Anilao, Diving destination in Mabini, Philippines
Anilao is a diving destination located in Batangas province, where the waters host numerous hard and soft corals that support diverse marine life. The coastline features small dive resorts, boat houses, and a backdrop of forested hills rising behind the shore.
It started as a small fishing settlement and transformed into a major diving destination beginning in the late 20th century. This shift attracted underwater photographers and diving enthusiasts from throughout Asia.
The local community blends traditional fishing practices with modern diving operations, and you can see people using both age-old methods and contemporary equipment in their daily work. This combination shapes the character of the place, where heritage and tourism coexist visibly.
You can reach Anilao from Manila in about three hours, and most dive sites are accessible within roughly 30 minutes by traditional bangka boats. The water tends to be calmest in the morning hours, which is ideal for boat travel.
The area is known for specialized night diving experiences in open water, where rare deep-sea creatures and microscopic organisms rise from deeper layers after dark. These unusual dives allow visitors to see species they would not encounter during daytime.
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