Opening Chat

Hello everyone! I'm a travel blogger who's absolutely passionate about diving. Over the years, I've explored diving spots all around the world, and each new dive site never fails to excite me. Today, I'd like to share my diving experiences with you, hoping to help you find your next dream destination.

To be honest, I get super excited every time I prepare for a diving trip. When I'm packing my gear, just thinking about the marine life I'm about to encounter makes my heart race. Even though I've been to many places now, whenever I read about a new dive site, I still get that "Wow, this is so cool!" feeling.

Best of Asia

Raja Ampat Islands: A Paradise for Marine Life

Raja Ampat truly left me jaw-dropped! From my very first visit, I was completely blown away by the underwater world there. Can you imagine seeing countless marine species in one area, from tiny butterflyfish to massive whale sharks? It's truly a visual feast.

I remember one time while I was taking photos underwater, a school of jack fish suddenly swam overhead - it was absolutely spectacular! Hundreds, maybe thousands of fish formed a massive silver vortex, glistening in the sunlight. The corals here are incredibly healthy too, creating colorful underwater gardens.

The best thing about diving here is that you never know what you'll encounter next. It could be an adorable clownfish dancing in an anemone, or a group of manta rays gracefully gliding above you. Every dive is a brand new adventure!

Lembeh: A Macro Photography Paradise

Speaking of Lembeh, I have to mention its amazing tiny creatures. It's like an "alien species museum" underwater! Can you imagine a seahorse the size of your thumb? They're incredibly cute, the way they slowly swim through the water is absolutely adorable.

I love searching for unique creatures in Lembeh, like octopuses, nudibranchs, and various shrimp species. Once, I even found a "walking" anemone! Yes, it was actually moving step by step across the seafloor - what an incredible sight!

Night diving in Lembeh is also exceptional. When you explore the dark waters with your flashlight, you'll discover all sorts of creatures that aren't active during the day. Fluorescent anemones, bioluminescent plankton - it's like being in a fairytale world.

Philippine Highlights

Anilao: A Photographer's Paradise

In Anilao, every shutter press captures something amazing. The biodiversity here is mind-blowing! I once photographed a tiny blue-ringed octopus here, its body gleaming with blue rings like jewels - absolutely beautiful!

The underwater topography is also unique, with various coral reefs and small canyons. Exploring these formations always leads to unexpected surprises. Sometimes you'll find a group of colorful mandarin fish, other times a stonefish hiding among the corals.

Dumaguete and Tubbataha Reef

Tubbataha Reef in Dumaguete is definitely one of the Philippines' most impressive dive sites. The coral walls here rise dozens of meters high - when you look up from underwater, you really feel tiny. Plus, the visibility is excellent, often extending beyond 30 meters.

Here, I frequently see groups of manta rays. They're so graceful when they "fly" through the water! Once, we encountered a group of at least 50 mantas circling above us - an unforgettable sight that I'll remember for life.

American Treasures

Cocos Islands: Encounters with Giant Marine Life

The Cocos Islands are truly a paradise for large marine creatures! The water's a bit cool, but it's totally worth it for those spectacular views. I've seen massive manta rays here with wingspans of several meters - they move through the water like ballet dancers.

Hammerhead sharks are also regular visitors. Once, we encountered a school of at least 30 hammerheads - watching them swim through the deep blue water, their wild beauty is beyond words. The dolphins here are particularly friendly too, sometimes coming to interact with divers.

Cozumel Island: A Vibrant Underwater World

Diving in Cozumel is quite special. The sponges here come in all shapes and sizes, some like giant vases, others like intricate sculptures. The currents can be strong, but they bring nutrients that support the abundant marine life.

The cenote diving here is fascinating too. Imagine diving in an underground cave, surrounded by unique rock formations, with occasional sunbeams piercing through the openings above - it's like being in a magical realm.

Galapagos Islands: A Living Fossil Museum

The Galapagos is truly magical! Many species here are unique, like the Galapagos sea lions that love playing with divers. They'll spin circles in front of you and mimic your movements - it's absolutely adorable.

The water is quite cold though, and the currents can be strong, so it's better to have some experience before attempting these dives. But trust me, seeing these unique marine creatures makes it all worthwhile. You can also see marine iguanas here - they're the world's only marine lizards, and it's fascinating to watch them forage underwater.

Special Experiences

Night Diving in Kona, Hawaii

Night diving is truly a special experience! Kona's night dives are famous for manta ray encounters. Watching these elegant creatures glide through the dark waters under moonlight is absolutely magical.

The nighttime underwater world is completely different from daytime. Many creatures that hide during the day come out to be active, like octopuses and lobsters. Exploring with a flashlight feels like going on an underwater treasure hunt.

USAT Liberty Wreck Diving in Bali

Wreck diving is so cool! The USAT Liberty has been completely claimed by marine life, turning into a massive artificial reef. The hull is covered with various corals and sponges, with schools of fish swimming through the cabins - it's a spectacular sight.

Exploring the wreck is fascinating - you can see various ship facilities and imagine what it looked like when it was sailing. Just remember to be extra careful when entering the cabins and maintain good buoyancy control.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, each dive site has its unique charm, and choosing where to go really depends on personal preference. If you're a beginner, I recommend starting with the Philippines - the dive sites there are relatively easy, and marine life is abundant. Once you're more skilled, you can try the more challenging locations.

Choosing the right season is also important. For example, Tubbataha Reef is best visited from March to June when the water temperature is moderate and visibility is good. For the Galapagos, it's better to avoid the coldest periods, or you'll be shivering constantly.

Lastly, wherever you dive, always prioritize safety and follow diving guidelines. Also, please protect the marine environment so these beautiful underwater worlds can be preserved. Hope to meet you underwater!