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Scuba Diving in the
Philippines |
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| Over the past four years I have dove in Mindoro, Negros, Cebu, Palawan, Bohol,
Mindanao and Southern Leyte. Most of my diving and time
is spent in Panglao Island, Bohol for reasons that go beyond just the scuba diving. I have not dove the Tubbataha Reefs which are reputed to be
the best diving in the Philippines. They are classified as a World
Heritage Location. That dive destination is done by liveaboard only and is seasonal. |
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| There is some diversity
between the areas I have dove. For example; Sabang, Mindoro had a wider variety of
nudibranchs than the other locations as well as three small ship wrecks
located close together with a lot of marine life on them. Moalboal, Cebu and
Panglao, Bohol are primarily wall dives, each with a small island located
offshore that contains a variety of marine life. Dauin, Negros was a good
"target specific" area for underwater photographers. Padre Burgos,
Southern Leyte is an
isolated destination but with very healthy soft corals. Coron, Palawan is noted for it's WWII Japanese shipwrecks.
The wrecks are deep with poor visibility. They were mostly stripped in
the early years after the war. Camiguin in Mindanao has a black sand
ocean floor which makes for good photographic contrast. |
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| Sea fans, colorful sponges and soft corals abound in the Philippines as well as a wide
variety of small colorful tropical fish. What is missing is the larger
fish. They have been for the most part fished out. The
Philippines has a population of approximately ninety million people,
most of whom eat rice and fish. Fishing is a must for many to survive,
for both eating and selling. Add to that foreign vessels illegally fishing in
Philippine waters. The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and therefore a protected area. It is plagued with poaching
problems by both locals and foreign fishing vessels. Dynamite fishing
over a span of years has damaged many of the reefs throughout the
country. Although illegal it still goes on. On two
separate occasions while diving in Bohol I heard the blast of dynamite
in the distance. |
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My consensus is scuba diving is on very borrowed time
in the Philippines. There is little being done at the national or local government
levels to preserve the existing dive sites. Enforcement in "sanctuary"
zones is near impossible to enforce or non-existent. The dive sites are
so devoid of large fish that I'm not sure it's possible at this point
for those areas
to replenish themselves even if left unmolested. In a nutshell the waters in
the Philippines are being fished to extinction, as is the case in many
other parts of the world. If push comes to shove between local fishermen
and tourist scuba divers, I think the government will side with the fishermen. |
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In the interim the Philippines still offers some good
diving. |
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One tank boat dives average $25.00 US and include
weights, tank, dive guide and boat. Rental gear is extra as well as
is Nitrox at most dive centers. |
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| Most diving is done from speedboats
and "banca boats" which are wooden hull boats with bamboo outriggers and
diesel truck engines. |
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"Sanctuary" and
"Camera" Fees |
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| Charging additional "sanctuary" and "camera" fees
is a growing trend at many of the dive destinations throughout the
country. Local Government Officials have mandated certain dive sites be designated as
sanctuaries. Extra fees are then charged for diving those sites and in
some cases camera usage fees are also added. In some instances the fees
can be exorbitant in comparison to the cost of the dive. Where those fees end up is
anyone's guess. |
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| Scuba diving is good all year. It's
best to check each island for its weather patterns. |
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| I found the ocean temperature to be 80F
plus degrees in the areas I dove with the exception of Sabang, Mindoro.
There the water was 77F to 78F in January. A 3mm wetsuit is fine for
anyplace in the country. A full suit or skin and shorty suit has the
added protection from any coral cuts which can lead to infection. |
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If bringing your own gear be sure it is in
top working order and recently serviced. Regulator repair can be difficult to
find in many areas. Big cities like Manila and Cebu have authorized dealers for
some brands.
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There are hyperbaric chambers in several areas of the
country. Make knowing their locations a part of your trip planning. |
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Doctor and hospital treatment is usually on a pay as you go
basis. Reimbursement is likely done by your insurance provider after the fact so
save all your reciepts.
Antibiotics are sold over the counter in the Philippines. A doctors prescription
is not required. It is best not to buy generic drugs as their potency and
quality can be questionable. Bring your own antibiotics for treating infections
especially one for ear infections resulting from diving. |
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To date I have never had an issue with personal safety. Of
course Manila and Cebu have the same problems associated with any big city.
Overall I
find the Filipino people to be polite, easy going and somewhat shy with
foreigners. On the other hand, all areas of the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao) are unsafe. |
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International flights to the Philippines from some countries offer generous baggage limits.
Be aware that in-country flights in the Philippines, if not an international
connecting flight, allow a 15 kilo limit per passenger regardless of the number
of bags and one
carry-on at seven kilos. They do not allow averaging the weight between a group
of people or a couple flying together. It is best to check each airline on the web for their
specific baggage limits. Flights from the Philippines to some of the other Asian
countries are considered "regional" not "international" and have the same
baggage limits as domestic flights. Certain domestic flight destinations are
limited to 10 kilos. |