Sulu Sea
A Philippine sea with a World Heritage reef.
The Sulu Sea is a body of water in the southwestern area of the Philippines, separated from the South China Sea by Palawan and from the Celebes Sea by the Sulu Archipelago. It is significant as a maritime region connecting several island groups and containing the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a World Heritage Site.
- surface_area
- 260,000 square kilometers (100,000 sq mi)
- maximum_depth
- 4,400 meters (14,400 ft)
- north-south_extent
- 490 miles (790 km)
- east-west_extent
- 375 miles (604 km)
- wave_length_range
- 25 to 35 kilometers (16 to 22 mi)
Lore & Background
The Sulu Sea is located in the southwestern Philippines, bordered by Palawan to the northwest, the Sulu Archipelago to the southeast, Borneo to the southwest, and the Visayas to the northeast. It contains several islands, including the Cuyo Islands and Cagayan Islands (part of Palawan), and Mapun and the Turtle Islands (part of Tawi-Tawi). The Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a World Heritage Site, lies within the sea. Panay Gulf is an extension of the Sulu Sea, and straits out of it include the Iloilo Strait, Guimaras Strait, and Basilan Strait.
Reader's Guide
The Sulu Sea is a major body of water in the East Indian Archipelago, as defined by the International Hydrographic Organization. Its boundaries extend from Borneo to Mindoro, Panay, Negros, and Mindanao, and it connects to the Pacific Ocean in northern Mindanao and between the Sangihe and Talaud Archipelago. The sea's depth varies significantly, reaching 4,400 meters but shallowing to 100 meters near the Sulu Archipelago. Its cultural significance is reflected in the naming of the Star Trek character Hikaru Sulu, who was named after the sea to represent all of Asia. The sea is also historically associated with the Sulu Pirates.
Did You Know?
- The Sulu Sea is named after the Sulu Archipelago, which separates it from the Celebes Sea.
- The Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a World Heritage Site, is located in the Sulu Sea.
- The Star Trek character Hikaru Sulu is named after the Sulu Sea.
- The sea's surface area is 260,000 square kilometers (100,000 sq mi).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sulu Sea?
The Sulu Sea is a Philippine body of water situated in the country's southwestern region, bordered by Palawan to the north and the Sulu Archipelago to the south. It occupies the junction where the South China Sea and the Celebes Sea meet.
What is Sulu Sea's role in the wider world?
It acts as a maritime corridor linking several island groups and connecting two major seas, the South China Sea and the Celebes Sea. With a surface area of roughly 260,000 square kilometers, it supports regional shipping, fisheries, and inter-island trade.
What are Sulu Sea's key physical stats?
The sea spans about 490 miles north to south and 375 miles east to west, plunging to a maximum depth of 4,400 meters. Surface wave lengths in its waters typically range between 25 and 35 kilometers.
Why is Sulu Sea important?
It is home to the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. Beyond its ecological value, the sea remains a critical passage for Philippine and regional maritime activity.
Where do Sulu Sea's borders lie (how does its story end)?
Palawan forms its northern wall, separating it from the South China Sea, while the Sulu Archipelago defines its southern edge against the Celebes Sea. These natural barriers give the sea its distinct, semi-enclosed character.
More in Straits, Channels, And Seas 1-24
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