Philippines Guide

Bohol is a province in the Philippines located to the south of Luzon, north-west of Cebu and northeast of Leyte. Considered as one of the most beautiful locations in the Philippines, it is also known for its historic attractions such as the Baclayon Church, the oldest church in the country, the Blood Compact Site, the wonder of Chocolate Hills, and the exotic tarsier, the World’s smallest primate. In addition to that, certain places in Bohol are now a diving spot wherein divers can see more of what Bohol has under the sea.

Panglao Island is located at the tip of Bohol, often called “Tourist Haven” for its beautiful scenery and crystal clear water. The world-renowned Alona beach is just 3 minutes away from the island by foot. Below are the lists of diving locations around this island:

Cervera Shoal - Known as the “Spaghetti Shoal” or “Snake Island“, Cervera Shoal is a definite diving spot for those who wants to get a glimpse of large pelagic fish and other sea snakes for a change (since there aren’t sea corals around here). Cervera got its name from the black-and-white sea snakes which can be found in numbers.

Kalipayan - Not far from the white-sand Alona Beach, Kalipayan (also known as “Happy Wall”) houses Alona Beach’s reefs. Divers will surely enjoy watching small gorgonian sea fans and other school of fish wandering around corals of the island.

Pungtud Wall - The famous coral garden of Pungtud Island, Pungtud Wall is also perfect for snorkeling. Soft and stony corals can be found at this diving spot along with groupers, sea urchins, clownfish, puffer fish and other sea creatures.

Arco Point - At the southeast of Panglao Island lays the famous vertical funnel of Arco Point (or the “Hole in the Wall”). Most divers for its calm condition, either little or no current at all. Divers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the underwater along with its inhabitants such as the moray eels, wrasse, butterfly fish and sea snakes.

Napaling - Perfect for underwater photographers and the likes, Napaling is known for its wonderful coral garden. White tip reef sharks can be spotted occasionally while the caves are patrolled by squirrelfish, scorpion fish and royal angelfish, among many others.

Duljo Point - Take a drift-dive at the sandy slopes of Duljo Point located at the southwest part of Panglao Island. The wall is covered with sea fans, a variety of sponges and colorful corals. The current here is usually rough where trigger fish, batfish, surgeon fish and other pelagic fish can be found.

On Balicasag Island you’ll find some of the best diving spots the Philippines has to offer; located 6km southwest of Duljo Point. Below are the diving locations where you can find around Balicasag Island:

Black Forest - Take a fast drift-dive in the steep sandy slope of Balicasag Island’s Black Forest. A variety of coral can be found here and as you go deeper, large groupers, tuna, and others can be located. Advanced divers often pick this spot.

Rico’s Wall - Another beautiful coral garden lies southwest of Alona Beach, Rico’s Wall is famous for its bountiful sea stars, small reef fish, and a wide variety of leathery, stony and soft corals. Diving down would lead you to a number of small caves and overhangs where lionfish, moray eels and sometimes grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and barracuda can be found.

Rudy’s Rock - If you continued diving to the eastern part of Rico’s Wall, you’ll find Rudy’s Rock. Get a chance to see large green turtles. Also big eye trevally can be found here which will circle around you for awhile.

Tags: Pinay, filipino food, Baguio, Boracay, expat, Dive Sites, Asia

Many renowned international divers hail Bohol dive sites as a dream of a lifetime. Located at the center of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world, these dive sites are ideal for all types of divers. They feature gentle slopes, magnificent sheer cliff walls, extensive multi-colored coral cover, and a rich variety of marine creatures. Certainly an opportunity for great underwater photography. And all this at near bargain prices. But hype is hype so you be the judge.

That tall assertion notwithstanding; recent studies published by the World Bank as well as World Ocean Day Celebrations spearheaded by the United Nations Development Program in coordination with over 100 marine resources scientists have placed the Philippines at the center of the world’s marine fish biodiversity. Its 26,000 square kilometers of coral reef is reported to have the highest concentration of marine species per unit area. If the Philippines is at the center of all this, and central Philippines is made up of that cluster of islands collectively called the Visayan Islands or simply the Visayas; this is where Bohol island is located. Needless to say, it is surrounded by the aforesaid dive sites.

