Dive-Guide-to-the-Philippines-April-20-2016

drops away and divers can have a Descending to around 100 ft.
leisurely and fairly shallow dive (28m), Paradise Canyon’s walls are
going along the reeftop and see decorated with plenty of cracks and
nudibranchs, anemones, angelfish, holes, home to a wide variety of
triggerfish and an occasional big marine life. Take a dive light as
grouper. Or a deeper dive can be there is a cavern that divers can
done looking in the cracks, caverns enter and explore.
and crevices that are home to a
variety of larger fish. A second dive in the area, known
as The Aquarium, is (as the name
102) Medina Underwater Springs implies) well endowed with corals
Icons: and assorted marine life. This is an
Location: Off White Island excellent training site and
Depth: 20-108 ft. (6-33m) snorkeling spot, as it’s relatively
shallow 30 to 70 ft. (6 to 20m)
There are two dives here, both deep.
interesting and unusual, that feature
cold freshwater springs (known 103) Jigdup Slope & Wall
locally as alibuag) bubbling out of Icons:
the seafloor. These sites are both Location: 2 km from Mambajao
about 300m west of White Island’s Depth: Surface -130 ft. (0-40m)
beach and are at the edge of the
coral reef. Teeming with all sorts of marine
life, this reef is a wide-angle
Ribbon eel photographer’s dream with big
stands of green tubastrea corals, soft
corals and gorgonians. There is
usually some current varying from
mild to quite strong.

There are actually a couple of
dives to be had here with one slope
dive and another a wall. The
tropicals are out in force and macro
photography subjects like frogfish,
leaf fish and nudis make this a
favorite repeat site. The currents
also bring in blackbar barracuda
schools, tuna, sharks and seasonal

150

manta rays. Chromodoris nudibranch

104) Sunken Cemetery
Icons:
Location: NW Camiguin
Depth: 25 -70 ft. (5-20 m)

This is a former land 105) Old Volcano
cemetery site that was Icons:
pushed into the sea during Location: NW Camiguin
an 1800s volcanic Depth: 25 -120 ft. (5-35m)
eruptions. Now marked by an above
the surface white cross, underwater A fitting dive for an island with
the reef is alive and well with a seven volcanoes, this site has sharp
good variety of huge brain and table undersea pinnacles formed by the
corals and a great diversity of volcanic lava flow of years ago. The
tropical fish life. The slope has nice varied terrain has small walls and
hard coral cover interspersed with black sand chutes. This can be both
soft and leather corals. Cuttlefish a wide angle dive and macro dive.
like this site as well as anthias. This
is also quite popular with Gorgonians on the deeper area
snorkelers. There are a couple of hold pygmy seahorses. Look at the
1800s grave markers still visible
underwater here. crinoids to see if there are
ornate ghost pipefish or check
White-eye moral eel the sponges for hiding frogfish.

The areas with current
flowing over the sand are
home to garden eels. Whitetip
sharks also patrol the reefs.
Also a bonus, usually when
there is some current is the
appearance of eagle rays.
Manta rays and even mobulas
also come to the Old Volcano
site seasonally.

151

Mindanao proven safe for divers and any kind
of visitor.
Samal 106
Island 107 Divers will be happy to learn that
some outstanding dive sites are
Talicud 109 within reach of these cities and
Island amenities are in place to facilitate
108 training and diving once there.
110 There are good hotels and resorts at
reasonable prices and a choice of
This destination has suffered dining and entertainment all in a
some bad press over the years safe environment.
due to its association with extreme
insurgent groups in the south and Davao is a genuine year ‘round
west. But some parts of Mindanao, diving destination; something that is
particularly Cagayan de Oro, Davao not lost on local dive entrepreneurs
and General Santos, have become who visit sites around nearby Samal
popular with visitors and have Island. Two Japanese ships lie in
40m (130ft) in the Malipanao
anchorage of the Pearl Farm Resort.

There are caves, walls, sea mounts
and other outstanding topographic
offerings in the Davao region. There
are roughly 20 dive sites and
sanctuaries that hold a great
amount of marine life and the area
is usually uncrowded.

Sand-covered stingray

152

Baitfish at reeftop

106) Ligid Caves Davao (right between Big Ligid and
Icons: Samal Islands), this sanctuary
Location: NE Samal Island affords the perfect habitat for a
Depth: 26-115 ft. (8-34m) leather-coral carpeted reeftop.

Located at the extreme northeast The site is named after two
of Samal Island in the Gulf of curious looking caves starting
below 80 ft. (24m). At the entrance
Facelinid nudibranch there are crabs, scorpionfish,
tunicates, rabbitfish and lionfish,
moray eels and razorfish. One of
the caves actually has three
entrances that all lead to a rocky
corridor. They are filled with
amazing numbers of reef fish,
sponge crabs and black coral trees
and soft corals.

Due to its location at the tip of
Samal, the cave occasionally has
some reef sharks. Pelagic sharks
and bigger fish swim outside in the
blue water.

