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.
Location: Palawan
Website: http://tubbatahareef.org
GPS coordinates: 8.95333,119.86750
Latest update: December 6, 2025 15:00
The Philippines display rice terraces in Ifugao mountains, coral reefs in Tubbataha National Park, and cave systems in Samar. Mayon Volcano shows its geometric shape, while Chocolate Hills of Bohol extend across the landscape. White sand beaches line the coasts of Boracay and Palawan.
The Philippines is an archipelago where nature shows off in every direction. Each island has its own character. You can find white sandy beaches that stretch for kilometers, coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, and lagoons where the water is so transparent you can see straight to the bottom. The islands also have something more dramatic to offer: towering limestone cliffs, underground caves, and volcanic peaks. When you travel between these islands, you discover places where people still farm rice on hillsides carved into terraces generations ago, and towns that blend Spanish colonial buildings with modern life. Marine parks protect the underwater world, while national parks safeguard dense forests, waterfalls, and geological wonders. Whether you visit Palawan with its limestone landscapes, Siargao with its famous waves, Boracay and Cebu with their developed beaches and resorts, or Bohol with its rolling cone-shaped hills, each destination offers something different. The archipelago tells the story of the Philippines through its landscapes, from the ocean floor to the highest peaks, and through the communities that have made their homes among these islands for centuries.
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