Asia Divers/El Galleon are still in the midst of a very busy summer season this year. Many of our guests have traveled from the States and booked through Island Dreams. We are very happy that they've enjoyed their stay and we're also pretty chuffed about the things they've said about us. Please check out the link below:
�http://www.divetrip.com/philippines/guest_comments.htm
Hello,
We have returned home after a few days stopover in Waikiki.
Our trip with the group to Puerto Galera was amazing. As usual Ken was there to make sure everything went smoothly. ( Well I guess Dan helped by fixing the tour bus HA! HA!)
He has a way of being available to everyone without being intrusive. We really enjoy his group trips. Thank you for the tee shirts.
I have yet to find a dive resort with as attentive service, whether it be the divemasters, Ruben was great or boat helpers , captains. The warm towels after surfacing were a nice treat. I couldn't carry anything myself, someone always there to grab my bag, camera, etc. and help us off the boat.
I have never seen such diversity of sealife in one place. I enjoyed my 4 dives off Verde Island, great wide angle photo op. The visibility was great on these dives with the brightly colored schooling anthis in every photo. The shore stop in between dives was fun as well, looking for the 1620 Galleon Nuestra Senora De La Vida Shipwrecks Chinese Porcelain.
Local dives were good some days we dealt with limited visibility and some currents. I especially liked La Laguna area for day and night dives. I saw many Large seahorse, octopi, fingered Dragonet, frogfish, ornatepipefish, robust pipefish, fire urchins, cuttlefish, bobtail squid, even a mimic octopus. The Sabang wrecks were also a fine macro photo spot with all the different color frogfish and other strange critters. We saw pygmy seahorse on most dives, even yellow ones.
Our day trip to the waterfalls on the jitneys was fun. The hike or ride in the waterbuffalo pulled cart to Hidden Paradise Park for a nice box lunch and swim in the pools enjoyable. On the return we stopped at a village that was reached by walking over a suspension bridge...very cool. The guys enjoyed the ride to the beach and Lucas Italian restaurant while holding on the back of the jitneys. We had delicious Pizza and drinks and the boat ride at night with the shore lights and bright stars back to the resort was beautiful.
I enjoyed the variety and quality of the meals. Chef Antoine and crew really looked after us and would prepare something different if we wanted other than the buffet choices. The wait staff were always attentive with bringing more water. Its always a peeve with me to try to get attention for a refill of water but they were always there.
We stayed in the poolside room as we took what we could get as we were on a wait list due to sellout of the trip. I liked the convenience of being able to run back to the room without hiking the 80 steps or so to the oceanview rooms... they were quite nice though and could have used the extra exercise after eating the delicious chocolate mousse. The rooms were kept spotlessly clean.
We also had a very good lunch on the return to the Airport. We asked our driver for the best seafood lunch place and he took us next to the big fresh fish market in Manila We all enjoyed shrimp, crab and baked fish in black bean sauce, veggies and rice, with beers including the driver.
Allan Nash has done a terrific job with building and ever improving El Galleon Resort.
The new pier and diveshop will be ready this summer and I hope to return sooner than later. Thanks Island Dreams for another memorable vacation....
Kimberly Kuppens and Daniel Nickles Modesto, CA
I just wanted to let a short note to you both that I had a fantastic time diving with you and exploring El Galleon! It was definitely far beyond my expectations and I wish I could have spent some more time with you.
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN for everything, for hosting me in the penthouse, for the nice food, for the very interesting tour on my last day and and for the great dives I could do within these days! Especially the trip to Verde Island and the 2 dives there will be in my memory as “magic” dives, as they will belong for sure to my very best in my lifetime-dives…
From Alexandra Fiori
7 Oceans, Switzerland
I've had two 30-minute phone conversations today with George Hanks, and he is pretty much over the moon with all aspects of his trip to El Galleon! He absolutely could not sing praises high enough for the accommodations, the food, how well taken care of he was by Allan, by the hotel staff, by the dive staff. George has a few of his photos on a SmugMug website, and they are delightful ~ underwater critters plus staff at the resort.