At a depth of 60 ft. (18m) Ligid

153

Cave dive site shows interesting Southeast of the point are three
deep sea life all the way down to reef formations where schools of
the cave entrance areas. The current pennant butterflyfish, surgeonfish,
is normally relatively calm due to jacks and several types of angelfish
the bay of Davao Del Norte, Davao are frequent visitors. The center
City, Samal and Big Ligid acting as structure is covered in lush pink soft
barriers. Night diving is corals, while the leeward side is
recommended, especially for macro festooned with large gorgonians,
photography. Nearby are the sites black coral and a host of anthias
Balet Wall and Tagpopongan. For and tubastrea.
underwater spelunkers the Ligid
Cave dive site will prove rewarding. 108) Marissa 1, 2 & 3
Icons:
107) Pinnacle Point Location: South of Samal Island
Icons: Depth: 26-60 ft. (8-18m)
Location: SE tip of Big Ligid Island
Depth: 26-115 ft. (8-34m) Almost everyone from snorkeler
to experienced diver can enjoy this
Pinnacle Point southeast of Big site. Marissa is good for training and
Ligid, an islet near Samal, is not a bad night dive either. The
actually an imposing pointed rock Pearl Farm maintains three reefs as
formation. It has fascinating pink a marine sanctuary, so there is
corals and is surrounded by two plenty of life. The coral heads,
other lower pinnacles. The three undercuts, small walls and drop-offs
rock formations stand at 30 to 65 ft. are interspersed with gentle slopes
(9 to 19m) high. The Pinnacle is for divers and snorkelers.
surrounded by tubastrea corals,
anthias, black corals, gorgonians 109) Malipano Japanese Wrecks
and scores of deep sea Icons:
invertebrates. Location: Off Pearl Farm Resort

Head southeast along the wall, Painted triggerfish
current permitting, taking in views
of the gorgonians and sea whips.
Check out the cracks and crannies
in the wall for bigeyes and
cardinalfish. Some octopi and
morays also dwell in the holes.

154

Siargao Jellyfish Lake

Siargao is known for its great surf but
snorkelers and divers may want to
make a stop at this idyllic isle as well.

Located in the province of Surigao del

Norte, it has some beautiful limestone

formations at Sohoton Cove. Of interest to Non-stinging jellyfish

divers and snorkelers is the Jellyfish Lake.

A rare find, these marine lakes are known

only to Palau and one site in Indonesia. The isolation and lack of predators

has caused the jellyfish to effectively lose the sting in their tentacles. The

jellies are most plentiful April through June. Outside the cove is a fan-

covered wall great for diving and snorkeling. The cove has clear water,

stalactites, bats, wild orchids and some climbing adventures too.

Depth: 60-130 ft. (18-40m) Divers are treated to submerged
sand dunes, hard and soft coral
These wrecks are only about 130 beds, tropical fish, wrasse, garden
ft. (40m) apart, allowing divers to eels and parrotfish. Anemones here
visit two wrecks on the same dive. have lots of shrimp, damsels,
The lack of currents has prevented anthias and fusiliers.
much coral from growing on the
two hulls of these Japanese ships This is a great all-around site for
that sunk in WWII. photographers and divers levels.

Sponges and tunicates, whip Goby beneath feather duster
corals and the odd shell or two
decorate the wreck site.

110) Linosutan Coral Gardens
Icons:
Location: SE Talicud Island
Depth: 16-130 ft. (5-40m)

Found west of Talicud Island, this
attractive dive site in Davao is also
fondly called Linosutan by local
diving folks of Barangay Linosutan.

155

Palawan many islands and bays created a
sheltered and hidden anchorage
Coron limestone cliffs near Coron that the Japanese used
to hide ships during WWII. The
Of the 7,000-plus isles in the ships were discovered and sunk by
Philippines, it is said Palawan the U.S. on its quest to retake the
has 1,768 of them. Many are idyllic Philippines. Now they are coral
sandy beaches with coco palms and laden mini-reefs full of marine
lush jungle. Others are stunning beauty as well as war history.
limestone cliffs shielding untouched
coves and native plant and animal Divers can fly into El Nido,
life. It’s a very pretty and diverse Puerto Princesa and Busuanga.
place. And, on land, visitors might Busuanga is for those going to both
even find a giraffe or a zebra!! Yes, the Calamian Islands and Coron.
there is an island with both African
and Philippine wild animals. While most of the Philippines is
heavily populated and sectioned
Divers have a bonus here as the out for farming, Palawan has wide
open spaces. It holds untouched
sandy beaches, high limestone cliffs
and large tracts of land set aside for
cattle grazing. There is still wild
jungle here and some rare animals
on land and in the sea. The
freshwater crocodile, an extremely
endangered species, is found here.

Passing over dugong and turtle
sea grass beds in the Calamians

156

Calamian Islands same grasses.
Many of these islands are
114
incredibly photogenic and
111, 112 uninhabited and romantics can
113 arrange for a day with a special
someone on a desert isle, getting a
Busuanga taste of Robinson Crusoe existence
(albeit with a well-packed cooler,
Coron Bay liquid refreshment and adult
beverages). Snorkeling is generally
One of the most interesting dive good with minimal currents at most
areas in Palawan, and at times beaches.
overlooked due to the fame of the
Coron shipwrecks, is the Calamian Busuanga is served by frequent
Group. These islands have a variety flights. Get a window seat as on a
of formations that include powder sunny day, the flight over the islands
white sandy beaches, rocky is like a special tour with stunning
outcrops and towering trees full of tropical colors.
fruit bats. They are found along the
northern shores of Busuanga Island Most hotels and spas have
and out into the north and eastern package deals that can include
reef systems of the Mindoro Straits. diving. Instruction, daily dives and
The outer banks include the famous special charters can all be arranged.
Apo Reef Natural Park and sites
around the Tara Islands. The island group holds great fish
diversity, an array of coral life and
Scenic and diverse, this is a main one of the war wrecks. The water
habitat area for the rare and here is generally quite clear and the
endangered dugong, a sea cow presence of the resorts and their
that looks somewhat like a group of Coast Guard reserve
manatee but has a forked tail like a
whale or dolphin. They graze on Dimakya flying
the sea grasses that grow on the foxes at sunset
slopes and up into the shallows of
many of these islands. Sea turtles,
especially green sea turtles, also
nest in the islands and munch the

