TRAVELSPECIAL
A whip coral goby resting on its host whip
PHOTO : SIMON ROGERSON
Tubbataha
The capital of Palawan , Puerto Princesa , is the gateway to the iconic Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park . Tubbataha is considered to be one of the most beautiful reef systems in the world and can be reached by liveaboard during its short three – month season , from mid-March to mid- June . Expect to see sheer walls covered with fan corals and sponges and pelagic visitors passing by in the blue .
If parts of the Philippines can be said to have fallen to poor marine management and damaging fishing practices , the Tubbataha area , located near the island of Palawan , is the time capsule , a near-perfect gem with a complete reef environment . This is where you see the Philippines at its most diverse , with 600 species of fish and 360 species of coral ( almost half the world ' s recognised species ).
The reefs are accordingly beautiful and diverse , supporting everything from visiting whale sharks to smaller species such as ghost pipefish and seahorses . Big , spiralling schools of jacks and barracuda are a specialty of Tubbataha , especially at renowned dive sites such as Black Rock in the South Atoll , also known for its white-tip reef sharks .
Some say that Amos Rock is the region ' s best dive site , with its kaleidoscopic mix of soft corals and pelagic fish . It ' s a way of experiencing a complete reef system without going all the way to a more expensive destination such as Papua New Guinea or Raja Ampat .
Moalboal
Situated on the southern side of Cebu Island , Moalboal is a coastal strip bristling with dive centres and accommodation . There ’ s a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene , and the area has always been popular with backpackers [ your Editor briefly served as a dive guide in this area ]. The most famous attraction is the immense school of sardines that moves around the area , often found at Panagsama Reef . Perhaps the best dive in the area is Pescador Island , a cigar-shaped islet a short distance offshore , which has a stunning coral wall and a huge cavern .
Moalboal sustained severe damage after a cyclone hit the area in December last year . Dive boats were destroyed and many buildings damaged , and it remains unclear when the area will be fully reopened for tourism . Ask your tour operator for the latest information .
This ‘ blue dragon ’ nudibranch supplements its diet by growing algae in its body
PHOTO : SIMON ROGERSON
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