But let’s not get too scientific. Instead, let’s celebrate diversity. From the biodiversity of exotic flora and fauna to marine biodiversity, to the very diversity of inhabitants that people this place; Bohol dive sites are unique in the world. Bohol is home to a gentle and friendly people, to the exotic chocolate hills, to pristine sandy shell coralline beaches and hidden coves. Would it be immodest to say spectacular dive sites? You be the judge.

Your staging point will be the southwestern most town of Tagbilaran, the capital city of Bohol. Directly opposite Tagbilaran city is Panglao Island. Diving is done by boat entry; known locally as a “banka”, or boat with outriggers, or by shore entry from a number of international class resorts on the island. On the popular northern and western sections of the island, you will frolic in both narrow and shallow reef platforms at 4 to 6 meters width, the edges of which terminate in perpendicular submarine cliffs plunging down to depths of 30 to 48 meters. Immersed in crystal clear waters with all round visibility of about 30 meters, the sheer variety of multi-shaped and multi-colored corals is breathtaking.

Want to get serious? Go further southwest on a “banka” or outrigger canoe to Balicasag Island. In just 4 short kilometers from Panglao reef, you will break land on pristine white sand beaches surrounding the island. On your approach, your eyes are drawn to peer through the crystal clear waters which hint of the reef set against the white sand bottom. Striking? This is a narrow reef shelf some 49 meters in width. The tops of the submarine cliffs are an extensive forest of black coral cover and sponges and gorgonians populate the lower levels. This is home to sea turtles and sea snakes; and swirling schools of jacks, barracuda, and mackerel abound.

Want to get more serious still? For large marine life encounters, go directly southeast of Panglao island onto Pamilacan Island. This is an almost year round convergence point of hammerhead sharks, tuna, dolphin, grouper, and mackerel. However, the real reputation of Pamilacan Island is that of a prime site for whale and dolphin watching. Endemic species include several of dolphin, melon-headed whales, beaked whales, and the legendary sperm whale. Diving here is nothing short of spectacular. At near bargain prices, can anything be more serious? Of course though, hype is hype and so you have got to be the judge.

Tags: traveling, philippines-beaches, Mindanao, Tourist, Makati, Dive Sites, Boracay

One of the most exciting adventures is to explore the bottom of the sea. Scuba diving; it may seem dangerous, however it offers a once in a lifetime experience. An example of Asia’s finest diving destinations is the island of Bohol, Philippines. This island is located in Central Visayas region. Bohol dive sites are numerous across the island. Under its deep blue lies a vast paradise unfolding before every diver’s sight.

Most diving sites in Bohol could be found in Panglao Island. A smaller island connected to mainland Bohol through a bridge. It is composed of two neighboring towns namely Dauis and Panglao. Divers usually select an appropriate beach resort as a starting point towards their desired diving spot. These beach resorts cater to every diver’s need, from equipment to tourist guides.

Bohol dive sites in Panglao vary in its area of difficulty. Dive sites suitable for beginners are Kalipayan and Arco Point. The Kalipayan dive site is located in the Southeastern part of the island. It is also known as the “Happy Wall”. Arco Point appears to be at the center of southeast portion of Panglao. It’s other name is “Hole in the Wall” because of the presence of a vertical funnel passage.

There are also a number of Bohol dive sites which require more proficient diving skills. The Pungtud Wall dive site is located in Pungtud Island, Panglao. Normally, its currents can be strong; however one can still go there during a calm weather condition.

Duljo Point could be found at the southwest portion of Panglao. Napaling on the other hand, is situated at the center of northwester side of the island. Rico’s wall and Rudy’s Rock are both sited on Balicasag Island. Another island of Panglao situated on its southwest point.
 
A popular dive site, on Balicasag Island requiring a more advanced scuba diving skills is very often sought after. This scuba diving site in Bohol is known as the Black Forest. Novice divers are advised to stay close to their dive master while exploring this site.

