Article and photos by Jojie Alcantara

Dos Palmas Verde Island Resort and Spa is an exclusive paradise haven situated in the east coast line of Verde Island, north of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro and south of Batangas City. The island has a total of 1,625 hectares with six (6) barangays and a population of 7,482. From Manila, travel time is approximately 2 hours by road and a 30-minute boat ride from the Batangas City Port to the island.

Interestingly, the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor in Batangas was cited as the "center of the center" of the world's marine biodiversity by the Smithsonian Institute. In a three-year study called "The Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity: The Philippine Islands" by the Global Marine Species Assessment of the World Conservation Union, facts showed that this rich passage of about 100km long contains the highest concentration of marine life in the world, with 1,736 overlapping aquatic species over a 10-kilometer area.

Situated between Luzon and Mindoro, the passage is considered the nation's heritage, declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2006 as a marine sanctuary and national protected area. Underneath its waters lie spectacular and diverse marine life and coral reef formations that host almost 60 percent of the world's tropical fishes. It is an epicentre and a “hotspot for marine biodiversity”, and thus a global obligation to protect.

Dos Palmas has complete amenities for pampered guests, not only in dive center facilities and scuba packages, but in other recreational ventures such as horseback riding, jungle trekking, island boat tours, picnics, plus a game room and spa massage. Popular dive sites in and around Verde Island has the following irresistible names – Ring-Ning, Boulders, Mini-Canyon/Washing Machine, Nonie Blue, Nelson Pinnacle, Heidy and Lito Cave, to name a few.

With the gracious invitation of fellow Dabawenyo Ivan Lim (of NCCC Superstores and Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan), we didn’t think twice in boarding the early bus for Batangas from Manila, bringing in tow Manila-based Spam Jalandoni and Otep Benavides. We took the boat ride to Verde Island with only the contractors and staff on board since the resort was not opened yet, and construction was being fast tracked for December or earlier. We were spoiled by the staff and waiters who followed us with our four seasons drinks on the shore as we caught a breathtaking sunset in the horizon. The wonderful view from our room showed the infinity pool that stretches towards the sea.

Verde Island Resort will soon be reopened to the public, something divers and beach enthusiasts will be waiting for. Published rates vary on peak and low seasons. Contact Jena Torres – Reservations Officer in tel. numbers 02-6374226 or 6374236.

(Sorry, no underwater pics, we weren't able to dive)
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