12-Aug-2016 -- The 12N 120E confluence is a must for divers and beach-lovers because it is situated just off the coast of the famous Busuanga Island in the Calamian group of islands. About half-way between the small Sta. Monica Island and the promontory in brgy. Sto. Nino (Dipuyai) in Busuanga Town, the degree confluence should be an easy find - though a boat is required to get there.

The visit was part of a whole-day island hopping adventure that shown us the different aspects of island living.

Our first stop was the land-claim of one of the confluence visitor, Mr. Jonathan dela Cruz, in the beautiful but wild Marily Island in Culion Town. We had a delicious picnic lunch on board Mr. dela Cruz' motorized banca (M/BCA JAY-ANNE) before exploring the mangrove forest of Marily Is.

The route to our next stop, the Japanese gunboat wreck off the southern tip of Lusong Island in Coron Town, took us tantalizingly close to the confluence site that we decided to make a try. The weather was not really ideal for a visit because of the gale-force south-westerly (habagat). But the tide and the weather gave us a window for a successful visit - closest approach of within 20 meters and a recorded approach of within 30 meters - the best we can do given the rough seas.

For future visitors, the ideal time to go to the confluence is during summer when the seas are calmer and when the visitors can enjoy more the stunning dive sites around the confluence.

The Lusong Wreck was breath taking with its friendly fishes, coral formations, and of course the wreck - which is just a few feet below the tide.