These scuba diving sites in Bohol could compete with any dive site in the world. They are blessed with remarkable marine life which adds color to the deep blue. A diver can expect to see exquisite corals, various nudibranches, snappers, barracudas, stonefishes, highly-prized seashells, and a many more awe-inspiring sea creatures.

Scuba diving in Bohol is a one-of-a-kind experience. The island is equipped with a whole bunch of dive sites that could match world-class diving spots. The total vacation package spent on the isle of Bohol specifically in its scuba diving sites would make it not only an enjoyable one, but at the same time memorable, plus it’s all worth the money spent.

Tags: philippines travel tips, Snorkeling, Manila, asia travel, vacation, philippines-beaches, Cebu

Coming to the Philippines offers a lot of travel and tour possibilities but there is one thing you should never miss; having a feel of one of the numerous breathtaking dive sites in the Philippines. One should never miss out on the chance of seeing the wonderful and colorful life in marine waters. To help you make it happen, here are some of the must-see dive sites in the country.

Driving north of Manila for two and a half hours brings you to a Philippine diving spot featuring a blue mountain and sea—Subic. This place was originally a naval base used by Spanish colonizers in 1885. Then it was transformed into a naval facility; but when the Americans left the country, it became a Freeport economic and tourism zone.

Let us now go south of the country’s capital. Only 140 kilometers away from Manila, Anilao, in Batangas province, is a favorite diving spot on weekends and holidays. It houses 24 diving sites which are mostly shallow gardens among sandy patches and coral slopes. Of these 24 diving sites, the Cathedral is the most popular. Imagine a roofless cavern with a blessed cross in between two huge sea mounts and don’t forget the serenity of watching schools of emperor angelfish and yellow damsel fish.

Only a boat-ride away from Anilao is another popular dive site—Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. This diving spot harbors fine beaches, green scenery and sheltered coves. Moreover, it has diverse marine life forms that will surely paint unforgettable memories.

Further south is Busuanga, the largest in the group of Lamian Islands in Northern Palawan. Busuanga as a diving spot is considered one of a kind due to the reserve and wildlife sanctuary and wrecks around Coron Bay. There are twelve of these wrecks that can be seen at diveable depths.

Divers say that you can pay a visit to the world under water anytime but they greatly recommend doing so in Busuanga from October to May. They say that the visibility and current are best during these months.

Aside from the wrecks and the sanctuaries, limestone cliffs and tiny isolated beach coves are pleasing to the eyes. One even features hot springs that can be accessed by climbing over the limestone pinnacles. Last but not the least, we guarantee that pearl farms will fancy your eyes.

So, whenever you pay a visit to this tropical country, never forget to visit any of these dive sites in the Philippines for it will surely make your trip breathtaking, adventurous and worthwhile.

Tags: Cebu, Philippine Islands, Philippines, Davao, White Beach, Tourist, vacation

Perfect diving and snorkeling for an amazing view of the sea underworld… This is what a grand dive site in Anilao, Batangas is all about.

Anilao boasts of an azure sea teeming with fish life and coral formations along with an abundance of diving spots. A glimpse into waist-deep crystal clear waters shows a microcosm of the spectacular sea world beneath.

Anilao is a three-hour travel from Buendia, Makati (where one can take a bus to Batangas), passing through the Mabini, Bauan terminal. From there, a ride to the Mabini dock area is available, and finally another ride (special trips are available) to Anilao diving spots.

For good diving spots, a short raft trip to deeper waters is recommended. Rented rafts and small boats for this purpose are available in Anilao. As one goes farther into the bay, this dive site reveals more fish and other sea creature havens and undulating coral reefs.

Macro photography is ideal as one sinks deeper into this dive site and discovers divisions of diving spots that offer fantastic views of the Anilao deep. Crinoids of different bright colors sprawl copiously on the sea floors and coral ridges. This dive site also reveals different varieties of other sea flora and fauna, like the nudibranchs, among others.

