The Tubbataha Reef in Palawan is a spectacular natural site. While it is well-known as a top diving spot in the Philippines, it should not be forgotten that it is also considered one of the world’s most pristine coral reefs. As much as the recognition it gets as one of the most outstanding underwater sites, other interesting facts must be known to further uncover the wonders of the Tubbataha Reef. 

 

12 Facts about the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan that Will Amaze You

 

1. Its formation happened a million years ago.

The Tubbataha Reef and its underwater formation took 15 million years to form. It was created from the eruption of undersea volcanoes and eventually became one of the biggest marine ecosystems in the world. 

 

2. Tubbataha means “long reef”.

Tubbataha is derived from the ancient language Sama-Bajau which translates to ‘long reef exposed at low tide.’ Before it became popular, Tubbataha Reef was called Gusong which served as the primary fishing grounds of Cagayanons.

 

3. This reef sustains life.

The Tubbataha Reef helps sustain a high diversity of marine life. It is a habitat of fish and invertebrate larvae that benefit the Sulu Sea and the eastern coastline of Palawan. 

 

4. It is one of the oldest ecosystems in the country.

Aside from providing marine habitat, the Tubbataha Reef is also essential in the process of reproduction, dispersal, and colonization by marine organisms in the entire Sulu Sea system.

 

5. Tubbataha Reef offers a spectacular underwater site even from afar.

The Tubbataha Reef is considered a top diving spot in the world for the best reasons. It offers a magnificent underwater world that is made grander by its turquoise, clear, and pristine waters that will let you see corals and fish even at 30 feet below!

 

6. It is made up of three atolls.

This world-renowned underwater site has an area of 130,028 hectares and consists of three atolls and a large deep sea where marine habitats can be found.

 

7. It is home to a huge diversity of marine life.

Whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse are some of the marine life that you can find in the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan. Aside from the range of fish and 360 types of coral, it houses other denizens such as seabirds and cetaceans.

 

8. There are different bird species in the Tubbataha Reef.

Ground nesters and tree nesters can be found in this natural reef. Some of the ground nesters include the Brown Booby, Brown Noddy, Great Crested Tern, and Sooty Tern. On the other hand, the tree nesters in Tubbataha include the Red-footed Booby and the endemic Black Noddy.

 

9. It is a legally protected site.

National protected areas legislation and different environmental legislations govern the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan. This makes it possible for actions to be taken against threats such as marine debris and illegal fishing. 

 

10. It forms part of the Coral Triangle.

It covers 97,000 hectares of the ocean floor and covers the North Atoll (Bird Islet), South Atoll (Parola), and the Jessie Beazley Reef which is a part of the vast Coral Triangle, also known as the center of marine biodiversity. 

 

11. Tubbataha Reef’s diving months are limited.

While a popular diving spot, Tubbataha’s dive season is only from March to June. Diving activities in the area are conducted under the guidance of the rangers and the money earned from this tourist activity goes into the preservation of the reefs. 

 

12. It is a World Heritage Site.

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. With this recognition, Tubbataha is given massive seascape complete protection from all sorts of destructive activities. 

 

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The Tubbataha Reef is one of the finest natural attractions in Palawan. The province doesn’t run out of sites and attractions that are worth exploring. If you want to make the most of your experience in this region, you can now find beachfront properties in Palawan. Invest in a vacation home that can be a source of passive income while bringing you close to world-class destinations. Learn more about our condo units in Palawan. Send us a message today.

 

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