Cebu's Underwater Kingdom: Unbelievable Little Mermaid Dive Resort!
Cebu's Underwater Kingdom: Little Mermaid Dive Resort - Dive Into Delight (And Maybe Some Fishy Disasters!)
Okay, so I just got back from Cebu's Underwater Kingdom: The Unbelievable Little Mermaid Dive Resort. And let me tell you, "unbelievable" is almost accurate. It's less like a Disney fairytale and more like… well, a dive resort with a serious mermaid obsession. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? Let's untangle this underwater wonderland, shall we? Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
Accessibility & Safety: Not Quite Flounder-Friendly, But They're Trying!
First things first: Accessibility. I rolled in, and… well, it's not exactly designed for wheelchair users. There's an elevator which is a huge plus! But seriously, navigating some of the pathways felt like an Olympic sport. Getting to the swimming pool from my room involved a small trek. I understand, you’re on a beach, but I'm not sure it's a good starting point. There are minimal facilities for disabled guests, which is a bummer. On the plus side, there’s CCTV in common areas and outside the property, which is reassuring, plus a 24-hour front desk and security. So safety-wise, they're on it. And yeah, there's a valet parking! Score!
And speaking of safety, with the whole pandemic hanging around like a persistent sea turtle, the safety protocols were a mixed bag. The Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely in use, as were Professional-grade sanitizing services. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available, which is a thoughtful touch. Hand sanitizer was everywhere – I swear, I bathed in the stuff. Plus, they have Hygiene certification, and the staff is trained in safety protocol. However, I did see one waiter sneeze (noisily) and not immediately sanitize. Individually-wrapped food options were the norm for the breakfast buffet, but I wish the staff took their mask a little more serious.
The Wi-Fi! Oh, the Wi-Fi Drama!
Internet access is available, and they boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Which, frankly, is a lie. Well, not a complete lie, but it's slow. Like, dial-up internet slow. I managed to upload one very small photo to Instagram in about an hour. So if you're planning on working remotely, prepare to take a digital detox. I had the most trouble with Internet [LAN]: I couldn't get it to connect. You better off using the Wi-Fi in public areas, but it's not ideal. You will be fine! Then there's the Internet services: there's only one option.
Diving In (And Out of Patience) - Activities and Relaxation!
They call it "Dive Resort" which sounds nice, but it really is one. The main draw, of course, is the diving. Which, I didn't do. I chickened out. I saw the training, and the instructor, and… well, I just felt like I was going to struggle with the mask. Still, it looked amazing, with the crystal clear waters and colorful fishes.
What I did do was try to relax. I hit the spa/sauna, and the steamroom. The massage? Outstanding. Seriously, it was heavenly. I got a little Body wrap, which left me feeling like a swaddled mummy, and a foot bath. There's also a Fitness center… which, let's be honest, I didn't even peek into. You know me!
The pool with view? Gorgeous. I spent a glorious afternoon lounging on the sunbeds, soaking up the sun. There's also a Swimming pool [outdoor], which is a great touch. Now I do believe that they had a Sauna, but with my dive incident, I couldn't get it to try.
The Things to do list is vast and diverse. I spent little time with it.
Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food!
The food situation was a mixed bag. Let's start with the good: Breakfast [buffet] was included, and there were definitely some highlights. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant, all of which were available at breakfast. There are also Restaurants, including a Vegetarian restaurant. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, and you could get a Bottle of water easily. They also offer Breakfast in room, which is awesome.
Now, for the not-so-good. The buffet in restaurant could get a little repetitive. There were also some questionable choices. One day, the "soup" resembled a slimy, green swamp. I'll just leave it to you to guess what was the soup. The A la carte in restaurant was better, but sometimes the service was slow. They do provide Alternative meal arrangement. They also have a Poolside bar, a Snack bar and a bar where you can get the Happy hour. If you're feeling lazy, you can order Room service [24-hour].
The Rooms: Mermaid-Glam or Messy?
My room… let's just say it was "themed." There was a lot of seashell décor. A lot. The air conditioning worked like a dream, and the blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in. The desk was a lifesaver for my laptop and I believe there were Ironing facilities and also Ironing service. They had Extra long bed, and Sofa. So I really got a great rest. The Free bottled water was a nice touch, as was the Coffee/tea maker, the Refrigerator, and the Mini bar. Also, there was Daily housekeeping and Daily housekeeping. There were also Bathtub and a Separate shower/bathtub. Oh, I can't forget the Bathrobes and the Slippers. I do not like that they had a Closet, there was no space to hang my clothes at all.
