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Dive Review of Paul's/Liberty's in
Philippines/Apo Island

Paul's/Liberty's, Dec, 2010,

by John Woolley, WA, US (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 11 reports). Report 5891.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving 3 stars
Snorkeling 4 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments Undercurrent readers are up-front and personally aware of the sorry state of the world’s marine environment. So shout out loud when you find a success story like little Apo Island. A community that recognized that the reef is their life and stopped it’s destruction.

Well yes, there is electricity only three times a day for two hour spurts. And yes, in the room’s bathrooms you have to take bucket baths. Those rooms are however very clean and very comfortable. Might it be inconsistent for us to worry about the destruction of reefs, often brought about by local pollution, and then not stay in a place that is designed to minimize that destruction because of the lack of amenities? I’ll answer that: yes. So go to Apo Island and stay at Liberty’s Lodge.

But not just because it is the right thing to do, but because you’ll find wonderful, wonderful corals and some really nice drift diving, some of which brings you right through large schools of Jacks. And you’ll find incredibly friendly staff, very knowledgeable dive masters, a yummy but limited menu, visitors from around the world who are really interesting, and an island community that welcomes you to their small village. And don’t forget to walk through the village and stop at the open-air billiards pub and shoot some pool. If you are lucky, you'll get to dance to some live music (the drummer was one of the dive masters). There are some really nice walks around the island, albeit steep walks.

Finally, in the open-air boat that takes you to the island (about 30 minutes) it is quite likely that you will get wet, so be prepared. But when you step off the boat, in your wet shorts, you'll be welcomed into open, friendly arms.
Websites Paul's   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Puget Sound, Bahamas, Saba, Honduras, Belize, Hawaii, Thailand, Australia
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm, choppy
Water Temp 82-83°F / 28-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 50-100 Ft/ 15-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Mostly you wanted to stay with the dive master as he knew where cool stuff could be seen. That said, the coral was so wonderful it was fine to stay in a spot and look provided that the group (3-5) stayed in visual distance.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? no

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments [None]
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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