Philippines’ Best Diving Sites – the Luzon Plunge Part II

As we promised, let us continue jotting down the most-visited dive spots in the Philippines. This entry will guarantee you to be an underwater photographer. In a single destination, you can have a chance to see a fleet of shipwrecks; one of the CNN Travel’s top picks; and one of the New Seven Wonder of Nature. The island is a large narrow strip with several islets around it located near the western part of Luzon, the island of Palawan.

The diving hotspots in the province are plentiful. Considered as the “Diving Mecca of the Philippines”, it adds to the difficulty level on where to start the plunge. Once again, will lend a helping hand and already prepared a list below:

Coron Bay – The Chuuk Lagoon of the Philippines

It is comparable to the Chook Lagoon of Micronesia. Famous for its sunken ships, Coron is the best shipwreck diving destination in the country. It is one of the remnants of World War II. On September 24, 1944, 11 Japanese ships took refuge in the waters of Coron Bay and near Busuanga manned by the Japanese Imperial Navy. However, the U.S. naval forces detected the anchored Japanese war and supply ships at Coron. Taking this opportunity, Admiral William F. “Bull” Halsey planned the assault. Led by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, the U.S. naval aircraft launched a surprise aerial attack to take down the enemy. Catch a glimpse of history several meters below sea level of Coron Bay, Palawan. The once formidable warships turned into a safe haven for various marine flora and fauna.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – A CNN Travel Top Pick

Do you want to go to the center of marine biodiversity? Palawan has the largest Marine Protected Area in the country, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Nestled at the heart of Coral Triangle, it is an important buoy for the preservation of marine life not just in the country but the entire planet as well.

One of the Philippines’ oldest ecosystems, Tubbataha consists of two large atolls (North and South) and a smaller one called Jessie Beazley Reef. This world-renowned coral reef structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and enlisted by RAMSAR as one of Wetlands of International Importance.

Tubbataha hits the 8th place of CNN Travel’s best dive sites in the world. It seems overrated, but Tubbataha is indeed a diver’s paradise. Bird enthusiasts may want also to flock around the two islets of Tubbataha that were frequented by migratory birds. Some of the fowl visitors are internationally threatened and endangered.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – A New Seven Wonder of Nature

Another Palawan’s pride, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park formed 20 million years ago with two main parts. The limestone/karst mountain landscape and an 8.2 km underground river that flows through a cave then out in the sea. The two of the world’s largest are inside Tubbataha. The underground river called Cabayugan River is the world’s longest river (8.2 km) and the Italian Chamber, the largest cave in the planet.

Because of its pristine environment and its unique abundant biodiversity, it garnered several worth-mentioning international recognitions:

One of the prestigious awards it bagged is being hailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature on Nov. 11, 2011. The park’s management only allows one kilometer of the park lasts for about an hour.

This is the island of Palawan for you. A world-class tourist destination packed with internationally known attractions. One last to go and we will complete our three-part Luzon Plunge.

Philippines’ Best Diving Sites – the Luzon Plunge Part I

Do you want a kind of underwater experience in a kaleidoscopic level? You don’t need to travel abroad because you’re already at the right place. Diving in the Philippines sites sprouted left and right because of the archipelagic structure and interlinked water systems that contributed to the rich marine biodiversity of the country.

The Philippines is a surplus of dive spots and some are not even yet subject for exploration. One worth mentioning is the Marble Capital of the Philippines, the province of Romblon located almost at the center of the Philippines. Due to its remoteness, Romblon retains its aura of mystery and pristine nature. One of the overlooked tourist destinations in the country, yet it has a way to charm travelers both land and sea.

In the dry regions, lies Spanish-era churches and you can find here one of the challenging peaks in the Philippines, the Mt. Guiting Guiting. Under the land mass, under the depths of its seas, is a diverse marine life. We suggest that before you go there bring a handful of extra batteries, memory cards, and a charger as well.

Romblon boasts thirty dive spots in and around the area. Definitely, a one-day trip would not be enough. Quality beats quantity, so we pick out a few dive hotspots ready for you to discover in no particular order.

Still can’t get enough of Philippines’ spectacular diving sites? The list is not yet finished and by the end of this, you can plot your own diving saga.