A more adventurous diving aficionado can choose a night session in the diving spots and discover nocturnal sea animals like sea hares and goblins to take macro photo shots of. There are also plenty of catfish eels and ghost pipe fishes to feast the eyes with. Not far away from coral reefs are blue-ringed octopuses and schools of mandarin fish.

A diving spot to look for deep down the sea floor is the so-called “Cathedral.” Seen at some 50 feet below, this is marked by a strange cross flanked by two heaps of coral reefs. Lots of fish species get their food at this site. Thus, a night visit in this diving spot rewards one with a stunning show of reef formations and sea life. Another diving spot of Anilao dive site is what divers fondly call “Sombrero.” It is like a hat of coral formations where fish linger and scour for food. Nearer to shore are Beatrice and Bajura, where also fish groups abound.

Anilao waters is a dive site off Batangas offering superb underwater sceneries that will impress even professional divers. It has different diving spots perfect with massive coral reefs and abundant sea life.

Tags: Travel Philippines, Mindanao, Bicol, vacation, Tourist, asia travel, Divers

The Philippines, being an archipelago, is a rich snorkeling and diving haven. From north to south and in all three major islands (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao), dive sites mark the coasts. But there are tips to browse on for more enjoyable dive trips.

It is always advisable to go snorkeling or diving with real divers. This can be arranged in seaside hotels that specialize in diving tours or in searching out beautiful dive sites in their coastal vicinity. One can always check online for diving services in a particular locality. Deep sea scuba dives ought to be arranged with dive tour offices or agencies with expert scuba divers and competent scuba equipments. Special scuba diving outfits often offer short courses or trainings on scuba diving, and the hands-on training itself will prove a worthy diving experience already.

If diving with a group with no prior diving tour arrangement (and there’s no such arrangement available in the area), fishing villages most likely have local divers who are experienced in skin diving. Dive sites near the shore but are deep enough often reveal amazing underwater sights and wildlife. Dive sites around Zambales and Bataan often reveal great sea world even along shallow waters—about chest deep. Often, local divers can show visiting divers reef spots that reward the eyes with fabulous underwater sea life for a minimal price.

Scuba diving with pros using proper scuba equipment often poses no immediate dangers, but skin diving on shallow waters often does. This is probably because shallower waters are treated less seriously by people who go skin diving for fun and leisure. With skin divers doing it for a living, daily, precautions are routinely taken in stride. Thus, skin diving should be done with at least 3 good local divers for a precaution measure.

Dive sites are primarily for viewing only. So don’t break a piece of coral from reefs to take home as souvenirs. Almost all coral dive sites in the country are under rehabilitation due to abuse and harmful fishing practices. So just take a camera along to take pictures of underwater scenes instead of taking home on-sight elements as souvenirs. In many dive sites, coral or even sea shell gathering is illegal. Thus, to make a worth-while and no hassle diving trip, just satiate the eyes with wonders of Philippine dive sites.

Philippine dive sites mark the coastal landscape of the country. And to enjoy them more, there are practical tips for a hassle-free, memorable diving trip.

Tags: traveling, Wordpress, Pinay, Asia, philippines travel tips, Philippines, Filipina

Dive sites in the Philippines always afford a grand sight of the underwater world—coral reefs, sea plants and creatures. But diving at Subic Bay is quite another thing. Aside from the usual spectacular sights underwater—sharks, dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and others—there is a bonus of seeing touching remains of World War II ship wreckage. Some report a total of 30 reef dive sites and 30 wreck dive sites.

Subic Bay in Olongapo is a mere two-hour drive from Manila through the North Luzon Expressway. It’s the nearest dive site to Manila that can afford amazing diving spots where reefs and wrecks are both available. Dive centers dot the Subic coastal landscape and each are just minutes away from reef and wreck dive sites. Hence, Subic Bay is unofficially the “Pearl of the Orient” due to the abundant spots where these treasures are located.

