PLANET DIVE - ANILAO, BATANGAS

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