Asian Geographic - 08.2018

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in

1994, Tubbataha Reef is another contender

for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the

World. This remarkably pristine coral reef

in the Sulu Sea comprises two atolls (simply

referred to as the North and South Atoll), a

100-metre reef wall, lagoons and two coral

islands. The iconic and threatened Napoleon

wrasse can be found in these waters, alongside

whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and

tiger sharks. Endangered green turtles and

hawksbill turtles also nest here, and the area

hosts various species of endangered seabirds.

PHILIPPINES

Plunge into One of the

World’s Natural Wonders

WHEN

March to June

WHERE

Tubbataha Reefs

Natural Park

HOW

From Manila Airport, fly to

Puerto Princesa, then it’s

a 10-hour boat ride

EXPERIENCE

DIVING

This precious site in the Coral Triangle,

home to 75 percent of the world’s corals

and 40 percent of the world’s fish species, is

heavily guarded by park rangers day and night.

To conserve the reef, the dive season only runs

for a quarter of the year.

After exploring the waters, indulge in a

feast of lechon, or roasted suckling pig, one

of the country’s most famous dishes. Stuffed

with herbs and vegetables and turned over hot

coals until the skin turns crispy, this culinary

favourite is often enjoyed with thick liver

sauce and a bowl of rice and beans.

above Whitetip reef

sharks swim amid

the corals

top Fish and manta

rays call the Tubbataha

Reef home

PHILIPPINES

Tubbataha Reef