Five Amazing Dive Sites in Bohol for Beginners

Dive sites in Bohol, particularly near Panglao Island where many resorts are located, are perfect for beginners because of their shallow depths, beautiful coral walls, and gentle slopes. Here are 5 spots where newbies can practice their diving skills and experience plunging down a wreckage, fish sanctuaries, and a site known as the "Hole in the Wall".

1. Balicasag Fish Sanctuary
Located southeast of Bohol is Balicasag Island, home to a stretch of great dive sites that include Balicasag Fish Sanctuary. Established by the local community as a protected marine area, the sanctuary features a number of various fish species such as silver jack, bigeye trevally, midnight snappers, and sweetlips. Here, beginners can measure their buoyancy control for wall diving, since the site has a depth of 3 to 35 meters. The area is also ideal for snorkeling since the reefs are shallow.

2. Arco Point
Another easy dive site for newbies is Arco Point, which is situated just 12 minutes by boat from the southern portion of Panglao Island. This amazing dive site is called by many as “Hole in the Wall” because it features a small cave composed of soft and hard corals. Surrounding the cave are snake eels, cuttlefish, mantis shrimps, mackerels, and the giant frogfish. Since the wall is made up of fragile coral, passing through the hole is discouraged especially for inexperienced divers. The better way is to dive around it since the depth of the site is only from 4 to 27 meters.

3. Habagat Wreck
Also located south of Panglao Island is Habagat Wreck. This dive site ranging from 8- to 35-meters deep is an exciting spot for beginners because they can easily reach the wreck that sunk around year 2000. To put their fundamental diving skills to the test, there's an S-shaped wall and a slope a few feet from the wreckage. The area is also great for underwater photography, since the S-shaped wall has an overhang of colorful corals.

4. Doljo Point
Just minutes from various Panglao Island accommodations like the Bohol Bee Farm, Doljo Point offers a range of beautiful marine life such as big sea fans, bucket sponges, leather corals, manta rays, and barracudas. This dive spot is ideal for beginners learning to control diving into deeper depths because it can go as far as 40 meters. On some occasions, whale sharks may appear at lower levels.

5. Crystal Sanctuary
If there's one diving spot in Bohol advisable for newbies, it has to be Crystal Sanctuary. Its shallow depth of 3 to 25 meters makes it easy for those divers feeling out their equipment for the first time. In addition, the sanctuary has imposed restrictions to keep them on the safe distance. The Crystal Sanctuary is the closest dive spot from Alona Beach and other Panglao Island resorts.

Journey to Wellness is Just a Click Away at Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay

Tagaytay City, PHILIPPINES – Nurture Wellness Village, an eco-tourism resort in Tagaytay City, has integrated a direct online booking engine that will make securing its accommodations more convenient for guests. Featuring a quick reservation process, this easy-to-use booking system, which yields instant confirmation, makes the journey to wellness just a click away.

Visitors can do the reservation themselves on http://www.nurturewellnessvillage.com by clicking the 'BOOK WEEKDAYS for Instant Confirmation' button. This will launch the booking engine that is powered by DirectWithHotels. The process only takes 4 simple steps and a few minutes to complete, eliminating the hassle of constant communication with third parties.

After a minimal 10% prepayment payable via credit card, instant confirmation is guaranteed, complete with an email notification. This amount will be deducted from the total cost of stay, which is settled upon check-in at the Tagaytay eco-tourism resort.

Nurture Wellness Village's online system warrants a worry-free booking experience with the following benefits:

Transparent details – Guests will get to check and book available rooms at the best rates. Nightly rates of each accommodation and the total cost per room, already inclusive of taxes and fees, are shown.

User-friendly interface – For easier navigation and referencing, the booking engine is equipped with a bookmarking button, modification option, print feature, and an up-to-date currency converter. These enhancements permit guests to enjoy a smooth and intuitive reservation process.

Safe and secure booking – All transactions made using this channel are protected by Trustwave and VeriSign, 2 of the most trusted information security providers on the Internet. This feature protects individuals from fraud and safeguards the privacy of all information shared within the system.

Promo access – By using the resort's online system, guests will enjoy exclusive access to special promos, deals, and packages.

A pioneer in the Philippine spa industry, Nurture Wellness Village takes pride in its distinctive brand of eco-therapy. Here, guests can expect a delightful selection of local and foreign holistic services provided by trained therapists and wellness butlers. The resort offers accommodations that are cradled in a lush tropical garden. Among these is the Ifugao Spa Suite that is inspired by “ulog” or native huts in the Mountain Province. To get even closer to nature, guests can try Glamping — a more glamorous take on camping.

To know more about this eco-tourism resort in Tagaytay and experience firsthand an efficient booking process, interested parties may visit Nurture Wellness Village's website at http://www.nurturewellnessvillage.com.


Nurture Wellness Village
Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II
West Tagaytay City, Philippines

Phone Numbers: +63 2 7109786; +63 46 5126273

About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

5 Reasons The Charter House Hotel is Budget Travelers' Choice in Manila

Are you a budget traveler visiting Metro Manila, and crashing with friends is out of the question? The Charter House Hotel in Makati, Philippines is the next best place to go. You will definitely enjoy your time here because of the accommodation's uncompromising brand of hospitality that comes with very reasonable rates.

