Ever since hearing about Tubbataha, I’ve wanted to go there. It was at a dinner party talking to someone who had just accompanied a team from National Geographic to the site when I got hooked. His description made the marine sanctuary sound mythical.

Adding to the allure was that Tubbataha is reachable only after a 10 hour boat ride from Puerto Princesa. Palawan Resorts. No day-trippers here. It’s visited mainly by scuba divers (snorkeling is not allowed) who come on designated live-aboard dive boats. Furthermore, given its location in the middle of the sea storm-prone tropical weather, only three months of the year, April to June, are considered safe for visiting.