4 days in Manila -should we go to Anilao?

[Heg]

Hi
We have 4 full days in Manila on the way to a liveaboard trip and are trying to decide if we should go to Anilao or fly straight to Puerto Princesa ....

Elm Nido seems to be the only place with great diving around Puerto Princesa and the 5 hour trip either way isn't a thrilling prospect. Should we try and aim for somewhere in the Batangas area? Someone mentioned Buceo Anilao. Is this in the same area? I'd love some advice please.
Thanks

 

[WetPup]

Yes. I just got back from Buceo Anilao - it was awesome

 

[Heg]

I was just reading your trip report . How long did your transfer take/cost? We arrive in Manila around 1pm, so would be hoping to transfer to a resort the same day..

 

[WetPup]

My transfer was included in the package price I paid, so I'm not sure of the exact cost. Transfers from Manila airport took about 3 hours going down (it was almost 1am though) and closer to 4 hours going back (evening traffic). You'd easily be able to transfer the same day and begin diving the next morning

 

[Heg]

Awesome. Thanks. Did you book directly with the resort?

 

[WetPup]

No. Booked through a dive travel company in Australia. They've got a good admin team on site though, so I suspect booking directly is easy enough. It's what I plan to do when I can get the time off to return

 

[MA]

They are great to deal with directly. Not sure how prices compare between direct and via agency.

 

[Heg]

I've emailed Buceo and Crystal Blue to see what packages they can do .

 

[Centrals]

You should ask for the detail direction on using public transport from Manila or at least as far as to Batangas Bus Terminal. It is rather straight forward and the bus has AC and some of them even equipped with toilet!
Min of US$100.00 each way is far too much and excessive.

 

[Freewillow]

Anilao is great , majority is muck diving. If you like that you should be trilled.