ANILAO BATANGAS - Only 140 km south of Manila, Anilao's proximity makes it a popular destination for weekend diving trips. Even excursions are ideal in this southern town where resorts are situated within short boat rides to excellent dive sites. Diving is mainly in coral slopes and shallow gardens among sandy patches. Choose from any of the 24 dive sites between the coast of Anilao and Maricaban Island. The most popular site is the Cathedral (average of 60 ft.), a roofless cavern with a blessed cross flanked by two large sea mounts. Ideal diving season is from November until May.

SUBIC BAY, OLONGAPO - Just a 2 1/2-hour drive north of Manila, Subic offers a picturesque vista of the blue mountain and sea set against a green backdrop of a three-layered virgin forest. Originally developed as a naval base by Spanish colonizers way back in 1885, Subic Bay became the largest US naval facility in the Far East. In 1991, Subic Bay was transformed into a Freeport economic and tourism zone.

PUERTO GALERA, ORIENTAL MINDORO - A little further from Anilao using Batangas Pier as jump-off point, Puerto Galera is a natural harbor with fine beaches, green scenery and sheltered coves. Puerto Galera has grown to become a diving haven due to its marine diversity, complemented by other activities. At least two dozen sites have been identified, each providing good opportunity for photography. Most divers prefer to go to Puerto Galera from March to October.

BUSUANGA, NORTHERN PALAWAN - Busuanga is the largest in the lamian group of islands. What makes Busuanga special are the game reserve and wildlife sanctuary, and the wrecks around Coron Bay. Taking an average of day long trips from the town proper, you can savour the sight of twelve wrecks identified in diveable depths. Although diving can be done anytime, visibility and current are best from October to May. Bonus attractions are Coron's limestone cliffs and tiny isolated beach coves along with freshwater lakes, one of which features hot springs and can be accessed by a short climb over limestone pinnacles from the sea. A hidden cavern with an underwater entrance to the sea can be explored. Pearl farms are added attractions.

MALAPASCUA, CEBU - Malapascua must be one of the least spoilt tourist spots in the Philippines. Tourism is still relatively new in Malapascua, the island has a handful of resorts and a couple of dive operators but for the locals life is much as it always was. Labeled as the next Boracay by the Lonely Planet, Malapascua has everything for the traveling diver. The island takes about 3 hours to walk round and fantastic views can be seen from the lighthouse.

BALICASAG ISLAND, BOHOL - situated 20km from Alona beach-is one of the very best dives in the Visayas, and also one of the most popular. These days, it is normal to see over a dozen other dive boats originating from all across the Visayas, as well as liveaboard vessels that have increasingly taken to operating in the 'Visayan Safari Triangle'. Virtually anywhere you drop in is sure to be rewarding: the following are just a few of the more popular sites.

BORACAY ISLAND - Boracay, as a magnificent national marine preserve, is one of the most popular diving areas in Southeast Asia with currently eighteen state-of-the-art dive schools offering the entire range of dive activities from basic demonstrations through to advanced level certifications. Boracay is a great dive holiday location, simply because it combines a wide range of dive activities with one of the best beaches in the world plus the numerous good quality resorts, restaurants, bars and night time events.