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THE WONDERS OF PHILIPPINE SEA:

By M. Arlene Rafiq

Editor's Note: To see more of Rafiq's photos and learn more about them, be sure to click on the link below to take a tour of Rafiq's images.

An archipelago consisting of over 7100 islands that stretch from the south of China to the northern tip of Borneo, the Philippines offers something extraordinary in addition to the warm hospitality and cultural diversity of its seventy million people. The Philippines is endowed with an exotic marine ecosystem that is comparable to the most renowned in the world. More than five hundred species of hard and soft corals plus 21,000 of the 100,000 known species of shellfish are found in Philippine waters. Divers commonly see sharks, moray eels, octopuses and sea snakes, along with innumerable species of fish such as jack, tuna, grouper, and lion fish. If this variety doesn’t stir up a diver’s anticipation, then what does?

Despite the reality of typhoons and monsoons, the Philippines has become a favorite destination for amateur and seasoned divers as well as snorkelers. Philippine dive sites offer incredibly clear visibility year round, an advantage that's hard to beat. Four main locations in the Philippines that are highly recommended for diving and underwater photography include Batangas, Mindoro Island, Cebu Island and the Sulu Archipelago.

In addition to being popular for its beautiful beaches, Batangas possesses some of the best dives in the Philippines. Its proximity to Manila has made the province the diving center of Luzon. However, the current in Batangas Bay can be treacherous at times; hence, a local dive master is a must. Two favorite divesites at Batangas are Bonito Island and Balahibong Manok Island. Surrounding both islands are shallow ledges at three to eight meters, a rich supply of both soft and hard corals, and plenty of reef fish. Between these two islands lies an underwater hot spring, which is a natural wonder. This location is also a fish feeding area and a good spot for viewing sharks.

One of the favorite destinations at Mindoro Island of the western Philippines is Puerto Galera or "Port of Galleons." The dive sites here are close together; the farthest is only twenty minutes by boat from the dive huts. One of the most beautiful sites is called "Hole in the Wall." Submerging to twenty-five meters, a diver will notice a reef with a hole in it that's big enough for a diver and his equipment to pass through. Swimming inside is like sitting ringside at a beauty contest of colorful and unusual species of fish. The south side of the hole is a premier site that's particularly rewarding for night macrophotography because of the excellent variety of life. Not only is Mindoro known for excellent diving, it's also the only region in the world where the smallest buffalo called tamaraw exists.

Another island that boasts fantastic dive sites is Cebu, famous for its fine sandy beaches, ancient forts, exciting nightlife, and friendly, hospitable people. The small town of Moalboal is probably the best place for serious divers to set up base camp. From Moalboal, a brief but bumpy and dusty ride brings you to Panagsama Beach. Designed with diving tourists in mind, the ambience is relaxed, quiet, and relatively uncrowded compared to Puerto Galera. Some places offer equipment rental and guides for independent divers who arrive on their own.

A twenty minute boat-ride brings visitors to Pescador Island. Night divers love to frequent Pescador because of the Spanish Dancers, snail-like creatures that have lost their shells. They are strikingly colored and normally wander at night. If touched or gently picked up, they begin to "dance"--a wild, wavy movement of body and surrounding skirt. While it's a delightful sight, this movement is thought to be a warning display before the emission of concentrated poisons. Divers can also follow a path to the opening of the Pescador Cathedral, an undersea pattern resembling a funnel that drops thirty-five meters.

In the southwestern part of the country are Palawan and the Sulu Archipelago. Combined with Borneo, they enclose the Sulu Sea. Underneath the deep and vast Sulu Sea waits an aquatic ledge which lies parallel to Palawan and the Sulu Archipelago. From this ledge rises one of the world’s best geologic formations of coral islands. Besides the spectacular coral scenery, there are splendid migrations of large fish such as tuna, barracuda, jacks, sharks, and mantas, as well as sea animals such as sea turtles.

Dive sites in the Philippine Sea have always offered enchantment. The clear, blue ocean, white sandy beaches, and luscious greenery attract tourists as well as diving aficionados. However, the lure of myriad underwater creatures of all shapes, sizes, and colors imaginable has proven to be irresistible to snorkelers, divers, and underwater photographers.

Take the tour. See more of Abdulla Rafiq's underwater photos and learn more about each image.

About the photographer:

Long before my husband, Abdullah Rafiq, ventured into underwater photography, he was already addicted to diving. He admits that there are more than a dozen topnotch underwater photographers in the world, and to compete in their field is not piece of cake. Knowing my husband, either he will meet his own expectations or he will abandon the idea. I have discovered that he is in competition with himself.

What makes underwater photography so difficult is the site, the mood of the ocean, the surrounding reef, and the unpredictable nature of creatures underwater. Adding to all these challenges, trying to approach elusive subjects while carrying a camera and strobe can turn a supposedly joyous adventure into a sometimes torturing experience. Only when I see my husband coming out of the water with his never-ending stories of the beauties he saw, can I realize that he went to another world and came back. He describes underwater photography as being like hunting. You have to find your prey, stalk him, keep your cool, and--at the last minute--you capture the shot that you wanted.

Abdulla Rafiq also runs Lenscape Photography Workshops.