Anilao

Perched on the edge of the Calumpang Peninsula near Batangas, the area around Anilao is the closest diving locale to Manila. Just 2.5 hours road journey from the Capital, Anilao sits in the heart of the Philippines best-loved diving in the ‘Coral Triangle’, which for many divers is the ‘muck diving’ capital of the Philippines. 

Smaller critters regularly seen include the mandarin-fish, leaf and frog fish, cuttle fish, different species of octopus, rare shrimps and crabs, sea horses, ghost pipefish and many different types of nudibranch. For those carrying wide angle lenses, the batfish, groupers, triggerfish, jacks, mackeral and occasional solitary large tuna are all frequent visitors to the reefs.

With a backdrop of lush green hills and mountains running down to shingle coves and the clear blue waters of the sea, many of the 40+ dive sites are blissfully sheltered with great visibility, and most importantly, are rich in marine and coral life. Snorkelling opportunities are also excellent, making Anilao a rewarding destination for both divers and non-divers.

Our featured resort, Buceo Anilao Dive Resort, provides very comfortable rooms backed by first class diving facilities on-site, ensuring that you have the most relaxing stay.

SECRET BAY (aka ‘MAINIT MUCK’)

Secret Bay, also known as ‘Mainit Muck’, is one of the most famous, muck-diving dive sites in Anilao, where you will find Mantis shrimp, gobies, wonderpus octopus,  nudibranchs (daytime), squid and cuttlefish (at night). You can also find Seahorses, ghost pipefish, ambon scorpionfish, tiny frogfish, colemani shrimp, and bobbit worms! Secret Bay is excellent to dive at any time of the day, but especially at night. The best diving is between 3 to 21 metres.

TWIN ROCKS

Twin Rocks is one the most popular dive site in Anilao. Appreciated by underwater photographers because it offers wonderful access, in a small area, to an amazing macro environment that exists around two rocks, hence the name! At Twin Rocks, you can see ribbon eels to schools of carangidae, countless nudibranchs, clownfish, surgeon fish, lionfish, damsels, big schools of barracuda, mantis shrimps, Coleman shrimps, porcelain crabs and rabbitfish. Maximum depth is 16 metres, with visibility typically at 20+ metres.

VERDE ISLAND

Verde Island is a 1.5 hour boat trip away from Buceo Anilao Dive Resort. The dive sites here offer amazing visibility (normally 30m+) and an abundance of marine life. One of the best dive spots in the Philippines due to its pristine, clear waters and awesome under water views. After dropping in on the top of pinnacles at around 5m, negative entry might be a required if the currents are playing up. As you follow the wall down, you will see thousands of Red Tooth Triggerfish, Antheas and Butterfly Fish. Whip corals and Gorgonian fans are scattered across the reef wall, with some elusive macro inhabitants, the Whip Coral Shrimp and Pigmy Seahorse. Verde Island is often referred to as ‘Fish Soup’ due to the huge numbers of fish that swim in its waters. With strong up and down currents, Verde Island is not suitable for novice divers.

Buceo Anilao Dive Centre

Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort is situated on-site at Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort and is a fully equipped PADI dive centre, Swiss, Spanish and Filipino owned and managed. 

Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort has a fully equipped PADI dive centre onsite. Offering four scheduled boat dives each day, plus shore entry dives are also available on the house reef, there's every opportunity to get in the water. You can expect reef diving, lots of fish life and lots of macro critters.

Dive pack options include either individual dives to use during your stay, 1–16 dives, or you can book the 'unlimited diving' package which includes up to four dives per day for as many days as you like. For a standard 10-dive package, the cost is typically £340. 

There's a dedicated camera room with 22 individual working stations for each photographer’s equipment, as well as an air-conditioned classroom.  A range of PADI diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. A range of equipment and 15L tanks are available for hire locally, nitrox is available at supplement cost, and marine park fees are payable locally.  

The Philippines is an island nation located in South East Asia with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine archipelago comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. These islands are home to spectacular scenery, pristine beaches, incredible sights and lively cities. Dramatic drop offs, wrecks, caves and a richly varied marine life also guarantee fabulous diving. Combined with the renowned Philippine hospitality and warmth, an unforgettable dive holiday awaits.

You will find a true blend of cultures; the people are generally of Malay descent, but Philippine history has introduced Chinese, Spanish and American elements as well. The Philippines is a predominantly Christian country where eight out of ten Filipinos are practising Catholics. Filipino hospitality is legendary and the Philippines is the fiesta nation of Asia. Fiestas celebrate harvests, births and victories, as well as religious events. The Filipinos like to party and celebrations are found in every ethnic group and may be large regional events or small local happenings.

Resorts have been hand picked, not only for their comfort and surrounding scenery but most importantly, for their proximity to incredible dives sites. Whilst out of the water guests can relax on some of the best beaches in the world, enjoy the local markets, festivals and sights or even spend a night in the exciting and bustling Manila or more laid back Cebu.

As the Philippines is a strong Catholic nation, festive holidays such as Easter are very busy. Either book well in advance, or avoid the main religious holiday periods where possible.

CLIMATE

Anilao is a year round diving destination. November to June is the driest time of year whilst December and January are the coolest months. There is an increased chance of rain from June to August but this is also the quietest time with less divers in the water.

The climate of The Philippines can broadly be described as hot and tropical. Most people visit The Philippines during the dry season. However, many regular visitors attest that the best time to visit is during the wet season and that the proliferation and variety of marine life is best June, July and August.

Dry season: December to May
Wet season: June to November

During the dry season, easterly winds prevail and air temperature is in high 20's to mid-30's°C. February to May are generally the hottest. Wet season winds are from the west, with air temperature in mid to high 20's°C. You can often strike lucky and have weeks of brilliant blue skies and unlimited sunshine. On the other hand, the rains, when they come, are impressive and prolonged. There are few rivers, so run off and its effect on water visibility is not generally a problem.

