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Mat’s Philippines Trip 2015: Part 3
Read Part 1 here. Read Part 2 here.
Good times on ‘Bad Easter’
It was 4AM, we were in the back of a minivan taxi and we had been on the road for an hour already. The bumpy ride and enthusiastic air conditioning made a return to slumber impossible for me; as I sat next to a snoozing girlfriend my mind drifted to a remark that I had read back in England about our next destination. Some 500 years ago when the Spaniards first landed on a small island that lies north of Cebu they were stranded on the rocks and eaten alive by hordes of mosquitos- they sensibly decided to call the place Malapascua as it literally translates as ‘Bad Easter’. I hoped that times had since changed and that the thousands of divers that visit the tiny (just 2 miles long in fact) island each year are testament to the more comfortable conditions that can be found there… plus Easter was the previous weekend so I was sure we would be fine.
Having reached Malapascua the ‘adventurous’ way on two public boats from Leyte, we were very much ready for some well deserved R&R. Our time at Sogod Bay was great but we hoped for a splash of luxury for our next week. Arriving on the western side of the island we jumped on the back of two obliging motorcycle taxi’s, clutched onto our bags and whizzed through the sandy back roads toward Bounty beach. I wasn’t overly impressed with the surroundings that the public boat moored up on but felt confident that Bounty Beach would live up to it’s reputation as an idyllic picture postcard destination.
Ocean Vida Resort
Happy Hour!
Beautiful waters of Bounty Beach
We arrived at Ocean Vida from the back roads; I say roads but actually Malapascua has no cars and so these roads are better described as dirt tracks. Our first look at Bounty Beach did not disappoint- soft white sand beneath our tired feet and sparkling blue water before our eyes. Within minutes we were sat in the intimate open air restaurant with a welcome drink as our bags were taken to our room. Julz is the resort manager and has such a warm and friendly manner – she’s perfect for the job and made us feel welcome right away. Ollie is the dive centre manager and having finished our complimentary fruit juice we strolled next door to meet him and confirm our diving schedule. As luck would have it the afternoon boat was going out for a single dive later that day. It turned out to be an easy sandy bottom affair that did produce a couple of bold little cuttlefish, scuttling hermit crabs and a school of catfish hiding in a small wreck of some kind – nothing incredible but a pleasant dive nonetheless. We got back just in time for happy hour; every 4-6pm cocktails are two for the price of one and at just 150 pesos (£2.30 approx.) our rounds were only coming to £10…well why wouldn’t you order four each at that price? Well one very good reason is that our dives the following day were scheduled for 6am and I for one really didn’t fancy getting up so early to jump on a dive boat with a sore head.
Our alarm buzzed at 05:45…a whole ten minutes earlier than it needed to be buzzing for a 06:00 departure if you ask me, but then I’m reminded that I don’t have contact lenses to put in and hair to tie up, and don’t I have a camera to be prepping… all solid points from Samantha. We rubbed our eyes and made our way to the dive centre just a few paces from our balcony – the sun made it’s appearance shortly after and before long we were on our way to the site that has put Malapascua on the diving map; Monad Shoal.
Each morning arguably one of the world’s most graceful sharks with its elegant ribbon like tail ventures into the shallower waters at Monad Shoal. Rising from depths that can reach 1600ft the large dark eyes of the Thresher shark can be seen emerging through a thermocline at a more tolerable diving depth of just 100ft. It’s here where divers hover calmly at the edge of a wall and patiently wait for close encounters with these bizarre looking animals. The dive is spent doing just that – waiting rather than diving, but when a 4m shark cruises within just a few feet of your mask it really is worth the wait. We dived Monad Shoal on three separate occasions and had encounters every time- it’s fair to say that if seeing Thresher sharks is on your bucket list then this has to be the best place in the world to as good as guarantee a sighting.
