Dive photos of the Coron Wrecks
PALAWAN Islands Philippines.

Palawan is one of the Philippines' last frontiers - still relatively undeveloped, it offers spectacular landscapes, world-class diving and a wildlife that has more in common with nearby Borneo than that of the other Philippine islands. Borneo and Palawan would have been connected by a land bridge during the last Ice Age.

The Coron Wrecks

Busuanga is the largest island in the Calamian Group, covering some 900 square miles. The island is home to a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary, as well as being the pathway to some truly outstanding dive sites. Fishing, farming and cottage industries are the main activ¬ities of the islanders although the improvement of travel links to the island is now showing results and Busuanga is gradually receiving tourists.

The World War II wrecks around Busuanga Island, particularly in Coron Bay, have been one of Philippine diving's best-kept secrets. Here is a condensed version of Truk Lagoon in the Caroline Islands, Micronesia - a legendary (and, unfortunately, expensive) destination among divers for its large concentration of World War II Japanese wrecks. Admittedly the Coron sites are not easy to get to and accommodation is limited, but the area is rewarding to visit and prices are reasonable. The visibility is not brilliant, but the wrecks are not that deep and the currents not that strong, though it is always best to choose neap tides and, if possible, slack water.

Twelve wrecks have so far been located in diveable depths, though those nearest to the Busuanga mainland suffer from poor visibility due to water runoff and plankton bloom. Most of the wrecks are long day trips from Coron Town, and some are best treated as an overnight trip, so you are not likely to dive here in really bad weather, though you can dive quite happily in heavy rain. The deeper wrecks have many fishing nets caught on them, so approach these with care.

Early research on some of these vessels was done by wreck expert Brian Homan. More recently, in 1993-4, Peter Heimstaedt and Mike Rohringer from Germany did exten-sive research both on the wrecks themselves and in Japan, through the Military History Department of the Japanese National Institute for Defence Studies in Tokyo. Heimstaedt, a former officer in the Federal German Navy, is currently writing up this research.

The scenery of Coron Island's limestone cliffs and tiny isolated beach coves is spectacular, as is that around its freshwater lakes. The diving is not confined exclusively to the wrecks, though these are the reason most divers would come here. Due mainly to typhoon damage, the coral is not that spectacular, but there is some perfect snorkelling to be had where it is good. Areas near to seven pearl farms, a fish farm and lobster farm are patrolled by armed security guards against illegal fishing.

One of the freshwater lakes contains a hot spring and is only a short climb over limestone pinnacles from the sea. In it you find creatures of both salt and fresh water, plus a lone habituated barracuda nearly 1m (40in) long; as you go deep-er, the water gets hotter. There is also a delightful hidden cavern to explore, with an underwater entrance to the sea.

The diving is best from October to May. All access details given in the following site descriptions are from Coron Town.

ORIGIN OF THE CORON WRECKS

In 1944 US Admiral'Bull' Halsey had the task of checking out the Japanese fire-power in preparation for the US landing on Leyte. To find safe passage for an air-craft carrier, he sent reconnaissance aircraft to photograph the Linapacan Strait and the Calamian group of islands. This resulted in a mapping officer noticing that some of the islands were moving about - a camouflaged Japanese fleet had been found. At 0900 hours on 24 September 1944 Task Force 45 carrier-based bombers attacked and sank 24 vessels around Busuanga and Coren Islands.

1. BLACK ISLAND WRECK

Location: The east side of Malajon Island, called Black Island because of its black rocks. The wreck is just off the beach in front of a stranded vessel on the shore.

Access: By banca 3-5hr west to the west side of Busuanga Island. If you are going to dive on other wrecks en route, you can stay overnight at the little resort of Las Hamacas resort.

Conditions: Normally calm with little current, but this area, out in the South China Sea, does not have protec-tion like Coron Bay, so conditions can get rough with fierce currents, You would not normally make this journey in bad conditions, Visibility can reach 20m (65ft).

Average depth: 20m (65ft)

Maximum depth: 32m (104ft)

The origin of this 45m (150ft) coastal vessel is not known. It sits upright but down the sandy slope from the shore, with the bow bottoming at 32m (104ft) and the stern bottoming at 20m (65ft).