The downside? Some of the furniture felt a bit… tired. The internet access – wireless was spotty. I found a Mirror and a Hair dryer. And I'm sure, you're also aware of the amazing Air conditioning, the Desk, and the Balcony!
Services & Conveniences: Helpful or Hopeless?
The service was a mixed bag. The Concierge was helpful, but the Doorman was very rarely around. They had Laundry service but also Dry cleaning. I had a small issue with the Luggage storage, but it was solved quickly. They also offered Daily housekeeping, which was great. There was a Convenience store, which was handy for snacks.
For the Kids?
They have Kids facilities, which looked fun, and a Babysitting service.
Getting Around:
You can arrange an Airport transfer. I took a Taxi service to go to the hotel. They also provide Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site].
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Okay, so Cebu's Underwater Kingdom: The Unbelievable Little Mermaid Dive Resort isn't perfect. It's a little rough around the edges, the Wi-Fi is painful, and you might end up dodging a questionable soup. But… it's got a certain charm. The staff are lovely, the location is stunning, and the spa is worth the trip alone.
Here's the deal:
Book now, and get a free mermaid-themed cocktail (that's a promise!) plus 15% off your next spa treatment.
Why should you book? Because you deserve a break! Because you want to relax! Because you, too, can experience the almost unbelievable charm of Cebu's Underwater Kingdom. And hey, you might even see a real mermaid. (Probably not, but the possibility is there).
Escape to Paradise: Tejomaya Jungle Retreat, Corbett's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-pruned travel itinerary. This is the real deal – my trip to Little Mermaid Dive Resort in Cebu, Philippines. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because I'm definitely not a cruise control kind of traveler.
The Pre-Trip Panic (and the Price of Paradise)
Okay, let's be honest. Booking this trip was a colossal headache. Finding flights that didn't involve a stopover in Pluto? Nearly impossible. My credit card wept. But, hey, "Paradise" comes with a price tag, right? Now, I'm just hoping my bank account forgives me.
Arrival Day: Cebu - The Great Sweat and the Beach Bling
- 6:00 AM: Wake up in my chaotic home, feeling the usual pre-travel jitters. Double-checking the passport, the essential medications (gotta keep the tummy happy), and the tiny, almost invisible, things I always forget. The feeling of forgetting things is like a phantom limb of anxiety.
- 8:00 AM: After a delayed flight, arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Instantly hit with a wall of humid air that nearly knocks me over. Seriously, I think I sweated a whole ocean in the first five minutes. My hair, bless its frizzy heart, immediately went into full-blown rebellion.
- 9:00 AM: Pre-arranged (thank god) transfer to Little Mermaid Dive Resort in Moalboal. The drive? LOOOONG. And bumpy. And scenic. (Okay, I'm being polite. It felt endless at times, but the views were genuinely stunning. Green hills, rice paddies, the whole shebang. But the bumpy roads are a crime against humanity.)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the resort. Finally, the actual paradise. Check in, immediately get that welcome drink – pineapple juice, perfection. The resort is charming, and I'm feeling cautiously optimistic. My room is basic, but I have a view, thank the heavens, of the ocean.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack, discover I've packed three identical t-shirts and forgotten my toothbrush. It's fine, I'll adapt.
- 3:00 PM: Dive site orientation. My dive instructor, Miguel, is a lovely, chilled-out dude. I can use some chill. I'm diving tomorrow, and holy moly, I'm equal parts thrilled and terrified. The ocean is a vast and mysterious place.
- 4:00 PM: First proper sunset. The water is a shimmering gold. The sky blazes with color. I actually got teary-eyed. I'm such a sap, I know. But moments like that…that's why I travel.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. The seafood is fresh-caught and delicious. The beer is cold. I'm getting a serious case of happy vibes.
- 8:00 PM: Trying to navigate the resort's wifi. It keeps cutting out. Argh! I need to post some pictures. The world must see this!
Day 2: The Dive… and the Near-Death Experience (Kidding!… Mostly.)
- 6:00 AM: Wake up, feeling surprisingly refreshed. (Maybe the cold beer helped?) Down a huge breakfast, because, diving. Got my dive gear and all sorts of tech on. This is it. Deep breaths are key.
- 7:00 AM: Dive briefing. Miguel goes through the safety protocols. Which are, of course, very important, and I pay attention. But I swear, my brain is just buzzing with excitement. Seeing a reef? The fish? The turtles? The things I have only seen in documentaries?
- 8:00 AM: On the boat. The anticipation is killing me! We head to… sigh… Pescador Island. Apparently, it's the best of the best, and I realize I'm about to literally go down.
