FEATURE TODAY: RP'S WORLD OF SCUBA DIVING
Manila, Feb. 23, 1998 - Beneath the panoramic Philippine archipelago lies another world for the adventurous in spirit. The Philippine's ocean depths offering a breathtaking collection of 34,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, more than 800 coral reefs and 2,000 fish species.
Welcome to RP's world of scuba diving!
In Batangas, a province located south about two and a half hours drive from Metro Manila, long known for its fan kniives, lake volcano and brewed coffee, this province has now become one of the most popular destinations among diving enthusiasts. A must for divers are in Anilao, Verde Island Passage and in Nasugbu.
In Mindoro, is Puerto Galera which is a two-hour ferryboat ride from Batangas port. Very popular among foreign and local tourists. Escudero Point is the most popular diving spot and starts at Apo Reefs, in the Canyon where the dive starts from a "hole in the wall" at 40 feet then down further 90 feet and in the Shark Caves, not for the faint-hearted as sharks breed and sleep in the crevices.
In Palawan, diving teams up with marine life. Diving at Cuyo Island will take you to an underwater volcano, while on the north of the path leads to see the wreckage of a World War II American LST. Bararin Island is noted for the variety of shells, inlcuding cowries, and conches. Tubattha Reefs, 98 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa is a premier dive site that nests sandly lagoons, reef platforms and perpendicular walls with abundance of marine life.
In the Visayas, a two-hour plane ride takes you to Cebu. The Olango Island and the Bantayan Island attract divers with its coves and lagoons, shoals and reefs. In Bohol, 634 kilometers from Manila the best dive sites are in Balicasag Island, Publao Island and Cabilao Island. And of course there is Boracay, with its Channel Drift, Laurel Island and Ponta Bonga which showcases short walls, schools of sweetlips, tuna and sharks at a depth of 160 feet. But in Boracay, Yapak is considered the best diving site. With a clear visibility at a hundred feet during the summer months, a dive here can be quite an experience and exceptional adventure.(With files from Dept of Tourism, Phil Sports Commission on Scuba Diving)
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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