157

volunteers has assured dynamiters found along the reef in a couple of
and poachers have not had a places and it’s a great spot for
presence here. It’s a special area in macro oddities like sleepy sea
this vast country of islands. moths, ornate ghost pipefish,
jawfish (at times with eggs), frogfish
111) Club Paradise Housereef large and small, nudibranchs and
Icons: flatworms.
Location: Dimakya Island
Depth: 16-56 ft. (5-17m) The corals are varied and a great
variety of hard corals and sponges
The site cleverly named Housereef can be seen along the southwest
at Club Paradise on Dimakya Island slope. Look also for larger fish like
is one of the most interesting sites in barracuda and mackerels. Diving
the region. That’s because the reef here is normally a walk-in and can
has been protected as the resort’s be done pretty much any time of
kind of personal preserve for two day from the Club Paradise dive
decades now. And it shows. Turtles center. Instruction is done in the
graze the sea grass beds and lay pool but also in a natural bowl right
eggs on the beach. A virtual tornado off the beach.
of schooling bigeye jacks can be
found just offshore in 10 ft. (3m) of The main attractions here are the
water. Look also for big bumphead grass munchers. From March to May
parrotfish. Giants clams can be the area is frequented by dugongs.
They like the grass beds directly in
front of the resort. The other

Nudibranch crawling on a
lionfish at Dimakya Island

158

attraction is the constant parade of Anemone shrimp
sea turtles who like the same
grasses. A couple of beautiful green after a mandarinfish dive.
turtles with unblemished shells Eagle rays and other pelagics do
have become quite accustomed to
divers and are like the Housereef come by here on occasion. The
pets. They like to have their shells island has some other sites as well
stroked and cleaned and will eat that are no more than ten minutes
sea grass if fed by a diver. They are
very good photo subjects.

Many dives can be made at this
fascinating reef with varied sites for
wide angle and macro
photography.

Dimyaka also has some
fascinating birds and land creatures
like monitor lizards and a colony of
fruit bats that fly at night at late
dusk. Its makes quite a sight to see
if you are just getting into the water
for a night dive or just getting out

Green sea turtle eating sea grasses

159

Calauit Island

In the 1970s days of the Ferdinand Marcos
presidency, the president was friendly
with Kenya and was gifted with a number of
African animals. Now they thrive on the
Calauit Island Game Preserve and Wildlife
Sanctuary. So for over 30 years now the
herds have roamed this vast island. It is the Nocturnal Philippine bearcat
Philippines major conservation showcase
for wildlife habitat and has the distinction
of being the first successful wildlife translocation experiment in Asia.
Seeing giraffe tracks going down the beach or seeing one towering along
with the palms is not unusual. Rangers will let visitors hand-feed the
giraffes. Other gazelles, zebra, local Calauit deer, mousedeer and a range
of wildlife can be seen on these plains. There are also some cages near a
rest area with local porcupines, freshwater crocodiles (highly endangered)
and the reclusive nocturnal bearcat. Pythons and some other colorful
snakes are also found here but are wild so not guaranteed. It’s great fun
and takes only about a half day for a visit.

by boat and have their merits. are mainly sea grasses with
scattered coral heads and sponges.
112) Dimipac Island Look for Cassiopeia andromeda
Icons: (upside-down jellyfish) laying in the
Location: NW of Dimyaka Island sand. Sometimes decorator crabs
Depth: 6-50 ft. (2-15m) carry these jellies on their shells.

A new dive site that doubles as a There is a nice path reef system
dugong watching spot is Dimipac with tube sponges, nice sea
Island, a short ride northwest of anemones, lots of roaming juvenile
Dimakya. The island is uninhabited catfish packs and many small
and has a very nice beach. The things. The big bonus is that a
sandy beach continues down into dugong may be nearby grazing.
sea grass beds and the dugongs Keep an eye out for clouds of sand
have been seen here grazing. as they really stir things up. If they
are eating they usually can be
In front of the beach, the slopes approached and photographed.

160

113) Kyokuzan Maru
Icons:
Location: East of Busuanga
Depth: 35-130 ft. (10-40m)

This is one of the best wreck dives Kyokuzan stack hole
in the Coron area as the water here
is generally clear with good normally two dives are done here.
visibility. The ship is upright with Starting aft, the mast and cargo
little in the way of currents and it
sits in a sheltered area off booms are covered in corals, zigzag
Dimalanta Island. clams and sea anemones. The holds
are open and the hold behind the
This Japanese freighter was bridge, on the port side, has the
scuttled by its crew when the crew remnants of a fancy car, complete
got word of the attacks in nearby with whitewalls. The majority of the
Coron. After scuttling the ship the ship was salvaged after the war. But
crew is believed to have gone to there is still a lot to see. One room
nearby Dimalanta Island. under the bridge leading to the
engine room holds the remnants of
The ship has two buoys on the bowls with the Japanese Navy
two masts of this five-hold freighter. insignia on the shards.
They are at the fore and aft, so
The engine room is open and one
Whitewall tire in hold can exit through the stack hole. It is
of Kyokuzan Maru believed the engine was salvaged
through this hole. The stack lays on
its side leaning to starboard.

For the second dive head up to
the massive bow. Swim under the
gun emplacement area and down
into the holds where there are more
car remnants, truck parts and some
odd bales that may be asbestos. Up
top around the bridge is more
marine life. Batfish are ubiquitous.

