Its more fun in the Philippines!
The Philippines has a lot to offer tourists coming to the region—beautiful beaches, a great climate, and some of the best scuba diving in the world. On top of that, Filipinos are known for their warm hospitality.
Feel as though you are stepping back in time to this relaxed tropical island. And its not just about scuba and snorkelling, we have yoga, art classes, spa treatments, sightseeing, so much on offer for such a great price.
Forget the Maldives, Oriental Negros in the Philippines is where you want to be!
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving in Dumaguete, Philippines
Discover the beautiful Dumaguete City, also known as the City of Gentle People. It was listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the 7 Best Places to Retire Around the World because it offers beachfront living that is relatively cheaper than other places in the world.
Dumaguete is an all-in-one snorkelling/scuba diving destination, offering the perfect mix of everything a water lover would want–great selection of resorts, a nice-sized town, excellent muck diving with lots of rare critters along the Dauin coastline, and good wide-angle opportunities at Apo Island.
Trip Highlights
- Dive Course for Beginners and Certified divers
- Apo Island Fun Dive & Snorkelling
- Dreamy Spa Treatments
- Valencia Jungle Visit
- Try a "Sans Rival" Filipino dessert cake made of layers of buttercream, meringue and chopped cashews
- Dumaguete City Tour
- Morning Beach Meditation Session
- Kookoo's Nest Eco-lodge sheltered white sand beach, with amazing coral reefs, stunning sunsets and great food.
- Ocean Art Workshop
- Two optional yoga classes
Your Snorkelling/Scuba Options
Options 1 - Snorkelling or Beginners Dive Course
For women who love snorkelling or have wanted to try scuba diving, this beginners scuba retreat is for you. We have included an introduction to scuba class in the pool and then you can decide afterwards if you want to try an open ocean dive or to snorkel. No pressure, just a taster. *Please note this course does NOT give you certification as a diver, its a beginners course.
Included:
- Introduction to scuba class
- 3 x fun ocean snorkel or scuba dives
*PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED TO COMPLETE A HEALTH CHECK PRIOR TO BEING ABLE TO DIVE. THERE ARE SOME HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE YOU TO BE SIGNED OFF BY A DOCTOR TO DIVE. PLEASE COMPLETE THE DIVER MEDICAL PARTICPANT QUESTIONNAIRE HERE.
*NOTE there is no requirement for a medical check prior to snorkelling.
Option 2 - Certified Divers
For women who are certified divers, you also have the choice to snorkel or take a few fun ocean dives. A refresher pool class will take place first for all divers, just to be on the safe side as we anticipate people have not been diving during Covid. You can also choose to snorkel instead of dive, its your holiday.
Included:
- Scuba refresher class
- 3 x fun ocean snorkel or scuba dives
*PLEASE NOTE YOU WILL NEED TO BRING YOUR DIVE CERTIFICATION WITH YOU TO BE ABLE TO DIVE. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO PROVE THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE MINIMUM DIVE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
The Space
“Eat, Sleep, Dive, Live!”
Liquid Dive Resort is situated in a secluded beach in Dauin, home of the best diving in the Philippines. Just 20 minutes from the commotion of Dumaguete city, Liquid is tranquil yet accessible, providing a pleasant escape into nature. Scuba divers of all experience and certification levels, devoted underwater photographers, and people seeking a pleasant beach holiday can enjoy this little piece of paradise.
✈ Dumaguete, Philippines
Pool Bar and Restaurant
The pool bar is situated within a lush tropical garden nestled in between our 2 swimming pools and offers a wide selection of cocktails, local beers, fruit smoothies and soft drinks as well as daily happy hour specials. With plenty of comfortable seating, a pool table and dart board area, good music and chill vibes the pool bar is a central part of Liquid.
The garden restaurant is located at the pool bar and offers a selection of Philippine, Asian and European meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All produce is locally sourced and we strive to make every dish memorable. Daily specials and a wide selection of vegetarian meals are offered and group meals or special dinners can be arranged at any time.
