A great place to dive into the Philippines
If during a trip to the Philippines you stay on the island Bohol or that of Panglao, you should try scuba diving on the Balicasag Island . This island is simply considered one of the best diving spots in the Philippines and has one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world!
Why dive in Balicasag?
Balicasag has four main (and different) diving sites, which means that during the same day on site, you will not discover the same type of underwater landscape and will feel like diving in two different places.
Source: www.divescotty.com
On the map above, you see the 5 sites around the island (you will dive on the most important). The coral wall is absolutely impressive and falls vertically from 6 to 40m deep. On the site you will meet many species like turtles, impressive barracuda benches, rascasses, and many others. The water is perfectly clear what is not a problem of visibility.
How to get to Balicasag?
From Panglao, you'll take one bencha the traditional local boat, and reach Balicasag in about 30 to 45 minutes. From the Bohol Bee Farm, where I stayed, it takes about 2 hours. Think about putting sun cream because the sun hits hard here. The ideal is to leave around 7am (this is what is usually planned) in order to be on the site before 10am, and thus only dive among a small group of boats. For a site of such beauty, there is no big world that comes down here.
Flickr – Mayrpamintuan
You can eat on site
Once your first dive is done, you will certainly be very hungry. Why don’t you try the local and fresh cuisine on the island before going back to the afternoon? To have eaten there, I can tell you that it was a delight. With a small group of friends, we asked that we be cooked an assortment of all fish caught in the morning, with a calamar and chicken. It was really... a treat!! Think about it if you ever planned to make small sandwiches...
What budget to dive to Balicasag?
Dive into the Philippines is a very good compromise. Because there are some of the most beautiful diving sites in the world, and Balicasag is one of them. And since diving here is not very expensive, we appreciate all the more. Count between 1800 and 2200 PHP (between 30€ and 36€) for a water tower in the Balicasag reefs.
Where to stay in the corner?
I give you a good address to stay on Panglao or Bohol: Bohol Bee Farm located in Dauis on Panglao. It is a hotel that is enough for itself. It is to say that it produces its own food, its own care products, etc... So you will taste the restaurant with delicious dishes and especially natural. You can buy local products at the store (especially honey). As the resort is located by the water, you can come and go to Balicasag. Prices are not at all excessive and staff are at your small care. In the vicinity you can go admire the Chocolate Hills. 
Flickr – supafly
Did you dive into the Philippines? Did you know Balicasag? Tell your experience!
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