Kerikite Exclusive Part 1

For months now the Blog has been dropping hint after hint to try and blag a visit to Exotic's new resort on Kerikite island. This week all the hard work paid off with the offer of an almost all expenses paid trip. An offer too good to refuse!

Exotic beach, Kerikite

Here is a shot of the scene as we arrived at Exotics private beach which fronts this idyllic location. Sensational. The faces of all the assembled journalists and photographers on board were of pure amazement and wonderment. And no wonder they're only human after all.

Exotic 2 parked above House Reef

As soon as we arrived the Blog set about making a detailed inspection of the newly completed bar and restaurant area as food and drink is never far from mind. Christopher, one of the resorts resident chefs was hard at work preparing lunch so the Blog admired the view from the restaurant into the bay which featured our ride over from Malapascu, Exotic 2. It's hard to put into words just how beautiful Kerikite island and its surroundings are. Keen for an even better view the Blog headed off to check out the accommodation.

OMG. Firstly, the sheer quality of the premium rooms was something quite special. Beautifully finished with such attention to detail and who doesn't want a four poster bed?! No expense would appear to have been spared here.

It's a four poster bed

Then a swagger out onto the balcony was met with yet another view of jaw dropping quality.

   

Jungle hideout

After sizing up the four poster bed the Blog was ushered out and down toward a row of newly erected wooden bungalows, one of which would become a comfortable home for the next couple of nights. One of the many striking aspects of this resort and island is the lushness of the surrounding greenery.

Sunset on Kerikite island

So, the facilities were of high quality to say the least. The Blog sat on it's balcony to watch the sun go down, ice cold beer in hand, to contemplate the following day of diving. Oh, did I mention Kerikite is also host to some of the finest scuba diving in the Philippines? We'll look into that during part 2 of our exclusive.

Staying alive! Malapascua "low season"...?

This week there has been lots of different things going on at Exotic, much more are still in the planning, which I can assure you that you will find out about soon enough. At the moment we are now in what people like to call "low season" or in other names" lean/green/rain season" - Sure we had a quick rain shower the other day, but that was pretty much it, weather has been great, plus we also have great visibility and lots of shark sightings....

For us "low season" is a great time to catch up on all our projects and ideas. Right now all our dive shop staff are getting a first aid and oxygen refresher course. It is lots of fun and everybody gets to have a go at Annie ( the CPR doll)  with both CPR, rescue breathing and providing oxygen. Our PADI instructor Rey, together with our PADI Course Director Becca Johansson are in charge of the training and performance requirements for the guys. For keeping the correct pace for the chest compressions they are all practicing to the tune "Staying Alive" by Bee Gees plus we also have time for some scenario practice. Keep checking in for more Low season fun!

Rey teaching how to use a pocket mask.

.....This might actually be the best time to travel to Malapascua.... Why you ask? Just consider this; there are less divers here during low season which means plenty of space on the boats and dive sites. You will also find better deals on dives and enjoy a nice afternoon on a quiet beach. Not saying that it's not nice when its busy but if you are the kind of traveler who likes to avoid the crowds this is the time to come and see us and enjoy a nice diving or snorkeling holiday in the sun. We can never guarantee that it wont rain of course, but this has never really bothered us as we all get wet during dives anyway.

Our Diveshop secretary Judith setting up the Oxygen system

Some photos from our last training sessions. Judith is busy setting up the Oxygen Kit to aid a diver. 

PADI Divemaster Ervin providing oxygen to Feman.

And we almost forgot! - Nudi branch of the week is back again! 

This week the winner is a Chromodoris Coi. The picture below was taken at Chocolate island, a dive site located 30 min away from Malapascua and was recently one of our guests said that Chocolate Island is much better for Nudibranchs spotting than Lembe in Indonesia!

If you want to enter a picture to our Blog Nudibranch Wall of Fame, please email your picture to diving@malapascua.net, together with name, date, and dive site name.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!