Massage Cottage
Our dedicated massage cottage is designed to help ease away those travelling knots and leave the stress of home behind. Choose from an array of different massages from therapeutic to shiatsu or our own signature massage to help you unwind. Unique to Liquid is the opportunity to soak in a European style aromatic hot spring bath, filled with what the locals believe to be healing waters from our own private hot spring.
Diving conditions
- 1 FOC diver for every 8 full paying divers.
- All-day trips are subject to coast guard approval and weather conditions at the time
- We need to see proof of diver certification either by certification card or logbook
- We ask divers to complete a local check dive prior to going on any day trips
- As a 5* PADI CDC dive resort we follow all PADI standards and will allow divers to dive only to their certification limits
- We use both INT (yoke) and DIN tanks and have DIN adaptors available for rent
- We do not allow decompression diving and have a maximum dive time of between 60-70 minutes unless special arrangements have been made and appropriate
certifications shown - It is possible, for an additional fee, to have a private guide
Our standard diver to guide ratio is 4:1, unless a group states otherwise
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation in clean, comfortable rooms
- Breakfast included
- Massage and facial or pedicure
- Scuba/Snorkelling depending on the package your choose and your certification level
- 3 x Trips to explore the local area
- 3 x Snorkelling/Dive classes/trips
- Meditation, Yoga and Art Classes
- Airport transfer to and from the resort
- Tax and service fees of 21%
Exclusions
- Flights to and from Dumaguete Philippines
- Some Lunches and Dinners (budget between $10 to $15 per meal)
- Personal purchases
- Travel Insurance (which is compulsory) is not included
- Tipping for hotel staff - we recommend $10 a day = $60AUD to be collected at the end and distributed for all staff, housekeeping, café, receptions etc.
Room Accommodation
Deluxe Rooms
Each room has king or twin beds, split air conditioning, ceiling fan, working desk, hanging unit, hairdryer, flat screen TV with satellite, mini bar and private balcony with comfortable bamboo furniture and a side sea view.
*Note there are no tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms. If you need this please bring your own element and tea and coffee. The shower has warm water which is provided by a natural spring so can be a little bit yellow in colour and slightly sulphur smelling. The water pressure is low. Please remember this is a developing island and even though it is idyllic some of the facilities are basic. Drinking water is provided in the room and can be refilled for free at the bar. *The mattresses are firm, like other Asian countries.
Extra Nights Accommodation – Deluxe – $150 AUD per room per night. Includes accommodation, airport transfers, breakfast and taxes
Standard Rooms
Standard rooms are small and basic and really only suitable for one person or to share with someone you know due to the compact nature. Each room has king or twin beds, split air con, ceiling fan, hanging unit and a private balcony with comfortable bamboo furniture and a sea view. Rooms have fly screens so you can keep the louvres open at night and hear the ocean lapping on the shore.
*Note there are no tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms. If you need this please bring your own element and tea and coffee. The shower has warm water which is provided by a natural spring so can be a little bit yellow in colour and slightly sulphur smelling. The water pressure is low. Please remember this is a developing island and even though it is idyllic some of the facilities are basic. Drinking water is provided in the room and can be refilled for free at the bar. *The mattresses are firm, like other Asian countries.
Extra Nights Accommodation – Standard – $120 AUD per room per night. Includes accommodation, airport transfers, breakfast and taxes
This trip is 6 nights and 7 days
*FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED
*A $500 Deposit is required to secure your spot on this tour. The remainder is due 75 days prior to departure.
Discover Dumaguete
Program Itinerary
Pre-Arrival
There are no direct flights to Dumaguete. We suggest flying via Manilla. There are two airlines Cebu (budget) and Philippines Airlines. You will need to depart a day early if travelling from Australia to arrive by the 3rd of September 2023. Some flights arrive early evening into Manila and have you flying out again 12 hours later to Dumaguete. In this case for example from Sydney, we suggest booking a room at the Belmont Hotel for the night because you can just walk over the skybridge from Level 3 of Terminal 3 airport making it easy to come back again for your early morning flight. There are escalators from the arrivals hall if you go to the right after arriving. Or, on level 4 of Terminal 3 there are several lounges where you can book can book a recliner and a massage for several hours. You can’t book the lounges in advance, it is first in best dressed. You can book the Wings airport capsule hotel in advance though. *Note this is only if you are flying with Cebu Airlines.
