Some of my favourite dives in the Philippines are found at Balicasag Island, a short banca ride from Alona Beach on Panglao Island. I have friends who live there so I am able to follow their dive exploits on social media, Balicasag Island still rates as one of the Philippines best dive sites.

Naturally, due to the popularity of the area, the changes have been immense, the beach is now fairly developed. While my last trip to Balicasag Island failed to yield any barracuda sightings, the jacks were still schooling on the vertical wall so I was happy with that – I will be back for sure.