Philippines: world's leading dive destination (?)

[IconJen]

The Philippines was recently hailed as the "World's leading dive destination" by World Travel Awards, besting eight other global dive destinations which were also nominated under the same category. These were: Azores Islands, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Maldives, and Mexico.

For those who have been to and who are still in The Philippines (and of course dove/diving), what can you say to this?

We still win as one: PH named world’s leading dive destination

 

[Luko]

... besting eight other global dive destinations which were also nominated under the same category. These were: Azores Islands, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Maldives, and Mexico.

Without Indonesia or PNG ? ... what a laugh. How about the world best cuisines skipping France and Italy? So bored with those self promoting Awards. The question is more how much they had to pay to list into the contest.

I can't either see the point comparing the Phils (7107 islands) with BoraBora (one island in FP which is not known for its diving quality but for heftily priced hotels, for the least they could have nominated Fakarava or Rangiroa instead of BoraBora, that would have been more appropriate to divers...).

 

[Damselfish]

I’ve rarely seen a best list that made sense, especially with regards to diving. Typically appear to be created by people who have no idea what they’re talking about, driven by marketing and advertising, or both.

The selection criteria for this one are laughable - World Travel Awards: How It Works. Self-nominations?

 

[D_Fresh]

Yeah, could not presume to vouch for the validity (or lack there of) this article. And I certainly haven't been to PNG or dived in Bora Bora.

But what I offer is my personal opinion that the Philippines does offer a great variety of awesome dive sites with a wide range of UW creatures, at pretty good rates. I definitely consider myself lucky to be here....

 

[Blueringocto_73]

The Philippines is great for macro-diversity of species. So many organisms to see in clear warm and comfortable environments for the diver. Convenience to reach most dive sites with a good transportation infrastructure in place. A 'nudi' paradise for sure!

 

[MomZo]

I dove a lot in south-east Asia and always come back to the Philippines as there is definitely some great diving, lovely people and superb scenary, both inland and underwater.

All-in-all, I really think IT IS a world's leading dive destination!

Just looking at the number of messages in each section of the "Asia" sub-forum, Philippines got 2.7x more messages (108k) than Indonesia (40k) and 4.3x more than Thailand (25k)
It is probably not a coincidence!

 

[Efka76]

Puerto Galera is definitely my best diving destination, however, i have dived in Scotland, Philippines, Thailand, Red Sea only. Also, I am a big fan of small sea creatures.

 

[Luko]

Just looking at the number of messages in each section of the "Asia" sub-forum, Philippines got 2.7x more messages (108k) than Indonesia (40k) and 4.3x more than Thailand (25k)
It is probably not a coincidence!

Well since Mexico alone has more messages than the whole of Asia it means it's better diving... Duh.

 

[The Chairman]

The government of the Philippines scares me from going back at this point in my life. The diving was awesome but traveling through Manilla was too dicey. It made Mexico City feel almost homey. Even though I broke a leg there, Fiji was far, far more welcoming to foreigners as are most Caribbean destinations.

 

[pauldw]

The Philippines was recently hailed as the "World's leading dive destination" by World Travel Awards...

Not the eastern north Pacific? Doesn't sound right to me.