Planet Dive is located in San
Teodoro, Mabini, Batangas. Approximately two hours away from Manila via Star
Toll way route. Private vehicle is best advised going to Planet Dive for it is
quite off from conventional; a friend that took a bus from Manila to Batangas
had to rent a tricycle (lone option) from Mabini to Planet Dive for 350.00 php
and he’s lucky enough to convince a tricycle driver for that ride.
Planet Dive is a wholly Filipino
owned company providing SCUBA Diving services in the Philippines since 1999.
Strategically located in unusually high biodiversity part of our country
wherein aquatic experts have classified the Verde Island Passage between
Batangas ad Oriental Mindoro as “the center of the center” of marine
biodiversity in the world. Thus, Planet Dive has since earned recognition and
fame in the local diving industry. In the close to one decade of doing
business, Planet Dive Resort has grown from a cozy 6 room resort to 16 cabana
NAUI Pro Gold facility with two Full Service Villas, a Nitrox/Tri-mix Gas
blending station and airport to airport secure transfer service.
I visited Planet Dive not for its
diving competence but to conduct environmental study for my Philippine
Environmental Laws class but since I found the place commendable for
backpackers, my overnight stay experience may be relevant to share. Checking In
and Out is from 8 am to 8 pm, I had prior room reservation package that
includes buffet lunch (served at 12 pm – 2 pm); dinner (7pm – 9 pm); and
breakfast (7 am – 9 am). I had settled for a cottage built on hill side with
picturesque view of the sea, the room has three beds that can accommodate 4 – 5
persons (for sharing), AC unit, toilet and bath. One of the things that Planet
Dive, agreed to was to preserve the flora and fauna of the area. Thus, the area
was landscaped with diverse plant species, trees and rocks trying to blend with
natural environment and unobtrusive as possible. As consequence, according to
the management, they have displaced a lot of animals that used to inhabit the
area. As things, begun to settle down, beautiful birds, wild cats (mustang),
snakes and other exotic animals are now seen in the resort.
Planet Dive offers other water
activities aside from SCUBA Diving; there is kayaking, snorkeling and island
hopping. The place was also suitable for relaxation with serene ambiance and
hopefully the management could set-up a spa for sauna and/or body massage for
over all relaxation. Food was served systematically that ensures quality and
safety; taste was not bad and menu was planned accordingly. By night, the place
has this haunting appeal in particular to their marble staircase that looks
tombstones, insufficient post lamps outside that gave me second thought for a
night stroll by the shore and rare do I see resort personnel doing rounds for
added security; but Planet Dive core competence was company’s adherence to
highest safety and service to all customers.
Planet Dive has been seriously engaged in Marine resource
management in various forums and is seen largely as a model for private sector
partnership in conservation initiatives. Planet Dive has in 9 short years
helped in no short measure turn its house reef, Twin Rocks Marine Sanctuary,
from encrusting coral on broken coral sub-straight in 1997 to the “Third Best
Marine Protected Area” in the Philippines.
For more information and reservation visit their website www.planetdive.com.ph or contact them at : (+63)9167043718 and (+63)24752067; Booking
Office is at G-02 Rada Regency Rada St. corner Dela Rosa St. Legaspi Village,
Makati City Philippines
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