Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan

After the adventure in Myanmar, it was time for something totally different. I met up with Benny, a friend I met during my first stay in Thailand during Songkran. We met up in Bangkok and headed to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan for some diving and of course… the infamous full moon party. Koh Tao The island of Koh Tao is mainly famous its diving. There are plenty of dive shops spread out over the island and from what I’ve seen so far, it seems that it’s one of the cheapest place to get your diving certificate. You pay for...

Gotta have a picture of children in poor situations to show compassion. (SARCASM)

Cambodia / South East Asia

16 Oct, 2012

Visiting rural Cambodia: Sihanoukville, Kampot & Battambang

After the busy capital, I wanted to look for more real Cambodian experiences and well… I’m not saying that my next destination is exactly that, but it’s a start… Sihanoukville Also called THÉ place to be if you’re looking for a party. People have been comparing it to the wild party scene like in Vang Vieng. But truth to be told, while I was there, the European Championship just started so people were just hanging out in bars watching the games. So there wasn’t much partying going on, not that I was looking to party. The place itself was rather...