Due to the ocean currents, Philippines may be considered one of the most interesting places for diving. Its ecosystem is one of the most productive in the world, with many fish species, shells and about 800 species of corals.
For beginner divers, the best place to start is Batangas. It is a place close to Manila (about two hours and a half if you drive). The area provides great introduction to the amazing world of diving). The best time of year to dive here is between November and June. Between July and September there is the monsoon season which causes waves and reduces visibility.
If at some point you don’t feel like going beneath the water surface, visit Lobo, a seaside town which houses a Submarine Garden. It is an impressive coral garden near the shore of Lobo. In the morning, tide being low, the water becomes clear. You can see the splendid garden of corals.
In Negos Oriental province, in the Visayan Sea there is a volcanic island called Apo. It is a protected coral reef and an excellent place for diving. You get there by flying from Manila to Dumaguete then drive about 50 minutes to Malatapay. From Malatapay take a motorized boat and you will get to Apo.
Some areas around Apo Island have been declared marine reservations but for a small fee you can explore the reefs and the Clownfish City under the water.
In Coron Bay you can dive to discover its drown world. At the mouth of Coron Bay you can have the best wreck dive in the Philippines and discover Irako, a Japanese refrigeration ship which is quite intact. Experienced and properly equipped drivers can adventure to visit the engine room on the ship.
Barracuda Lake diving starts with mountain climbing but not wearing climbing boots but full diving equipment. Once you dive, you will discover that water temperature changes: the first 4m have fresh water. Going deeper, water temperature changes from 28 to 38 degrees. At 35 m the water is no longer clear but brown because of the tannic acid in the leaves that fell into the water. The big surprise is meeting the “king of the lake” giving the name of the lake: a barracuda almost 2 m long will be happy to welcome and guide you around.
These are only a few diving places you can find in the Philippines. If you have tried diving or would like to see something different then a holiday to the Philippines can offer you what you want.