Palawan vs Apo/Dauin/Dumaguete/Oslob/Panglao

[John Trecker]

Looking at doing a 2 week trip around Christmas / New Years to the amazing Philippines. Might be with a group that likes to dive, but also do other activities such as hiking, beach, history, nature, culture, etc.
Weighing Palawan vs the area around Apo/Dauin/Dumaguete/Oslob/Panglao. It seemed like the later might be easier to get to and move around with a number of different dive locations, sites, etc. Googling a bit seems to show that moving between these areas / sites is fairly easy with regular efficient transport / ferries / etc.
I went to Palawan in the late 90s and it was beautiful and amazing, but I recall that getting around the island was very challenging and that the diving was far off and probably requiring a liveaboard or long boat rides.
Any suggestions or hints appreciated.

 

[Centrals]

1. Christmas is NOT the good time to visit the country as many overseas Pinoys are returning home for the occasion. Flight tends to be more expensive and in big demand especially from around 10th Dec onward.
2. Try to get a through flight by PAL from either LAX/SFO to Cebu City. From there you can move to Moalboal and Oslob in Cebu Island or Panglao in Bohol Island(ferry and short road transfer) or Dumaguete(Dauin) in Negros Island(ferry and short transfer). Dive operators in Dauinl regularly go to Apo Island. Siquijor Island is also not far from Dumaguete.
3. Palawan is very nice but diving is very ordinary. Tubattaha reefs is off limited in winter.

Staying around Cebu City is a very sound idea for your group.

 

[John Trecker]

This is very helpful!
In the area around Cebu City any particular highly recommended dive ops or resorts?

 

[Centrals]

Mactan Island is where the International Airport located would be a good start as there are some really fancy resorts. But do avoid those mainly catering for Korean.

Luxury Hotel in Cebu | Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Our well-situated luxury Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu offers exquisite rooms, suites and extensive dining choices with heartfelt and thoughtful service.

www.shangri-la.com

Dive centers in Mactan

Mactan is a coral island, 62sq km in area that lies just off the coast of Cebu. Because of its proximity to Cebu City and the international airport there, the diving infrastructure is well developed… Dive centers in Mactan

divescover.com

Scotty is based in Shangri-la.