Pura Vida Resort - Cabilao

Overview

This island offers a very tranquil stay. Situated on a quiet island of just 8 km squared, Pura Vida Resort - Cabilao has a backdrop of beaches, palm trees and lush tropical vegetation. The island is mostly undeveloped and retains much of its virgin charm being great for easy exploration on foot.

Accommodation

Pura Vida Resort - Cabilao has undergone extensive renovation and now offers 24 rooms of various types. Standard rooms are suitable for double or twin share and offer AC and/or fan, whilst deluxe rooms are situated on higher ground and additionally offer a terrace with great views. A suite is also available and smaller economy rooms suitable for single / double use only. All rooms offer hot and cold running water, showers and 24 electricity supply (back-up generator in place). Rooms are simply furnished, but guests really appreciate the simplicity the whole island experience gives.

Other Facilities

A small relaxed rooftop restaurant and bar offers buffet meals. Massages can be arranged. The resort also offers complimentary Wi-Fi.

Location

Cabilao Island off the west of Bohol. Sea Explorers Dive centre on site.

Dive info

The region of Bohol is known for its steep wall dives and home to the great diving areas of Alona Beach and the islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan. Its impressive hard and soft coral gardens are shown off fabulously in an area host to a large range of dive sites. The region also offers dive sites more open to currents. This combination of coral gardens, walls and drift dives therefore offers something to divers of all experience.

Black Forest

Regrettably not full of chocolate, cherries and cream, but still as beautiful, the renowned dive site of Black Forest lies within the marine sanctuary of Balicasag. Full of large Black corals, anemones, schooling jackfish and turtles, this dive site is reached via a 40 minute boat ride from the Alona Beach resort where 2 or 3 dives are normally undertaken per trip.

Alona Beach house reef

Alona Beach resort’s house reef offers a relaxing and interesting dive, gently sloping to 20 metres depth. As well as giving you great freedom for when to dive, the site offers a fantastic night dive, as the macro life springs to life amongst the hard and soft corals.

Pamilacan Island

Lying a 40 minute boat ride from Alona Beach, this area can offer sometime thrilling drift dives and is the best chance to encounter the larger, current loving pelagic species. There is a good chance of spotting Manta Rays, and a whale shark if you are lucky (usual season November to April) as you cruise across the beautiful coral gardens around 20 metres depth.

Cabilao Island

This area suits those who really like to get away from it all and take a step away from the modern bustle of life. The 8km square island is a government protected area, sitting to the west of Bohol, and makes a great contrast from a stay on Alona Beach.

Although this resort does not benefit from a house reef, many of the dive sites are just a short boat ride away. There is a real variety of shallows, slopes, walls and drop off dive sites divers can enjoy whilst based in this area, with its rich supply of soft and hard corals, pygmy sea horses, juvenile nurseries, small caves and overhangs.

Chocolate Hills

Yet more suggestion of the sweet stuff, but again you will not be disappointed with as long as you visit them in the dry season. The unusual geological phenomena of grass covered limestone conical hills turn brown in the dry season, hence the name, but can of course be visited year round. Hundreds of them are scattered across Bohol and they are a signature attraction and image of the country of the Philippines.

Tarsier Monkey

At only 3 inches tall, if you spot a Tarsier Monkey in the wild, ensure you take a picture and let us know! This species is indigenous to the Philippines and mostly sighted nocturnally in Bohol’s lush forests. For those with less patience or time, trips to a sanctuary may also be arranged.

Getting to Bohol

Alona Beach is best reached via arrivals into Cebu International airport. The fast ferry from Cebu City takes you to Tagbilaran in around 2 hours. From there, it is another 30 minutes by taxi or tricycle, to Alona Beach. Total transfer time approximately 3½ hours.

Cabilao Island is best reached via arrivals into Cebu International airport. The fast ferry from Cebu City takes you to Tagbilaran in around 2 hours. From there you go by taxi or jeepney to Sandingan Island, and then outrigger boat directly to Cabilao. Total transfer time approximately 4 ½ hours.

Singapore Airlines offer connections to Cebu via Singapore.
Emirates offer daily connections to Cebu via Dubai.
Cathay Pacific offer connections to Cebu via Hong Kong.

