Philippines | Atmosphere Resort
JUNE 28 - JULY 5 2022
Diving in Dumaguete…
can take place on either the magnificent Marine Sanctuary of Apo Island or the amazing Dauin Coastline. Find walls densely covered with hard and soft corals, schooling fish, turtles and crystal clear waters. In contrast, the Dauin coastline is home to exquisitely rare macro critters. Spot wonderpus, hairy frogfish, mandarin fish performing their mating dances at dusk and the extremely rare clown frogfish.
Our first trip to Atmosphere Resort in The Philippines Islands in July 2011 was incredibly successful, so much so that we went back to back in 2012 for yet more Atmosphere and then yet again in 2015
(replace with photo of Sam)
Trip highlight #1: Snorkel with whale sharks.
Oslob – where we will again snorkel with several huge harmless Whale Sharks – this is not to be missed! Look at this 60 minutes report on Oslob.
N.B. Atmosphere only allow snorkelling at Oslob in accordance with WWF guidelines. We support ethical travel.
This trip is availible for $130 pp - payable locally (min numbers required) scuba diving is also an option, but we do not reccomend this - the view of these incredible animals is just better from above! It goes without saying, absolutely no touching (yes, they are close enough). We’re guests in their enviroment and will treat them with respect
Pricing
Diver $4238
NON-DIVER $3870
This includes:
8 nights in the Deluxe Suite twin share.
All meals (mindblowing food)
Return airport transfers
Free 10 min massage
Free 20 min introduction to yoga
NON DIVER: 3 massages from the Atmospher spa.
DIVER: 15 boat dives per diver including 1 day trip to Apo Island
FREE Nitrox for Nitrox certified divers
1 FREE house check out shore dive
Trip Highlight #2: Apo Island Day Trip
The trip to Apo Island is an unforgettable island hopping trip and a must for both non-divers and divers. A small fishing community inhabits the island, which also has a small chapel, a lighthouse and a marine sanctuary where the snorkeling is world-class. Only 30 minutes away by boat from Atmosphere, they conduct trips to Apo several times per week, weather permitting. Apo Island is surrounded by lush coral reefs with a myriad of turtles and colorful reef fish as well as lush spectacular reefs and coral. It is an excellent spot for both the beginner snorkeler and experienced free diver and has a shallow turtle sanctuary where you can watch the turtles graze on the sea grass.
Highlight #3: THE FOOD
Having had the joy of going to Atmosphere 3 times now, there’s one thing that always stands out. The food is absolutely incredible.
From the exquisite fine dining dishes of the beach-side restaurant, to the sumptuous cakes in the poolside bakery and the guilt-free organic options, the Atmosphere luxury menus and venues have something to please every palate.
Accomodation options
DELUXE SUITES
14 Suites (90 sqm)
Sleeps up to three
Set up as a double & one single or three singles
6 Suites have with adjoining doors (good for families)
This is the suite included in the package cost.
GARDEN APARTMENTS
One bedroom with living/dining room and kitchen facilities (105 sqm)
Set up as a double & one single or three singles Sleeps three – extra bed can be set up in the bedroom or in the living room.
PENTHOUSE
4 Penthouses (205sqm)
Two ensuite bedrooms, living / dining room and kitchen facilities.
Sleeps five – extra bed can be put in either of the bedrooms.
Ideal for a family, or two couples….or even four singles. (Queen size bed in one room but they can add in an extra bed if needed)
QUAD SHARE SAVING OF $250 per person
• 4 Family suites (90 sqm)
The four Family Rooms are Atmosphere’s newest room type with enough space to house a family of four sharing the same room. A large luxurious room with plenty of space for two double beds or one double and one twin bed set-up, a seating area with comfortable lounging chairs and a 48 inch flat screen TV. The extensive semi-outdoor bathroom has double sinks, a rain shower and a large pocket garden. Wireless internet will keep guests connected and the terrace boasts a corner couch overlooking the lush green gardens.
QUAD SHARE SAVING OF $300 per person
NEW PREMIUM SUITE ROOMS: (90 SQM)
Furnished veranda, a very spacious room with a California King bed – alternatively twin beds. The room has a 48 inch flat screen TV, a comfortable lounging sofa and plenty of storage space. The luxurious outdoor bathroom has twin sinks, a rain shower, a private pocket garden and a comfortable chair making changing easy.
OCCUPANCY: Up to 2 guests. Please note that this is a room type primarily intended for couples. A baby cot can be added and a small child can also share the parent’s double bed. The sofa can be converted into a bed for an extra fee of 1500 pesos per night.
UPGRADE COST:
$125 per person
Traveling with little ones?
Atmosphere is a family friendly resort and welcomes both big and small. With two separate pool areas, of which one comprises of three shallower pools, and a Kids’ Club, we hope that families will feel right at home at Atmosphere Resorts & Spa.
In addition to regular babysitting services for the children of Atmosphere guests, we have Kids’ Cove on Atmosphere’s premises with access to both educational materials and toys and an on weekends an outdoor playground. We also have arts and crafts activities and movies – see more at https://atmosphereresorts.com/we- are-family . For the older kids we offer PADI Bubble Maker Dive Courses, the PADI Seal Team program as well as snorkeling programs. We also cater to families in the spa with Kid’s yoga and a Kid’s Spa Menu.
