Bunaken Vs Malapascua

[silent running]

Hello to all those who have been to one or both destinations. I'm interested in your experiences regarding the health of the flora and fauna, and which has the most intact food chain all the way up, including sharks. Also, generally speaking, were you impressed by the numbers of fish? Accommodations, food, dive operators, etc are not of interest at this point, just interested in diving experiences. Thanks in advance!

 

[Tippytoes12]

There are way more medium to big sized fish in Bunaken than in Malapascua. The coral is wonderful along the wall and the reef top. There are lots of turtles and some white and black tips. We stayed with Bunaken Cha Cha and loved it.

However Malapascua is extremely good for macro , flamboyants , loads of nudis etc. etc. . And there are a lot more sharks in Malapascua , theshers on Monad Shoal almost guaranteed and white tips in the caves on Gato. There is always the chance of mantas and hammerheads. There is also a wreck and undersea mounds covered in soft corals , so very varied diving is available.

We found far less rubbish on the dives in the Philippines than in Bunaken and getting to Malapascua from your international flight is a lot easier than to Bunaken.

Both are fabulous , have a good trip.

 

[Centrals]

Both places are excellent in diving but Malapascua has thresher shark.