Trip Report Trip Report-Philippines-Puerto Galera-El Galleon/Asia Divers-April 1-14, 2019

[Trailboss123]

Are the outlets in your room European standard or do they accept NA plugs as well ? Does the power go out quite often at your resort. It did at Steps and Garden but they have a standby generator.

European standard and the power has been excellent.

 

[drrich2]

Visibility is what I would call 30 feet and milky.

That viz. sounds worse than I anticipated. Wonder what the norm. is and how often it’s like this? One day’s dives may not give the typical, so I look forward to your further reports in days to come.

 

[D_Fresh]

That viz. sounds worse than I anticipated. Wonder what the norm. is and how often it’s like this? One day’s dives may not give the typical, so I look forward to your further reports in days to come.

I was in Anilao last weekend and can confirm, the visibility is down a bit. Our theory is that the water temps are still a little cold for March/April so the plankton bloom hasn't subsided yet. We expect the water to clear up over the next 3 or 4 weeks, but that doesn't help @Trailboss123 ....unless he can extend his trip??

Typical April viz can be beyond 75 ft to recognize shapes and outlines, 50 ft to recognize a specific diver, and 30 ft to see many fish clearly, including identifying Mark's (i.e. stripes, spots, colors).

But hey, it's still better than Puget Sound or Cali viz

 

[KathyV]

I am living vicariously through you and really loving the details and the pictures, thanks!

 

[ladra]

Regarding power strips, you must NOT use 110v SURGE protector power strips on a 220v outlet. Obviously the surge protector mechanism will kick in and burn out, killing the power strip forever.

What you want/need is a power strip without ANY switch, light, button, or surge protection.

Like this one;

https://dollarempirellc.com/images/32708B.JPG

I got few from 99cent only store, for.... 99cents! ha ha

You will also need 220v round plug to US "straight" plug adapter, like this one;

http://d2ydh70d4b5xgv.cloudfront.ne...ound-tip-3668857220edfa5b834a9466bd18f0ac.jpg

I suggest you stay away from ones like below;

https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1VgRvinqWBKNjSZFxq6ApLpXa0/US-to-EU-2-flat-pin-to.jpg_350x350.jpg

Most people do not know this but there are two standards to the "round" 220v plug, I think they're called Type C(thin) and Type F(thicker).

Type C 220v round plugs have thinner prongs and will plug into Type F outlets, but usually is loose and creates bad contact (sometimes sparks due to loose prong movement).

Type F 220v round plugs have thicker prongs and should be used where needed. In my experience in Asian countries.

 

[Centrals]

Of all the places that I had stayed in Philippines. Type A plug ie same as USA is used albeit at 220V.

 

[ladra]

Some places in Philippines still use Type A (USA) @ 220v and some places use Type C/F.

I have also seen places with both Type A and Type C in the same room running @ 220v.

 

[D_Fresh]

Of all the places that I had stayed in Philippines. Type A plug ie same as USA is used albeit at 220V.

Yeah, both are present, but Type A tends to be more common these days. To the others, please be aware that their electrical standards are NOT grounded. It is two legs of 110v to the outlet = 220v, or for 110v it is one Hot and one Common, not ground. So avoid wet hands + plugs!

Interestingly, the house I am living in (southern Metro Manila) was built in the mid 80's and is wired 220v Type C and 110v Type A, side by side in the same outlets. LOL

 

[Centrals]

Damaged cable is quite common ie with exposed wire and I had been shocked on few occasions even with dried hand.
Check the condition of the cable before plug in the local electrical appliances.

 

[Searcaigh]

I've dived with Asia Divers on three occasions but prefer Anilao as my main dive destination in that region.

@Trailboss123 pass on my regards to Ally (Alison), I think she's still there, and please do a night dive on the wreck of the Alma Jane, it's awesome