Refer to Travel Info page for further international flight information.

If you reach Cebu after about 14.00 hrs, an overnight may be required as it is not possible to transfer out of daylight hours.

Overnights in Cebu

These can be arranged as part of your package with transfers, typically at the Marco Polo hotel. Cebu is a bustling but laid back town with a busy sea port and makes for an interesting stop in itself.

Marco Polo: A decent 3+* option, located just 25 minutes from the airport close to the business district with a restaurant and bar, and plenty of other local choices.

Dive prices

Divers staying at Alona Vida Beach Resort dive with Sea Explorers Alona Beach

Divers staying at Pura Vida Resort - Cabilao dive with Sea Explorers Cabilao

SEA EXPLORERS DIVE CENTRE - ALONA BEACH

The very friendly branch of Sea Explorers is a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm and PADI TecRec Dive Centre located at Amorita Resort (at east end of Alona Beach). There is a great house reef which slopes down to 20m depth, fit for night dives, relaxing leisure dives and training. Boat trips are offered multiple local sites, as well as longer trips to Pamilacan and Cabilao Island.

Dive Packs

We recommend that you book your dive packs with Regaldive prior to departure, in order to secure your diving or course and so that the dive centre is expecting you.  Options available include 6, 10 and 20 dive packages, plus an unlimited diving option.  Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

12 litre aluminium cylinders with DIN fittings. Some 10 & 15 litre tanks may be available. 

Please note: Alona Beach has received new regulations concerning the dives at Balicasag Island. To make sure that the area is continuously protected, there is a limit of only 150 divers allowed/day with a maximum of 300 dives. Higher rates were also set and implemented for the dives in the  Island wherein every diver needs to pay a surcharge of 200 PHP on the spot per dive.

Sea Explorers cannot confirm any dives in advance in Balicasag as they normally get the confirmation from the municipality an evening before the dive. The dive center will make the reservation to secure a slot and register the names of the guest in the system and wait for the confirmation. Once divers are registered it cannot be cancelled. Sea Explorers will do its best to organize the dive on the preferred dates of the guest but in the end, they will know if it’s possible or not still an evening before the dive.

To provide the best chance of being able to dive Balicasag, we strongly recommend you inform us at time of booking that you wish to do this special trip. Our latest experiences have shown that dive slots are tremendously in demand and can easily get sold out fast.

Even up to 4 weeks in advance is sometimes not enough due to the increase of the numbers of divers.

Please forward a scanned copy (front and back) of your Certification card at time of booking as this needs to be forwarded to Sea Explorers.

Extras in Resort

Prices listed below are an indication only, and subject to change.

Special trips & Marine Park fees:

• Sanctuary Fee: 100 Php for diver / 50 Php for snorkeller
• Pamilacan (per boat): Php 500
• Cabilao Island: Php 500 + 50 Php Sanctuary fee
• Balicasag Island: Php 200 per dive. These must be requested at time of booking and are not guaranteed

Equipment Rental - Payable locally:

• Full equipment, excludes computer: €14 per day
• Nitrox fills 32% and 36%: €3.50 per fill / €25 per 10 fills

You will be requested to fill out a dive medical questionnaire. If you have any pre-exisiting conditon that may affect your diving, please ensure you travel with a fit-to-dive certificate, valid within the last 12 months. Please note that not all localities will have access to a specilist diving medic close by for you to be assessed before diving.

SEA EXPLORERS DIVE CENTRE - cabilao

One of the newest editions to the fantastic Sea Explorers Philippines portfolio, this dive centre sits on the beach next to Pura Vida Resort - Cabilao and offers divers a great experience for those looking to get away from it all, with some fantastic boat dives.

Dive Packs

We recommend that you book your dive packs with Regaldive prior to departure, in order to secure your diving or course and so that the dive centre is expecting you.  Options available include10 and 20 dive packages, plus an unlimited diving option.  Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

12 litre aluminium cylinders with INT fittings. Some 10 & 15 litre tanks may be available. Divers with DIN regulators should take their own adaptors.

Dive Courses

A range of diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details.

