• The world's longest coral reef that is The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland that 1,260 miles long.
• The world's largest rock that is Uluru or Ayers Rock that is 348 metres in height, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide.
• The World's largest sand Island that is Fraser Island that is also in Queensland and is 75 miles long.

Physically Australia is closest to countries of South East Asia, however, culturally, Australia belongs to the Western part of the world due to its colonisation 200 years ago by the Great Empire then Great Britain.

Although Australia is Down Under on its own, borders no other land but the Pacific ocean, yet on its soil live people from all around the world. People like myself and others that have chosen to make Australia their home.

To me Australia is the home that has given peace and security at a time my own home country was in the midst of a civil war. It has given me education that of which my onw country could not have given me. It is now giving my children a future and a place to pursue their dreams and potentials. I am forever grateful to this wonderful country.

Although, some may still view people like myself and other migrants as strangers or "wogs", even after 30 years, I feel that I am so much part of this land. The best years of my life were lived and outlived in Australia. My hopes and dreams of a good fertile future were also realised and pursued in Australia with the help of Australia's fair Education system and the facilities that are accessible to all with no discrimination whatsoever.

I mostly feel Australian when I am far away from Australia. I realise then how much I have acquired from the Australian way of life. The way I like openness and despise formalities was all a result of my long living in Australia. In a working place almost everybody is on first name terms whether a person is in a managerial position or at the bottom of the ladder.
I believe this has emanated from Australia's humble beginnings, far away from the motherland Great Britain, which meant far away from royalty, protocols, etiquettes and the ascending and descending social classes.

Early Australians were all equal and of the same social class except for the governors and their families who were a minority. This trend seems to have continued along the decades and from generation to another until this modern day Australia.

As a result, the simple way of life is what is mostly desired in Australia that of which in turn have made Australia a unique and a special coutnry to live in. No wonder that anyone who visits Australia would like to return or remain to make it home including myself.

Location

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is located in the Middle of the Central Sulu Sea, southwest of the Philippines, 98 nautical miles and 181 kilometres southeast of Puerto Pincesa City, Palawan Province, in the Municipality of Cagayancillo.

The latitude and Longitude of Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is 8°45'N, 9°00'N', 119°04'E, 120°04'E.

Climate

Tubbataha is constantly exposed to the ferocious south-west and north-east monsoons. Ro1ugh, stormy seas

are experienced from July to October and December to March during the north-east monsoons.

Generally the warmest months are March, April and May with an average temperature of 28, 32 degrees. Generally the warmest months are March, April and May with an average temperature of 28, 32°C. The cooler months occur in November, December, January and February, accompanied by torrential rain. Water temperatures range from 25, 27°C. It is recommended that you take a wide-brimmed hat, short sleeved garments, sandals, sport shoes and raincoats.

How to Get There

The most efficient route to Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is via plane and boat. Your journey commences the second you board on our national airline, Philippines Airline, where you will be entertained by the leading service of air. Once in Manila, transmit on the many domestic flights to Puerto Princesa via Coron or El Nido, where you will embark on a live-aboard boat to reach Tubbataha Marine Park. The park is open all year but the seas are calmer between March and June. An entrance fee of $25 is applicable for locals and $50 for foreigners. It is compulsory to apply for a permit before entering the park.

Characteristics of the Site

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is classified as a natural site, a rich ecosystem comprising of a diverse range of rare and unique flora and fauna. The pristine fringing coral reefs, vast deep lagoons carved with underwater cave harbours almost five hundred species of fish and almost four hundred species of corals, most of them being endangered.

Tubbataha has it all;from the almighty Whale Sharks to the Phytoplankton abundant in Anemone Crabs, Turkey Fish, Butterfly Fish, Banded Sea Snakes and the extraordinarily rare Fox-faced Rabbit fish. The two islets, separated by an eight kilometer channel, are a vital convergence site for the many endangered bird species of South East Asia, such as Boobies and Crested Terns to just name a few, last breeding sanctuary, further justifying Tubbataha's natural importance. As a result of

the unprecedented naturalism, UNESCO has found it worthy to honour the park with a World Heritage status, in 1993.

Tubbataha is regarded as one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. The biodiversity is equal or even greater than that of any reef of its size in the entire world. It is the Philippine's oldest ecosystem and is thought to be formed around 15 million years ago with the eruption of the chain volcanoes along the Cagayan Ridge.

Importance of World Heritage Listing

Tubbataha must be preserved for our future generations to save its spectacular reefs.

The World Heritage Site managers foster awareness of the value and importance of Tubbataha through education. Locals gain national pride, encouraging them to support the conservation and protection of the park's stunning reefs, lagoons and the rare wildlife that these areas are flourished with.

Moreover, Songco (2007) believes that “being part of the WH network…has lead to improved management” of the park. “Palawan Council for Sustainable Development” states about the importance for the sustenance of fisheries without over fishing. Tubbataha's World Heritage status also elevates their chance of seeking interested stakeholders to sponsor a mooring buoy project that seeks to eliminate normal anchors that harm the fragile coral.

The inclusion of Tubbataha Reefs as a World Heritage Site is a very positive aspect in marketing tourists, aided by the Government's funding and investment. Profits generated through tourism by entrance fees and other spending boosts the local economy.

Site Management

Tubbataha is a major tourist attraction, but humans also play a significant role in the destruction of the marine park. To manage and reduce these acts, rules are enforced

• Educational campaigns to encourage tourists not to dispose rubbish
• Hotel accommodations are positioned safely away from the national park
• Touching or taking of wildlife is strictly prohibited, “no-take policy” (signs)
• Limited numbers of people are allowed to visit the park
• Patrols prevent accidental introduction of exotic species that disrupt the ecosystem
• Catches of marine life are constantly measured and regulated daily
• Blast fishing, using explosives is outlawed
• Specific fishing locations are determined
• All water engineering projects are assessed for any potential threats

Tubbataha's rules are stipulated by “Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board” (TPAMB).

Rangers from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Tubbataha Management Office are permanently situated all year on the national park. These groups accomplish frequent patrols around the park boundaries to prevent illegal fishing and poaching.