I've worked with George for perhaps 3 years now, and this trip to El Galleon has been, by far, his most favorite of all .... and he's been to the Galapagos, to Tahiti, to Micronesia. Thank you sooooo much for taking such great care of him. I said it at the end of our phone conversation and he replied with "exactly!" ~ he felt like an old friend coming to visit. And he's delighted with his custom T-shirt ~ the Judge has ruled the trip an overwhelming success.
Thank you again for your kindness and ensuring his trip was so very enjoyable.
Kind regards,
Susan
Apr 14, 2009
Allen,
Just a quick note to say thankyou for pleasurable stay at your hotel we really appreciate your hospitality & the information you gave us. You and your staff have made this the high-light of our annual holiday this is truely a beautiful place we wish you and your family all the best for the future.
Thanks Mate
PS
Thanks for the tour of your home and keep your eye on virtual tourist website we will your place a great wrap
Rick and Sandie Brown
My husband and I have been travelling in Asia and the Philippines for the last few months and have eaten in many good restaurants during that time. Our visits to El Galleon were exceptional, I would like to share our feedback with you.
The first time we ate at El Galleon was for breakfast, which was great, mango pancakes and very crispy bacon just the way we like it. From that point forward we enjoyed a number of meals there for several reasons the out going friendly staff, the open very clean modern kitchen, proximity to where we were staying and of course the food.
Your chef Julius introduced himself to us on our first visit, he is truly an engaging individual and a terrific ambassador for your establishment and Philippine tourism. He shared with us a little of his personal background and the enthusiasm he has for his new project with El Galleon.
Julius friendly nature and outgoing personality made him extremely approachable. I stopped in and asked Julius if it was possible to have him prepare a special romantic dinner as a surprise for my husband and me the following evening. We discussed very briefly a few possible dinner choices and I left feeling very confident he understood exactly what I was hoping for with out discussing any specifics.
Upon arrival the following evening the staff seated us under a beautiful little canopy next to the pool. The table had crisp white linens fresh orchids and candle light the ambience was perfect. Upon being seated we were treated to the most fabulous dinner! Julius prepared muscles that were the best we have ever had as an appetizer, the main course was a paste dish with generous servings of fish and shrimp done in a lovely lemon cream sauce. The dessert Julius prepared was a perfect end to the meal, not to sweet and not to heavy. The presentation on the plates was beautiful and accented with fresh orchids. I hade even asked Julius to recommend a wine for us, which he did and we thourghly enjoyed his selection.
Your resort manager Ruby introduced herself , the pride she takes in her position just radiated from her smiling face. We had a group picture taken with the support staff it was an evening that was special not just for us but you could feel that it was important to the whole staff.
We have travelled to many places in the world but our night at the El Galleon will hold a special memory in our hearts. You have a fantastic restaurant that is on the verge of becoming spectacular under the direction of Julius.
When we return to Canada I intend to share our exceptional evening on trip advisor, including pictures. It has been our experience that many tourists rely on this site heavily for advice. We know that we have found a jewel in the Philippines.
Terri and David Leatherdale
Jan 22, 2009
To everyone at El Galleon and Asia Divers that made our stay a brilliant experience.
Well it’s a week after reality came crashing back down but the memories of a fabulous week staying at El Galleon and diving with Pete Eaton linger on and on. To be a part of Ron Duncan’s Leisure Coast Dive group is always a great experience but this trip is on the top of the list to do again and again.
To try and thank everyone just is impossible and I’m bound to miss some area. To arrive in a huge down pour and met by an enthusiastic staff crew kicked the tone of the week off to a great start. We were probably a little wrecked at the time but you all made us feel so welcome and gave us the impression that nothing was ever too much trouble at all. Reality throughout the week was that you all assisted us with anything at all and made everything flow very smoothly. A special thanks to Allan for making sure we were taken care of, entertained, taken to dinner, personally keeping a caring interest in our enjoyment was all very much appreciated. Of course there are so many people behind the scenes that make all this happen and a big thanks to everyone for their efforts.
