Phillippines

[rooster]

Hi all

We are planning this year's warm water dive extravaganza and it looks like the Phillippines is going to be high on the list of choices.

I read Lanny's very interesting trip report and it wetted the appetite, although I had been looking at diving at Malapasca Island and don't know too much about Mindoro. (Of course it might be the same place, I havent seen a map .....)

If you have dived ANYWHERE in the Phillippines I would be grateful of opinions, advice, must-do dives (in the recreational style) and also any up-top attractions worth visiting.

Information, as always, is much appreciated

Regards



Rooster

[Adrian Kelland]

Rooster

Coron is about an hours flight west of Manilla. Mainly WW2 Jap support fleet bombed by USAF. Well salvaged (no engines), but can swim through prop tunnels holds no problems. 45m max, most 30-35. Good fish life, turtles. Barracuda lake is a must. Cold salty water below warm fresh (or something like that )

I was with Dive Right there, but I have heard that they have packed up, could be vicious rumour. Nitrox was available. They still have a website http://www.diveright-coron.com/sites.htm We did most if not all the wrecks.

I was there for 2 weeks - just right. Not much else to see on the island - hot water springs is about it. The village is not there for tourists - expect to be woken at 6 every morning by 'lucky' the pig on the way to market... that sort of thing. And the motorbike taxis !!! the pollution !!!

Adrian