The Philippines has been recognized as Asia’s best beach and dive destination by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the 28th consecutive year.
For the fifth time, the country has been named Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, and for the third year in a row (beginning in 2019), it has also been named Asia’s Leading Dive Destination.
The WTA is widely recognized as the industry’s highest honor, honoring those who make significant contributions to the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries around the world. Winners of awards are chosen annually based on receiving the highest number of votes from customers who have traveled as well as leading professionals in the industry.
The abundance of beaches make it ideal for sun worshipers looking for an opportunity to relax and enjoy some water activities. There are plenty of resorts located right along the beach providing excellent opportunities for families to stay in luxury while also enjoying the breathtaking views. The waters are pristine and offer a variety of activities including kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and more.
Those looking for a unique experience can embark on a dive into the depths of the ocean and explore the stunning corals and other marine life that inhabit the depths. The warm waters are teeming with tropical fish, colorful corals, eels, seahorses, and more. Certified divers will be able to explore some of the more challenging spots.
The Philippines is no stranger to topping travel and tourism lists, even in the absence of international travel: just this year, some of the country’s top destinations and establishments have been featured in Condé Nast’s Best Island Beaches list, as well as TripAdvisor.com’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Yes, the Philippines has been consistently voted a must-visit destination thanks to its pristine white sand beaches, diverse cultural attractions, and thriving nightlife. Its warm climate, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals make it a popular destination for international travelers. The country’s top destinations include Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao Island. Tourists can explore the vast Mayon Volcano, the colonial streets of Vigan, the islands of Bohol and Camiguin, or the bustling city of Manila.
Diving, surfing, ziplining, and trekking are just a few of the many adventure activities available, along with kayaking and bird watching. Furthermore, the Philippines is home to some of the world’s finest beach resorts and spa establishments. With its wide selection of attractions, the Philippines offers something for everyone.
Philippine Diving Spot
Some of the best diving in the world can be found in the Philippines, where divers can encounter everything from whale sharks and dugongs to manta rays and octopuses. In addition, the Philippines is home to a number of natural parks, including the Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro, which is home to the world’s second-largest coral reef.
1. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – Highest Biodiversity
2. Anilao, Batangas – Best Muck Diving
3. Dauin, Dumaguete – All-In-One Luxury Destination
4. Moalboal, Cebu – Mind-Blowing Sardine Baitball
5. Puerto Galera, Mindoro – Beautiful Beaches + Diverse Dives
6. Anda, Bohol – Bohol’s Hidden Gem
7. Malapascua, Cebu – Thresher Sharks + Macro
8. Coron Bay, Palawan – Easy WWII Wreck Diving
9. Other Great Places in the Philippines like Boracay, Leyte, and Cabilao Island.
Philippines’ best diving season
The Philippines enjoys relatively dry, hot, and humid weather from November to May, known as the dry season. This time of year is peak tourist season in the Philippines and is widely regarded as the ideal time to go scuba diving there. While diving is possible throughout the year in the Philippines, some locations and species of marine life are only visible during specific times of the year or at specific times of the year depending on the weather.
During the wet season, which typically occurs between May and October, the majority of the best dive sites are still accessible, the waters are warmer, and there are fewer divers. During the rainy season, especially from July to September, typhoons are a possibility. However, this is extremely unusual, and the vast majority of dive sites remain unaffected. You shouldn’t let that deter you from visiting the Philippines in the summer.
If you’re planning a summer trip to the Philippines, you might want to double-check the forecast and get the latest information on weather and diving conditions from a travel advisor or dive operator. In the event that it rains, make sure you have an umbrella and a light jacket with you.
The summer typhoon and rainy season in the Philippines cause many scuba divers to avoid the country. The truth is that rain is extremely erratic in tropical countries, and you might be surprised to find that some days during this “rainy” season are bright and sunny. In addition, there are fewer divers in the area during these months, so many of the more well-known dive sites will be less crowded.
Considering the average water temperature across the country is between 79-88˚F (24-31˚C) all year round, a full wetsuit of 3-5 mm in thickness is sufficient. In the dry “winter” months of January through March, the waters are at their coldest, while in the middle of the year, they are at their warmest.
When traveling during the winter, it’s always wise to bring an extra hoodie and shark skin, especially if you’re going somewhere that may experience thermoclines.
HOW TO GET TO THE PHILIPPINES
Manila International Airport (MNL) and Cebu International Airport (CEB) are the two primary hubs for international travel in the Philippines.
From the United States, you can fly to Manila nonstop on Philippine Airlines or any of several other excellent airlines, such as Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong) or EVA Air (Taiwan). The three aforementioned carriers all provide nonstop or one-stop flights between the United States and Cebu.
The United Kingdom and Europe can reach Cebu and Manila via EVA Air and Cathay Pacific, which both offer nonstop flights from major European cities. If you’re a British citizen looking for a good airline, I recommend Cathay Pacific. Emirates also provides service to both of these destinations, though a layover in Dubai will add several hours to the total journey time.
You’re so lucky to be in Asia! From major Asian hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and elsewhere, there are many direct flights to both Manila and Cebu. There are a variety of airlines to pick from, including budget options like AirAsia. The Philippines is an excellent destination for a scuba diving vacation.