Relatively shallow, this dive is great for wreck-diving novices, photographers and night divers,and has plenty of fish, There are many large scorpionfish and lionfish on the superstructure, small shoals of batfish, large shoals of sweepers, snappers, fusiliers and groupers, trumpetfish, Six-banded Angelfish and Emperor Angelfish. The hull has lots of sponges and hydro ids. There are crinoids, although not in the numbers seen elsewhere in the Philippines, The western side of Malajon Island has poor corals but at times of strong currents is good for sighting large pelagic species, including Hammerhead Sharks.

2. TAIEI MARU IOKIKAWA MARU

Location: South of Concepcion village on Busuanga Island, on the outer edge of the Lusteveco Company Pearl Farm. This wreck no longer breaks the surface.

Access: 21/2hr by banca west until south of Concepcion village, on the edge of the buoys of the pearl farm.

Conditions: Normally calm but fierce currents are com-mon. Novices should check the tide tables first and pene-trate the wreck only with an experienced divemaster. Use the shotline for descent and a safety stop on ascent. Visibility 10m (33ft) to 20m (65ft),

Average depth: 16m (52ft)

Maximum depth: 26m (85ft)

An auxiliary oil tanker of the Imperial Japanese Navy Combined Fleet in World War II, this wreck, 168m (550ft) lorlg, 10,045 gross tons, was sunk on 9 October 1944 by US aircraft. Some recent research suggests it may be the Okikawa Maru. In any case it sits almost level, with a slight list to port, pointing 3300 (compass bearing), with the bow broken off in 26m (75ft) of water. The main deck is at 16m (52ft). A good wreck for penetration and wreck-diving courses, it has everything, including good corals (very large lettuce corals), sponges and shoals of fish such as fusiliers, snappers and batfish, plus the ubiquitous lionfish and scorpionfish.

3. AKITSUSHIMA

Location: Between Lajo Island and Manglet Island, south of Concepcion village on Busuanga Island.

Access: 21hhr west by banca,

Conditions: Normally calm but with some strong cur-rents. Not a dive for novices. Visibility 10m (33ft) to 20m (65ft)

Average depth: 28m (92ft)

Maximum depth: 38m (125ft)

One of the few true warships among the Coron wrecks (the others were mostly auxiliary vessels), the Akitsushima, sunk on 24 September 1944 by US aircraft, was a flying boat tender, The wreck (148m [487ft] long, 4650 gross tons) lies on its port side pointing 2900 (com-pass bearing) in 38m (125ft) of water, with the starboard side hullat 20m (65ft). The arm of the stern crane used to load and unload the flying boat lies broken to port in 34m (112ft). The main deck is split between this crane and the funnel. There is no sign of the flying boat.

This is an advanced dive due to the depth, The ship can be penetrated with care, but is also good for fish life. Large groupers lurk in the hull and shoals of barracuda, tuna and snapper are found along it.

4. GUNBOAT AT LUSONG ISLAND

Location: The southern end of Lusong Island.

Access: 2hr west by banca. The stern breaks the surface at low tide.

Conditions: Clear, calm, shallow water. Visibility can reach 30m (100ft),

Average depth: 6m (20ft)

Maximum depth: 10m (33ft)

A shallow wreck, lying from the surface to 10m (33ft), this is equally good for snorkelling and wreck photogra-phy, and is often used as a relaxation between main dives. The wreck has been salvaged, and all the top has gone. It is nicely covered with sponges and soft corals, and has many Copperband Butterflyfish, Six-banded Angelfish, pufferfish of all sizes, batfish and various sea cucumbers. The lack of crinoids and sea stars is perhaps surprising. There is also good snorkelling on the reef beside the wreck.

5. UNKNOWN WRECK

Location: Between the northern end of Lusong Island and Tangat Island.

Access: 2 h r west by banca.

Conditions: Normally calm with some current, even in a heavy rainstorm, which I could hear while deep in the wreck. Visibility 10m (33ft) to 20m (65ft).

