A beautiful wildlife destination, the Turtle Islands of the Philippines is composed of seven islands that are considered to be part of Tawi-tawi, named because of the number of Green Turtles that consider the island as breeding and nesting site. Incidentally, the islands are found just at the edge of the international treaty limits between Philippines and Malaysia. Three other islands which are also a nesting site for Green Turtles are within the territory of Malaysia. Basically, there are nine islands in all, the three islands of Malaysia now the Malaysian Turtle Islands National Park. For our part, Philippine Turtle Islands are named Langaan, Great Bakkungan, Baguan, Boan, Taganak and one unnamed islands. The combined land area covers about 308 hectares.

Make sure to pack lots and lots of rolls of films because pictures are going to comprise most of your souvenirs. Since the Turtle Islands provide the only are for these green sea turtles to live worldwide, the seven islands was declared a Protected Area during 1996. Since then, the country has set up specific rules for the protection of these animals. The government, along with the people of Turtle Islands is helping each other for the conservation of these creatures.

Because it practically rests on the border, access to the islands is difficult as there is no customary passage to it. There are, however, different routes that could be taken. Starting from Manila, one could go to Zamboanga or to Palawan. From Zamboanga, you could proceed to Mapun Municipality before taking a motorboat to Taganak Island. From Palawan, you could proceed to Brooke’s Point, take a motorboat to Mapun Municipality and proceed to Taganak Island via another motorboat.

Again, these Green Turtles are protected so just enjoy the view and take lots of pictures.

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