Overview

T

he Philippines has always been a dive destination favorite and with
new resorts on new island destinations popping up along with the tried
and true, it is becoming one of the most popular places in the diving world
to visit. Toss in reasonable prices and a normally favorable exchange rate
for most of the world’s leading
currencies and you have a real gem
dive destination to explore.
It is one of the most diverse countries
in Asia. Sitting along the eastern reaches
of Oceania, it has the Pacific Ocean
(Philippine Sea) at its lengthy east coast.
Malaysia and Indonesia are south and
southwest and the South China Sea is to
the west. To the north are Taiwan and
China. This convergence of sea and
various landmasses has formed the richest coral reef area in the world.
Known as the “Coral Triangle”, the Philippines is at the northern point of
the triangle that also includes Papua New Guinea and Indonesia/Malaysia.
In this cradle of diversity more species of both corals and fish can be found
than any other place on the planet. Then within the vast Philippine isles are
smaller seas... the Sibuyan, Sulu and Visayan. Each has its own biosphere
and characteristics, many odd and unusual creatures thriving in their own
special worlds.
The country has
remained stable and
a favorite for
travelers. Above
water is as luxuriant
as below creating a
natural sensory
overload. And, there
are cultures within
cultures here. It is a
fascinating country
to dive and visit.

Eating green mango

Bringing cattle to market