Average depth: 19m (62ft)

Maximum depth: 25m (80ft)

This Japanese freighter - 137m (450ft) long, 5617 gross tons - was sunk by US aircraft on 24 September 1944. It lies on its starboard side pointing 0500 (compass bearing) in 25m (80ft) of water. The port-side hull is at a shallow-er 12m (40ft). This is a pretty dive. The port-side hull has many large lettuce corals, hydroids, black corals, brown finger sponges with Alabaster Sea Cucumbers wrapped around them, white sponges and sea anemones with clownfish. The fish life includes shoals of small fusiliers, batfish, large groupers, Golden Rabbitfish, damselfish and pairs of Whitecheek Monocle Bream. Be careful when pene-trating the wreck: scorpionfish hide all over it.

6. KOGYO MARU

Location: East of the southeast corner of Lusong Island, south of Site 5.

Access: 2hr west by banca.

Conditions: Normally calm with some current. Visibility 10m (33ft) to 20m (65ft).

Average depth: 28m (92ft)

Maximum depth: 34m (110ft)

A Japanese freighter sunk on 24 September 1944 by US aircraft, this wreck - 158m (520ft) long, 6352 gross tons - lies on its starboard side pointing 2300 (compass bear-ing) in 34m (110ft) of water. The port-side hull is at 22m (72ft). This is a very similar dive to that at Site 5, but deeper, giving you less time to explore the wreck and less light for photography.

7. IRAKO

Location: Southeast of Lusong island.

Access: 2hr west by banca.

Conditions: Normally calm with some strong currents. Visibility 10m (33ft) to 20m (65ft)

Average depth: 35m (115ft)

Maximum depth: 42 m (138ft)

The Iraka is a Japanese refrigerated provision ship, sunk on 24 September 1944 by US aircraft; 147m (482ft) long, 9570 gross tons, the wreck is almost upright, listing about 100 to port in 42m (138ft) of water pointing 2600 (compass bearing). The main deck is at 34m (112ft). Penetration represents an advanced dive due to the depth, but the superstructure is interesting, with soft corals and sponges. Large groupers hover inside the wreck, while lionfish, shoals of barracuda and batfish are outside it.

8. OLYMPIA MARU

Location: West of the southwest end of Tangat Island. Access: 13/4hr west by banca.

Conditions: Normally calm, with light currents that can be strong at spring tides. When I was there conditions stayed calm after a rainstorm. Visibility 8m (25ft) to 15m (50ft).

Average depth: 19m (62ft)

Maximum depth: 25m (80ft)

Yet another Japanese freighter sunk on 24 September 1944 by US aircraft. Some 137m (450ft) long, 5617 gross tons, the wreck lies on its starboard side in 25m (80ft) of water. The port side hull is at 12m (40ft).

It provides a good introduction to wreck diving for novices. There are several large pufferfish, lots of large lionfish and scorpionfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, shoals of batfish, snappers and sweepers, Six-banded Angelfish, Golden Rabbitfish, damselfish and pairs of Whitecheek Monocle Bream and lots of sponges. In good visibility this would be a good wreck for photographers.

9. EAST TANGAT WRECK

Location: Close to the southwest side of Tangat Island. Access: 1112hr west by banca.

Conditions: Shallow calm water. Visibility 8m (25ft) to 15m (50ft).

Average depth: 10m (33ft)

Maximum depth: 22m (72ft)

Believed to be either a tugboat or an anti-submarine craft, this was sunk on 24 September 1944 by US air-craft; 40m (130ft) long, 500 gross tons, it lies listing to starboard down a sandy slope, with the stern at 22m (72ft) and the top of the bow at 3m (10ft), pointing 320' (compass bearing). This small wreck looks as though it has seen some recent salvage work. The water is mostly shallow enough for snorkellers, good for novices and photographers and for relaxation between dives.

There are no corals on the wreck, but there are large lettuce corals beside it. There are angelfish, butterflyfish -particularly Copperband Butterflyfish - and white sponges. Crinoids and sea stars are conspicuous by their absence.

10. CORON ISLAND - FISHING BOAT

Location: A few hundred metres southwest of the entrance cove to the freshwater Barracuda Lake which is midway between Limaa Point and Balolo Poi~t on the northwest face of Coron Island.

Access: 45min south-southeast by banca.

