Hi.I am landing in Manila right at midnight on jan 1st.... I am debating heading to Dauin or staying in the area and going to Anilao. Anyone have any recommendations? I tried Arthurs but its comes to over $200 a day with the diving. Lastly, can i take a taxi to Anilao? What should I expect to pay?
1. You are probably arriving at Terminal 1 or T2(PAL only). Both of these terminals basically do NOT offer anything whatsoever for the arrival passengers!!! You won't be able to pick up even a sandwich or cup of hot tea!!!! And if you want to leave the airport the only option is the yellow airport taxi or limo. Change the money before you step out of the terminal.
2. As already suggested, taxi or private transfer to Anilao is NOT cheap!!!
3. If I were you I will take the yellow taxi to T3, get something to eat, surf the web and wait until 4-5am. On the other hand I believe there is a massage place inside the terminal which offer bed for few hours!!! Very civilized.
4. Get the white taxi outside the departure hall to Buen Dia for public bus bound for Batangas Pier. Tell the driver to use "Sky way" toll is P20.00 and the fare should be less than P150.00. Get a direct bus[I normally take the Ceres bus(word of derecho on the windscreen)]. The fare should be less than P200.00. Tell the conductor that you want to go to Anilao. You will be dropped off at a big open compound with jeepneys heading to various local places. Go to Anilao proper and then a tricycle or jeepney to your resort.
5. Most of the resorts are scattered along the main road around the peninsular. You need to know where you want to go.
6. Anilao has the most unusual pricing structure for scuba diving. The rate that the dive shop/resort charged does not include boat and guiding. If you are on your own then it is really expensive. However, during New year holiday period highly unlikely that you will be the only diver around!!!!!
7. Anilao is better than Dauin in term of diving.
8. If you do not fancy all those hassles, stay on the bus and get off at Bantagas Pier for the boat to Sabang(PG). The first boat departs around 0700.
9. If you are very tire after a long flight, find somewhere to sleep properly eg City State Tower Hotel(daily transfer to PG at 0800). Swagman Hotel do offer FREE airport pick up but the room is over-priced!!! There is also a daily transfer to PG in the morning.
10. What ever you decide to go, please make reservation.
11. Bite the bullet and pay the king's ransom of private transfer to Anilao. It is a holiday afterall!!!!!
Safe journey and have fun.