Close encounters with the graceful Thresher sharks
The second morning at Malapascua was sublime. We took our chances at Kimud Shoal; close to Monad it is here that another species of shark is occasionally spotted, especially during the month of April. We didn’t hold out much of a hope; I knew for a fact that a number of Divemasters that had been working on the island and dived Kimud more than a dozen times this month had yet to see this most unusual looking shark. We descend and within seconds a Manta Ray swoops past – a good omen? Venturing away from the security of the wall behind us we hover in the blue – all around us and beneath us, nothing but blue water. The sharks are out there somewhere. After 20 minutes of emptiness we make our way back towards the boat and then she emerged – our first Hammerhead sighting. It was brief… nothing more than a glimpse, but then minutes later two more ‘hammers’ swim by, just as fleeting and every bit as satisfying. We were the only people on the boat to see them and fellow divers struggled to hide their envy. As we enjoyed our breakfast back on land with views of the sparkling morning sunshine as it danced atop the calm blue sea we gushed over how lucky we had been; after all it’s not often that you see Thresher Sharks, Manta Rays and Hammerheads all before you’ve had your cornflakes.
Naughty Night Dives & The White Tips of Gato
Mandarin fish are very photogenic, that’s undeniable; with their frilly fins and colourful markings they are quite a pretty fish indeed. Malapascua is one of a few destinations in the Philippines where you can head out to sea at dusk, settle down in just the right spot and much like the Thresher dive… sit and wait. Now I don’t often feel the cold, but when I opted to wear only my ‘rashy’ (I’ve never been fond of wetsuits) in water that was closer to 26 degrees than 27 I soon regretted the decision as we spent a full 30 minutes without moving whatsoever. Beneath us in the maze like hard corals were the Mandarin fish we had come out to see – you know… doing it. That’s right. For those in the know this comes as no surprise as this is what ‘the Mandarin Fish dive’ is all about. We sit… we wait… and if we’re looking in the right spot, a male will get lucky with a larger female and they will float harmoniously together, drifting in an upward fashion as though they are being beamed up by an uncontrollable force. Almost as soon as this behaviour begins, it is over and we cast our eyes to another patch of coral to snoop on the next unsuspecting pair. They were lovely to see and I’m glad I ticked the box, but the 30 minutes afterwards spent finding sea horses, cuttlefish and a particularly active octopus (not to mention warming up) were more enjoyable I’d say; maybe I’m just not the ‘peeping Tom’ sort.
I had heard that you go to Malapascua for the Threshers but you leave remembering Gato Island. Expectations were set reasonably high as that simple sentence remained etched in my mind as we took to the water to experience it for ourselves. A 45 minute boat ride away from Bounty Beach is a solitary rocky outcrop that divers have come to call Gato. Compared to the sandy bottom dive on our first day this was a heavenly playground of boulders, swim-thru’s and corals all with secrets to uncover. Floating amongst one coral bommie was a stunning pair of Ornate Ghost pipefish; in the distance were mating cuttlefish, circling above were filter feeding mackerel with their distinctive and amusing wide gape…but we were here for the main attraction. As the current gently pushed us along a swim thru we were greeted by not one or two but three circling white tip sharks. We exit the tunnel and make our way into another cluster of enclosed boulders to find three more white tips cruising and circling with a calm and controlled presence; they clearly rule the roost at Gato. The last 10 minutes of the dive was spent playing in the shallows where the light pierced the surface of the water and we swam in between the boulders of the island. I love a varied dive site and Gato Island provides enough variety to keep most divers entertained; critters, sharks and intriguing topography – a ‘must do’ dive for anyone visiting Malapascua.
White-Tip sharks of Gato Island can be seen in the swim-thrus
An excursion to Sambawan Island
The local dives within easy reach of Bounty Beach are nothing spectacular – I’ve made no secret of that fact. Diving at Malapascua is all about the Thresher sharks and Gato Island. When weather conditions allow however, it’s possible to venture further North to Sambawan Island; a small and beautiful place made up of three islets. Local Filipinos visit Sambawan during the holiday periods and at weekends to enjoy the sand and the snorkelling – the dive sites around the island have an abundance of hard and soft corals and more fish life than at our Malapascua base. It takes around 3 hours to get there and the day begins with a Thresher dive at Monad shoal. The glorious weather ensured that the relatively long journey by boat was pleasant and we enjoyed a BBQ feast on arrival. Uncharacteristically the viz was quite poor (can’t be helped) and I only have one photo of my buddy with a turtle to show for the day, but it was clear to see that the dive sites here are definitely worth a visit; especially if like me you enjoy spending the day at sea.
