PHILIPPINES DIVING SAFARI: LEYTE

Two weeks ago, in Le Mag n ° 15, we presented the first part of the Magellan diving safari in the Philippines organized by the tour operator Abyssworld. This safari is so dense that we have chosen to present it to you in two parts, so here is the rest of it.

We had parted in Malapascua with its famous thresher sharks. We therefore set out again for the island of Leyte to stop off at Baybay.

TRANSFER TO LEYTE

Throughout the safari, the team pays special attention not to impose too long navigation. So this is still the case and after only two hours of driving, we have a lunch break in Kalanggaman.

Rest assured, during transfers, the team, as soon as possible, is also planning dives! That's why we came anyway! l

Kalanggaman is a small island that looks straight out of a postcard. White sand beach, coconut palms and turquoise sea, everything is there. After two hours of idleness, we take to the sea again so as not to disturb the “locals” who are busy napping…

NIGHT IN BAYBAY

A little less than two hours later, we arrive in Baybay. This small town is anything but touristy. But this is also the Magellan safari, it offers you the chance to think outside the box and meet the population. In the city center, is one of the most important markets of the island of Leyte. We go there to take the pulse of the city.

Once again, tourism development is almost non-existent in Baybay and it is therefore in one of the few hotels in the city that we spend the night ... a great moment that we preferred not to film in order to leave the surprise of its decoration intact. let's say… surprisingly, to say the least, to the readers who will go there. Rest assured, the Palermo hotel is quite healthy ...

ARRIVAL AT KUTING REEF

The next day, we set sail again towards our last stop. Located in the municipality of Macrohon, the Kuting reef is a small hotel owned by Filipinos. This has an abundant and charming staff. The local-style bungalows overlook the tropical garden. Air-conditioned, they are well maintained and comfortable. The air conditioning deserves to make a little less noise ... For addicts, you will have to go to the bar area to find the precious wi-fi which is free 😉

Depending on the schedule, we eat up to three meals a day which are quite good. It also happens that we have lunch on board and I must admit that having lunch on board the bangka, alone in the world, has something very, very enjoyable.

BEST OF DIVES

Leyte Island and more particularly the South Leyte area is famous for diving in the Philippines. Imagine a little. Over thirty kilometers, there are about thirty protected marine areas and in all, five diving centers ...

Napantao, Limasawa, Heaven's Gate, Turtle Rock, Tangkaan Reef, Coral Garden, Walter's Rock, Max Climax, Sunok, Lapini island, Gunter's wall… are only a small part of the list of spots where you can immerse yourself.

All the macro fauna is present, but the king of the region is the whale shark. Although present from October to the end of May, the best season to meet him is from March to May. Moreover the safari is adapted according to the dates. During the “high season” the guides spend a lot of time trying to spot it on the surface so you can snorkel with the “monster” in Sogod Bay. If you get there earlier, you are more likely to see it while diving. We were lucky enough to meet one who was just passing through ...

VISIT TO MACROHON

A morning is reserved for the visit of the city of Macrohon. Once again, it's time for a market and more so… not much interest except to cut a little the sustained rhythm of the immersions.

On the other hand, if like us you are fans of knives of all kinds, we discovered a small forge there which offers you to choose your blade and which then manufactures the knife of your dreams! And beware, it will cost you around five euros… Be careful, however, it takes twenty-four hours between ordering and delivery. If this appeals to you, don't forget to talk to your guide as soon as you arrive at Kuting reef.

BEST OF NIGHT DIVES

For those who have already had the chance to dive in the area, there is a mythical night dive! Indeed, near our hotel base, is located Padre Burgos… Under the quay of this small town, there is a concentration of everything that the Philippines offers in macro diving. It is notably the paradise of seahorses. We met no less than ten during a single immersion.

The visibility can be more or less good there but it is each time a happiness… even if, to be frank, it is not really the place to drink the cup! Small regret, however, there is only one night dive planned at this place which would be well worth two ...

THE MAGELLAN SAFARI IN DETAIL

This route is operational in October and November and resumes from February to May. This choice is dictated by the conditions of the sea and by precipitation. During this journey, you will make more than twenty dives. Guides are not stingy and you always offer more. The cruise takes place over twelve nights and offers a real change of scenery off the beaten path.

True to our policy, we prefer to leave the floor to Vincent so that he can present you this circuit that he knows like the back of his hand.

The Magellan safari is offered by Abyssworld.com from 2949 euros excluding promotions and group prices! Do not hesitate to contact them and especially tell them that you come from us ... our friends are the friends of our friends 😉

THE PHILIPPINE DIVING SAFARIS BY ABYSSWORLD

It would be reductive to speak only of the circuit MAGELLAN. Indeed, Abyssworld proposes the circuit CAMIGUIN which will take place in the southern Philippines through Duka Bay, Camiguin and Anda, as well as VISAYAS which proposes for him to make you discover Cebu, Apo, Siquijor and Panglao.

More: www.abyssworld.com