161

Apo Reef Spotted puffer at cleaning station

One of the most popular and park” and is one of the premier dive
isolated protected marine destinations in the area. Not to be
areas of the Philippines, Apo Reef confused with Apo Island, also a
is said to be the second-largest well-kept undersea national park
coral reef area in the world. The near Dumaguette, this reef is in
sites are now visited from all over open ocean just like its southern
this region including Pandan counterpart, Tubbataha. This is a
Island, Apo Reef Club south of San reef system that offers many dive
Jose, Mindoro, (perhaps the closest sites and is good for anywhere from
venue) and by speed boat from one to five day liveaboard trips.
Dimakya Island in Busuanga. Dives
such as Shark Ridge, Binangaan
Dropoff and North Wall are some
of the many attractions.

114) Apo Reef
Icons:
Location: Mindoro Straits
Depth: 7-130 ft. (2-40m)

This is referred to as a “natural

Apo Reef Natural Park
Photo © Arthur Kraft

162

Area dive shops do make the visit jack shoals and even apex predators

as a day trip and try to squeeze in like tiger sharks. 400+ species of

three dives. With a fast boat it is not fish and 500 corals have been

so bad. With a slow banca, it is a identified here. The reef is now

long day. well-protected and a park fee is

Also like Tubbataha, there’s little charged to keep the rangers in food

protection from the elements. It and supplies. On the whole, it is a

must be dived during calmer very healthy reef system and the

months. December to May is walls are spectacular.

considered the season for this area Bainangaan Dropoff is an

although some nearby dive shops amazing wall that eventually drops

will go if conditions look to be calm away into the abyss and is best

in the off season. One small island, known for its scalloped

Apo Island, has a lighthouse and hammerheads and manta rays.

the reef is a dual lagoon system Apo Island has soaring walls

divided by a narrow channel that covered in swathes of soft coral and

runs west to east. sponges with seas turtles grazing

Dive sites include Shark Ridge, along the wall and resting among

Binangaan Dropoff and North Wall the ledges.

are some of the famous sites and at Shark Ridge has black and

these and others a diver can expect whitetip reef sharks and often an

to see big fish like dogtooth tuna, encounter with manta rays. It is

whitetip/blacktip/gray reef sharks, peppered with shallow caves and

wahoo, Spanish mackerel, overhangs with roaming groupers.

Napoleon wrasse and bumpheads. Apo 29 is a sea mount with

Flowing currents can bring in currents and lots of pelagic action.

mantas, barracuda schools, bigeye Normally done with a long blue

water drift in. Once atop

Dogtooth Tuna the mount divers can hold
on or hook in and watch for

thresher sharks and various

reef sharks, possible

scalloped hammerheads,

mantas and shoals of

schooling pelagic fish. It is

an advanced and very

exciting dive.

163

Coron

Busuanga visibility can
115 vary greatly,
but most sites

116 are accessible

118 year ‘round.

119 There are a
117 120 number of dive
centers to

122 choose from.
121 Tech diving is

If flying into Busuanga, one takes a popular with
left for a scenic drive through many courses
cattle country past plains and down offered. The relative lack of currents
on most wrecks and the depths of

winding hills and jungle to Coron. some of the wrecks means they are
This town has become the wreck perfect for training and the practice
diving capital of the Philippines. of technical diving. All of the ships

The town has a newly remodeled, have mooring buoys and lines going
eco-oriented waterfront, a wide down to the wrecks.
selection of hotels, dive centers and
There are also new sanctuaries

various tours. Look for locally here with great soft corals, hard

designed T-shirts and traditional corals, macro life and fish life.

handicrafts at Corong Galeri Lokals.

Coron Bay is a

large sheltered

body of water that

was a perfect

sheltered

anchorage for

Japan’s ships

during WWII. The

drawback of this

sheltered area is

that there isn’t

much water Coron Bay - Seven Lakes area
movement so

164

The Skeleton Wreck

Coron War History

In September 1944, United States launched their planes. In all, 24
Navy Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s fleet bombers and 96 fighters were
was heading north toward Luzon. ordered to sweep by on the bay
Having no accurate charts of the area. After a three-hour flight they
area, he sent reconnaissance planes surprised 15 Japanese ships in the
ahead to map out a route. As they bay, the Coron Passage, the area just
flew over Coron Bay, they west of Coron Island as well as
discovered an auxiliary Japanese three more vessels in a
fleet at anchor in the bay. He remote anchorage at the northern
immediately ordered an air attack. coast of Busuanga.
The sortie was to cover a chart
distance of 350 miles (564km) from Ships attacked ranged in size from
the carriers east of Leyte to Coron small freighters to 15,000 ton
Bay. This became one of the longest tankers. To date, nine of these
bombing missions in the history of wrecks have been discovered
U.S. Naval aviation. around Coron and are regularly
visited by divers. The others
Action reports show that just believed to have been hit await
before dawn at 05:55 hrs. local time discovery. Corals and fish life now
on September 24, the carriers thrive on the ships and many are
Lexington, Intrepid and Cabot shallow enough for snorkelers.

