TRAVEL

The world renowned Lembeh Strait lies off the northern tip of Sulawesi. Since resorts started to open in the mid-90s the area has rapidly gained popularity amongst macro photographers and is now considered the diving Mecca for critters and macro marine life. The extremely diverse marine habitat in this stretch of water offers a plethora of macro species, many of which can found nowhere else on the planet. Diving here is the ultimate experience for photographers in search of the unusual and unseen. It is often refered to as a muck divers paradise as most of the sites are either sandy areas or small reefs, there are no spectacular walls of drop offs here. With over 30 dive sites to choose from and even a WWII wreck all within a short boat ride over calm waters from the resort it is no surprise that the Lembeh Strait is a world class dive destination.

Lembeh is diveable all year but the conditions do vary from month to month. January to June sees variable (but still fine) conditions and less divers. August sees the poorest visibility but the richest numbers of critters and September to October are probably the best two months overall.

The Lembeh Strait has over 30 dive sites so since the topography and marine life is very similar for most of them we have only included the most popular. Other good dive sites in Lembeh include Jahir; a large sandy site with coral blocks, Nudi Retreat; very similar to Nudi Falls, Aw Shucks where whip coral and pipefish are abundant, Pantai Parigi; more muck marine life, Kapal Indah; wrecked cargo boat teeming with life, Jiko Yance; reef slope with good viz, Aer Perang and the house reefs at Kungkungan and Divers Lodge.

Lembeh Strait at a glance

Accommodation : Resort

Highlights : Rare macro species.

Average cost of a dive : $30

Dive Sites : 25+

Dive Operators : 8+

Getting there : Flight to Manado, then 1.5 hour drive.

Off Season : None

One of the best things about a Manila holiday is that it’s unbelievably easy on the pocket. Here, you can book a luxurious accommodation without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best low-cost Manila hotels.

A short ride away from shopping malls and business centres are the Legend Villas in Mandaluyong. “Tuloy po kayo” (“Welcome”) to this grand yet cosy hotel, where Venetian glass-framed mirrors, wooden staircases, and delicate chandeliers exude old world charm. A private stay in the affordable Premier Suites includes a kitchenette, two queen-sized beds, and a Jacuzzi. Four single beds can be found in the spacious Family Room, as well as a three-way toilet and bath. Try the best Filipino dishes at the Lola Maria Coffee Shop, and indulge in the brightly-coloured halo-halo (“mix-mix”), a sweet treat of shaved ice, milk, sugar, beans, jelly, bananas, custard, tapioca, and sweet potatoes.

Rizal Park commemorates the death by firing squad of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero. Across is the legendary Manila Hotel, where American General Douglas MacArthur lived in the suite that now bears his name. Opulence and elegance befitting the country’s capital are found here, its rooms overlooking Manila Bay to the west, and the Walled City to the east, home to remnants of a Spanish colonial past. Guests will enjoy the indoor golf simulator, sauna, and massage services. Lessons in martial arts, swimming, and tennis are also available.

Check out photos of Manila here!

Within a mansion that was built before World War II is the Orchid Garden Suites Manila, one of the top boutique hotels in the Philippines. Visitors can get local and international meals from Café Alicia or Cattleya Restaurant. Chill-out music is provided at Tutso Bar, where they also organize karaoke nights. Standard Rooms have marble bathrooms, two beds, and a desk. The best part of the stay is the famed sunset over the bay, seen from the large windows. One can also swim under the shade of trees in the outdoor pool.

Within walking distance of shopping malls, restaurants, and the lively night scene of Malate, the Bayview Park Hotel has a new offering: the Family Weekend Package. For a reasonable price, a family of four can enjoy an overnight stay in a Superior Room, a buffet breakfast, tickets to the newly-opened Manila Ocean Park, shuttle service all over the city, and use of the swimming pool and gym.