Anilao Photo Academy

Anilao Photo Academy

1 Barangay Road Anilao, Barangay San Jose, Mabini, Mabini, Luzon 4202 Philippines
Traveler (126)
Common room (facing the beach)
Dining (14)
Pool & Beach (14)

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About

#2 of 15 small hotels in Mabini
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
We've moved "anilao PHOTO" to a new location and given it a new purpose. Instead of providing you with merely a place to stay, dive and take pictures, we are committed to also offer more enrichment thru developing underwater photography skills. We have only 12 simple rooms that caters to the specific need of underwater photographers. A dedicated camera dry-room, editing stations, power outlets, camera wash/rinse tubs, air guns, wet and dry camera work stations and 15mbps internet line. Our packages rates are all-inclusive and we offer the best underwater photography guides and staff and boatmen that know how to handle photographer needs. All rooms are air-conditioned with attached bathrooms. Each room is equipped with multiple international power-points and sufficient camera work-space for no less than 2 DSLR systems. We use only the top spotters in Anilao to ensure photographers are always kept shooting non-stop, assisted and coached. Booking is necessary as we do not cater to walk-in guests.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Beach
Diving
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Airport transportation
Laundry service
Room features
Air conditioning
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
Filipino

Location

1 Barangay Road Anilao, Barangay San Jose, Mabini, Mabini, Luzon 4202 Philippines
Traveler rating
  • 130
  • 3
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Detailed Reviews
Peter Fong wrote a review Jan 2023
Shah Alam, Malaysia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I was last in Anilao years ago and had been wanting to experience APA for a while.
And what a trip it was!

We were picked up at the airport in a nice, clean and luxurious van unlike the tight vans in other resorts. The trip was just over two hours. Buy your drinks and snacks before you reach the resort as there are no shops nearby.

There were already quite a few divers there, all tourists. The room was clean, spacious as described by others. Aircon and hot water worked well and wifi was acceptable but worked well early in the morning. Meals were generally good with a combo of local and western options. Just tell the staff what and how much you eat and they will arrange accordingly. Rina, the boss, was a wonderful host. For those of you who hate to carry cash or use TT to pay, try using the WISE app. Good rates, cheap and APA received my payment in a couple of hours.

Dives were well organised, equipment was new and the crews experienced. A note of caution for new divers - you are assumed to be well trained and experienced so if you need help, please ask.

APA is a photographers dream set up. There are lots of equipment which Tim Ho can let you try and everyone was mad about photography. Some only woke up in the afternoons for 2 blackwater dives which everyone MUST try. I didn't get to see any Rhinopiast or even a frog fish but was more than made up by the blackwater.

We were luck to be there when Tim and Steven Kovaks were there - both are renown photographers and it was good to learn from their tips. Overall it was probably my best dive trip in years and the macro was fantastic.