115) Okikawa Maru Jellyfish in rock islands
Icons:
Location: SW of Concepcion
Depth: 33-85 ft. (10-26m)

The Okikawa Maru, (sometimes particularly deep at 85 ft. (26m) to
called the Concepcion Wreck) is a the sand. Currents here can be
huge ship at over 550 ft. (168m) in strong as it sits in a channel. Divers
length. This is a civilian oil tanker can hide by staying in the lee.
pressed into military service. Sunk
during the 1944 air raid, its most A shoal of barracuda often circles
remarkable feature is the bizarrely divers and divers are likely to
bent and disfigured bow with black encounter sweetlips, groupers,
coral trees and lionfish. This may be batfish, lionfish, surgeons and
in part due to the huge ship sinking feeding mackerel. Large Jellyfish
nose first and crashing to the sea often drift by this wreck in the
floor. The deck lies between 35 prevailing currents.
ft.(11m) at the bridge down to about
50 ft. (16m) towards the bow.
Divers can enter one of the upper
deck cargo areas and swim through
the bow wreckage. It is not

Bent bow of the Okikawa

166

Coron harbor area

116) Akitsushima And check out the engine room as it
(Seaplane tender ship) escaped the salvors and has its big
Icons: engine.
Location: SE of Pompion Caye
Depth: 60-125 ft. (18-37m) This wreck is known particularly
for the huge school of batfish that
Although this is one of the hang around the ship. Tuna,
deepest wrecks in the area, divers barracuda and yellowfins frequently
can see plenty without descending patrol the wreck. Lionfish, groupers,
too deep. This ship was a seaplane sweetlips and snappers hide inside.
tender ship. There is no sign of any The wreck also has some nice
planes, but the crane that was used growths of large, fish-filled black
to lower the planes into the sea sits coral trees.
off the port aft and stretches out into
the sandy sea floor at 118 ft. (35m). 117) Lusong Gunboat
Icons:
This is the only actual warship Location: South of Lusong Island
sunk in the attack and one can see Depth: Surface to 33 ft. (0-10m)
the anti-aircraft guns midships and
forward. The wreck is penetrable Both the wreck and the reef
through a huge crack midship. adjacent to this small gunboat are
Divers can enter here with a guide an easy dive and an excellent
and see lots of twisted metal and snorkeling site. At low tide, the
clouds of glassfish. Very photogenic. jagged stern of the small 140-foot

167

Baitfish in the Tangat Gunboat

ship actually breaks the surface. and even enter the bridge through
This is a perfect introductory wreck the hold nearest. The engine is also
dive because of its shallow depth. open for inspection.
Its also a good choice for a second
or third dive of the day. And its great There are lots of anemones and
for snorkelers who want to see a clownfish, as well as resident
war wreck. batfish, a couple of large groupers
and many smaller ones, goatfish
118) Olympia Maru and fusiliers. Look for a variety of
Icons: nudibranchs on the ship.
Location: Between Lusong & Tangat
Depth: 40-82 ft. (12-25m) 119) Irako
Icons:
Lying on its starboard side, this Location: Between Lusong & Tangat
wreck features black coral, finger Depth: 100-138 ft. (30-42m)
sponges and a variety of soft and
hard corals encrusted along its 400 This wreck is deeper than most in
foot-long (125m) hull. There the bay and experiences strong
appears to be what is the damage currents at times so its for the more
hole that sunk it on the port side advanced diver. It sits upright with
below the bridge. Divers can its deck sloping from 80 ft. at the
inspect all of the open cargo holds bow to deck level at 100 ft. (25 to
30m). The Irako was a refrigeration

168

ship and you can see the cooling Sea turtle and black coral
pipes in the holds. on the Tangat Wreck

For those with excellent
buoyancy due to the heavy
siltation on the wreck, penetrate to
see the pots and pans in the galley
and the inner bomb damage. It is a
tricky but interesting penetration.

The hull and deck are quite well
covered in a variety of soft corals
and sponges. Again, the current
can get quite strong here, so plan
the dive well.

120) Tangat Wreck glassfish in the black coral trees
Icons: along with lionfish in their midst.
Location: Off SW Point of Tangat
Depth: 60-100 ft. (18-30m) 121) Tangat Gunboat
Icons:
Another good site for underwater Location: East of Tangat Island
photographers is the Tangat Wreck. Depth: 7-60 ft. (2-18m)
It is also known as Sangat Wreck as
its just a 10 minute boat ride from Tangat Gunboat is another great
the Sangat Resort. The ship is about snorkeling site and an easy diving
400 ft. (121m) long and is covered site. The bow is about six ft. from
with lots of soft corals, purple and the surface. This 110-foot long
blue sponges and some hard corals. vessel lies just off the rocky east
coast of Tangat Island. It’s easy to
Those wanting to penetrate can find, as you can see the wreck
enter the aft hold and swim through clearly from the surface. This is a
to the next hold. You can then head popular site with kayakers,
through the boiler room and you’ll snorkelers and divers. It lies right
exit midships near the bridge. next to a reef as well.

Several large, friendly pufferfish Not a lot of coral grows on the
make for accommodating photo
subjects. Cockatoo waspfish can be
seen here. Cuttlefish like this ship.
Look for clouds of photogenic

169

wreck, but some lettuce sponges sweepers, shoals of snappers,

and a few small reef fish including fusiliers, several different species of

harlequin ghost pipefish and striped angelfish including the beautiful

pipefish call this home. six-banded angels and the emperor.

The wreck also has groupers and

122) Black Island Wreck scorpionfish and lionfish. Sponge

Icons: life is also nice.

Location: West of Malajon Island Other Coron dives include The

Depth: 55-115 ft. (17-34m) Skeleton Wreck (there are 11

wrecks in all), Barracuda Lake

Not far offshore from Malajon (Cayangan Lake), Seven Picados

Island, Black Island Wreck sits Reef which is one of many marine

upright on the sloping sandy protected areas, Barracuda Lake

bottom. It is sometimes called the Cave and Cathedral Cave. The

Nanshin Maru although there seems Sangat Housereef is a favorite night

to be some controversy about the dive and has big and active jawfish

exact name of this ship. It’s on a and Dynamite Reef is good for

slope with the stern at 65 ft.(20m) macro photos.

and its bow at 100 ft.(30m).

