From the Author

I

have been fortunate enough to
live in close proximity to the
Philippines and have visited this
amazing country numerous times
over the last three decades. I have
written numerous diving guides for
Lonely Planet and I shoot for Getty
Images. This has taken me all over
the world.
I find the variety and diversity of
the undersea world in the
Philippines is really like no other
place on the
planet. Whether
it be a sandy
plain that is
home to myriad
odd and
unusual marine
creatures, a
wartime
shipwreck
holding secrets
of the past or a shark-filled dropoff
into the deep, blue abyss of the sea,
I am constantly and pleasantly
surprised and rewarded every time I
make a trip to this vibrant country.
And I have watched as the dive
industry has grown into a world-
class offering.
It is my pleasure and honor to
present to you this diving and
snorkeling guide to the Philippines.

I hope through these pages you will

be educated and thrilled at the great

diversity of the Philippines. I also

hope you will be

inspired to work

to preserve and

protect these

undersea

treasures that are

part of the rich

Coral Triangle. I

know from

firsthand

experience, the

Philippines is a special place.

Author Tim Rock has written over 50

books about Asia-Pacific diving

destinations. He is an internationally

published photojournalist, a Getty

Images Lonely Planet Collection

photographer and frequent visitor to

the Philippines. He uses Nikon, Ikelite

and Aquatica photographic equipment.

Front Cover Photo © Jerome Kim

Photojournalist

& Author

Tim Rock

Author and

whale shark