The dive shop crew helped us with all our needs on land as well showing us all the sites in a comfortable and professional manner which certainly made a huge difference. Our skipper Derwin got us into the spots and took care of us all week without any fuss or drama. This brings me to the biggest thankyou of all ……….. Pete Eaton : You’re a legend !! ………… Pete not only shared with our group a brilliant diving experience day in day out but made our trip a very special adventure. Pete found so much for us to look at each and every dive, talked to us about what we wanted to see, talked to us about where we wanted to dive, just made the whole experience ……….. he even finished our 16th dive with a pale blue frog fish, what a great weeks diving. Pete went out of his way all week to spend time with us in making our relaxing holiday a fabulous experience never to forget and most of all to return to do it all again …… thanks heaps Pete !!!
Again a massive thanks to Ron Duncan for organising a brilliant trip and to Allan for his wonderful hospitality in the Philippines.
Graham Chapple
June 09, 2008
Hi All.
I managed to meet up with Ross and the other members of the Club over the weekend. We were going through photo's and talking about the trip. I can say now that everyone had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed thereselves. But for me personally, it means a whole lot more. There is no way on earth that I would have been able to arrange a trip of this nature without the dedication and professionalism from everyone at Asia Divers and El Galleon.
So, I would like to thank you all for making this trip happen.
Tommy. For giving me a truly uncomparable package price and helping me to get the ball rolling. Nice wetsuit!!!!
Ermie, Eva, Lotlot and all of the El Galleon Girls for looking after us. Especially during our Big Breakfasts.
Joy, Melissa and all The Point Girls. Can I have 2070 B-52's, please!!
Eddie, Rene, Jayson and the boat Captain's and Pier Crew for all the physical hard work that you guys put in.
Alison, Josh and Flo. For picking the perfect dive sites.
Allan and Rebecca. For being the perfect hosts. 2072 B-52's, please.
Ruben. Well done mate, and keep up the hard work and studying. Great Birthday Party.
Eric. For being my "Victim". I hope I didn't make you drink to much of Sabang Bay!!
Mr. Andy Norman. Thanks for the regulator.
Now for a couple of extra special thanks.
Pete. For orchestrating the whole show, both in and out of the water. For guiding me through my Rescue Course and helping me gain the knowledge and maturity along the way. Any more Siciliano!!!
Lhiza. For doing what you do and still being able to smile under difficult personal circumstances. You are a Superstar.
If I have missed anyone, I do apologise. I will have to buy you a drink in The Point when I am there next. And hopefully, that will be sooner rather than later.
Cheers everyone and a big heartfelt thanks.
Wayne
April 21, 2007
I just wanted to let you know about my holiday in Puerto Galera. I have been in the diving business in Palau for 16 years and dive pretty much every day. I rarely take holidays and this was certainly my first diving holiday.
I cannot say enough about my experience in Puerto Galera and it is due to the staff at El Galleon and Asia Divers. It was great to be on the other end of what we do. Allison at Asia Divers along with her staff including Anabelle did an outstanding job. Lhiza at El Galleon was the best. On top of having some incredible dives I was treated like family.
I wasn't sure if I would do much diving as diving is my job. I ended up doing 4 dives a day for 3 days. I did not plan on diving that much.
I dive with guests all the time and say good bye to them routinely. When it was time for me to leave PG I found it very difficult to say goodbye to the place and especially your staff. From top to bottom: the guys who pump the tanks, boat drivers, bartenders, waitresses, dive guides everyone was EXCELLENT. You run a great outfit and I am looking for an excuse to come back. I am hoping to bring some of my repeat guests to PG to see some macro.
"Keith Santillano"
www.palaudive.com
keith@palaunet.com
March 25, 2006
From our first inquiry Lhiza was absolutely superb in dealing with everything we subsequently asked of her, and to her immense credit all the arrangements ran perfectly the moment we arrived in Manila. Big thanks must also goe to your ever-friendly staff at El Galleon in making our stay so successful.
Obviously, the main reason we came over the Christmas period was for the diving, seventeen it turned out to be if we include the fun of the Christmas Day treasure hunt. Such a memorable time we had it will always remain with us, including the completion of our Advanced Open Water course. That was all due in the main to the professionalism and care which we found at every turn with ALL your team at Asia divers; a team to be proud of, and a team we will recommend to anyone considering a diving holiday. Please be sure to extend our sincere thanks to them.
"Phil & Janet Haigh"
01/13/06
I would just like to say, thank you all for making my visit and diving so pleasurable and easy. I must admit, it has been one of the most relaxing holidays I have ever been on and the stress free element of Asia Divers, El Galleon, and Tech Asia was truly appreciated.