The wreck dive sites reveal mostly World War II vessels—huge war or battleships, supply ships, sea patrol boats, landing amphibians, antique steam ships, some submarines and crashed planes. But there are more. Post war incidents of ship sinking occurred there. Some say there are some ten large ships added to the wrecks of the war. Then there are the Spanish ships that sank at these Subic Bay wreck dive sites, so the place literally swarms with wreck dive sites. Accordingly, somewhere there is the San Quintin vessel, a warship in the Spanish-American War. Another is a Spanish galleon believed to have sunk in the 16th century and a Chinese Junk ship.

Among the historic wreckage are: The 116-meter long USS New York is in these Subic Bay wreck dive sites. It’s in a depth of about 27 meters. This warship was built in 1891 in Philadelphia and was greatly used in the Spanish-American War. It was intentionally sunk in December 1941 at this Subic wreck dive site to prevent the Japanese from capturing it.

An LST ship measuring 80 meters long is also down there in the wreck dive site some 34 meters deep. It was an huge amphibious ship tank of the US Coast Guard that crossed oceans and crept up shores to deploy troops. And El Capitana, a naval ship launched in August 18, 1917.

Subic Bay wreck dive sites are more than a cache of underwater sea wonders. They are a treasure of sea wreckage buried in history annals but alive in the hearts of serious wreck divers.

Tags: Tourist Destinations, Philippines, Mindanao, Tagalog, Filipina, Visayas, Davao

Several tourists visit Philippine beaches for the warm and welcoming waters that embrace their ‘numb-stricken-due-to-cold-seasons’ embodiment. Of course, the number one activity everyone has while on a beautiful beach is to try its waters and swim, swim, swim and…swim. Well, guess what?! There’s a whole different way of enjoying the Philippine beach atmosphere other than just swimming!

If you are, of course, into swimming like a fish all day…hey, nobody’s stopping you. We do recommend, however, that you explore the islands and see what’s waiting to come out and surprise you. Besides, wouldn’t it be nicer and much more fun if you were to see, meet and mingle with different kinds of experiences? Well then, take your swimwear off and dive into the wonderful nature that awaits you!

If you wish to soak in the sun and see Mother Nature reveal herself in different forms, try Nature Tripping…go hiking, have a picnic! Remember, don’t just walk the paths to beauty, bask in its atmosphere, listen to the birds and swishing branches of the trees, take pictures, bask in the wondrous Philippine Nature. While you’re at it, why not go Island hopping, so you can differentiate the several scenic views.

Still not satisfied? Why not take a bite? It’s a favorite of many tourists…EATING DELICACIES! Don’t just order from Room Service, get out of town and try the dishes the locals have to offer. Get a taste of their exotic but delectable food and you’ll see that there’s more to food in the Philippines than just restaurant cooking! You can even try cooking the dishes yourself and ask for useful cooking tips from one of the locals! Go ahead and try!

Why not be a local for a day?! No, we are not telling you to switch places rather we encourage you to mingle with them. You’ll see that their not just rare and beautiful but warm hearted and kind as well.

Here’s a tip: enjoy the local’s festivities and activities! You’ll love it! You’ll enjoy watching their ways of celebrating and get to have a look of the different sights and sounds! We are telling you, don’t waste your money spending a whole week under water! Enjoy! Then, you won’t be just visiting the Philippine beaches but roaming Mother Nature’s lair.

See, there’s more to beaches than swimming! Discover the Philippine beaches’ hidden secrets and then you can say you’ve been in and out of one. We are telling you, don’t just swim…explore!

Tags: Boracay, Asia, philippine-beaches, Divers, Tourist, Makati, Snorkeling

One of the good things in life, encased within the mystical waters of Subic Bay, Olongapo, is to opt for diving pleasures for a ship wreck dive within the crystal blue waters of this place.

Open to both novice (through a guided diving tour) and professional divers, a year-round diving treasure can be garnered in several wreck dive spots that holds a number of battleships that had sunk in Subic Bay in various times throughout history.

The best and the most perilous of all is the USS New York cruiser which is located between the Alava Pier and the end of the northern runway spot. Diving down to its interiors is a feat that most divers have to master, and yet, beholding this 1891 World War I vessel that is way below the surface – submerged around 88 feet of Subic Bay water – is a breathtaking venture beyond compare.

