Asian Diver and Scuba Diver Issue 02-2020 (155) | Page 8

ADVERTORIAL
MESMERISING DIVE SPOTS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
Three amazing dive spots to visit
Text by: Sitaraah Joshi
Beautiful sandy beaches. Scenic
sunrises, and even more gorgeous
sunsets. This is just the beginning
of what awaits you in the stunning
archipelagic country of the
Philippines. Along with sister
countries Malaysia, Indonesia
and Papua New Guinea, they
form what is known as the “Coral
Triangle”, the global centre of
marine biodiversity. Within this
area, there are around 400 to 500
species in 90 genera of coral. The
Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Eco-region,
70 percent of which belongs to the
Philippines, also lies within the
Coral Triangle. The region is home
to 2,500 different species of fish.
It can be easily agreed that the
Philippines is one of the most
amazing places in the world for
scuba diving. To help you start
planning your next Philippine dive
adventure, we consider three of
the country’s awesome dive spots.
TUBBATAHA REEFS
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in Palawan, the heart of
the Sulu Sea. Most divers share
the belief that this reef ranks
as the best dive site in the
Philippines, considering that
it is one of the most biodiverse
dive spots on the planet. The reef
is home to more than 600 species
of fish, 360 species of corals ,
11 species of sharks, 13 species
of dolphins and whales, as well as
nesting hawksbill and green sea
turtles. You can also see manta
rays, schools of barracuda and
tuna, and smaller marine life
like nudibranchs, ornate ghost
pipefish, seahorses, and frogfish.
Depending on the tide, visibility
Aerial view of Tubbataha’s north atoll ©Shutterstock
ANILAO, BATANGAS
Regarded as the best region to
muck dive in the Philippines,
Anilao is considered to be one
of best places for macro and
blackwater photography. As well
as a huge range of strange and
Getting there
unique critters, you’ll find healthy
To reach Palawan you will need
and diverse coral species, turtles,
to fly to Manila, before taking a
massive schools of jellyfish, jacks
domestic flight to Puerto Princessa. and at times, reef sharks.
The Tubbataha area can only
An area known as Secret Bay
(or Manit Muck) is one the most
be accessed by liveaboard, usually
interesting mucks sites in Anilao
over the course of a week. There
to explore. There, you will find
are several to choose from, and
an endless array of octopuses,
longer transition trips can also be
pipefishes, wonderpuses,
found in conjunction with other
frogfishes, and more. The Pier
areas within the Philippines like
and Twin Rocks are also a great
Apo Island, Dauin and Cabilao.
places to partake in a macro
Diving season lasts around four
photography workshop. At The
months between February and
Pier, you’ll find the rare species
June so planning in advance
of stargazers and bobbit worms,
is advised.
ranges from 10 to 35 metres,
and non-divers can also choose
to try their hand at snorkelling.
The area is recommended for
intermediate to advanced divers
due to stonger currents.