Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines? If you're planning to go to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
  2. Important essentials for Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
  3. Activities for Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
  4. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Based on the climate and weather in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines, the best time to go is March. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines by month

January

If you vacation in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park during January, you will probably notice that it is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

February

If you are traveling to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in February, you will notice that it is consistently hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Make sure to choose the right type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

March in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park can be sweltering and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

April

If you are traveling to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in April, you will notice that it is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

If you are traveling to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in May, you will notice that it is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to get the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

June

If you go to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in June, you will notice that it is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. It's important that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

July

If you are traveling to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in July, you will notice that it is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. It's important that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you vacation in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park during August, you will probably notice that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 80 and 90% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

September

September in this region can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

October

October here is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Make sure to find the correct type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

November

In November, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, with several of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 90%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Ensure that you find the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

December

If you vacation in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park during December, you are likely to notice that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Make sure to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, this park boasts crystal clear waters, incredible biodiversity, and some of the best scuba diving sites in the world. Here are the top tourist attractions you can explore in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

1. Coral Reefs

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to the most extensive coral reefs in the Philippines, covering an area of over 97,000 hectares. The coral reefs are incredibly diverse, with over 600 species of marine animals and over 360 species of coral. Snorkelling or scuba diving is the best way to explore the reefs, where you can see colourful fish, turtles, and other fascinating marine creatures.

2. Tubbataha Lighthouse

Built-in 1980, the Tubbataha Lighthouse is located on the south atoll and serves as a navigation aid to guide ships safely through the reef system. The 30-meter-high lighthouse offers fantastic views of the park, and visitors can climb to the top to catch a breathtaking panoramic view.

3. Bird Island

Located on the north atoll, Bird Island is a nesting site for migratory birds, such as boobies and frigatebirds. The island features lush vegetation and a white sandy beach, making it a popular spot for snorkelling, swimming, and picnicking.

4. Jessie Beazley Reef

Jessie Beazley is a submerged reef located near the park’s southern border. The site is known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine corals, and diverse marine life, such as sea turtles, manta rays, and reef sharks. Scuba divers can explore the lovely wall dives and coral formations that make Jessie Beazley Reef one of the premier dive sites in the park.

5. Malayan Wreck

The Malayan Wreck is a popular dive site for advanced divers, located on the northwest side of the atoll. The 50-meter-long cargo ship, sunk in 1983, provides a fantastic opportunity to witness the beautiful coral growth and diverse marine life that call it home.

In conclusion, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a stunning location to explore the beautiful underwater world and discover the beauty of nature. With its diverse marine life, coral reefs, and top tourist attractions, it provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From beautiful coral reefs to lighthouses and bird nesting sites, Tubbataha undoubtedly offers an unforgettable and unique experience.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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