Ticao Island Resort has been designed to cater to divers and eco-tourists alike. The resort is located on the beach on Ticao Island, in the southernmost tip of Luzon. You can travel from either Manila or Cebu by plane to Legaspi City (approx. 1 hour flight). Once in Legaspi, Ticao Island Resort provides private arrangements to get you to the resort by car and boat (approx. 1 hour to Donsol by car followed by 1.5 to 2 hours by boat to Ticao). One daily boat transfer only is scheduled between Donsol and Ticao Island Resort: Donsol to Ticao at 2.30pm & Ticao to Donsol at 7.30am.
Accommodation
Ticao Island Resort features a total of 15 basic but comfortable bungalows.
The 9 single-detached Beachfront Cabanas are made of native materials and are set along the island's pristine white sand beach within close proximity to the main house. All cabanas are air-conditioned and feature a choice of 2 twin beds or 1 king sized bed, private toilet and bath with hot and cold shower. The bungalows all come with their own private veranda.
The air-conditioning unit and hot shower in the beachfront cabanas would be the only luxury. Ticao does add a few treats to these cabanas like coffee, tea, bottled water, shampoo, conditioner and soap.
The 5 Budget Rooms are simple and located a few meters back from the beach. The budget rooms are located in a bungalow style structure made of native materials. These rooms feature 2 single beds, electric fan, shared bathroom facilities and veranda.
Facilities
All meals are served daily in the resort's own country-typical restaurant. There is plenty of seafood to choose from such as fish, crustaceans or shrimp, as well as vegetables and tropical fruits are served. Cocktails and specialty coffees are also served.
Diving
Ticao Island Resort is surrounded by several dive sites where you have the choice of big or small. Some dive sites, like the Manta Bowl, an underwater atoll in the middle of the ocean, is the cleaning and feeding station of the oceanic manta. Strong currents are predominant here. Furthermore, the waters where Ticao lies – Ticao Pass and Burias Pass - is known for the plankton rich water and constant current. Such traits make the waters of Ticao an alley for other pelagics like whale sharks, thresher sharks, hammerheads and tiger sharks. San Miguel and the Udoc Islets are known for its soft corals and is a good place for macro photography.
Ticao Island Resort’s Dive Centre is an SSI Accredited Centre. All dive guides have PADI and/or SSI certifications. A camera room is available for guests.
Best time to visit
To enjoy the sun, the beach, and the best diving conditions, March through to October would be the ideal time to visit. Water and air temperature are warm and tropical and range between 28C (82F) and 32C (90F).
Except for the whale shark interaction, all other activities can be done all year round. The whale shark's are in the area from November through to June, with February to May being the peak months. Water and air temperature range between 26C (79F) and 29C (84F).
The weather, water conditions, and diving opportunities are still great from July to October, although it is possible to get a bit more rain. Although the whale sharks will not be around, you will get the chance to see manta rays, thresher sharks, white tip sharks and other pelagics.
Staying Connected
Ticao Island Resort's internet is sporadic at best. Being on a remote island, internet connection is quite a challenge. Ticao Island Resort is constantly working with the local internet providers to see how the internet connection can be brought to the resort area for the guest's convenience. For immediate internet needs, the closest internet cafe is in the main town, about 45 minutes from the resort.
We think...
Ticao Island Resort offers a nice and relaxed atmosphere. If you come to see the whale sharks in Donsol Bay, Ticao is a great place to extend your holiday and to experience some spectacular diving.