- 9:00 AM: The dive! And… Oh. My. God. It's extraordinary. The coral gardens are bursting with color (but I can't remember the names of the fishes, they just looked like a kaleidoscope of motion). A turtle gracefully glides by! I feel like I'm in a nature documentary. Then, the current gets a little wilder.
- This is where my "near-death experience" (totally kidding) happens when the current nearly swept me away from the group. Miguel's cool hand on my arm keeps me attached. Then the world came back into focus, after the mini-heart attack. I'm now much more mindful of the current, and the dangers of the sea.
- 11:00 AM: Another dive. Less panicked this time, more in awe. The dive goes down smoothly, although a fish decided to investigate my mask, which made me giggle into my regulator.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the resort. Energized but exhausted.
- 2:00 PM: Beach time! I spend the afternoon sunbathing, reading a book, and generally soaking up the beauty of the Philippines. Feeling like a properly pampered traveler.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and drinks with the other divers. We swap stories, and I feel a sense of camaraderie with these people I have just met today.
Day 3: Turtle Time and a Bit of a Blunder
- 7:00 AM: Swimming with turtles! This is the moment I've been waiting for. (After the dive, of course.)
- 8:00 AM: First swim with the sea turtles! The majestic creatures are amazing, I managed to get a few pictures, too, and took the rest of the morning snorkeling around them. It was like being in a dream. Pure, unadulterated joy.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at Panagsama Beach.
- 1:00 PM: A bit of shopping for souvenirs. The local market is lively, and I overpay for a seashell necklace. I'm easily swayed by shiny objects.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the resort for a massage. All that diving and snorkeling takes its toll!
- 5:00 PM: Disaster strikes. I trip, and my camera… well, let's just say it no longer works. Tears. Actual tears. All those amazing underwater photos… gone! I feel a wave of disappointment.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I drown my sorrows in a celebratory dessert. (I didn't get my pictures back, but hey, a girl has to eat, right?)
- 8:00 PM: Stargazing on the beach. Okay, I'm feeling better now. The stars are incredible here.
Day 4: Chasing Waterfalls (and Maybe Some Peace?)
- 8:00 AM: Day trip to Kawasan Falls! (It's a little further out, but I've heard amazing things.)
- 9:00 AM: Long drive (again with the bumpy roads). I realize I miss the comforts of home. Am I the only one who gets a homesickness from time to time?
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Kawasan Falls. It's a fairytale! The water is the most incredible turquoise, and the waterfalls are cascading from the mountains. I take a deep breath and jump into the water!
- 1:00 PM: Canyoneering. This is, hands down, the most exhilarating (and slightly terrifying) experience of the trip.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the resort because the drive back felt like forever.
- 6:00 PM: Quiet dinner. Maybe a movie. I'm exhausted!
Day 5: Goodbye, Cebu! (For Now)
- 6:00 AM: Last breakfast. Try to be as mindful as possible.
- 8:00 AM: Final dive. Even though I'm sad to leave, I'm ready to go.
- 9:00 AM: Packing. The worst part of any trip!
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Time to bid farewell to the amazing staff.
- 12:00 PM: Transfer to the airport.
- 3:00 PM: Flight home. Goodbye Cebu! I'll be back… eventually when I'm ready for another adventure!
Final Thoughts… Maybe?
So, yeah, that was my Cebu experience. Messy, imperfect, filled with moments of pure bliss and a few (okay, more than a few) moments of near-panic. But, hey, that's the beauty of travel, right? You see the world, you challenge yourself, and you make memories you'll never forget. Just be cautious around the currents! And, you know, pack that toothbrush. Otherwise, you'll just have an amazing trip filled with stories for you and your friends.
Karastoyanovi's Apartment: Your Dream Sofia Stay Awaits!
Cebu's Underwater Kingdom: Unbelievable Little Mermaid Dive Resort! - Uh... FAQs? Maybe. Don't Judge.
So, like, Little Mermaid Dive Resort... Is it REALLY under the sea? Or, like, just... by the sea? Because I need to know. My expectations are high. Ridiculously high.
Okay, deep breaths. No, it's not *literally* under the sea. Unless the staff has some *serious* secrets. But it's right ON it. Seriously, the sound of the waves at night... pure bliss. Unless your roommate snores like a rusty submarine, in which case, you're gonna want earplugs. And maybe a VERY long coffee break the next day. But the location? Spot on. Perfect sunset views. Instagram gold. Just... be prepared for the occasional (and I mean OCCASIONAL) power outage. It's the Philippines. Embrace the chaos. You'll thank me later… probably.
I'm a total newbie diver. Will I drown? (Be honest.)