Please note that the Philippines is a large country and has many climatic variations from east to west and south to north.

Best underwater visibility: April to July
Water temperature average: 24-30°C

TIME

8 hours ahead of GMT.

LANGUAGE

Filipino is Officially the national language of The Philippines. This language is based on Tagalog which is the most widely used of the 70 plus dialects used within the country. English is also prevalent throughout the country, especially in tourist destinations. English is also widely used as the medium for education, communication and business. Eight major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 Peso = 100 Centavos. The US dollar is the most widely recognised foreign currency. Euros & GBP are also readily exchanged.

The majority of larger towns have ATMs, however, facilities for money withdrawal or changing are far less widespread away from the main centres of population. There are bank machines at the airport. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in most towns, but you may be required to pay an extra 10-15% surcharge for their use. Outside of the main towns, not all places accept credit cards. Please refer to your individual destination notes for each resort, but as a guideline, please see below:

• Malapascua: Ocean Vida accepts credit cards and has an exchange. Elsewhere credit cards cannot be accepted, please ensure you carry sufficient cash. USD and GBP are accepted and Ocean Vida has a licensed exchange.
• Dumaguete: Banks and ATMs are available in Dumaguete town. Pura Vida and Atmopshere accept credit cards.
• Palawan: Accepts credit cards
• Sipalay: Accepts credit cards
• SY Philippine Siren: GBP, Euro & USD Currency. Credit card payment only possible when docking at the following ports: Cebu, Philippines. 3% charge applies.

TIPPING

Tipping is expected for many services. The standard is 10% of the total bill or optional where there is a 10% service charge.

GETTING TO ANILAO

Anilao is reached by a 2.5 / 3 hours road transfer from Manila.

Singapore Airlines offer daily connections from the UK to Manila, via Singapore. Malaysian Airlines also offer the route, via Kuala Lumpur or KLM, via Amsterdam fly daily into Manila.

Once you have arrived at Manila Airport, you will met and transferred by road to Buceo Anilao Dive Resort, this transfer will take approx. 2.5 hours.

If you reach Manila after 18.00 hrs, an overnight stay in Manila may be required, depending on local transfer schedules.

OVERNIGHTS IN MANILA

These can be arranged as part of your package with local transfers. A Venue Suites is a modern 3 star property in the bustling district of Makati with good shopping and local eating choices. An upgrade to the Dusit Thani or Intercontinental can also be offered.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Regaldive can offer packages to the Philippines on a number of different airlines.

London - Manila: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines and KLM all fly daily via their national hubs.

London - Cebu: Singapore Airlines via Singapore on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday;  Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong daily.

Carry-On Luggage Restriction: Effective July 1, 2015

Philippines Office for Transportation Security has issued new rules that include 'Scuba Diving Equipment' (including regulators) on the list of blunt instruments that are not to be in carry-on/cabin baggage on flights originating within the Philippines. Please ensure that all scuba equipment is secured within checked-in baggage on all domestic flights and on all departing international flights.

Internal flights:
Manila - Cebu: Multiple daily flights
Manila - Busuanga: 2 flights daily
Manila - Dumaguete: 2 flights daily

Baggage on internal flights:
The below only applies only to extra flights within the Philippines built into your itinerary, not if it is part of your international ticket.

Baggage allowance: Checked bag - 20kg / Hand baggage - 5 to 7kg. Please note that the internal flight to / from Busuanga (Palawan). This is a shorter air strip and the airline may not permit any extra weight.

Payment for extra kilos on check-in (guideline):
Cebu Pacific: Php 150 per kilo
Philippine Airlines: Php 169 per kilo

TRANSFERS

Whichever island you are staying on, you are met at the airport/ferry port and transferred to your resort. Whether by flight, jeepney or banca boat, there are fantastic sights to enjoy on your journey there and back. Although some transfer can take up to a whole day, most clients pass feedback that this was a very interesting part of their overall trip.

The below information is to give you a general idea of transfer times between regions; actual transfer times may differ slightly according to individual arrangements and ferry timetables, tides etc.:

Cebu - Dumaguete: 4 - 5 hours by vehicle, ferry and hotel shuttle
Cebu - Bohol / Panglao / Cabilao: 3 to 4 hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle
Cebu - Malapascua: 4 – 5 hours by vehicle and outrigger
Cebu – Moalboal: 3.5 hours by vehicle

Dumaguete - Bohol / Panglao / Cabilao: 3 hours by hotel shuttle, ferry and vehicle or 3 to 4 hours by Outrigger conditions permitting
Dumaguete - Malapascua: 8 - 9 hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle and outrigger

Panglao - Cabilao: 1.5 - 2 hour vehicle and boat
Panglao - Malapascua: 7+ hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle and outrigger

Cabilao - Malapascua: 7+ hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle and outrigger

Manila - Cebu: 1: 15 hour by internal flight
Manila - Coron, Palawan: 2.5 hours by internal flight and hotel shuttle
Manila - Puerta Galera: 3 hours by vehicle and boat
Manila – Anilao: 2.5 hours by vehicle
Manila – Caticlan, Boracay: 2 hours by internal flight, vehicle and boat

PASSPORTS

Please always check your own entry requirements regardless of your nationality. Your passport should always have at least 6 months validity on date of return from travel. Always check for last minute changes in entry requirements and other nationalities should check with their consular office.

VISAS

British nationals can enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 30 days. You can also get a tourist visa from the Philippine Embassy before you travel, which will allow an initial 59 day stay. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic or GP. Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider. We recommend protection, as a minimum, against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.

Buceo Anilao Resort