kidnapping risk in the Sulu Sea

[bvbellomo]

I did a split trip about 10 years ago with a couple of buddies diving Anilao first then PG (with Asian Divers).

The consensus was at the time that we should have done PG first then Anilao, and if I were to do that again, that would be my choice.

Asia Divers will have a schedule, and best to discuss with them as to what you want to see. They should put you in a boat with similarly experienced divers.

Why would it matter which I do first?

How should I split time? Half my trip in Anilao is probably too much time there.

 

[Searcaigh]

Why would it matter which I do first?

For me and my Buddies, Anilao was a much better experience based on what we saw.

 

[bvbellomo]

Can we consolidate anything PG trip related to my other thread?

I started this specifically to ask about real dangers, insurance and other issues about the USA State Department "Level 4: Do not travel" for Tubbataha. I'd still like to go there, but it won't be this year.

 

[larsdennert]

I am there for the diving, and might split time between Puerto Gallera and Anilao. What was poor about the diving? From videos and photos and people who have actually been there, it seems amazing, except for a lack of large pelagics and sometimes limited visibility.

Also, are the non-muck dives in Anilao worth doing, if I also dive in Puerto Gallera?

Philipines is already over impacted by fishing and Puerto Gallera is impacted by too many divers driving all the rest of the fish away. I found the guides in Anilao to take more care with sites than just dropping people in the usual tourist spots. Both muck and reef dives such as Sombrero island? are so much better and rival Verde but there are more sites like that than just having Verde. North Anilao muck can be good but has more trash than the southern end.

 

[Centrals]

Divers do not drive fish away.
The sanctuary all over the country are pretty healthy with fish life. It is the destructive fishing practice which decimate the fish population.
That school of sardine in Moalboal is another good example.
When the water is cold, thresher shark can be found around Kilimar Step! Seen it a few times especially around Jan - Mar.
The school of jack which appeared from nowhere few yrs ago also indicated that divers has minimal impact on fish.
Hasn't dived Fish Bowl for several years, not sure if that school of yellow strip snapper is still there.