Pratas Island, Coral island in South China Sea, Taiwan
Pratas Island is a coral formation in the South China Sea located south of Taiwan. The island has a crescent shape and supports a military airport in the north with a single runway that primarily serves defense operations.
Portuguese sailors named the island the Silver Plate Islands in the 16th century. A merchant ship called Earl Talbot ran aground there in 1800, which remains a notable event in local history.
The island maintains a military garrison with five hundred marines and functions as a strategic point for regional defense operations in Taiwan.
The island is difficult to reach and requires special permission or organized tours for visitors. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, so checking conditions before planning a visit is recommended.
The island became Dongsha Atoll National Park in 2007, establishing Taiwan's first marine protected area. This designation shields coral populations and the marine life that depends on these underwater habitats.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
