Diving Guide to the Philippines 2015

(Barry) #1

I


n 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
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.



  1. Dimipac Island
    Icons:
    Location: NW of Dimyaka Island
    Depth: 6-50 ft. (2-15m)


A new dive site that doubles as a
dugong watching spot is Dimipac
Island, a short ride northwest of
Dimakya. The island is uninhabited
and has a very nice beach. The
sandy beach continues down into
sea grass beds and the dugongs
have been seen here grazing.
In front of the beach, the slopes


are mainly sea grasses with
scattered coral heads and sponges.
Look for Cassiopeia andromeda
(upside-down jellyfish) laying in the
sand. Sometimes decorator crabs
carry these jellies on their shells.
There is a nice path reef system
with tube sponges, nice sea
anemones, lots of roaming juvenile
catfish packs and many small
things. The big bonus is that a
dugong may be nearby grazing.
Keep an eye out for clouds of sand
as they really stir things up. If they
are eating they usually can be
approached and photographed.

Calauit Island


Nocturnal Philippine bearcat
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