Here are 5 reasons that make The Charter House in Makati City your go-to hotel in Metro Manila:

1. Great accommodations you can afford

You may choose among 105 Deluxe, Standard, and Executive Suite guestrooms, which all come with attractive rates. Each has an en-suite bathroom, cable TV, free Wi-Fi Internet connection, refrigerator, mini-bar, and safe. Whether you're staying for the weekend or the whole week, these accommodations guarantee that sense of home throughout. Spartan, clean and functional, every room features a no-frills air that lets you focus on the things that truly matter.

2. A lineup of reliable facilities

Aside from comfort and security, The Charter House also provides convenience. There is a coffee shop and rooftop swimming pool for when you find some downtime in your schedule. Are you visiting the metropolis to hold important meetings and other social events? The hotel presents a great venue for you with its Executive Conference Room and Ivory Function Room.

3. Friendly staff and helpful services

Leave it to the hotel's courteous and attentive staff to take simple daily tasks totally out of your to-do list. Just call the front desk for room service, laundry and ironing assistance, and even to make arrangements for airport transfers. The hotel also has fax and photocopying facilities, as well as authentic Chinese-style body and foot reflexology services.

4. Special budget-saving promos

This Makati, Philippines hotel has special packages that can give greater value for your money. For example, the Easy Travel Promo, which is valid until June 29, 2014, already comes inclusive of set breakfast and 1-way airport transfer. There are also weekend deals that give 5 percent discount on The Charter House's already affordable regular room rates.

5. An address close to everything

If you want to see the latest blockbuster flick or party through the night, visit the cinemas and hangout spots in Greenbelt and Glorietta. Both are just within walking distance from the hotel. Exploring neighboring cities is also easy when staying at this hotel in Makati, Philippines, because the nearest MRT Train Station is just a 10-minute walk away.

Montebello Villa Hotel Provides Easy Access to Cebu's Top Attractions

Montebello Villa Hotel, Cebu City's prime garden accommodation, provides the best venue for tourists who want to explore the beauty of the area. This city hotel located in Banilad is only a short distance to commercial establishments, business centers, malls, churches, and other key places. For travelers seeking to turn the destination upside down in search of fun and memorable experiences, this retreat is definitely the ideal base. Some of the places to check out while billeted in this Cebu accommodation include:

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino – When you speak of Cebu, the Santo Nino is the first to come to mind. The center of the popular Sinulog Festival, the highly venerated image of the child Jesus is enshrined in Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. It is the oldest religious relic in the country, given to Queen Juana by Magellan in 1521. In the same way, the church is the oldest, founded by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fray de Urdaneta in 1565. Both the church and the Santo Nino relic have survived numerous fires and natural disasters.

Taoist Temple – Found in Beverly Hills, the Taoist Temple preserves the teachings and philosophy of Lao Tzu. Climb all 81 steps (which represent the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures) to the reach the temple and light incense sticks on top. On certain days of the week, Taoist ceremonies are observed.

Cave Busay – If you are having a holiday with your kids, take them spelunking in Cave Busay for a fun adventure. The 200-meter-long tunnel is easy but exciting, and the children will definitely enjoy seeing bats, stalagmites, and other formations. There is a fresh water spring that they can swim in, too. For more fun caving adventures, you may also want to visit the municipality of Barili or Mt. Lantoy, which boast countless cave systems.

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary – Head to Olango Island and be blown away by the beauty of migratory birds. Here, you will find the largest concentration of migratory birds in the country, so be sure to bring binoculars and a camera. These birds have traveled all the way from Siberia, China, and Japan to escape the winter cold and are flying south as far as Australia and New Zealand from July to November. The birds stop in Olango for food and water.

These are only 4 of the many spots that you can visit while staying at Cebu City's MontebelloVilla Hotel. Ask the concierge for more information and assistance. Enjoy your stay!

How A True Gentleman Prepares for a Romantic Evening in Makati City

Are you a gentleman looking for a Makati accommodation, salon, restaurant, and bar for a special date you are planning? If you are indeed a man who conforms to a high standard of propriety, you should be able to organize a romantic evening for your girlfriend or wife.

Regardless if it's your anniversary, her birthday, Valentine's Day, or just feeling spontaneous after a long work week, never settle for a mediocre night out. Here is how a gentleman prepares and throws a magical and memorable date with his special woman.

1. Get a nice hotel room
Not just at any hotel but a room in Makati's Crown Regency Hotel along A. Arnaiz Avenue. Choose from the Standard, Superior, and Corner Suite, all of which are more than capable of providing a warm, peaceful, and safe haven for couples. Each is fitted with superb amenities such as cable TV, air-conditioning, full-size posturepedic beds, hot and cold shower, and in-room Internet connection.

