The Philippines has once again been recognised as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, marking its seventh consecutive win at the World Travel Awards (WTA).
The country received the title during the WTA’s Asia and Oceania awards, continuing a run that began in 2019. The 2026 World Travel Awards record confirms the Philippines as the winner, with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand among the other nominees.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco welcomed the recognition, saying it reflects the country’s marine biodiversity as well as the work of communities protecting and promoting dive sites. She also linked the award to the Philippines’ wider efforts in sustainable marine tourism.
For divers, the appeal is fairly easy to understand. The Philippines sits within the Coral Triangle, an area known for its high level of marine biodiversity. Its waters are home to coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, rays and a wide range of smaller marine life.
Marine biologist Dr Wilfredo Licuanan of De La Salle University highlighted the variety found beneath the surface. As he put it, divers can encounter more species at a single Philippine dive site than along entire coastlines elsewhere.
From Tubbataha to Malapascua
The Philippines has plenty of dive locations to choose from, and each offers something different.
In Palawan, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its coral walls and marine life, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays and more than 600 fish species. Its protected status has also helped preserve the reefs, making it one of the country’s best-known diving areas.
Over in Bohol, Balicasag Island is popular for its schools of jacks, sea turtles and steep underwater drop-offs. The site attracts both newer divers and more experienced visitors.
Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro offers another type of experience, with clear waters and opportunities to spot larger open-water species. Meanwhile, Anilao in Batangas has become particularly popular with macro photographers thanks to its abundance of small marine creatures, including nudibranchs.
Cebu also has its own underwater highlight. Malapascua Island is known for early-morning dives where thresher sharks can be seen.
Beyond attracting visitors, diving also supports coastal communities. According to the Department of Tourism, the industry contributes to local livelihoods through businesses such as dive shops, boat operators, guides, resorts and community-run marine sanctuaries.
Frasco said the latest recognition should encourage continued work on infrastructure, safety standards and sustainability programmes. The focus, she noted, is not simply on attracting more divers but also on protecting the marine habitats they come to see.
The Philippines is also looking to reach more long-haul travellers, particularly from Europe and North America, as interest in adventure and sustainable tourism continues to grow.
For Frasco, the message is straightforward: “Our seas are our heritage.” She added that while winning the award is an honour, protecting those waters is the responsibility that comes with it.
