Tubbataha Reef, Philippines

Tubbataha Reef is located just about in the center of The Sulu Sea with the islands of Palawan to the west and Panay, Negros and Mindanao to the east. It is nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition The almost 33,250 hectare site was acknowledged a National Marine Park in 1988 and a World Heritage Site in 1994. It is nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition. The plunging here is measured some of the best in the world.

The reef lies 182 km southeast of Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan Island and it is only available by live-aboard boats which can be found in Puerto Princesa itself. Despite its detachment, the reef is now tremendously popular with audacious divers, so early booking of a live-aboard craft is advised to avoid displeasure.

Tubbataha is made up of two reefs, basically referred to as the North and South Reefs or Islets, that are divided by 4 nautical miles of water with adjoining pits that descend to around 1,200 meters. The North Reef is 4-5 km wide and totally includes a sandy lagoon. The reef is superficial and some of it is naked at low tide. The South Reef is 1-2 km large and also encloses a lagoon. On the southern angle is an atoll with a lighthouse. This is used as a rookery for birds and is repeated by turtles.

Every year many foreigners visit Philippines to see this awesome reef.Local people also go there in their leisure times.