This is the northernmost of Batfish on the Nanshin Maru

the Coron wrecks.

Unlike most of the

region’s wrecks, this one

wasn’t sunk during the

September 1944 air raid

and may not even be of

Japanese construction. Like

Palau’s Helmet Wreck, it

may be a spoil of the war

from another nation and

converted for war use. The

visibility is generally good,

making it popular with

photographers.

Named for the black rocks

of adjacent Malajon Island,

the wreck is home to lots of

170

El Nido life. The clear waters are home to
hundreds of species of ocean life,
123 from the smallest nudibranchs to
the gentle whale sharks. There are
124 20 dive sites near Miniloc Island
Resort and Lagen Island Resort in
125 Bacuit Bay, El Nido, and ten dive
sites near Apulit Island Resort in
Blessed with extraordinary Taytay Bay, Taytay.
natural scenery, El Nido is one
of the country’s main natural The dive sites range from gradual
attractions and has been hosting slopes to drop-offs, wall dives to
tourism for a couple of decades. reef flats. Visibility is generally good
especially March until May.
Being one of the most important
sites of biological diversity in the El Nido resorts have mainly PADI
country, the El Nido-Taytay dive centers and offer open water
Managed Protected Area in recreational diving and a variety of
Northern Palawan has one of the dive courses. Night diving can be
country’s richest reserves of marine arranged. Cave diving, however, is
not allowed.

The accommodations range from
standard to some new, eco-luxury
resorts. Numerous exciting, low-
impact activities are offered.

Chromis & table corals

171

Snorkeler and blue linkia starfish

123) Dilumacad and snorkelers starting in about 15
Icons: ft. (4m) of water and presenting big
Location: N. Dilumacad Island boulders and rocks for the divers to
Depth: 33-82 ft. (10-25m) play in and explore. Expect to see
lots of fish both adult and juvenile
This popular site has one feature hiding among the cracks and
that makes it very popular. It has a crevices. And lobsters really like
tunnel big enough for a pair of this habitat. They are sometimes
divers that starts at about 40 ft. found in groups with their antennae
(12m). The tunnel opens to the wall waving curiously.
at 70 ft. (21m) after narrowing down
a bit. The sandy bottom holds shells 125) Miniloc Island
and crabs and some gobies. After Icons:
exiting, divers rummage around Location: SW Bacuit Bay
moving slowly shallower among the Depth: 42-70 ft. (13-21m)
large rocks.
This has two sites, South Miniloc
124) Tres Marias and Twin Rocks. South Miniloc has
Icons: lettuce corals, sponges and blue
Location: Tabago Island, Miniloc ribbon eels. Twin Rocks is different
Depth: 16-92 ft. (5-28m) terrain with big table corals,
sponges, tunicate colonies, hard
This site is good for both divers corals and colorful sea whips.

172

Tubbataha White sand slopes
of Tubbataha

North 126
Tubbataha

South 127
Tubbataha

Designated by UNESCO as That’s good news for divers as this is
World Heritage Site, one of one of the finest Indo-Pacific dive
three in the Philippines, this is a destinations in the Coral Triangle.
superb destination for diving.
Despite its remote location from The seasonal diving runs from
Puerto Princesa City, Tubbataha has March into June when the seas are
become a popular site for the normally flat and calm. There is
liveaboard crowd. little weather protection for ships as
the few islands are just sand spits.
It was proclaimed Tubbataha Liveaboard ships are normally
National Marine Park in 1988 and is pretty full so it pays to book in
a special series of sunken atolls and advance, although there can be
sea mounts in the Sulu Sea
protected from local and foreign some good deals due to
poachers and dynamite fishermen. last minute
cancellations. The ships
Liveaboard and Tubbataha sunset normally leave at night
from Puerto Princesa in
Palawan and arrive in
the morning. Trips
average five days.

Each visitor to
Tubbataha Reefs
Natural Park pays a
conservation fee and

173

South Tubbataha lighthouse

this is usually included in the start at Shark Airport and run from
liveaboard fee. This revenue is used North Tubbataha to the south,
to manage, maintain and improve diving at sites along the way kind of
the park. depending on what the wind is
doing. The ship will normally
This is an important site anchor in the lee.
biologically. The area is a spawning
and grow-out sanctuary for corals The north end of Tubbataha has a
and fishes. This spawn may be sandy islet that is a sea bird
carried by oceanic currents to sanctuary mostly as a nesting spot
replenish coastal reefs and as far as for boobies and egg laying beach
Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and for sea turtles. It is called Bird Islet.
Indonesia. Shark Airport and South Shark
Airport have a series of sandy
The official website for Tubbataha channels leading out to a wall. This
is: www.tubbatahareef.org is a great spot to see sea turtles,
eagle rays and lots of various jack
126) Tubbataha North species. Whitetip reef sharks rest in
Icons: many of the sand valleys like planes
Location: 180km or 110 miles SE of on a tarmac, thus the name.
Puerto Princesa , Sulu Sea
Depth: Surface to130 ft. (0-40m) The wall has schooling
bannerfish, bigeye jacks and
A week of liveaboard diving may unicornfish. Look for some great

