Located right in the middle of Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a marine and bird sanctuary consisting of two huge atolls, covering more than 97,000 hectares. It is a world-renowned scuba diving site, as it is home to more than 1200 marine species.
For those of you planning to experience the splendor of this natural attraction, now is the right time to do it because optimal conditions for clear skies, calm seas, and a 30-40 meter visibility may be had from now until mid-June.
What awaits you once you get there? Schools of tropical fish, turtles, and reef sharks swim over massive coral walls that descend more than 100 meters down. More than 600 species of fish, 360 species of coral, 100 species of seabirds, and 13 types of dolphins and whales coexist in this underwater playground.
How has the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park avoided the bleached-out fate of other reefs in the Coral Triangle? There are two answers.
Firstly, the reef’s remote location in the middle of the Sulu Sea, southeast of Banwa Private Island, puts it far from irresponsible and careless fisherfolk. Secondly, a Filipina, Angelique Songco, has stood up for its protection since she first dived at the reef as an instructor 40 years ago.
Although by that time the reef had already been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, she personally witnessed fishermen using dynamite and cyanide for fishing while gathering turtle and bird eggs. She was so distressed that in order to rectify the situation, she worked her way up to become the Director of the Tubbataha National Park Management Board. Thanks to her passionate efforts, alongside her band of committed ex-army officers, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park has not only survived but is now one of the best dive sites in the world.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is accessible from Puerto Princesa by private yacht or when booking a live-aboard dive boat. Due to its remote location, a minimum of three nights and four days is needed for an authentic Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park dive experience.
While you’re in that part of the country, you might just want to complete your once-in-a-lifetime “nature’s bounty” experience by booking yourself at the Banwa Private Island nearby. Six hectares of lush, verdant landscaping and pristine white sand beaches provide a perfect environment for nature to thrive. The island is a sanctuary for an incredibly rich and diverse number of flora and fauna species.
Banwa Private Island’s strong links to the local community and its intrinsic connection to the ocean provided the inspiration for its name. The culture and philosophies of the Tagbanwa people are strongly reflected in the overall ethos of this luxury destination.
More information on your planned dive excursion at the exciting Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, or on a perfect private island R&R at the Banwa Private Island is available at mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864 or through reservations@banwaprivateisland.com
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.