Conditions: Shallow and calm with almost no current. Visibility 10m (33ft) to 25m (80ft).

Average depth: 4-8m (13-25ft)

Maximum depth: 12m (40ft)

There are several dive/snorkel sites here, with a beautiful background of limestone rock formations, and sandy coves for picnics and sunbathing between dives. Most of the sites are shallow coral gardens, one around a limestone pinnacle which rises several metres above the water. Against the point are the remaining ribs and part of the hull of an oldwooden boat, 35m (115ft) long, that go down to 12m (40ft). This is an ideal site for photography, the wreck itself being inhabited by sponges, sea stars, butterflyfish, shoals of fry and shoals of immature barracuda. It is perfect for novices' first dives and also good for night dives.

11. CAY ANGAN LAKE (BARRACUDA LAKE)

Location: 30m (100ft) inland from the centre of the northwest face of Coron Island.

Access: 45min south-southeast by banca to a cove of lime-stone cliffs midway between Limaa Point and Balolo Point on the northwest face of Coron Island. In the centre of the cove the cliffs have a gap at sea level. You climb through this gap for 3m (10ft), turn right and climb easily up lime-stone pinnacles for 8m (25ft), traverse to the right 4m (13ft), then turn left and descend, continuing across two small channels to the entrance to the lake. The rock is sharp, so you will need to wear bootees or sandals.

Conditions: Calm lake, sheltered on all sides. Visibility varies with the mixing of hot and cold water, being 30m (100ft) near the surface but hazy where the water mixes.

Average depth: Whatever you like

Maximum depth: 40m (130ft) plus

This is a unique dive. The turquoise freshwater lake, sur-rounded by spectacular limestone pinnacles, is served by a hot spring. As you move out from the walls and descend, the water gets hotter and hotter. At 30m (100ft) my ther-mometer read 40°C (105°F) and deeper down would have gone even higher. There is little to see in the very hot water, but when you get back to the walls of the lake, a lone habituated barracuda, nearly 1 m (40in) long, will be waiting to be hand-fed.

There is obviously interaction between fresh and salt water around the seaward side, as you can find sea-water species there. As well as the barracuda there are a small shoal of Golden Rabbitfish, some snappers, catfish, several species of shrimp and shellfish.

In 1990, while filming in the lake, Brian Homan and his search company, ASR, found a neolithic campsite, complete with jade axe-heads, at 5m (16ft), and a further site on the upper slope that may be 5000 years old.

12. CORAL GARDEN

Location: A few hundred metres northwest of Calis Point, the south point of Coron Island.

Access: 2hr south by banca.

Conditions: Calm water, by the cliffs and coves at the southwest end of Coron Island. Visibility up to 25m (80ft).

Average depth: Whatever you like

Maximum depth: 40m (130ft) plus

You first enter a beautiful shallow coral garden at 4m (13ft), then go over the drop-off to 40m (130ft) plus. The shallow reef-top is covered with stony, leathery and soft corals, including very large Acropora table corals and some small gorgonians. There are plenty of small reef fish, Linckia sea stars (blue and grey) and anemones with clownfish.

Over the drop-off are more table corals, some fire corals, stinging hydroids, Dendronephthya soft tree corals, whip corals and many small gorgonian sea fans.

13. GUNTER'S CATHEDRAL

Location: Gunter, of Discovery Divers, prefers to keep this secret, but his banca crews know where it is and will soon pass the information on. The entrance is north-northeast of Calis Point on Coron Island, where several undercut limestone cliffs lead to small caves and keyholes. Having found the large cave entrance, the secret is finding a narrow channel in the floor that leads to the Cathedral cavern.

Access: 2hr south by banca to just northeast of Calis Point.

Conditions: Normally calm with good visibility, but clumsy divers or changes in tides can stir up the silt inside making it hard to find the exit. Visibility Om (Oft) to 20m (65ft)

Average depth: 8m (25ft)

Maximum depth: 13.5m (44ft)

This is another unique dive I You swim to a large cavern entrance, over coral-encrusted fallen rocks. The bottom of this main entrance is at 7m (23ft) to 8m (26ft). You then descend an apparently dead-end narrow cleft in the floor of this cavern, find a tunnel at the bottom, continue, through this, admiring the many Spiny Lobsters and cowrie shells, and continue towards a gleam of light ahead. You come out at the bottom of a chamber some 20m (65ft) high and slightly narrower in width.