If coming from Melbourne however on the 2nd of September there is just a short 2.45hr stopover in Manila. In this case you will require an extra nights accommodation at Liquid Dumaguete. We can arrange this for you.
*Please note Cebu airlines is a budget airline and does not have entertainment or include food service in its pricing. Also only 20 kilos luggage is included.
Overnight if staying at Terminal 3:
Belmont Hotel Manila | Newport Boulevard, Newport City Pasay City 1309, Metro Manila, Philippines
T : (+632) 5318 8888
E : info@belmontmanila.com
If you are arriving to Terminal 2 via Philippine airlines and have a long layover (usually up to 12 hours) you may need to arrange a transfer to a hotel. There is no overnight sleeping options at Terminal 2 or close by. Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 are not connected..
For assistance with flights please visit our designated Travel Manager Kerstin’s page HERE
Meals: N/A
Welcome to Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines!
Arrive Dumaguete and explore Valencia Markets, Valencia village and surrounding areas. Have a delicious homemade snack and coffee at the farmers market.
Then head to Forest Camp for a dip in the fresh water pools fed by a waterfall. This 5-hectare property is a jungle paradise complete with hanging bridges, kawa baths, picnic areas and a natural river running through it.
5pm – Afternoon cocktail and Marine talk
Welcome Dinner at Liquid Dive Resort (included)
Meals – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Introduction to Dive Course or Certified Dive Refresher Course
7:00am – 8:00am Yoga (included but optional)
9:00 am – Breakfast
10:00am – Introduction to Dive Course for Beginners and Refresher Course for Certified Divers.
Lunch- Liquid *Self-pay
In the afternoon discover and experience the “City of Gentle People” by exploring Dumaguete City. Visit Belfry Tower and Silvanas from Sans Rival Bakery. A famous Filipino dessert that is crunchy, creamy layers of buttercream, meringue, and cashew. Take a stroll along the Boulevard and see some local markets.
On the way back to the resort stop at Bacong for Dinner at Chikahan – Filipino Restaurant *Self Pay
Meals – Breakfast
Fun Dive and Snorkel & Day Spa
7:00am – *Optional Beach Meditation with Sarah (30 minutes)
8:00am – Breakfast
9:00 am – Fun Dive / Snorkeling Activity
Lunch Liquid Dumaguete *self pay
Spend the afternoon at Hazels Day Spa
For your pre-booked spa treatments – Including Swedish Massage followed by either a facial or pedicure. Pure Bliss!
Dinner – Pizza Pool Party (included) Drinks *self pay
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Apo Island Fun Dive and Snorkel Day
Enjoy a relaxed wake up and the view from your private balcony.
8:00am – Breakfast
9:00 am – Fun Dive / Snorkel Activity at Apo Island
Apo Island is a must-see when it comes to diving and snorkeling activities in Dumaguete City. It usually takes about 30 minutes by Dumaguete’s boats to bring you from the usual jump off point within Dauin to Apo Island. Experience a wide coral garden, see schools of jacks, sweetlips, and sea turtles. The resort has their own boats – So this activity will depart from the resort and return to the resort – includes lunch – Trip is full day options are snorkel or dive.
Dinner – Liquid *self pay
Meals – Breakfast and Lunch
Fun Dive / Snorkel Day
7:00am – 8:00am Yoga (included but optional)
8:00am – Breakfast
9:00 am – Mandala Ocean Art Workshop
After your experience with diving and snorkeling the ocean immerse yourself in creating your own personal ocean mandala
LUNCH – Koo Koo Nest (included)
Spend the afternoon at this unique sandy cove location. Just relax on the beach or take a snorkel around the peninsular and coral reefs (not diving). Your lunch will be included. A hidden treasure village that prepares excellent fresh food.
*Please note there are approx. 100 stairs to get down to this cove.
Dinner at Lokal Restaurant Dauin *self pay
Meals – Breakfast and Lunch
Free Day
Breakfast at your leisure.