Upon taking a good wreck dive within this ship, various types of marine life would be pleasantly seen which includes the lionfish, lapu-lapu, talakitok, spotted seet lip, spotted rays, barracuda and the lobster.

Next to venture in a Subic Bay wreck dive is the small 3000 ton freighter known as El Capitan. Situated in the Ilanin Bay, this AN LST ship sits proudly with its top feature around 16 to 40 feet below the surface – making it easily accessible for most divers and also those who engage in snorkeling.

Although Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption has damaged this ship’s hull, it still is good for a diving feature to look into since there are lots of tropical fishes that would be exciting to watch as they swim past the divers in complete abandon with their tails swishing to and fro.

Another wonderful wreck dive to take, as one would plunge deep into the waters of Subic Bay, is the San Quentin that is mainly made of wood. This is known to be the oldest ship wreck in history that was used in 1898 during the Spanish-American war.

And, before one would leave the comforts of Subic Bay waters, and its wreck dive spots, the Oryoku Maru, which served as a passenger ship for many families during its prime, should not be an option to leave behind. Coined as the “Hell Ship,” this vessel also opened its services to 1600 American prisoners of war.

Within its historical hull, marine life in this diving spot holds a variety of tropical species.

Wreck diving in Subic Bay would also be most fulfilling if one would go diving for the Seian Maru. There are a handful of living species like the spotted sweet lip, coral trout and others that would make underwater photography a true delight.

These five great wreck dive spots in Subic Bay should never be forgotten by those who wish to go for a good diving experience since these areas make Olongapo a favorite place to be in by most divers and tourists alike.

Tags: Beach, Snorkeling, asia travel, Filipino, Travel Philippines, Divers, Asia

Engaging in wreck diving in Subic Bay, Philippines, in order to have a closer glimpse of the USS New York wreck, should not be a light venture to take for those who aren’t adept in diving. In fact, wreck diving for the USS New York (now, known to most as the USS Rochester) - lying deep in the mud on its port side in the waters of Subic Bay, Philippines - is said to be one of the most trickiest diving sites in the country.

The reason for this is that many earlier wreck diving attempts in Subic Bay, Philippines, had ended up losing a few good divers who had sought to gain a different diving experience while enjoying the features of the sunken USS New York ship wreck.

However, even with this danger, and although four other wreck diving sites can be found in Subic Bay, Philippines, the option of seeking out a piece of history (when wars and battlefields were a common thing that were experienced by the people) still remains with the USS New York vessel that had sunk in 1941 as the best diver’s paradise.

The Vessel:

Lying in 100’ of the clear, blue waters of Subic Bay, Philippines, the USS New York is still a rare beauty even though bits and parts of it had been damaged and its wooden parts have given way to its hard steel structure.

Although the report by HCU-1, during the Vietnam War, mentions that explosives had set the severe damages of the wreck, a closer wreck diving exploration would show that the sunken vessel is pretty much not altered. There is, however, certain blemished features that may be seen at the bow – particularly on the starboard side and on the gun decks.

Interesting Features:

Exploration within the USS New York ship wreck can be done through numerous portals: The gun deck, the boiler rooms, or the large, gaping hole in the bow.

For wreck diving in Subic Bay, Philippines to be a breathtaking experience, it’s best to explore certain areas of the vessel which includes some of the following places:

* The Main Deck
Approximately six foot high, this is the topmost deck of the ship, and divers can behold the artistic beauty of turret guns which were made a long time ago.

* The Gun Deck
The interior here is mostly amiss, and makes it easier for divers to access.

* The Engine Deck
This is the hardest place to enter since it is located at the lowest sunken point of the wreck. Around 20 feet in height, certain access points are hard to find.

Wreck diving for the USS New York vessel in Subic Bay, Philippines will continue for many years to come even though it may be too dangerous for some divers to take. This is because there are lately news reports that state that this sunken ship, and the four others that are within these waters, will be preserved for their rich historical embodiment of how the world was during those earlier times.

Tags: Philippines, expat, Cebu, Dive Sites, Diving, Asia, Wordpress