A Day at Bunker Dive Resort

If you haven’t heard the news, summer is basically upon us again. And before we know it, it could be almost over already. I already had a dose of Vitamin Sea so Bunker Dive Resort ain’t the first for this season but because I loved our quickie how quick and easy it was to get there, here I am, bragging about it first.

Transportation

The JAM Liner Terminal was crawling around 5:00 AM but thankfully most of the people weren’t bound for Lemery, Batangas. With an accident in EDSA that early, it was three hours and twenny (felt the twang there?) minutes before we got off in front of Xentro Mall. After munching at Jollibee we immediately headed off to the pickup point but were shookt (in case you’re not familiar with millenial slæng, that meant “shocked”) when an extension of EDSA was in town; the main road was under construction so I practically started sunbathing at the back of the tricycle driver.

Around 45 minutes elapsed and there we were, walking towards other groups of people who were also waiting to be whisked away. To my not-so surprise, I met two (which later became three) folks from last year’s getaways. Twenny more minutes for the boat ride and we were finally at Bunker Dive Resort which is already part of the municipality of Bauan.

Having arrived later than anticipated and with the beach just in front of the resort, we di(d)n’t waste another breath and made out with the aquatic life. On a different note, pardon my sleazy sneezy look in that photo.

Freediving

Bunker Dive Resort is perfect for snorkeling and learning and practicing freediving. It even takes things to greater heights when the sun is up and about and not behind the comfort of clouds.

Seeing boats come and go with passengers in life vests getting off to snorkel made me realize that it could be the same site that I went to a few years back with a different set of friends. That time not a single soul in our group brought money so the boatmen collecting the entrance fee or something got pissed. Thankfully we were not shooed. Anyway, that’s another story.

I haven’t really thought of enquiring rates but it didn’t come as a surprise that scuba diving was also available. Malamang. Or could it be that the massive school of trevally below simply drowned the thought away? How I wish I had a fishing net. I heard it’s better than using dynamites. JK!

Video

Part of our Bunker Dive Resort day tour was a buffet lunch but according to the lady in charge, they serve meals by the plate when there are only a few guests or guests don’t eat at the same time, which was the case when we were there. Now, I generally have quite the appetite and if it weren’t for the satisfactory underwater sightseeing, I would’ve gone berserk and flipped a table complained. We had pochero, laing, and chicken feet and the amount served was just right for us so I no longer bothered asking if they would be refilling it.

The water was already cold in the morning but in the afternoon it felt even colder that even with fins, propelling around was no longer easy. Nonetheless, we still lasted for two hours and saw more creatures up-close as well as other schools of fish.

First off… Nemo!

The crown-of-thorns starfff… Wait, what? How could this be a starfish. *inserts grumpy emoji here* Turns out it’s a nasty coral predator. Puksain!

Brain, anyone?

A year-long supply of unlimited beer on me to the first one who can tell me the name of these transparent-looking fishes that open their mouth like “Whuuut?” while swimming swiftly. Offer expires in five seconds.

Accommodations

I’ve been told that sea turtles can be seen early in the morning; you can opt to stay overnight if you intend to catch a glimpse of them or if a day trip simply isn’t enough for you. They have fan and air-conditioned accommodations with rates starting at ₱1,750 inclusive of boat transfers and meals. For details you may contact them via their Facebook page. I’d say I’d spend the night next time.

Sunsets look stunning everywhere IMO (okay, that was “in my opinion”) and it isn’t any different when observed from Bunker Dive Resort and its neighboring resorts. The platforms photographed below add a touch to it. Some people were even well-prepared that they had props for their photos as the sun was being extinguished. If they want it that way then next time I’ll have a photo of me taken wearing this, wearing only this.

Tips

• If you’re going for just a day trip be there at your earliest to maximize your stay and experience!
• There was no corkage for food and drinks.
• There was free water and coffee so you might wanna skip bringing those.
• Neighboring resorts might be cheaper so you might wanna check them as well. One of them is Camp Raya.
• Be sure to check the schedule of the last bus going back to EDSA. It was 7:00 PM when we were there.

Expenses

Visited: March 2018