Today is a free day at the Resort for resting. There are many options to enjoy from swimming, Reading, Massage at the resort or if you would like to get one more snorkel this can be arranged with the resort. * Self-pay **Please note it is not suggested to dive up to 36 hours before flying.
LUNCH *self-pay
Farewell Dinner – Liquid Resort. Indulge in a traditional lechon (roast pork), buffet and vegetarian option.
Meals Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast
Check out after breakfast at Liquid and transfer to Dumaguete–Sibulan Airport (DGT) for final departure.
*Please note that sometimes when booking things so far in advance that itineraries must change. Also some of the activities in the schedule are weather dependent which means we may need to swap days around.
Your Host – Sarah Forshaw
Frequently Asked Questions
View your preparation notes HERE
Pre-Arrival
There are no direct flights to Dumaguete. We suggest flying via Manilla. There are two airlines Cebu (budget) and Philippines Airlines. You will need to depart a day early if travelling from Australia to arrive by the 3rd of September 2023. Some flights arrive early evening into Manila and have you flying out again 12 hours later to Dumaguete. In this case for example from Sydney, we suggest booking a room at the Belmont Hotel for the night. Because you can just walk over the skybridge from Level 3 of Terminal 3 airport making it easy to come back again for your early morning flight. There are escalators from the arrivals hall if you go to the right after arriving. If coming from Melbourne however on the 2nd of September there is just a short 2.45hr stopover in Manila. In this case you will require an extra nights accommodation at Liquid Dumaguete. We can arrange this for you.
*Please note Cebu airlines is a budget airline and does not have entertainment or include food service in its pricing. Also only 20 kilos luggage is included.
Overnight if staying at Terminal 3:
Belmont Hotel Manila | Newport Boulevard, Newport City Pasay City 1309, Metro Manila, Philippines
T : (+632) 5318 8888
E : info@belmontmanila.com
If you are arriving to Terminal 2 and have a long layover (usually up to 12 hours) you may need to arrange a transfer to a hotel. There are no overnight options in Terminal 2 or close by. Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 are not connected.
For assistance with flights please visit our designated Travel Manager Kerstin’s page HERE
Phone: +63-035-400-3244
Cover-More travel insurance covers scuba diving and snorkelling as standard in their policies if you are scuba diving up to 30 metres, if diving with a diving school or qualified instructor.
Additional Adventure Activities coverage is required to cover scuba diving where the maximum depth is between 30 – 50 metres, and you must be diving with a qualified guide and have the appropriate dive qualifications. It is not anticipated you will be diving beyond 30 metres on this retreat.
If you take travel insurance with another company you will need to check they cover you for snorkelling and scuba diving.
View our recommended Travel insurance provider Cover-More HERE
Deluxe – $150 AUD per room per night
Standard – $120 AUD per room per night
Includes accommodation, airport transfers, breakfast and taxes
If you have chosen a twinshare room, and have not nominated someone to share with, we will do our best to find you a roommate. Please note however that if this is not possible, the single room rate will apply. We hope you understand and will keep you informed of the rooming situation as we allocate people. For people who have booked for a twinshare room with a friend please also know that if that if for some reason your roommate cancels and we are unable to find you a suitable replacement, the single room rate will apply. Again, we hope you understand as the accommodation price can no longer be shared. If for some reason the twinshare arrangement is not suitable to one or both parties once the tour has commenced then both parties will be responsible to pay a single room excess to be negotiated with the hotel and only on possible on availability
*If you have chosen to twinshare and have not divulged the necessary information to be a suitable sharing person (such as snoring, cpap machines, smoking, sleeping with the TV on etc) then during the tour you may need to move to a single room at your own expense if your roommate complains.
**In regard to the above mentioned, if you are sharing with someone and find yourselves incompatible for some reason and you would like to move to a single room you will need to also pay the single supplement for said room. This is to be negotiated with the hotel and only on possible on availability.
- Swimmers, sarongs, sunscreen, hat and Aqua shoes
- Adapters so you can use your electronic devices
- Tea, coffee, travel mug and an element of travel kettle if you wish make to make tea or coffee in your room.
You need to be a strong swimmer to attend this retreat. There is also some walking involved.
