where to go in January 2018 for macrophotography vacation?

[temas]

good day everyone!

I am now concerned about where to spend my New Year vacation and decided to look for "combined overmind" )) opinion.

Here are my basics.
As it will be January and I am sticking to Asia region so the country to visit is Philippines!!

I am (we are) now a macroshooter/s )) and I have already visited Anilao, PG, Dauin, Bohol, Malapasqua and I am very fond of all those places. I have to admit that only in Anilao (in Nov 16) (the last in timeline for this country but not in general timeline) a have a 1) real desire to make photos 2) ability to take them (a good photo rig which is due to flood situation have been replaced with even a better one).
But recently I discovered on the internet the Romblon Island and «they» say it is also a good macro place.

My latest macroplace was Lembeh strait (this August) so I will be forced to compare the future trip with it. I must say I really liked it but to be honest I expected more ! ))) (but that is a different topic).

So I can plan only about 10 days of diving plus transit and I would like your opinion on which one of those places (Anilao, Dauin, Romblon etc )in January will be a top choice.

If I really "play it hard» I can try to extend my trip to 14 full days of diving but that is a bit overkill for me and my wife (in terms of cash). In this case I can split it to two places but I feel it might be to short for a each stay at each location and deff no relaxing atmosphere as we would be trying to dive as many times as possible and quickly will be mentally exhausted.

So the baseline is just one place and 10 days of diving.

If anyone is happen to know another great macro place in PH please advice (I know PG is also has some nice muck dives sites)

Thanks in advance guys!
And sorry for my English in advance also! )

 

[Tippytoes12]

Southern Leyte has wonderful macro , plus excellent reefs , fish life and the chance of whalesharks. The night dive off the pier was amazing. Across the water Anda on Bohol is also very good for macro. We stayed in Southern Leyte Divers and with Magic Oceans in Anda. The diving is probably better in Leyte , but Magic Oceans is a wonderful new resort with a beautiful pool and superb food. a local bangka ferry connects Leyte to Bohol.

 

[Freewillow]

I have been to Anilao and Romblon last year. I preferred Anilao. Romblon is nice because they have very unique Nudibranches but it is more a micro that a macro place. I will go back to Anilao one day, but not to Romblon.

Note that you can easely combine Romblon with Anilao. You can travl from one place to the other by ferry during a single night. No time most.

 

[tursiops]

I've been to Anilao twice and I'd go back in a heartbeat. And I'd spend more time at night at the town pier. And I'd arrange to hire the best guides possible.

 

[Centrals]

Anilao is the place for macro in the country.
Anilao also give you more diving day than others. You can go diving within 3-4hrs from your touch down in Manila. PG has some macro sites and you can combine these two places easily without incurring unreasonable travelling time and expenses. Because public transport is readily available to link up these two places.
As already suggested, Southern Leyte(Sogod Bay) offer macro as well as healthy reefs. Getting there through either Tacloban or Cebu.
Dauin + Sipalay is another option.

 

[dirtfarmer]

Wow if Lembeh wasn't top grade you might be hard to please.

In the PI I would say anilao has the densest and widest variety of macro.
Romblon is nice with some very special nudibranchs as freewillow says but not as many different critters as anilao.

And yes you can easily combine anilao with romblon as its just an overnight ferry you don't even need to miss a dive day.

 

[WetPup]

Anilao

 

[Luko]

As a seasoned macro photographer, I rate Anilao very high, one step above Dauin for instance.
I have not been to Romblon (not sure I would given the current infrastructures) but all the others are a few pars behind.

One main aspect that will define the success of your trip is your guide, hence I will always prefer a top notch guide in a good destination vs a mediocre guide on an exceptional reef. Also if you want to progress in photography having your own private guide is paramount, photo needs time and a pace that non photographers may not want to follow..
I'd suggest you also contact a reknown free lance guide who will know where the critters are so you get the best of the reef.

I suspect you have a bad feeling with Lembeh due to a poor experience with your guide, or you were in a group.
Personally I think Indonesia is better than the Phils for macro : you can hardly beat Lembeh, Bali or Ambon in that respect. You shoudl give another try, Though in my book in the Phils only Anilao can rival Indonesia.

 

[temas]

Thank you all for the input!!!! ) Looks like Anilao is the winner!
For some reason secretly I was hoping for Dauin. ))))
One again, thank you.

 

[Dive-Boarder2]

I am surprised that you were not impressed with Lembeh.. but like most places, I understand the critter count can vary depending on the season.. had heard though that August was one of the better months though. Last time I was in Anilao a local instructor/guide was saying that the best week for nudibranchs is the few weeks in-between the wet and dry seasons. Hoping to go back to Anilao again in January. Regarding Romblon, I would agree that the critter count didn't seem to be as high as Anilao. There was, however, a plentiful and varied supply of pygmy sea horses. It is a beautiful island, as yet unspoilt by tourism, and as mentioned elsewhere, an easy overnight trip from Batangas (cheap also, book first class cabin). If you are diving Anilao, it is well worth some days in PG.. it can be VERY good for macro on the right day.