Lembeh Compared to Anilao

[mjgoodman]

Hi,

I'm strongly considering a trip to the Philippines in February. I'm debating between Anilao, Dumaguete and Malapascua because I only have ten days. My question is this: how does Anilao stack up against Lembeh? Is Anilao, by itself, a destination dive site like Lembeh? I am a beginning UW Photographer.

I've been incredibly spoiled having dove Raja Ampat, Bali, Komodo, Lembeh and Bunaken. If I'm going to fly across the pacific, I want to make sure the diving is worth it. I'd love to hear from all the "Asia Experts." Thank you.

 

[dirtfarmer]

I can't give you a comparison on Aniao vs Lembeh but I can Dumaguete vs Lembeh.
I did Dumaguete three years ago Lembeh just a couple of weeks ago. Dumaguete:there is of course Apo Island very nice reef diving,great coral habitat and excellent vis.There is also muck diving off Dauin (dumaguete) the muck diving is very good, but a notch below Lembeh. Three years ago the Dauin Pier was quite possibly one of the best muck dives in the world ( some opinions) it was fantastic with muck bottom and great soft coral/sponges on the pier pilings.( the pier has been worked on since I was there and some habitat was damaged) I Loved every dive I did at the Pier. The other muck sites off Dauin are very nice.

I also have done Alona beach it's nice there but no muck. You will have to hear from other people in regards to Anilao and Malapascua ( try on the PPD board).

You are spoiled but you should find the diving in the PI to your liking. In my opinion you could stay in the Dauin area ( Dumaguete) for ten days and mix muck dives and reef dives, and not get bored. The photos ops are many and vary from Macro to Wide angle I just did 8 days in Lembeh and didn't get bored, and I did enjoy the reef type spots there, Lembeh has better muck but Dauin has better reefs. Dauin better better vis than Lembeh but at the time I was in Lembeh the vis was pretty good 10-15m.