Alright, let's talk about the elephant seal in the dive shop. No, probably not. Seriously. They've got amazing instructors. I, uh, *may* have freaked out a little on my first dive. Like, panicked-mask-off-at-20-feet-and-grabbing-the-instructor's-arm-for-dear-life kind of freak out. He was a saint, by the way. Just kept smiling and signing "Okay? Okay?" Eventually, I chilled out. They're patient. They're safe. They'll guide you through it. If *I* survived my first dive, you're golden. Just remember, breathe. And don't, like, try to hug the coral. It’s a bad idea. Trust me, I learned the hard way. (The coral won't hug back, by the way. It will… sting.)
The food. Tell me about the FOOD. Is it, like, just glorified instant noodles and mystery meat? Because my stomach is a diva.
Okay, the food. This is important. Surprisingly, the food is actually... *good*. Really good. Fresh seafood, duh. (Fresh, delicious, and locally sourced… hopefully.) They have a chef, a *real* chef. Filipino dishes, which is, in my opinion, the best cuisine in the bloody world. And Western-style stuff if you're feeling homesick-ish. Breakfast is a highlight – I had this mango shake every single morning that was practically a religion. Seriously, I might have shed a tear when I had to leave. Just... be prepared for a slightly slower pace. Island time, baby. Don't go expecting Michelin-star service. But the flavors? Amazing. The portions? Generous. The mango shakes? Life-changing. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a *little*...) But seriously, go for the mango shake.
What's the vibe like? Is it all bronzed Instagram models and posing, or is it, you know, actual people?
Alright, the vibe. Okay, here’s the lowdown. It's a mix. You'll find some hardcore divers, some beginners, some families, the odd honeymoon couple desperately trying not to argue... it’s a mixed bag! I, personally, ended up in a very cool group composed of an Aussie girl who could talk underwater, a nervous older man who was determined to see a whale shark, and a couple of dive instructors who felt the need to make fun of me because of my… let’s just say, *unconventional* swimming style. But mostly it's chill. Relaxed. Friendly. People are there to enjoy themselves. Just… be prepared for the inevitable "Look what I saw!" stories after every dive. The fish talk is unavoidable. Learn to love the fish talk. Or better yet, join in.
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. Are they, like, clean? And do they have, you know, actual *walls*?
Rooms. Right. Okay, let's keep it real. They're decent. They're clean-ish. Let's just say they're "rustic". Think, "charming island bungalow" not "luxury hotel suite." My room, for example, had a slight tendency to… attract ants. And the hot water was sometimes more "lukewarm-ish." But hey, I was in the Philippines. Who needs hot water when you have sunshine and a reef full of amazing creatures? The bed was comfy enough. The aircon worked (most of the time). And the view from the porch? Glorious. Just… bring some bug spray. And maybe earplugs. And, alright, maybe a good book for those power outage downtime hours. Seriously, pack some entertainment. You’ll thank me.
Diving gear. Is it all ancient relics held together with duct tape and prayer? Because... safety.
The gear… okay, here’s where I got a little *twitchy*. I'm not going to lie, I *did* give the regulator a thorough inspection before my first dive. (And again, and again...) It wasn't *ancient*, mind you. But not brand-spanking new either. They kept it up to snuff, though. It’s important to check the gear yourself, by the way. Get your buddy to double check it too. They did pre-dive checks to ensure the safety, so it's fine. The staff is vigilant about it. But, as with everything in life, you might not want to fully blindly trust. Ask questions. Inspect things. Trust your gut. If something feels off, SPEAK UP. It’s your life, people.
Okay, but what about the *diving* itself? What's the best thing to see? Tell me everything! (I may or may not be slightly obsessed with marine life).
Oh, the diving. The reason you're there, right? Okay. Prepare to be amazed. The reefs here are just incredible. I SAW A TURTLE! A GIANT, MAJESTIC TURTLE! (Okay, maybe I freaked out a tiny bit. Ok, maybe I had a celebratory underwater dance. Nobody saw. Probably.) The coral is vibrant. The fish are EVERYWHERE. You'll see clownfish, parrotfish, even the occasional (and seriously impressive) whale shark. I spent an entire dive just watching a school of tiny, shimmering fish. I could have stayed there forever. Actually, I *almost* ran out of air because I was so entranced. Rookie mistake. Learn from my mistakes. Don’t get so completely lost in the beauty that you lose your common sense, and your air supply. Because I'm telling you... you *will* want to stay underwater forever. Be warned.
Anything else I *absolutely* need to know before I go? Like, hidden gems or epic fails to avoid?
Okay, here's the lowdown. Pack light. Seriously. You won'Save On Hotels Now
