Trip Report Exploring Anilao's Underwater Wonderland

[cetacean]

@Centrals

If $ is the only factor, EVA VS. PAL will go back and forth throughout the year (PAL will be more expensive around any of the PH holidays or any Catholic holy days, EVA will be more expensive during their school holidays).

I vastly prefer EVA for several reasons:
1. The food is better (significantly)
2. The service is better
3. Most of the planes are newer (on North America routes)
4. The stop in Taipei gives you a chance to get breakfast
5. As a star alliance member, the miles are valuable
(6). Historically PAL has had challenges with keeping their larger (older) planes flying. It's been better recently, but the PAL flights out of SF, LAX, and HNL get cancelled/delayed fairly frequently.

 

[Centrals]

At the time of that booking, a direct flight to Manila was much more expensive.

I would had done the same.

 

[Centrals]

@Centrals

If $ is the only factor, EVA VS. PAL will go back and forth throughout the year (PAL will be more expensive around any of the PH holidays or any Catholic holy days, EVA will be more expensive during their school holidays).

I vastly prefer EVA for several reasons:
1. The food is better (significantly)
2. The service is better
3. Most of the planes are newer (on North America routes)
4. The stop in Taipei gives you a chance to get breakfast
5. As a star alliance member, the miles are valuable
(6). Historically PAL has had challenges with keeping their larger (older) planes flying. It's been better recently, but the PAL flights out of SF, LAX, and HNL get cancelled/delayed fairly frequently.

Korean Air is another consideration.

 

[Laval]

Beautiful report! Thanks!

Thank you for watching and your comment.

 

[AlMitch]

Great report and video. Loved watching it. You seemed to hit all the highlights!
I'm gad to hear Beuco is still going strong and providing a quality experience.

 

[hedonist222]

Interested in returning to Anilao.

Wondering if it's worth returning to Buceo Resort.

Either stay at another nearby hotel or somewhere further away for a new experience.
I was there two weeks and dived every site almost twice.

 

[cetacean]

@hedonist222

We'll be returning to Anilao in late December.
We prefer Crystal Blue Divers, mostly because of the guy (Mike Bartick) who runs the diving/photo operation. The resort is a little smaller, beach area not as nice as Buceo, and no pool (but slightly more centrally located, better camera room, and Mike is at the forefront of advancing best practices for black water diving). The dive staff at CBR is also outstanding (although given the number of freelancers in Anilao many work at a number of the resorts).

Depends what experiences you're looking for...