Indeed, the whole crew worked really well together and made my holiday effortless and easy. I just wish I had stayed a little longer.
Everyone at home said I look a lot more relaxed (what me worry?) than usual. Asia Divers will be on my main agenda for next year as well. I will try to bring the usual suspects with me.
"Ali Firkee"
11/19/05
Well Guys,
Here I am, sat at home, just looking out of the window and watching the golden leaves, falling from the trees, and the hot tropical sun of the Philippines seems like a distant memory. God, I wish I was meeting you all in the Point Bar this evening for a couple of sundowners, instead of going to work for twelve hours!!!!! Oh well, I guess we will have to start planning our next trip. But before we do, I would like to say a few words to show my appreciation of a fantastic trip.
Wowie and Anna: What can I say. You are truly superstars!!! Thanks again for everything. The travel arrangements. The Beers on the bancha. The Lechon at Mum and Dads'. The dive courses for Stu and Phil and Graeme and I. The terrible jokes!!! Rabbiting anyone?????
Lhiza: For being everyones Mum and perfect host. I know how hard you work Your priceless!!! Ask Lhiza.com!!!
Jeremy: Buddy. Thanks for coming all the way from Vancouver to celebrate my birthday, even if it was a month early!! Can't wait to see the pictures. Phil misses his Dad, by the way!! Ha Ha!!
Ian and Dave: You know, you guys were great. It was fantastic to meet you both. Awesome.
Chris: Well, what can I say. You got there in the end. Thanks for the Tshirt, mate.
Stuart and Graeme: For keeping the bell ringing in The Point. Shark attack, anyone???
Phil: Buddy. What can I say. This is the beggining of your new life adventure!!
Andy Norman and his Beautifull New Wife: Thankyou both for a lovely day. Best wishes and future happiness.
Pete: Now then, did I ever tell you the time when ............!!!
Alan, Tommy, Kjell, Ruben and all the staff at Asia Divers and El Galleon: Thanks again for another memorable trip. You guys are the best!!
I hope that I haven't missed anyone out. I don't think I have. I would just like to add one more thing before I close. And that is; You can make all the plans and arrangements for a trip like we've just had, but at the end of the day, It's the people that make it happen. I'm a very lucky individual.
"Wayne"
01/11/2005
Thanks for a wonderful Discover Scuba Dive. We will always remember this occassion and all other friendly staff at Asia Divers and El Galleon Beach Resort. Thanks
"Joakim and Lisa"
"I would like to thank you for the great weekend we had in PG. All of us went back completely chilled out with the feeling we had been away for a week rather than a long weekend! Thanks again for the dives, it is very much appreciated and i didn't expect it. Thank you."
"Marc Van Der Poel"
"Hereby I would like to thank you for the great hospitality we have received during our stay in Puerto Galera. We liked the place and the diving and were also happy to see a little bit more on our last day at the golf course with Tony and the Luca Pizza.( which pizza is delicious)"
"Ans Roozemaal"
"This is just a very quick email to say an enormous thank you to everyone involved at Asia Divers and El Gallion, including The Point Bar. I visited your amazing part of the world just over three weeks ago to undertake my Open Water Dive Course."
"Heather Walker"
"I really enjoy the newsletter. Particularly the info about the people who make Asia Divers so great – the employees."
"Mike Gould"
"El Galleon offers comfortable rooms with character, one of the better restaurants along the beach and one of the great bars of the world - The Point, which commands magnificent views across the bay, is cooled by the sea breezes and offers friendly service and drinks at the right temperature.
Immediately below it is the real heart of the operation, the Galleon Diving Centre, a well-equipped PADI operation run by Asia Divers who will arrange dives from bancas at a number of fascinating marine sites.
For the beginner however the waters in front of the Centre offer instant gratification to those who take the introductory PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course. After a short but thorough session of familiarisation with the gear, the instructor takes the aspirant divers from the end of the pier out into the bay, where some truly stunning corals can be seen, for a half-hour dive.
The waters are shallow, and something of the same experience can be had through snorkelling, but as an introduction to the world of diving this takes some beating."
"Travel Intelligence Magazine" by Robin Lynam
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