Tubbataha Reef, Marine national park in Palawan, Philippines.
Tubbataha Reef is a marine national park in the Sulu Sea featuring two large atolls and the Jessie Beazley Reef surrounded by extensive coral formations. The system spans a vast underwater landscape where corals and marine life thrive in deep channels and open waters.
The reef was established as the first marine national park of the Philippines in 1988 under President Corazon Aquino. This founding marked the beginning of official protection for the region and its eventual recognition as a World Heritage site.
The name comes from Sama-Bajau language, rooted in how local seafarers understood the coral formations and their environment. The region continues to hold meaning for maritime communities who have long relied on these waters.
Access is only possible by liveaboard boat during the diving season from March to June when weather allows safe exploration. Visitors should check current boat options and weather patterns before planning their trip.
The reef is home to shark species rarely seen in other Asian coral systems, making it a global hotspot for these predators. This concentration of sharks reflects the reef's exceptional health and the success of its protection efforts.
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