Can't wait to go back.
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Date of stay: November 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pietro wrote a review Mar 2024
Bologna, Italy
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Anilao Photo Academy is the place where you want to stay and dive if your passion is underwater photography. I was pleasantly surprised since the beginning when we were upgraded to single occupancy rooms from the original double occupancy booking. My room was clean, really spacious and fitted with a long desk, shelves and enough sockets to recharge batteries and work on the camera and housing. The whole staff is not only truly dedicated and professional but also very friendly and welcoming. The ocean is just in front and the boats take you to beautiful and marine life rich dive sites to explore everyday. There is one guide for every two guests and that's something I highly appreciated. As a bonus, being surrounded by people sharing the same passion it's very easy to socialize, exchange ideas and make new friends. I certainly would have stayed longer and for sure want to visit again.
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Date of stay: March 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jody H wrote a review Nov 2024
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Wonderful experience. If you are serious about underwater macro photography this is a definite must visit place.
All the dive guides are superb, special thanks to Tim, Rina and all APA team for giving wonderful services. The selfless sharing of techniques and skills invloved for each photos taken are priceless.
The rooms were clean and spacious. Have lots of working space for photographers to work on charging of equipment and photo edits.
Food was very tasty.
Truly a unique and great photo school.
Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: November 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen C wrote a review Nov 2023
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I returned to APA for another session of incredible diving and a photography class with the master Tim Ho. The rooms are basic but huge, the beds are comfortable, but the diving (and boat staff) is exceptional. Each guest has its own dive guide, most are excellent macro photographers in their own right and will not only spot all the critters you’ve only dreamed of, but help you shoot them as well, if you are a novice like I am.
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about photography and can give valuable advice about your rig if you are looking to expand or upgrade. The blackwater dives are also not to be missed! I hope to be back sooner than later!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William J wrote a review Oct 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed for 6 days and took Tim Ho's 3-day photography class. Saw a noticeable improvement in photos in just those 3 days. APA has curated an amazing environment for photography - everyone from staff, guides, and other guests were exceptionally friendly and willing to share information!
Am looking forward to a return visit.
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Date of stay: October 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Winter S wrote a review Nov 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed here for 7 days with 3 days being the Underwater Photography Course with Tim Ho. I could see a significant improvement on the outcome of my photos in just the 3 days. Everyone there was so friendly and I felt more like a family/friend rather than a guest. I most certainly enjoyed my stay and am looking forward for my next trip here soon.
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Date of stay: November 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luis S wrote a review Mar 2020
Puerto Rico
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If You want to visit a special place APA is the way to go Rina,Wayne,and Tim treated us special and we're súper friendly and the tips for underwater photography make You jump onto the next step. Our dive guide Jason was awesome and truly a helpful in everyway..i Will recomend this place to anybody who loves underwater photography, and if i could rate this place 6 stars i would....... Thanks APA again for a dream vacation.....
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustAddWater wrote a review Oct 2022
Istanbul
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I have travelled to Anilao 4 times in the last 10 years, Stayed at different institutions good and not so good. This place is very good for diving and underwater photography. Rina and Wayne take very good care of their guests. You can always learn something new about critters, photography or diving here.

A great place and great friends
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Date of stay: July 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suraya A wrote a review Oct 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The best place for your holiday especially when you're diving plus doing the macro diving. Definitely worth it....

The room is superb with magnificent sea view... so so spacious... the decoration inside the room is marvellous... the bed linen is so clean and smell.good.. the toilet also spacious
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Date of stay: April 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Make sure you book for more than 2 days :)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
817hapk wrote a review Aug 2022
Tanjung Balai, Indonesia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is my first visit to anilao, with my main purpose to learn more about uw photography
Everything that is here is too good,. Food is delicious, room is clean, dive is easy (no current at all) and most important is brilliant teacher.
I come here to do the course with Tim, overall really an eye-opener for me, and words really can’t express it,

If you are keen to improve on uwphotography, here is the place,

Will return visit in dec 22
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Dsilvali asked a question Apr 2018
London, United Kingdom16 contributions2 helpful votes
How do I book or get in contact with APA?
Answer from Randy W
Jakarta, Indonesia46 contributions7 helpful votes
U can contact by Facebook Messenger to Rina Yumol Jones , she wil arrange your booking ... that s it
Suraya A wrote a tip Oct 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Make sure you book for more than 2 days :)"
Read full review
yellowtshirt wrote a tip May 2024
Singapore3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"the other divers will probably be the friendliest bunch you'll ever meet. Talk to them. Tip the staff"
Read full review
manoscorpion wrote a tip Nov 2023
Chennai (Madras), India8 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"It's not a party resort, if you are serious diver this is the place"
Read full review
Andrey Savin wrote a tip Nov 2022
Negros Oriental, Philippines133 contributions10 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"ask sea view rooms"
Read full review
Ken Loong wrote a tip Nov 2019
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"weekdays will be a better choice"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Mabini area.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Anilao Photo Hotel
LOCATION
PhilippinesLuzonCalabarzon RegionBatangas ProvinceMabini
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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ANILAO PHOTO ACADEMY - UPDATED 2024 Hotel Reviews (Mabini, Philippines) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Anilao Photo Academy
Which popular attractions are close to Anilao Photo Academy?
Nearby attractions include Mt. Gulugod Baboy Trail (4.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Anilao Photo Academy?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, airport transportation, and laundry service.
What are some restaurants close to Anilao Photo Academy?
Conveniently located restaurants include Hillside Dining at Seascape Resort, OMG! Olvida & Myra's Grill, and The Philip Ann Resort Restaurant.
Does Anilao Photo Academy have airport transportation?
Yes, Anilao Photo Academy offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are pets allowed at Anilao Photo Academy?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Anilao Photo Academy?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Taal Heritage Village (13.7 km).
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