Extras in Resort

Prices listed below are an indication only, and subject to change.

Special trips & Marine Park fees:

• Sanctuary Fee: 150 Php/day
• Island entry: 100 Php (one off)
• Baliscasag: 450 Php/diver

Equipment Rental - Payable locally:

• Full equipment, excludes computer: €14/day
• Divers with DIN regulators should take their own adaptor
• Nitrox fills 32% and 36%: €3.50 per fill / €25 per 10 fills

You will be requested to fill out a dive medical questionnaire. If you have any pre-exisiting conditon that may affect your diving, please ensure you travel with a fit-to-dive certificate, valid within the last 12 months. Please note that not all localities will have access to a specilist diving medic close by for you to be assessed before diving.

Resort info

The Philippines is an island nation located in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine archipelago comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. These islands are home to spectacular scenery, pristine beaches, incredible sights and lively cities. Dramatic drop offs, wrecks, caves and a richly varied marine life also guarantee fabulous diving. Combined with the renowned Philippine hospitality and warmth, an unforgettable dive holiday awaits.

You will find a true blend of cultures; the people are generally of Malay descent, but Philippine history has introduced Chinese, Spanish and American elements as well. The Philippines is a predominantly Christian country where eight out of ten Filipinos are practising Catholics. Filipino hospitality is legendary and the Philippines is the fiesta nation of Asia. Fiestas celebrate harvests, births and victories, as well as religious events. The Filipinos like to party and celebrations are found in every ethnic group and may be large regional events or small local happenings.

Resorts have been hand picked, not only for their comfort and surrounding scenery but most importantly, for their proximity to incredible dives sites. Whilst out of the water guests can relax on some of the best beaches in the world, enjoy the local markets, festivals and sights or even spend a night in the exciting and bustling Manila or more laid back Cebu.

As the Philippines is a strong Catholic nation, festive holidays such as Easter are very busy. Either book well in advance, or avoid the main religious holiday periods where possible.

Climate

The climate of The Philippines can broadly be described as hot and tropical. Most people visit The Philippines during the dry season. However, many regular visitors attest that the best time to visit is during the wet season and that the proliferation and variety of marine life is best June, July and August.

Dry season: December to May
Wet season: June to November

During the dry season, easterly winds prevail and air temperature is in high 20s to mid-30's°C. February to May are generally the hottest. Wet season winds are from the west, with air temperature in mid to high 20's°C. You can often strike lucky and have weeks of brilliant blue skies and unlimited sunshine. On the other hand, the rains, when they come, are impressive and prolonged. There are few rivers, so run off and its effect on water visibility is not generally a problem.

Please note that the Philippines is a large country and has many climatic variations from east to west and south to north.

Best underwater visibility: April to July
Water temperature average: 24 - 30°C

Time

8 hours ahead of GMT.

Language

Filipino is Officially the national language of The Philippines. This language is based on Tagalog which is the most widely used of the 70 plus dialects used within the country. English is also prevalent throughout the country, especially in tourist destinations. English is also widely used as the medium for education, communication and business. Eight major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 Peso = 100 Centavos.

The US dollar is the most widely recognised foreign currency. Euros & GBP are also readily exchanged.

The majority of larger towns have ATMs, however, facilities for money withdrawal or changing are far less widespread away from the main centres of population. There are bank machines at the airport. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in most towns, but you may be required to pay an extra 10-15% surcharge for their use. Outside of the main towns, not all places accept credit cards. Please refer to your individual destination notes for each resort, but as a guideline, please see below:

• Malapascua, Ocean Vida and Hippocampus: Credit cards cannot be accepted, please ensure you carry sufficient cash. USD and GBP are accepted and Ocean Vida has a licensed exchange.
• Dumaguete: Banks and ATMs are available in Dumaguete town. Pura Vida and Atmopshere accept credit cards.
• Palawan, Dimakya Island Club Paradise: Accepts credit cards
• SY Philippine Siren: GBP, Euro & USD Currency. Credit card payment only possible when docking at the following ports: Cebu, Philippines. 3% charge applies.

Tipping

Tipping is expected for many services. The standard is 10% of the total bill or optional where there is a 10% service charge.