2. Spend time for grooming
Martin Luther King, Jr. said in his iconic speech that a person should not be judged not by his appearance but by the content of his character. But how you present yourself also plays a large role if you want your woman to put you on a higher regard. So while she's napping or at the salon, check out Felipe & Sons located at LPL Mansion in San Agustin Street. Here, you can get a proper cut, shave, massage, and good ol' shoe shine care of master barbers. In addition, this establishment also doubles as a haberdashery where you can order custom-made shirts, dress trousers, suits, coats, blazers, and vests.

3. Pick a fancy restaurant
Stockton Place along Salcedo Street is one of the best new restaurants in the metro right now. It has a minimalist and cozy interior and serves an array of soups and salads as well as steaks, chicken, and scallops. While dining, make sure you follow proper etiquette: never place your cell phone on the table, don't snap your fingers to get the waiter's attention, and always stand when she gets up from her chair. Also, remember that a gentleman never splits the bill and always tips the waiter well.

For you after-dinner activities, skip the noisy clubs and pubs in Greenbelt or Glorietta. Instead, head back to Crown Regency Hotel in Makati, Philippines which has its own Tops Chill-Out Bar. This bar operates from 6 pm to 2 am, and serves beer and its own blend of cocktails. This Makati accommodation also has a spacious lobby lounge where you can relax before calling it a night.

4 Budget-Conscious Tips for Travelers Staying in Astoria Plaza, Ortigas, Pasig

Without a doubt, the best travel experiences are not determined solely by budget. For instance, a successful budget-friendly vacation in Astoria Plaza Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City is definitely possible and manageable for anyone. It is all about planning. The better you organize your stay, the more value you enjoy, and the less expenses you incur. To start the savings from rolling in, just follow these tips:

1. Look at available promos first. Before making a reservation, check for current deals that you can grab for better value. There is no shortage of bargains offered by the hotel to guests, so make sure you visit the promo page first to see what deals are available. Depending on the time of the year, you are likely to find packages with high-value inclusions and rooms at discounted rates.

2. Pick a room rate plan with breakfast included. You might think you are saving up by choosing to get accommodation on a room-only rate, but if you really look at it, a rate plan with breakfast proves to be more money-savvy. A complimentary breakfast can get you a long way. You savor a big meal in the morning, which leaves you fuller for a longer time. This means you can enjoy a smaller lunch, and because you did not have to pay extra for breakfast, maybe you can even afford to splurge a little for dinner.

3. Check out prices ahead of time. For many travelers, comparing Ortigas hotel rates is a common practice, but most forget checking out the prices of everything else. To save the most money on a destination, take the time to research all relevant costs before deciding to go there. The expenses do not end with booking a hotel. There are restaurants to eat at, admission fees to pay for at the gates of attractions, transportation costs, and other essentials to complete a fun vacation.

4. Shop off the beaten path. Naturally, no vacation is complete without getting souvenirs. It gets trickier if you also have to buy a lot for your family, friends, and officemates. But don't worry. This is perfectly manageable, even on a budget. The secret is in buying trinkets at local street markets instead of the bigger malls and on the entrance of big tourist spots. Walk around and look at the small stalls and shops near your Ortigas hotel to score cheaper but definitely more authentic finds. Have fun!

The Best Possible Venue for Business-Slash-Leisure Travelers in Boracay

Crown Regency Resort & Convention Center is one of the best destinations for a comfortable and carefree time in Boracay Island, Philippines. This accommodation presents travelers with all the features for work-related affairs as well as the needs for pleasure and amusement. Whether you're a businessman trying to squeeze in some family time, or friends seeking awareness for a start-up brand through partying, staying here will make these goals easier to achieve.

A comfort-filled experience
After a long day meeting up with prospective partners or a night out with colleagues, you have the luxury of 400 guestrooms that offer a city vibe and modern comforts. These are all equipped with essential, top-of-the-line amenities that will create the feeling of a personal safe haven throughout. Each room has a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and shower to help you get in the mood for a good night's sleep.

Giving all you need and more
Everything you wish to fulfill during your time here will never be too challenging thanks to an array of premier facilities. This resort in Boracay boasts of a well-equipped convention center that can seat up to 1,200 persons, perfect for conferences and summits. There's also an adventure park with team-building facilities for corporate attendees, buddies, and families. If traveling with kids, they will definitely enjoy the Boracay Oceanarium, 1,800 sq m wave pool, kiddie pool, marine aquarium, and mermaid performances. For your dining pleasure, Wang Shan Lo Chinese Restaurant offers buffet meals from 11 am to 9 pm, while Fabulous Fifties Cafe serves a pleasant setting for your caffeine and snack fix. There is also a lobby lounge, spa, garden, and aviary. Hotel services includeround-trip transfers, 24-hour room service, wake-up calls, foreign currency exchange, plus laundry and pressing.

Easy access to the island's finest spots
The resort in Boracay is located in Station 2, the island's main commercial area, which is just a 5-minute walk from White Beach, where most events and happenings take place. This holiday retreat's accessible address puts you within just minutes from D'Mall, Boracay's main entertainment and shopping area. Sites like Balabag Lake, Bulabog Beach, Ilig-Iligan Beach, Puka Shell Beach, Boracay Butterfly Gardens, Crocodile Island, and Holy Rosary Parish, are just some of the notable places you can check out with great assistance from Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center.