174

undercuts with soft corals and sea coral gardens as well as masses of
fans along the wall areas. Huge schooling tangs. On all of these
barrel sponges start shallow from sites, look for shallow schooling
about 40 ft. (12m) to the depths. bigeye jacks. Often you will see
Look closely at the sponges for the giant trevally harassing the school.
tiny hairy squat lobster (Laurea
siagiani) that lives in the deep folds There’s an old wreck here dubbed
of some of these giant sponges. the Malayan Wreck. Right now it is
pretty well broken up and is quite
The South Shark Airport has a shallow at low tide. It has become a
manta ray cleaning station where large cleaning station and attracts a
divers can see mantas cleaning. wide variety fish both resident and
passing through for a cleaning. It
The Washing Machine is a current has two kinds of sweetlips, groupers
drift starting almost under the boat and even a mature resident
mooring and following the current. Napoleon wrasse.
The term refers to the surface chop
seen here, not the conditions Shallow and a bit jagged in places,
beneath the surface. Lots of the wreck has a couple of swim-
Napoleon wrassse can be seen throughs but mostly it is a great fish
along the wall and in the upper refuge. The nearby reeftop is a

Tubbataha water so clear the
ship and sky can be seen

175

habitat for red-speckled blennies. and South Wall is a popular and
Also, there is a resident and large prolific area that produces sightings
crocodilefish lurking. of cool pelagic life like spinner
dolphin pods and whale sharks
This is also the site of a blue water most every diving season. There’s an
dive at sunrise to sneak a peek at area called The Valley in this area
schooling scalloped hammerhead that is marked by sea whips. It is in
sharks. Divers get up when its still here that the big guys are seen. If
dark and try to be in the water at there is some southern moving
first light. The boat crews say there current, drop in north of the Delsan
is about a 70% success rate. for the most fish life like rainbow
runners and blackbar and yellowtail
127) Tubbataha South barracuda and bigeye jacks.
Icons:
Location: SW of North Islet The shallows and sandy upper
Depth: Surface to130 ft. (0-40m) reef is called Staghorn but some
have suggested a name change to
There are many notable sites at the Turtle Town. Multiple sightings of
southern end of this reef system green sea turtles can be seen here,
plus the old lighthouse sits bravely especially on the afternoon dives.
on an inner reef sandbar with trees, Manta rays are also reported to
sea birds and bushes. It is off limits frequent this area near the end of
to visitors. the diving season in May and June.

Delsan Point and the area Black Rock’s currents attract a
heading south past Staghorn Point goodly population of sharks and

The Malayan Wreck other pelagics.
like the
occasional
tiger shark. Ko-
ok is beautiful
in places. It is
good for jacks,
barracuda and
has a sheer
wall with
golden and
square spot
anthias.

176

Baby sea turtle swimming for open sea
177

Index Baby sea turtle Ferdinand Marcos, 160
Fish Identification, 28
A
G
Accommodations, 6, 19, 23
39, 88, 106, 110, 145 Consulate, 18 Gato Island, 96, 104
AFP Medical Center, 180 Coron Island, 165 General Santos, 152
Agnay Marine Sanctuary, Coron War History, 165 Geography, 6, 12
87 Culture, 2, 6, 14, 16
Alad Marine Sanctuary, Customs, 6, 18 H
82
Alma Jane, 66, 73 D Health, 6, 21, 88
Alona, 128, 144-149 Hibok-Hibok Volcano,
Amun Ini, 19, 129, 134 DAN, 23, 180 149
Anilao Is, 44, 50 Dauin North, 121 Hippocampus, 85
Apo Reef Natural Park, Davao, 7, 152-155 History, 6, 9-11, 40, 41,
157, 162 Department of Tourism, 156, 163, 165
61
B Dimakya Island, 1, 27, I
158, 162
Bacuit Bay, 171 Diving History, 6, 10 Inimicus, 118
Balayan Bay, 44 Donsol Bay, 61
Barracuda Lake,170 Dugong, 35, 156, 157, J
asterra, 174 160
Batangas, 44, 63, 65, 80, Dumaguette, 106, 116, Japanese Patrol Boat, 42
Bicol, 14, 16, 39, 56 117
Black Island Wreck,170 K
Bohol Island, 131 E
Bounty Beach, 95 Kyokuzan Maru, 161
Busuanga Island, 11, 157 El Nido, 7, 156, 171
Environment, 6, 34, 49, L
C 124, 152
Legaspi City, 56
Calamians, 2, 7, 13, 156 F Liveaboards, 6, 33
Calauit Island, 160 Luzon, 39
Cayangan Lake, 170
Cebu 106, 110, 136 M
Chocolate Hills, 128,
129, 144 Mactan-Cebu
Climate, 6, 13 International Airport, 106
Clothing, 6, 18, 19 Makati Medical Center,
Communication, 6, 14, 180

178

Mating squid Sogod Bay, 6, 74, 76, 79
South Tubbataha, 174
Sulu Sea, 8, 20, 173
Sumilon Island, 116

T

Tacloban, 75
Tagbilaran, 128, 144
Tangat Wreck, 169
Ticao, 6, 39, 56-58, 60
TRIMIX, 30
Tubbataha National
Marine Park, 173

Malatapay, 116 Pamilacan, 144 U
Manila Bay, 41 Panagsama, 110-113
Maolboal, 144 Pescador Island, 112 UNESCO, 173
Masaplod, 122, 123, 125 Philippine Embassy, 18 USS New York, 40
Medical, 21, 29, 180 Philippines Customs, 18 USS Rochester, 41
Mindoro, 6, 7, 23, 62, Puerto Princesa City, 173
72, 157, 162 Pura Vida, 118, 140, 141 V
Monad, 25, 27, 30, 94,
101-103 R Verde Island, 63, 72
Mount Mayon, 56 Visas, 6, 17, 18
Recompression Visayan, 8, 174
N Chambers, 7, 180 Visayas, 7, 13, 88, 106,
Romblon Island, 81, 83 111, 128
Nanshin Maru, 170
Negros Island, 116 S W
NITROX, 7, 26, 30, 33,
103, 108, 120, 121 Sabang, 62, 64-68 WWII, 6, 9, 11, 27, 30,
San Miguel, 59, 60, 117 40-42, 104, 155, 156,
O Sangat Resort, 169 164
Okikawa Maru, 27 Security P., 6, 19
Olympia Maru, 11, 168 Seian Maru, 42S Y
Oslob, 7, 27, 106, 116 Seven Lakes, 164
Siargao Island, 30 Yapak, 90
P Sibulan, 116
Sibuyan, 7, 8, 80 Z
Padre Burgos Pier, 77 Small La Laguna, 63S
Zamboanga, 20
179

