Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
P
ALAWAN
BACUIT ARCHIPELAGO
Snorkelling
The crystalline waters of Bacuit Bay are a fantasyscape of jagged limestone islands. The
walls of the narrow Tapiutan Strait offer some of the best snorkelling in the archipelago.
Likewise, there is excellent snorkelling and good beaches on the eastern side of Matinloc
Island.
BUSUANGA ISLAND
Wreck Diving
Wriggle through the portholes of WWII-era wrecks, with around 10 Japanese warships and
merchant ships found in the waters off Busuanga Island. The best wreck dives for begin-
ners are the
Lusong
(also easily snorkelled) and
East Tangat
.
TUBBATAHA REEFS
Diving & Snorkelling
The atoll coral reefs here form a natural wonderland with hundreds of species of seabirds
and fish, including mantas, whale sharks and the full gamut of pelagic marine life. Its re-
mote location means that it is best to visit on a live-aboard diving trip, taking to the ocean
for a few days to make the most of this area.
PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK
Boating
This fascinating limestone cave has a subterranean river passing through it, making one of
the longest navigable river-traversed tunnels in the world. Located in a national park in Sa-
bang, the river is over 8km in length, but tours only explore 1.5km of the river - beyond
this point navigation becomes difficult.
PORT BARTON
Snorkelling
A one road town where the jungle drops precipitously into the bay, Port Barton offers
simple watery pleasures. Several islands with good beaches and snorkelling aren't far off-
shore. Island-hopping snorkelling trips are the equal of similar trips in Honda Bay, and
there are several wreck and reef dives in the area.