Malapascua - Maya - San Isidro - Ormoc - Maasin - Padre Burgos

Departure  2013-Oct-06 - 7.30     Arrival 2013-Oct-07 - 17.00

When diving on Jeju Island, Korea in 2011, I was recommended to go to Sogod Bay in South Leyte. Hence, I decided to head over to Leyte, an island less traveled in the east of the Philippines .…. it only took two ferries, two busses, one motor-bike, one jeepney and an overnight stay in Ormoc to get down to the' South Leyte Divers in Padre Burgos. 

Going by public transport gives you a good impression of the country you are traveling in; its people, nature and all sorts of other things! Trying to fit your european-sized-body into a Philippine-sized seat is an interesting challenge, especially as the vehicles seem to get smaller and smaller the further off you go. Coping with people's obsession for massive sound-systems, which they are keen on cranking up to the maximum, is another.

However, people here are majorly friendly, helpful and try to have a chat with you, if you like it (or not...). So far, the Philippines are one of my favorite countries to travel in!

Arriving in Padre Burgos, there happen to be no other guests in this large (Germanized) bamboo-fortress / dive-resort. It still is their off-season as the Hagad (Philippine word for strong west-wind) is blowing and not all dive-sites are open. Günter Mosch (the owner) tells me diving here is best in whale shark season (... do I have to come back?).

After three nights I leave German Shepard Rex, the monkey on a leash, Leberkäse and Weißbier behind and continue the journey south to Mindanao.

continue with ... MINDANAO