This 'Cathedral' is beautiful, particularly when shafts of sunlight descend vertically through the water from a large hole in the roof where a large tree grew until it broke through and fell into the chamber. The chamber itself is about one-third full of water, so you can rise to the surface and chat to each other in air.

Finding your way out again can become difficult if the sediment at the bottom of the chamber is stirred up.

14. DELIAN ISLAND - NORTH & SOUTH

Location: Delian Island, 5km (3 miles) east-northeast of Calis Point on Coron Island.

Access: 2hr south by banca.

Conditions: You would come here only in calm condi-tions. Visibility can reach 25m (80ft).

Average depth: 8m (25ft)

Maximum depth: 25m (80ft)

The north and south ends of this island give good snorkelling or shallow diving over coral gardens with many small reef fish and shoals of immature fish.

15. FRAMJEE BANK

Location: 19km (12 miles) east of Bocao Point, the southeast extremity of Busuanga Island.

Access: 21/2hr east by banca. This is a sunken bank in 5m (16ft) of water so it can be rather difficult to find without either a local boatman or GPS (Global Positioning System).

Conditions: You would make this journey only in calm conditions and would expect strong currents. Visibility can reach 30m (100ft).

Average depth: 15m (50ft)

Maximum depth: 40m (130ft) plus

The site begins with a gentle slope of corals to 25m (80ft), where it becomes sand sloping out to infinity. The corals are not too good. This is a dive for when the currents are running and large pelagic species come in to feed. Sharks, tuna, Rainbow Runners and trevallies are common.

16. BROWN ROCKS (BUTULAN ROCKS)

Location: Two brown rocks 50m (163ft) high, 2km (11/4miles) south of Bantac, Calanhayaun and Lubutglubut Islands, 37km (23 miles) southeast of Coconogon Point, which is the northeast point of Busuanga Island.

Access: 3hr journey by banca around the east coast of Busuanga Island.

Conditions: You would make this journey only in calm conditions. Visibility can reach 25m (80ft).

Average depth: 18m (60ft)

Maximum depth: 25m (80ft)

The best diving is on the west, south and east sides of the southern rock, and the best snorkelling on the west side. With coral gardens sloping down to 25m (80ft), the area is a breeding ground for Cuttlefish. There are lots of reef fish and occasionally Hammerhead Sharks.

17. TARA ISLAND - WEST SIDE

Location: Opposite the village on the west side of Tara Island, 7km (41/2 miles) southeast of the Nanga Islands, 29km (18 miles) northeast of Coconogon Point, the northeast extremity of Busuanga Island. .

Access: 4-5hr in an overnight trip by banca around the east side of Busuanga Island.

Conditions: You would make this journey only in calm conditions. Currents are normally light. Visibility can reach 25m (80ft).

Average depth: 20m (65ft) Maximum depth: 30m (100ft)

The corals have been heavily blast-fished, but despite the light currents, pelagic fish are common, including jacks, tuna, trevallies and Spanish Mackerel. Whitetip Reef Sharks are common and Guitar Sharks can be found on the sand. The island houses a Vietnamese refugee camp.

18. KYOKUZAN MARU (DIMILANTA WRECK)

Location: Close to the Club Paradise Resort, which is located on Dimakya Island (also known as Eric's Island after its owner).

Access: By banca from Club Paradise or overnight from Coron Town around the east coast of Busuanga Island to its north coast, southwest of Coconogon Point.

Conditions: Normally calm with medium currents and generally better visibility than the wrecks to the south of Busuanga Island. Visibility is often around 20m (65ft)

Average depth: 30m (100ft)

Maximum depth: 43m (131ft)

A Japanese freighter sunk on 24 September 1944 by US aircraft, the ship (152m [500ft] long, 6492 gross tons) sits almost upright with a 15° list to starboard, pointing 160° (compass bearing) in 43m (131ft) of water. The main deck slopes from 22m (72ft) to 28m (92ft). The wreck is almost intact and easily penetrated, with cars and trucks in the holds. An excellent dive. This site is also known as the Dimalanta Wreck, as it lies close to and in the shelter of Dimalanta Island.