Above and below Sambawan Island
Our week at Malapascua delivered everything that we hoped for and more. In just six days we were able to add three more species of shark to our Philippines sightings – Whale sharks, Threshers sharks, Hammerheads and White Tips if you’re keeping count. We watched the beautiful Mandarin fish as it got down and dirty in front of a baying crowd of camera laden voyeurs. We enjoyed sunrises on the boat and sunsets from our balcony; great food, tasty cocktails, and relaxing massages…but we still had a few more days left before our return to England loomed (I feel that gloomed is more accurate but I’m not convinced it’s a word!) Our final stretch would take us to Moalboal and whilst we were excited to be off somewhere new, we were equally saddened to be leaving the island paradise of Malapascua; not such a ‘Bad Easter’ these days that’s for sure…
To be concluded!
Mat is a travel consultant for Dive Worldwide.
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Welcome to Day 5 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
SlipIns DiveSkins
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Diving Books from Miflex Hoses
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
We stock a great range of Diving & Underground book titles, ideal to add to any order or simply buy as a gift for a friend.
Titles we have include:
Shipwrecks of the Dover Straits, Adventures Underground, Pioneers Beneath the Peak, Dive Truk Lagoon, Underwater Potholer, Images Below & many more.
From Authors including:
Stefan Panis, Martyn Farr, Duncan Price, Ron Young, Rod Macdonald, Chris Howes
Visit our website for more details.
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light – now available in pink!
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Scubapro Luna 2 AI Dive Computer
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
SCUBAPRO, the world’s premier manufacturer of high-quality scuba diving equipment, introduces its second generation Luna 2.0, an easy-to-read, intuitive dive computer loaded with easy-to-use features and available in two versions, the Luna 2.0 and Luna 2.0 AI with wireless air integration.
Designed for new and casual recreational divers, the low-profile Luna 2.0 sits comfortably on the wrist. Its oil-filled plastic housing helps ensure reliable performance to depths of 120 meters. A large widescreen display features a high-contrast black and white matrix-segment LCD with full-sized characters for easy reading in all dive conditions. An intuitive menu and simple two-button interface lets the diver navigate the system with ease, aided by clearly marked screen prompts. The LUNA 2.0 offers two algorithms – Predictive Multi-Gas Bühlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG or ZH-L16 + GF PURE, plus 21-50% nitrox compatibility and three selectable gasses for open circuit diving. Three dive modes are available – Scuba, Apnea and Gauge – to suit a range of diving activities.
The Luna 2.0 AI (air integrated) offers the same easy-to-use features and functions as the standard Luna 2.0 plus adds wireless air integration. This not only enables to easily monitor ythe tank pressure, it also provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) and allows the air consumption to be factored into the decompression calculation. Also available with the Luna 2.0 AI is an optional integrated heart rate monitor that lets visually track the heart rate and skin temperature to help staying in the personal target zone.
Both Luna 2.0 models include personalized dive management functions like PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) which calculates an intermediate stop based on N2 loading, current and previous dives and breathing mixes, and Microbubble levels that give the option to adjust the level of conservatism in the algorithm to match the individual experience level, age and physical conditioning for a more enjoyable dive.
The soft silicone arm strap offers a comfortable fit on the wrist, plus bungee mounts on the corners of the housing allow for alternate attachment methods. A Bluetooth Low Energy interface enables the download of the dive data to any iOS or Android device or PC/Mac (firmware can be user-updated), and the CR2450 battery is rated for up to two years or 300 dives.
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
35% off Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene in Spring 2025
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Embark on the ultimate diving adventure aboard the Scuba Scene, the luxury liveaboard offering an unforgettable Red Sea experience. Known for its exceptional service, safety, comfort, and world-class dive sites, Scuba Scene is the ideal choice for divers of all levels.
Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. From the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park to the famous Thistlegorm wreck, Scuba Scene brings you to the heart of the Red Sea’s best sites. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and a dedicated crew that ensures every detail is perfect, this liveaboard guarantees relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
Now is the perfect time to book! Save a massive 35% on any sailing between 3rd March and 28th April 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first plunge, Scuba Scene promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Don’t miss this chance to dive the Red Sea in style and at an incredible price. Book your adventure today!
Tel: 0800 699 0243
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
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