Anilao City
Batangas seaside village renowned for scuba diving
Anilao draws divers from Manila for macro photography and muck diving: reef walls, critter-filled sand patches and a dense cluster of small dive resorts. Weekenders come for easy boat access, night dives and instructors who know where the rare nudibranchs hide.
86°F
Why Visit Anilao?#
Anilao attracts underwater photographers and divers for its rich macro life and easily accessible coral walls at sites like Sombrero Island and Cathedral. Small dive resorts and colorful bancas make liveaboard experiences informal and social, and freshly caught seafood and kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) are part of the appeal. It’s a place to deepen diving skills, watch macro critters, and enjoy relaxed coastal hospitality between dives.
Best Things to Do in Anilao#
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Anilao Bucket List#
Cathedral Rock dive site - Well-known Anilao underwater formation popular with divers for coral and swim-throughs.
Twin Rocks dive site - Close reef area favored for macro life and easy shore entries.
Anilao Marine Protected Area - Protected coastal zone with multiple marked dive sites and snorkeling spots.
Mainit Point - Shallow, warm dive site known for nudibranchs and macro photography opportunities.
Small local dive shops - Family-run operators offering guided dives, rentals, and personalized instruction.
Sunset viewpoint at Barangay Masasa - Quiet hillside spot watching fishermen and colorful Anilao sunsets over the bay.
Taal Volcano / Tagaytay - Popular day trip for volcano viewpoints, crater lake vistas, and lakeside restaurants.
Balayan Bay beaches - Nearby coastal towns offering beachside resorts and seafood restaurants for relaxation.
Best Time to Visit Anilao#
Best time to dive Anilao is the dry season (November-April) when visibility is highest and seas are calm. Typhoon months (June-December) bring rough water and heavier rain - plan accordingly.
November - April
26 - 30°C (79 - 86°F)
Crystal-clear waters, excellent visibility, and calm seas-prime diving and macro photography conditions with comfortable humidity and sun; bring reef-safe sunscreen and book boat slots early.
May - October
25 - 30°C (77 - 86°F)
More frequent rain and lower visibility on some days, but many dives are still excellent; expect afternoon showers and greener landscapes.
June - December
25 - 30°C (77 - 86°F)
Occasional typhoons can cancel boat trips and reduce visibility; flexible itineraries and travel insurance are essential during these months.
Anilao's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (2083 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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April
April is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (214 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (322 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (213 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (226 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (277 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (240 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Anilao#
Anilao can refer to several Philippine localities; the two most-visited are Anilao (Batangas) near Manila and smaller Anilaos in Visayan provinces. Access depends on which Anilao you mean: Manila (MNL) plus a road transfer serves Anilao, Batangas; regional airports serve other Anilao locations. Verify which Anilao you plan to visit before booking connections.
Iloilo International Airport (ILO): The usual entry point for Anilao (Mindoro? note: there are multiple Anilaos - confirm you mean Anilao, Batangas or Anilao, Iloilo) is Iloilo International Airport if you’re visiting Anilao in Iloilo province. From ILO, onward travel is by road; typical driving times depend on exact Anilao location.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL): If your Anilao is the popular dive destination in Batangas province south of Manila, arrive at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International (MNL). From MNL the drive to Anilao, Batangas is roughly 2-3 hours depending on traffic; options include private transfer, bus to Batangas City then short taxi/jeepney hop, or private car rental.
Train: There is no direct national passenger rail link to most Anilao locations; rail service in Luzon does not reach Batangas/most provincial coastal towns for direct passenger travel.
Bus / Coach: For Anilao, Batangas: take a provincial bus bound for Batangas City or Lemery from Manila terminals (Buendia or Alabang), then transfer to a local jeepney or tricycle to Anilao; bus travel times from Manila to Batangas City are around 2-3 hours and fares typically range PHP 150-300 on standard provincial buses. For other Anilao locations, check the relevant provincial bus routes and transfer points.
How to Get Around Anilao#
Which Anilao you mean matters. For Anilao, Batangas (the popular dive spot) fly into Manila and take a private transfer or provincial bus plus a short local ride. For other Anilaos, use the nearest regional airport and local surface connections; local boats handle in‑water access.
- Private transfer / taxi (PHP 2,500-5,000 (one‑way, private car)) - From Manila, private transfers or taxis are the most convenient for reaching Anilao, Batangas (drive ~2-3 hours from NAIA depending on traffic). Private transfers remove the need to change vehicles and are practical for dive gear or groups.
- Provincial bus + local jeepney (PHP 150-300 (bus)) - Cheaper travel involves taking a provincial bus from Manila terminals to Batangas City or to towns near Anilao, then switching to a jeepney/tricycle for the final leg. Bus fares Manila→Batangas are commonly PHP 150-300; add small jeepney fares for the last few kilometres.
- Car rental (PHP 2,000+/day) - Renting a car in Metro Manila gives flexibility to reach Anilao and nearby dive sites at your own pace; be prepared for heavy Manila traffic and limited parking at some dive resorts. Daily rates vary widely by supplier.
- Ferry / boat (local) (Operator-dependent) - For island Anilaos (if applicable) local boat transfers or bangkas are used to reach dive sites and nearby islands. Prices and schedules depend on the resort/operator and are typically arranged locally.
- Tricycle / jeepney (local last mile) (PHP 10-50) - Short local hops from bus terminals or town centres to beachfront resorts are commonly done by tricycle or jeepney; inexpensive but not luggage-friendly. Negotiate or confirm fare up front.
- Walking - Most dive resorts and beachfront stretches in Anilao are compact and easily navigated on foot once you’ve reached your accommodation; walking is the primary way to move around small resort areas.
Where to Stay in Anilao#
Main dive cluster / Mabini coast - $20-60/night
Anilao is a dive-focused village with small guesthouses and budget dive lodges. Expect simple rooms close to dive operators and shared facilities.
Buyao / Anilao beachfront - $60-140/night
Several mid-range dive resorts offer comfortable rooms, gear storage, and on-site dive shops. Options fill quickly during dive season, so reserve in advance.
Anilao waterfront and coves - $150+/night
A few higher-end dive resorts provide private rooms, fine dining, and dedicated dive guides, but true luxury is limited compared with larger island resorts.
Where to Eat in Anilao#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Anilao’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Anilao#
Shopping in Anilao is focused on dive shops, small convenience stores (sari‑sari) and resorts selling snorkeling/diving gear, basic supplies and souvenirs. There is no large shopping district; for broader shopping head to Batangas City or Lipa. Fresh seafood and locally caught fish are commonly available at markets and resorts.
Nightlife in Anilao#
Nightlife is quiet and revolves around resort bars and dive‑shop social nights. Many dive resorts host informal gatherings, BBQs and occasional live music after sunset. There are few standalone nightclubs; evenings are typically relaxed and geared to divers and small groups.
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