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Diving the Hidden Underwater Paradise of Tincasan Island

Sugbu Diver

1/9/20253 min read

Introduction

After the excitement of Day 1, we were all looking forward to Day 2 of our dive adventure in Biliran. The weather was perfect, and with our gear ready to go, we met at Agta Beach Resort at 9 a.m. on January 3. Aquanyox was already there, enjoying the morning breeze on the swing. Melo, ever the gracious host, had prepared everything for us. He had already stationed the boat on the other side of Talahid, where there were no tidal flats, and loaded all our gear from the previous day into the boat. This meant we could get an earlier start on our dives today.


1st Dive – Pesing’s Garden at Tincasan Island

The boat ride was smooth, and Melo, as always, briefed us about the dive site. He shared that he named this special site after his grandmother, calling it “Pesing’s Garden.” The moment we descended into the waters, we were greeted by a vibrant world of corals that seemed to cover every inch of the stone walls and rock formations. The colors were so vividly mixed—pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows—it truly felt like we were gliding through a magnificent garden of flowers, only this one was underwater.

We swam slowly, savoring the beauty of this hidden gem. As we explored, we came across various marine creatures, including a Flabellina nudibranch, a curious sea turtle, and even a sea snake. This dive was particularly special to me, as it was in my hometown, Kawayan, and I had never imagined there would be such an incredible underwater site just off the coast.

Dive Highlights:

  • Lush coral gardens that felt like an underwater paradise.

  • Close encounters with a sea turtle, sea snake, and nudibranchs.

  • The surreal beauty of the vibrant underwater flora.

After a little over an hour, we surfaced, all of us equally amazed by what we had just witnessed. It was truly a beautiful and unforgettable dive.


Surface Interval – Bat Cave Adventures

After our first dive, we had a surface interval in front of a small bat cave, where we enjoyed lunch and coffee. Melo entertained us with folklore about the cave, telling stories of large snakes that once lived inside and how there were mysterious holes that supposedly led directly to Mt. Panamao. It was a fascinating and eerie place to pause and reflect before heading back into the water for our second dive.


2nd Dive – Bat Cave and Rock Formations

For our second dive, we ventured closer to the cave entrance. The rock formations here were just as captivating, covered with soft, colorful corals that created an otherworldly effect. But the most intriguing part of this dive was swimming into the cave itself. As we descended, the water was littered with bat droppings, and hundreds, if not thousands, of bats clung to the ceiling above us. It was a surreal experience—one I had to be careful not to look up or open my mouth to avoid any mishaps with the bat droppings.

After exploring the cave, we continued to roam the surrounding rock formations, where we encountered strong side and up currents, a challenge that added a thrilling aspect to the dive. Despite the currents, the visibility remained good, and the underwater scenery made it all worth it.

Dive Highlights:

  • Exploring the bat cave and the eerie experience of swimming in bat droppings.

  • Beautiful rock formations surrounded by soft corals.

  • Fun challenges posed by the side and up currents.

Conclusion

Our second dive day in Biliran was another unforgettable chapter in our adventure. From the vibrant, almost unreal corals of Pesing’s Garden to the eerie bat cave with its fascinating rock formations, Biliran’s underwater world never ceased to amaze.

Not only was the diving incredible, but the boat ride back to Agta was just as beautiful. With clear blue waters beneath us and lush green forests along the coastline, it was the perfect way to wrap up a day filled with marine wonders.

If you're looking for your next dive destination, Biliran should be at the top of your list. Reach out to Agta Beach Resort for an unforgettable dive experience, and don’t forget to follow Sugbu Diver for more breathtaking underwater photos and adventures.

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