Tawala Sanctuary sits just offshore from Alona Beach on Panglao Island, a gradual reef slope that was once an outstanding coral garden of Acropora and table corals. Typhoon damage in 2012 left the reef with significant broken coral, and it is still in recovery, but the fractured substrate has become excellent habitat for cryptic and camouflage species that are the site's main draw today. The sanctuary is most productive on night dives when activity levels peak, bringing out nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, frogfish, and abundant crustaceans across the slope. During the day the wall sections hold surgeonfish and yellowtail barracuda, and cuttlefish and moray eels occupy the crevices. The shallow depth and calm conditions make it well suited to beginner divers and those building comfort on their first dives, and the macro diversity makes it a favourite for underwater photographers.