Medical and Recompression Facilities Tiger shrimp

PHILIPPINE COMMISSION
ON SPORTS SCUBADIVING

Hyperbaric Chambers Help Line:
+63 928 - CHAMBER (2426237)

E-Mail Inquires: [email protected]
For chamber updates:
www.divephilippines.com.ph/hyperbaric-chamber/

PCSSD HYPERBARIC CHAMBER FACILITIES
Manila: Lung Center of the Philippines
Hyperbaric Medicine Center and Wound Care Facility
Quezon Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
(02) 924 6101 lcp.gov.ph

Cebu: TIEZA Bldg., P. Burgos St., cor. Andres ©Philippine Dept. of Tourism 2016
Soriano Avenue, © Photographers as indicated 2016
Barangay Centro, Mandaue City
(032) 253 3532 tieza.gov.ph All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored
DAN ASIA (Divers Alert Network) in a retrieval system or transmitted in any
Divers Alert Network (DAN) is an form by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or
international membership association of otherwise except brief extracts for the
individuals and organizations sharing a sole purpose of review, without the
common interest in diving and safety. It written permission of the publisher.
operates a 24-hour diving international Philippine Department of Tourism and
emergency hotline for Asia at Tel: +61-8- the Philippine Department of Tourism
8212 9242. DAN does not directly provide logo are sole trademarks of the
medical care; however, it does provide Philippine Department of Tourism and
advice on early treatment, evacuation and cannot be used in any form.
hyperbaric treatment for dive injuries.
The authors and Philippine Department of
MEDICAL EVACUATION Tourism have taken all reasonable care in
(1) Philippine Air Force, 505th Search and preparing this book. They make no
Rescue Group Villamor Air Base, Pasay City warranty about the accuracy and
Tel: +63 2 853 5013 / +63 2 853 51 21 completeness of its content and, to the
(2) Philippine Coast Guard (Operations) maximum extent permitted, disclaim all
Tel.: +63 2 527 3870 liability from its use.
Fax: +63 2 527 3880
(3) Coast Guard Air Group
Tel.: +63 2 832 3756

180

PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
OFFICES WORLDWIDE

NORTH AMERICA EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST

NEW YORK GERMANY (FRANKFURT)
Phone: +1 212 575 7915 Phone: +49 69 208 9304
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

LOS ANGELES RUSSIA (MOSCOW) & CSI
Phone: +1 213 487 4525 Phone: +7 495 699 9351
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

SAN FRANCISCO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (DUBAI)
Phone: +1 415 956 4060 Phone: + 971 4 375 3295
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

CANADA UNITED KINGDOM (LONDON)
Phone: +1 416 341 0245 Phone: +971 4 375 3296
Email: [email protected] Email: info@itsmorefuninthephilip-
pines.co.uk

JAPAN CHINA

TOKYO SHANGHAI
Phone: +3 5562 1583 Phone: +8621 6281 8580
Email: [email protected] Email: philtour@philcongenshang-
hai.org
OSAKA
Phone: +6 6251 2400 BEIJING
Email: Phone: +8610 6512 8809
[email protected] Email: [email protected]

PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
OFFICES WORLDWIDE

ASIA PACIFIC KOREA

AUSTRALIA SEOUL
Phone: +612 9279 3380 Phone: +82 2 598 2290
Email: info@morefuninthephilip- Email: [email protected]
pines.com.au
INDIA
HONG KONG & MACAU
Phone: +852 2806 3261 MUMBAI
Email: [email protected] Phone: +91 22 2200 0263
Email: [email protected]
INDONESIA
Phone: +62 21 8378 2203 NEW DELHI
Email: [email protected] Phone: +91 11 4166 9575
Email: [email protected]
MALAYSIA & THAILAND
Phone: +603 5638 7288 PHILIPPINES
Email: [email protected]
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
SINGAPORE
Phone: +65 6293 8488 DIVE-MARKET DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +63 2 459 5200 x. 520
TAIWAN Email: [email protected]
Phone: +886 2 2507 6664
Email: [email protected] PHILIPPINE COMMISSION ON SPORTS

VIETNAM SCUBA DIVING (PCSSD)
Phone: +848 3551 2202 Phone: + 63 2 459 5200 x. 310
Email: [email protected] Email:
[email protected]

TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD
Phone: +63 2 525 9318

Philippines Has It All

from the smallest critters to large pelagics,
from shore dives to shipwrecks

Explore the world’s epicenter of marine
biodiversity and evolution.

The Philippines is the world’s most
diverse diving destination with

shipwrecks, dropoffs, remote islands and
lush coral reefs teeming with incredible

marine life. Add to this the amazing
geographic attractions, a welcoming and
outgoing culture and wonderful cuisines
and it is a destination that truly has it all.

PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Dive-Market Development Group
351 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City 1200, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 459 5200 to 459 5230

TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD
4/F Legaspi Towers 300, Roxas Boulevard,
Manila 1004, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 525 9318

www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com