Anilao, a resort village in Mabini, Batangas is considered the summer mecca of diving fanatics. The resort offers accommodations and diving facilities, plus the services of training clubs that provide courses on diving.

Situated in the southeast area of Batangas province, Anilao may be reached within three hours from Manila through public buses or jeepneys. From Anilao, one can start diving from the shore or go in bancas to nearby islands. Among them is Sombrero (Hat) Island, a marine preserve where sports activities are regulated.

Other dive spots in this side of Batangas are Mapating Rock at Maricaban Island, Caban Cove and Layag Layag Point.

Like other towns along the coast of the island of Panay, Anilao was founded by a group of fishermen during the pre-Spanish period. Its name was derived from the Anilao tree (Scientific name-Columbia Polyandria Anilao), which grows abundantly along the banks of the Anilao river. This tree has economic value to Anilaonons then. Its bark is excellent for pounding into “bark cloth”. It is also good as container for: tapucal” – an aromatic method of preserving krill, which is inherently Anilaonon. Its “banlot” is alos good rope making.
The former town site was along the western bank near the mouth of Anilao. The thick mangrove forest in the swamp bordering the mouth of the river provided fishing boats a good shelter during typhoons. Accessibility to the sea and the farms seemed to be the reason behind this town site.
Religious history antedated political history by as much as forty two years as far as recorded history of Anilao is concerned. In 1714, Anilao was already mentioned as a “visita” in the archives of the Order of Saint Augustine while the first Gobernadorcillo, Don Juan Pagdalanon, was appointed and served in 1756. However this should not be taken to mean that Anilao has no political history before 1756.