5 Best Scuba Sites in Cebu, Philippines

By Mike Rumsey

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Cebu Philippines, being an archipelago, is home to various scuba diving sites where exotic marine creatures live. The islands near Cebu offer paradise to people who are looking forward to basking in pristine water and feasting on the spectacles of nature. The place is also a living portrait of the opulent culture of the earlier Visayan generations. Tourists to Cebu can consider their trip well-accomplished if they have visited any of the 5 most popular spots below.

Cabilao Island

Located in the Visayan Sea between the neighboring islands of Bohol and Cebu, Cabilao Island is a perfect scuba diving and snorkeling spot for beginners and experts alike. Diving is possible at any time of the year. Coral reefs surrounding the island are a magnificent sight and what mainly attracts tourists to it. The three diving sites in Cabilao Island that are worth the effort to see are the House reef where species of scorpion fish, tunas, barracudas, and seahorses are sheltered; the Sanctuary which is a protected underwater zone where groupers, wrasses and snappers are a familiar scene; and the Cambaquiz Slope where you can challenge yourself to find the masters of disguise such as the ghost pipefish, sea needles, and snails.

Mactan Island

Mactan is just a short distance from Cebu city and the international airport. The most frequented scuba diving spots in Mactan Island are the Kontiki House Reef, the Marigondon Cave, and the Kasantik. However, diving is not the only thing that makes Mactan Island a magnet to tourists. You can also see the Taoist Temple where the teachings of Chinese philosopher Lao-Tse are preserved. The temple features 81 steps each representing a chapter in the Taoism scriptures. Upon reaching the top, you can light joss sticks and have your fortune read. If you are a guitar enthusiast, you can go to Lapu-Lapu City and choose from a huge selection of guitars.

Malapascua Island

Malapascua is a tiny island located in Daanbantayan Municipality, Cebu Province. You can ride a boat to hop from one hamlet to another, or enjoy the many snorkeling sites there. A motorbike ride will make a good alternative, especially if you would like to see the marvelous landscapes on land. By midday, it would be nice to get a taste of Filipino foods while still savoring the smell of sea aboard a floating bar. Among the popular scuba diving sites in Malapascua are the Monad Shoal which is an island under the sea, and the only place in the world that offers a view of thresher sharks, the Gato Island that serves as a sanctuary to different species of sea snakes, and the Lapus Island that takes pride in harboring some of the most stunning coral reefs in the world.

Moalboal Island

Moalboal is a small town on Cebu Island, south west of Cebu City, hailed for white sand beaches and diverse marine life. Tourists can explore the popular Busay Cave and the old churches in Boljoon, Dalaguete and Argao. Scuba diving is another main attraction with which divers can see at close range hammerhead sharks and sardines. Among the most visited dive sites are the Sunken Island, Kasai, and Plane Wreck.

Olango Island

Located five kilometres east of Mactan Island, the Olango Group of islands is composed of seven islands surrounded by reef-flat cove. If you are dreaming of a sandy beach, rocky shoreline and lush mangroves, Mactan Island is the place to be. Bird sanctuaries are a talk of the town during the mating season, while the fish sanctuaries are a must see for divers. You can take a pump boat ride to roam the area, and then dine at the floating restaurant in Caw-oy where a wide selection of sea foods are served fresh and live.

Dive points at Olango Island are best recommended for experienced divers. At Mabini point, diving to the depth of 35m allows for an encounter with hammerhead and whale sharks. Because there is not much to see in the shallows, those diving at Baring are advised to descend about 30 m to stumble upon snappers, gray reef sharks, barracudas, among others. For divers at Santa Rosa, they can expect to see soft corals, catfish, and sweetlips.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Rumsey

Traveling A-Z: Palawan

By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA

August 18, 2010, 1:04pm

Underground River

With an astonishing mix of pristine dive sites, vertiginous cliffs, and idyllic islands and beaches, Palawan is considered to be the Philippines’ last frontier and the country’s biggest province. It includes 1, 169 islands and islets, most of which have irregular coastlines that make excellent harbors.

There are several stories regarding the origin of the name Palawan; some contend that it was derived from the Chinese words pa lao yu meaning ‘Land of the Beautiful Harbors’ though popular belief has it that Palawan is a corruption of the Spanish word paraguas or umbrella, the main island being shaped like a closed umbrella. 

Palawan’s charm, although difficult to penetrate with thick jungle mountains and strikingly sharp limestone rock faces, boasts of ecotourism sites such as: El Nido and its towering marble cliffs and white sand beaches; the Underground River in Puerto Princesa where tourists can take a boat trip under limestone cliffs and sepulchral chambers along a subterranean river; Cayangan Lake in Coron, a hidden lagoon where you scramble uphill to a dazzling volcanic lake; and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park.

However, many areas in Palawan are still relatively untouched by tourism, such as the friendly little fishing village of San Vicente and nearby Long Beach, one of the finest stretches of sand anywhere, yet rarely visited by tourists.

Fast facts:

Local Dialect:

Native dialects spoken are Cuyuno, Pinalawan, Tagbanua, Cagayano, Agutayano, and Batak. The non-native tongues are Tagalog, Ilonggo, Cebuano, and Muslim dialects.

Must see:

El Nido - Towering midnight cliffs that jut thousands of feet above mirror flat emerald waters are El Nido’s most distinguishing features. This interplay of somber darkness and ethereal light provide the dramatic backdrop for several luxury resorts and dozens of moderately priced diver lodges on the islands.

The Underground River in Puerto Princesa - Take a boat trip under limestone cliffs and through sepulchral chambers, the Palawan Underground River has also been continually in the top list of the New7Wonders of Nature online poll, and is now officially the country’s bet for the final stage which will be held in 2011.

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park – The country’s largest marine habitat, it hosts giant manta rays, sea turtles, and hundreds of reef fish species. Located at the heart of the Sulu Sea, the marine park is 33,200 hectares of coral atoll, barely emergent islets, and open water, and constitutes a unique complete open ocean ecosystem. It is inscribed in the World Heritage List as “rare and superlative phenomena as well as formations, features, and areas of exceptional beauty.” It is located some 98 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa and is a premier diving destination.

The Bacuit Archipelago – It is essentially a cluster of countless limestone islands and islets of all kinds of shapes and sizes that are sprinkled across the ocean in northern Palawan.

Must do: 

Animal Safari in Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary - The Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 3,700 hectares and is home to both endemic and African animals. The imported giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and gazelles, among others, have successfully bred and graze the preserve undisturbed. They share the land with endangered endemic animals like the Calamian deer, Palawan mouse deer, bear cat, leopard cat, tarsier, Palawan peacock pheasant, scaly anteater, porcupine, and monitor lizard. Safaris can be arranged with the park rangers. Modest accommodations are available for overnight stay.

Backpacking in Port Barton – Port Barton is a laid-back and friendly beach town with simple accommodations and rustic nightlife. The town has been known as a backpackers’ haven because of its cheap accommodations. It offers a variety of sporting and leisure activities from snorkeling, sailing, hiking, and diving.

How to get there:

Palawan can be reached within an hour and five minutes’ flight from Manila to the capital city of Puerto Princesa or a 20-hour trip by sea.

Published in Manila Daily Bulletin August 18, 2010.