Anilao

Anilao, in Batangas province about three hours' drive south of Manila, is the birthplace of recreational diving in the Philippines and one of the world's great macro destinations. Its slopes and black-sand sites are packed with nudibranchs, frogfish, pygmy seahorses, blue-ringed octopus and rare critters, and blackwater night dives reveal larval fish and strange drifting creatures. Because it is so close to Manila, Anilao is a favourite weekend escape for city divers as well as international photographers, and many resorts have dedicated camera rooms and photo-pro guides. Dive resorts line the Mabini peninsula, and most sites are only minutes away by bangka boat.