Anilao (Mabini) – Batangas, Philippines

Anilao, in Mabini municipality on the Calumpan Peninsula in Batangas, is famous among underwater photographers for macro life. Sites range from black volcanic-sand muck dives (Secret Bay, Basura, the Pier) to coral gardens, walls and current-swept points, and most are 10-25 minutes by small outrigger bangka. Further offshore, Tingloy Island and Verde Island Passage sites such as Kirby's Rock and Sombrero Island give bigger walls and fish. Most resorts offer night dives, and the diving is generally easy except at the strong-current points.

Facts

• Best season: Main season October to early June; November/December and April/May are best (April-May most crowded). July-August is monsoon with typhoon risk, though sites stay reachable.
• Water temperature: About 27-28 °C; can drop to about 25 °C in January-February.
• Visibility: Typically 12-15 m (40-50 ft), up to about 27 m on good days.
• Currents: Many sites have little surge; Mainit Point, Beatrice, Mapating and Kirby's Rock can run strong.
• Getting there: Fly to Manila (MNL), then 2-3 hours by van to Anilao; most resorts arrange pickup. Boats are small bangkas with up to 4 divers.
• Permit & fees: No special dive permit found in the sources; check any local environmental fees with your resort.
• Training level: Mostly beginner to intermediate; the strong-current points are advanced.
• Hazards: Boat traffic at shallow muck sites (Basura, the Pier), strong current at Mainit Point, typhoons mid-year.

Season

• Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
• Acceptable: Jun, Sep
• Poor: Jul, Aug
• Water temperature: 25–28 °C

Main season is October to May; July-August brings monsoon rain and typhoon risk. Critters are found year-round, January-March can be especially good for macro.

Dive sites (12)

Anilao & Mabini coast

• Anilao Pier – 3–12 m, beginner
• Basura – 3–18 m, beginner
• Beatrice Rock – 8–27 m, advanced
• Bethlehem – 10–15 m, beginner
• Cathedral – 10–18 m, beginner
• Ligpo Island – 8–35 m, intermediate
• Mainit Point – 5–30 m, advanced
• Mapating – 15–40 m, advanced
• Secret Bay (Mainit Muck) – 5–21 m, beginner
• Twin Rocks – 6–18 m, beginner

Tingloy & Verde Island Passage

• Kirby's Rock – 3–30 m, advanced
• Sombrero Island – 5–30 m, intermediate

Operators (4)

• Amathi Diving Resort – resort, Brgy. Bagalangit, Mabini, Batangas
• Bambu Villa Resort – resort, 7310 Brgy. Bagalangit, Mabini, Batangas
• Casa Escondida Anilao – resort, Brgy. Ligaya, Mabini, Batangas 4202
• Blue Ribbon Dive Resort – resort, National Road, Ligaya, Mabini, Batangas 4202

Site positions are approximate estimates for orientation only; the published guides do not list coordinates. Never use them for navigation. Depths and levels differ between sources; confirm with your guide.