Community impact
Atmosphere Resort, Oriental Negros, is an operation that gives something back to the community. The resort sponsors a feeding program that provides 85 children with a cooked lunch 5 days a week. The children are from one of the most impoverished areas in Dumaguete, 30 minutes away from the resort. Their parents are part of a large community that has developed at the dump site and their income is gained through foraging through the city’s refuse in search of recyclables for conversion to cash. Rice Sacks and plastic bags are collected and washed; glass and cans are gathered as is anything of the slightest value. The average family income here is around $2 per day and families are accommodated in housing provided by Scandanavian mission organisations. The aim is direct and simple: One nutritional balanced meal per day to school children between the ages of 6-12. Too often, these children do not have access to one substantial meal a day, which makes it hard to pay attention in school or even go to school if they have to spend that time finding a means to get food. The soup Kitchen also provides toothbrushes to each child and dental hygiene is part of the process.
The success of the program is owed to the mothers of the children who volunteer and run the program, do the daily preparation, serving and clean-up. Atmosphere Staff visits the Soup Kitchen on a weekly basis to monitor weight and nutrition. A great contrast is evident between the squalor of the tip, and the brilliant smiles of the children, turned out neatly in immaculate school uniforms. It is possible for resort guests to volunteer as a helper or server. If you would like to make a donation, anything is welcome but children’s vitamins are most useful. Simple first aid items (bandaids; antiseptic creams) are also in short supply.
Additional Activities:
More than just a dive trip.
Waterfalls
Casaroro is one of the most popular destinations in Negros Oriental. Your Atmosphere guide will take you by car to the start a short adventurous hike on a nature trail which takes you to the 70 metre high cascading waters that fall into a frothing basin. Here your atmosphere guide will prepare your buffet lunch whilst you swim in the refreshing pool surrounded by lush vegetation and steep rock formations returning to the resort around 4 hours later to enjoy a well earned drink at the bar.
Caving
The Odloman Cave in Mabinay is the second longest cave in the Philippines, with a total depth of 8,870 meters. Spelunking here is considered challenging as the course includes many obstacles such as corridors and streams. The Cayaso Cave also in Mabunay boasts a subterranean river running beneath its main chamber and is one of the longest caves in the Philippines. Choose from beginner to advanced level caving and the skilled cave guides are ready to tak you on an exhilarating and unforgettable exploration!
Dolphin and Whale Watching
In the azure waters between Bais Bay and the Tañon Strait, about 1 hour from Atmosphere) is a multitude of Spinner, Bottle Nose and Fraiser Dolphins. In addition, Pygmy Killer Whales, Pilot Whales and Pygmy Sperm Whales are regularly seen. Relax aboard a spacious catamaran while the engine throttles out into open sea between Cebu and Negros. The tour includes lunch on the boat and hopping to a nearby white-sand island for some serious sunbathing and swimming. Guests must book very early to guarantee a space.
Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tours can be arranged which will take you around the neighbouring islands, along the coastline and up the mountain, descending into the twin lakes basin to bank hard and skim the water surface at speed. Guests are picked up directly from the Atmosphere estate and taken on the tour where the views are spectacular and exhilarating.
Island Tours
One of our most popular tours is to the neighbouring island of Apo. Not only good for divers, non divers can also enjoy a trek up to the lighthouse on top of the island where views back to Negros can be seen. You can also wander through the village to the marine sanctuary where snorkelling is world class. Lunch is usually a fresh fish bar-b-que on the white sand beach before heading back across to Atmosphere for that well earned cocktail.
Market Tours
Matapalay market is the largest open market in Negros Oriental and visitors are treated to a glimpse of the real Philippines. You can wander among the native water buffalo, cows, pigs and people and soak up the indigenous culture first hand. It is also an opportunity to sample some rare Philippine culinary delights such as the local lechon baboy (spit roast pig).
Lakes and Nature Parks
The twin lakes are awe the inspiring prize at the end of challenging drive up the mountain which offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside. Here you can swim, canoe across the lake or hike round to the viewing deck whilst your Atmosphere guide prepares your buffet lunch. On the return journey you can relax and enjoy views down to the coast and city.
Balinsasayao lake is an extensive natural park that is home to almost 200 different species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles in a flourishing rainforest eco-system. Other activities include kayaking at the lake and horseback riding in the nearby trails.
City Tours
The Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City is a favourite spot for locals and travellers alike. You can stroll along the promenade or sit with a drink or two by one of the many bars and restaurants lining the pavement and take in views of the sea or people-watch as the local life passes by. The promenade is a popular place with locals and revellers who love to congregate and party at this side of town.
At the heart of the city, Silliman University is also a site to explore. It is the oldest educational American institution in Asia and Dumaguete City earned its reputation as the 'University Town' because of Silliman's role in the city's development.
Visit http://www.atmosphereresorts.com/pdf/nearby_attractions.pdf for more details.
Highlight #4 SPA treatments at Atmosphere
The Sanctuary Spa at Atmosphere resort in the Philippines is synonymous with Wellness. Our core belief is that establishing a balance between a healthy mind, body and spirit is the key to successful healthy living. Our luxury spa, one of the best spas in Asia, promotes physical and mental relaxation. We have a variety of treatments such as
massages, facials, specific detox spa treatments and full detox programs, meditation and life coaching.
Our Fitness center has a large Warrior Gym facility with personal training available, TRX, as well as guided mountain biking and guided running. Our tree top yoga platform overlooks the ocean and we have yoga classes everyday, suitable for all levels and with private classes available.
The spa at Atmosphere in Dumaguete is set in a tranquil tropical garden with streams and ponds, beautiful flowers and trees. Four outdoor pavilions have space for two guests in each, each with its own private bathroom. There is also a heated pool present in the grounds for watsu (water shiatsu) treatments and relaxation
Interested?
Get in touch with tour leader Alan Wiggs on awiggs@tps.vic.edu.au or travel agent Ian Lockwood on ian@alwaysdive.com.au
Here’s our flyer with all the important info.