19. DUMUNPALIT ISLAND - SOUTHWEST

Location: The southwest side of Dumunpalit Island, 45km (28 miles) north of Port Carlton.

Access: 5-6hr (in calm conditions) by banca around Busuanga Island.

Conditions: Relatively sheltered. Can be dived all year round if the sea conditions allow boats to reach it. Visibility averages 20m (65ft).

A verage depth: 15m (50ft)

Maximum depth: 25m (80ft)

With a gentle slope from the shore to 25m (80ft), the site is unusual in the area for having pink soft corals. At 25m (80ft) the slope becomes sand with intermittent coral heads, among which groupers and snappers are common. Visiting pelagic species are found on the slope.

Palawan: The Coron Wrecks

How TO GET THERE

The little dirt airstrip on the Yulo King Ranch is served by Air Ads, Asian Spirit, Pacific Air and Sea Air. Checked baggage allowance is 10kg (22Ib) - extra will be charged for.

If you are using Club Paradise/Maricaban Bay Marina Resort, they will meet your flight and transfer you by jeepney to Maricaban Bay or to a 450m (50Oyd) footbridge over a man-grove swamp, followed by a 45mln banca ride to Club Paradise on Dimakya Island.

If you are heading for Coron Town, you board one of the waiting jeepneys for a dusty 45min ride, mostly on dirt tracks. Coron Town

is small. If there are several of you they will drop you at your destination, otherwise you will be dropped in the centre of town, from where you can pick up motorized tricycles.

There are now good ferry connections from Manila, which are useful to divers as

there is no baggage limit or worries about fly-ing after diving. The WG & A Super Ferry 3 leaves from Manila's Pier 4 and takes 12hr, while MBRS Lines leaves from Manila's Pier 8 and takes 14hr. There are also boats from Batangas and Taytay.

WHERE TO STAY

Upper Price Range

Club Paradise on Dimakya Island Euro-Pacific Resorts Inc., Building 4, Celery Road, FTI Complex, Taguig, Manila;
tel 02-8384956/fax 02-8384462
e-mail; clubpara@pworld.net.ph
web site http://www.clubpar.com
A quality resort with landscaped gardens and Calamian Deer on a 19ha (47-acre) island.

Medium Price Range

Maricaban Bay Marina Resort

A cheaper branch of Club Paradise, situated on nearby mainland Busuanga and contacted through the same address.

Sangat Island Reserve Sangat Island, Coron Bay;
e-mail: reservations@sangat.com.ph
web site http://vvww.sangat.com.ph
Eco-tourism beach resort in Coron Bay, with fascinating wildlife including large monitor lizards around the outbuildings.

Lower Price Range

Bayside Divers Lodge at Coron Coron, Busuanga;
e-mail: abcdive@mozcom.com
web site http://www.abcdive.com
On the waterfront, with bar, good restaurant.

Discovery Divers Scuba & Technical Diving Center & Resort Decanituan Island, Barangay 5, Coron;
tel/fax 02-9124868
e-mail: info@ddivers.com
web site http://www.ddivers.com
An island just offshore of Coron Town with a full shuttle service at any time.

Kokos Nuss Coron

Just outside Coron town on the road to the airstrip. Nipa palm huts in a garden setting, with a small restaurant. Sea Dive Center Padi Resort

(Previously Sea Breeze Lodge) Coron; fax 02-8040331;

e-mail: seadive@starnet.net.ph

Bookings through Whitetip Divers, Unit 206, Joncor II Building, 1362 A. Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila;
tel 02-521043; fax 02-5221165
e-mail: info@whitetip.com
web site http://www.whitetip.com
20 rooms in new buildings on the seafront; the cheapest in town. Bar and excellent restaurant.

WHERE TO EAT

You would normally eat at the accommoda-tion you are using.

DIVE FACILITIES

ABC Dive/MY Maribeth ABC Dive Coron, Bayside Divers Lodge, Coron 5316, Busuanga
e-mail: abcdive@mozcom.com
web site http://www.abcdive.com
Live-aboard dive safaris, PADI courses and Nitrox training.

