Philippines in December?

Hi all,

I usually take a break around christmas time and head out to see some freinds in Thailand, taking in what the Andaman has to offer while Im there.

This year I figured I would venture a little further and see what the Philippines is like to dive. I believe it is the north eastern monsoon at this time so I guess I will be based round the southern islands somewhere.

What Im after is a bit of advice from those who know the area on where to go, who to dive with, whether to do day trips or hop on a liveaboard,etc.

The weather is great in December, so that shouldn't be an issue, unless you were considering a trip to Tubbataha Reef. As for your location, you need to be more specific about how much time you have to spend and the kind of diving you prefer, as you have many great options to choose from. Also, how far off the beaten track are you willing to travel?

Im thinking mid December, will probably spend 7-10 days in and around the Philippines. Probably start from Cebu but this is not a definate plan, if not from there then Manilla will be the start point.

Really don't mind going off the beaten track as long as it doesn't become a major problem having to transport my cases around and the travel time is not too long.

I really need some nice shark shots to add to my portfolio but most of my time is spent hunting for macro subjects. I enjoy seeing and photographing a diversity of marine life and much prefer to leisurely explore a reef than be swept around at a terrific pace. Im not really so interested in wreck diving and only do the odd one or two here and there, I much prefer a pristine reef than a wreck.

At the moment Im after suggestions of "must see" places that wetpixel members have been to, so I can get a rough idea of the best sites, their features and plan a rough itinery to take in as much as I can within the 7-10 days.

If you're starting from Cebu, the best place to see sharks is Malapascua Island. It's just off the northern tip of the province. Specifically, it's one of the best places in the world to see threshers. Keep in mind, they're extremely difficult to photograph. I'm not crazy about the macro photography there, but others might tell you different.

Speaking of macro, Cabilao Island (Bohol Province) is one of my personal favorites. Lots of wall dives and excellent photo opportunities in the shallows. The ferrry from Cebu to Tagbilaron is an easy 2-3 hour journey. Panglao Island, which is also in Bohol and quite popular, may also be of interest to you, although I've never been infatuated with it.

My other recommendation is Apo Island (Negros Province). Apo boasts some of the best coral in the world, there's some excellent drift dives, and a wide variety of marine life. To get there, you just need to take the ferry to Dumaguete via either Cebu or Bohol. If you don't want to stay on Apo--which is very basic (but nice)--there are some high end (i.e. overpriced) resorts in Dauin. Dauin is on the mainland and has some nice muck dives.

If you start from Manila, it's a whole different ballgame. The two main places to see are Puerto Galera and Anilao. I've been to PG many times. It's just a fun place to be (lots of pubs & grub). It's mostly macro, but they do have a few interesting wrecks. I've never been to Anilao, but I'm told the diving is on par with PG. I'd rather let someone else more familiar with the place comment on it's merits.

We were in Dauin (Atlantis Resort), Negros Island in April/May. The resort was high-end, and the diving was ok. There were a few good muck diving sites, with cool critters in the sea grass. We did the day trip to Apo Island, the reefs were in good shape, but visibility was not good that day and we didn't see any pelagics except one small turtle. Maybe it would be better in December. We stayed there (Atlantis) for 10 nights, a big mistake. Better to move around the islands. We heard from other divers there that Bohol was very good. And we have heard that Anilao is great muck diving also.

See my trip report: http://www.divermaiden.com/Philippines/files/philippines.htm

Best,

Kathy

I liked your report, Kathy. Everything was on the mark, although, I've always found the visibility around Apo to be fantastic. For what it's worth, I always stay on the island. Three days seems to be enough time.

Thanks a lot for the info you two. It gives me a good starting point for planning the logistics of this trip. I'll get some rough plans together and probably pop back to ask about recommended dive operators.

I just got back from a trip to both Dumagette and Puerta Gallera. Cebu airlines will screw you with the weight allowance. They permit only 20 kilos total and their scale in Dumagette was so off on the heavy side as to be ludicrous. They had me at 83 kilos comiing back, up from 53 kilos when I first went. If anything, it should have been less. Then again, the charges weren't outrageous as it is a poor country.

Steve B)

December wouldn't be bad weather wise anywhere in the country. My personal favorite that's easy to get to would be Puerto Galera and Anilao. I can email you a couple of good operators if you PM me.

If you want to see what's available in the Philippines, click on this link...for PC only though

Philippine Slide Show

(it will require the installation of a viewer software, but it's safe), if you want to know more about the software go to www.photodex.com

Stu

p.s. Cebu/Bohol and Negros are great dives as well, it really depends on your jump off point. I usually land in Manila and thus dive where I do...however I just did a trip to Tubbataha Reefs this year and that was worth any and all travel hassles. Excess Baggage charges aren't much on local flights, about 45cents a kilo.

Great set of photos you have there Stu.

Can you elaborate on why you prefer PG over the Visayas region. Is it just the convenience of the sites or would you rate the sites around PG as being better than those around Cebu?

I have business in Manila and hence Anilao and PG are much easier to get to....and arrive with international baggage allowances of 70lbs per bag...though depending on the carrier, this can also be done in Cebu.

Most of the macro and quite a few of the WA images you saw were from Anilao and PG. Every year (for the past 8) I go there, I keep finding new critters...and for those who've been to both (I haven't), they rate the life in PG/Anilao as above that of Wakatobi, the macro will rival if not best Lembeh.

stu