Travel info

Flight Information

Regaldive can offer packages to the Philippines on a number of different airlines.

London - Manila: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines and KLM all fly daily via their national hubs.

London - Cebu: Singapore Airlines via Singapore on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Emirates via Dubai daily and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong daily. 

Carry-On Luggage Restriction: Effective July 1, 2015

Philippines Office for Transportation Security has issued new rules that include 'Scuba Diving Equipment' (including regulators) on the list of blunt instruments that are not to be in carry-on/cabin baggage on flights originating within the Philippines. Please ensure that all scuba equipment is secured within checked-in baggage on all domestic flights and on all departing international flights.

Internal flights:
Manila - Cebu: Multiple daily flights
Manila - Busuanga: 2 flights daily
Manila - Dumaguete: 2 flights daily

Baggage on internal flights:
The below only applies only to extra flights within the Philippines built into your itinerary, not if it is part of your international ticket.

Baggage allowance: Checked bag - 20kg / Hand baggage - 5 to 7kg. Please note that the internal flight to / from Busuanga (Palawan). This is a shorter air strip and the airline may not permit any extra weight.

Payment for extra kilos on check-in (guideline):
Cebu Pacific: Php 150 per kilo
Philippine Airlines: Php 169 per kilo

Transfers

Whichever island you are staying on, you are met at the airport/ferry port and transferred to your resort. Whether by flight, jeepney or banca boat, there are fantastic sights to enjoy on your journey there and back. Although some transfer can take up to a whole day, most clients pass feedback that this was a very interesting part of their overall trip.

The below information is to give you a general idea of transfer times between regions; actual transfer times may differ slightly according to individual arrangements and ferry timetables, tides etc.:

Cebu - Dumaguete: 4 - 5 hours by vehicle, ferry and hotel shuttle
Cebu - Bohol / Panglao / Cabilao: 3 to 4 hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle
Cebu - Malapascua: 4 – 5 hours by vehicle and outrigger
Cebu – Moalboal: 3.5 hours by vehicle

Dumaguete - Bohol / Panglao / Cabilao: 3 hours by hotel shuttle, ferry and vehicle or 3 to 4 hours by Outrigger conditions permitting
Dumaguete - Malapascua: 8 - 9 hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle and outrigger

Panglao - Cabilao: 1.5 - 2 hour vehicle and boat
Panglao - Malapascua: 7+ hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle and outrigger

Cabilao - Malapascua: 7+ hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle and outrigger

Manila - Cebu: 1: 15 hour by internal flight
Manila - Coron, Palawan: 2.5 hours by internal flight and hotel shuttle
Manila - Puerta Galera: 3 hours by vehicle and boat
Manila – Anilao: 2.5 hours by vehicle
Manila – Caticlan, Boracay: 2 hours by internal flight, vehicle and boat

Passports

Please always check your own entry requirements regardless of your nationality. Your passport should always have at least 6 months validity on date of return from travel. Always check for last minute changes in entry requirements and other nationalities should check with their consular office.

Visas

British nationals can enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 30 days. You can also get a tourist visa from the Philippine Embassy before you travel, which will allow an initial 59 day stay. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic or GP. Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider. We recommend protection, as a minimum, against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.

Prices

At Regaldive, we offer tailor-made scuba diving holidays to the Philippines, including flights from the UK, transfers, accommodation and your scuba diving activities.

The price panel above provides an indication of a lead-in price for your holiday, based on the cheapest time to travel. Prices shown are per person, and based on two persons sharing. 

Our friendly and experienced team can arrange holidays of varying durations for singles, couples, friends and dive clubs. We can also advise you on the best time of year to travel to maximise your scuba diving experience, and receive the best value for money. Flights from regional UK airports may be available, depending on your destination and date of travel.

We can also arrange extensions to your diving or snorkelling holiday, including cultural tours, nature and wildlife-focused activities, plus city breaks.

Please call 01353 659999 or e-mail Regaldive, using the link below, for a quotation.

Our Price Promise

At Regaldive we are committed to offering you the best possible value for money on all our diving holidays. That's why we offer you a price match promise. Learn more about our promise to you.

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