Discovery Divers Scuba & Technical Diving Center & Resort Decanituan Island, Barangay 5, Coron;

tel/fax 02-9124868
e-mail: info@ddivers.com
web site http://www.ddivers.com
Wreck fanatic Gunter Bernert is one of the original local experts, operating since 1989. PADI courses to Assistant Instructor, TDI Technical diving from Nitrox Diver to Advanced Wreck Diver and diving safaris.

Dive Right Coron
e-mail: diveright@mozcom.com
web site http://www2.mozcorn.com/-diving
PADI courses to Advanced Open Water and PADI Nitrox Diver.

Philippine Divers at Club Paradise Euro-Pacific Resorts Inc., Building 4, Celery Road, FTI Complex, Taguig, Manila;
tel 02-8384956/fax 02-8384462
e-mail: clubpara@pworld.net.ph
web site http://www.clubpar.com
An operation of the Philippine Divers Group. PADI courses up to Assistant Instructor and IANTD Nitrox courses. As well as the main Coron dive sites and wrecks, Club Paradise have a number of local dive sites, trips to Apo Reef and one of the best house reefs in the Philippines. Also regular sightings of Dugongs.

Philippine Divers at Las Perl as (EI Rioy Mar) Coron,
e-mail: badjao@pacific.net.ph
web site http://www.dive-info.com/pdc
An operation of the Philippine Divers Group. PADI courses up to Assistant Instructor and IANTD Nitrox courses.

Philippine Divers at Maricaban Bay Marina Resort Euro-Pacific Resorts Inc., Building 4, Celery Road, FTI Complex, Taguig, Manila;

tel 02-8384956/fax 02-8384462
e-mail: clubpara@pworld.net.ph
web site http://www.clubpar.com
An operation of the Philippine Divers Group. PADI courses up to Assistant Instructor and IANTD Nitrox courses. As well as the main Coron dive sites and wrecks, there are a num-ber of local dive sites and trips to Apo Reef.

Sang at Island Reserve Sangat Island, Coron Bay;
e-mail: reservations@sangat.com.ph
web site http://www.sangat.com.ph
PADI courses up to Advanced Open Water and IANTD Nitrox courses.

Scuba Venture Coron
e-mail: sventure@mozcom.com
web site http://www.scubaventure.com.ph
PADI training up to Divemaster level.

Sea Dive Center Padi Resort
(Previously Sea Breeze Lodge) Coron
e-mail: seadive@starnet.net.ph
Bookings through Whitetip Divers, Unit 206, Joncor II Building, 1362 A. Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila;
tel 02-521 043/fax 02-5221165
e-mail: info@whitetip.com
web site http://www.whitetip.com
Run by Jim Goll one of the oldest operators in Coron Town. PADI courses and diving safaris.

DIVING EMERGENCIES

There is a small clinic in Coron Town, but you would be best off returning to Manila:

Makati Medical Center 21 Amorsolo Street, Makati, Metro Manila; tel 02-8159911!fax 02-8195423

A private hospital, considered to be the best.

The nearest recompression chamber is in Manila: AFP Medical Center, V. Lunar' Road, Quezon City, Metro Manila; tel 02-9207183.

LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

Apart from the area's many islands, beautiful sandy coves and striking limestone rock formations, Coron Island has lakes, forests and hot springs. Makinit Hot Springs is one of the best in the Philippines; you can soak in two hot sulphurous pools, then cross 5m (16ft) of beach to cool off in the sea. Lake Abuyok, 110m (360ft) deep, is worth a visit. Coron island also has some Tagbanua - semi nomads of Negrito descent.

On Busuanga, the Yulo King Ranch (40,000ha [99,000 acres]) is the largest cattle ranch in Southeast Asia. There are waterfalls near Concepcion and, at the northwest of the island, Calauit has a collection of African animals plus animals endemic to the Philippines.

At Club Paradise on Dimakya Island, Dugongs are regularly spotted feeding on the sea-grasses off the docking area. After the Dugongs settle down, clients are ferried to the site and allowed into the shallow water. WWF-Philippines are studying the Dugongs and the sea-grasses that they feed on here.