Go Scuba Diving in Anilao Batangas : A First Time Experience

Some people are fond of trying water sports. Even popular celebrities here in the Philippines were enthusiastically devoted to this particular activity. But not for me.. definitely! Even before, I am so afraid and scared of the sea. I am really afraid of swimming, I start to panic especially when I cant touch the bottom part of the water. But since my Boss is one of those devoted to diving, he included me in the list of newbies to try this sport for free. Yes for free. 🙂 We headed to Aquaventure Reef Club Dive Resort located in Brgy. Bagalangit, Mabini, Batangas last March 16, 2013 (Saturday) via Slex. The place has a very welcoming ambiance and a very quiet place perfect for people who is looking for a peace of mind..

Showing you the welcoming signage of the resort

Since the resort was located in a deep slopy terrain, you’ll see this fun – shaped pool beside the stairwell where you’ll pass by after you have checked in to the resort lobby. At first I thought that was just a pool allotted for the kids but then my Boss told me that we’ll be the one to swim on it.

A sumptuous lunch before the energy defying activity later. A Filipino cuisine. Pinakbet, Kare Kare priting Tilapia and ensaladang Mangga were part of the lunch buffet

At first glance, I realy dont know what is this thing. Haha. then my colleague told me that this is the camera to be used underwater. I was like Whoa! Amazing! hahaha (Sorry firs-timer!)

After our lunch, we opt to stroll the area and know their facilities. Of course or picture taking..This is the docking area or I should say, a lounge? because this area is full of tables and chairs made of wood and foldable beach chair where you can take a nap after your diving session.. 🙂

The view of the resort from the docking area / lounge. A very cozy place indeed.

View of the Lounge area

A view of the Lounge. It has a Mini Bar, beach chairs and lots of dining table and chair.

After our siesta, we get ready for the diving lessons.  The instructor told us that we have to undergo a training / practice before jumping in open water just for us to know how we will communicate with others under the water. We are also instructed on how to use the diving gears especially our own oxygen breathing pattern. Haha I learned a lot here.. 🙂

Me before the diving lesson. I look so frightened here. As you can see I am wearing a belt with weights just to ensure that I will not float when I go under the water. Haha.

The water shoes. paired with flippers of course. 🙂

Us. familiarizing ourselves on how to use the oxygen equipment on our back.

The instructor will teach you how to use sign language under the water on communicating on your peers. They will also let you swim just to be comfortable with your gear, diving suit and flippers.  Too bad in our chance, there’s no more available diving suit left in the inventory so we just go on our ordinary swimming attires. Haha! They also informed us that we have to equalize the air pressure within our body especially when we are going down. Either a quick swallow or forcing your air to pass through your ear by holding your nose and/or mouth every 3 feet of going down or going up. I find it hard to try to swallow because you have the mouthpiece placed.

Diving lesson done. Getting ready for the real dive in open water! yihaaaaa!

Right after the lessons, we get ready and drink a lot of water before we ride the boat. I have to drink a lot of water since I feel a bit uncomfortable and dry on my throat whenever I breath using my mouth from the oxygen equipment. The boat will lead us to the spot where we will enjoying the view underwater and the most safest place as mentioned by the instructor.

Gearing up before leaping onto the water. haha I feel so nervous here like a crybaby. Haha My Boss saw me on a teary eyed moment of my life. Lol.

Finally jump backwards also called as Back Roll Entry.

Back roll Entry are good enough because you are carrying a lot of weight (diving equipment on your back) and you would not want to hit the water face down like that. Also the mask could cut or it would easily bruise your face.

Finally on the water! I cannot let go of the instructors hand because I might drown as I am not a good swimmer. Lol.

Here is one of the pictures shot by my Boss with his amazing camera underneath. I was able to strike an “ok” symbol just to ensure I am doing good on my first time dive.

After 15 minutes under the water, we escalate our ourselves to the boat and held back to the resort.  We are on a day trip so we didn’t check in for any rooms available in the resort. Instead we use the bath house available for free. 🙂 You can use the lounge if you wish to take a nap after the dive. On the sunset, we pack our things and head to back to Manila. We took our dinner at a Bulalo House in Batangas.

Special Bulalo – Food and facility is good and clean, plus attentive crews. Thumbs up!

If your planning your dive here in the Philippines, this resort might be one of your choices of accommodation. You can contact them at

(632) 5841328 and  +639175877858 for Manila Reservations

 +639175877848; +639998801037 for the Resort Contact Numbers

You can also send an email at booking@aquareefclub.com