Apo Island – Open Water Diver
I took a private boat from Siquijor Island (Coco Grove Resort) to Apo Island. It was the easiest and best way to get to Apo Island without wasting to much time.
I arrived pretty early at Apo Island. For the first night I had my own private room after 5 weeks. It felt so good and I slept pretty well and had a decent shower. The day after I had my first open water dive. I can tell you, I was so excited to jump into the water. At the end it was exactly what I expected it to be or even better. I learned a lot, I saw different kind of fishes and beautiful coral reefs during those 4 days. It was a pleasure to spend time with you under water – Aitor (best instructor) and Fernanda. “Always stay close to your buddy” ? There is nothing more to say than thank you so much “ocean” for touching my heart and let me feel the freedom under water!
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Next stop – Bohol
Once I arrived at Tagbilaran I had to take a Van to Panglao and to find a Hostel for the next view days. I ended up staying at Lennon’s Backpackers for 3 nights. It is a little lovely hostel with a great atmosphere and amazing vibes. On the first day I rented a scooter and explored two days the island together with Fernanda. My recommendations for Bohol are the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (try to avoid the famous touristic sanctuary), the Bilar Man Made Forest (just driving through with a scooter), the Chocolate Hills, Can-Umantad Falls, Pahanhog Falls (untouched), Ingkumhan Falls (untouched) and Cabagnow Cave Pool. If you want to see a nice sunset, you should go to Momo Beach. A nice place where you can get healthy bowls is called Shaka.
On the third day we went on a dive trip to Balicasag (an island 1 1/2 hours away from Panglao). We got really lucky because there are just 200 divers allowed to dive per day and for the first two days every spot was already booked out. The dive spots around Balicasag are the most beautiful and impressive spots I have been so far.
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Moalboal – whale sharks & Kawasan Falls
I stayed in Moalboal at the Moalboal Backpacker Lodge. The owner of this hostel is from Germany and moved to Moalboal 15 years ago. I can definitely recommend this place – it’s very social and the chill out area is pretty cool. If you want to meet some other backpackers or to play a game pool, go to the Chili Bar which is nearby to the hostel. Also don’t miss out to eat a vegetable curry (I have never had pears in it before, but now I will have) at a locals place. I have eaten this meal almost everyday and sometimes even twice a day ? Another must thing to do is to snorkel or dive with the tones of sardines – it’s quite impressive (they also take a shit on you once you dive there).
On my second day I dived with whale sharks – I expected them to be huge and impressive, but it was even better. It was the first and for sure not the last time I saw those beautiful creatures that close – but next time will be in there natural habitat. On the way back we stopped by the Kawasan Falls and went on a canyoneering trip. It was quiet crowded, but it was still a lot of fun. The highest jump was from 15 meters.
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Siargao – eat, sleep & surf
Siargao has one of the smallest airports I have ever seen. There is just one runway and not even a baggage conveyor belt. It’s “the spot” in the Philippines to surf. Obviously I surfed at this place a few times and explored the Island together with Zorro by scooter. I can highly recommend to discover the Sugba Lagoon, the Magpupunko Tidal Lagoons (make sure there is low tide), Cloud 9 itself and have barbecue at Mama’s Grill or Homemade Taste (delicious sweet potato Chips and mango). A good place to stay is Villa Solaria. Make sure you book your nights in advance otherwise you will end up like me and try to find a bed for a few hours.
Big thanks to “Zorro” for the funny and crazy moments and also Selena – it was a pleasure to see you again.
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Now it’s time for the last 10 days in the Philippines – Coron and Palawan are calling ….
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