Taklong Island Marine Reserve in Guimaras

Less that one percent of the world’s oceans are protected, which is why protected marine areas are important in ensuring the health our planet’s marine life. The Taklong Island Marine Reserve (TINMAR) in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras is one of the marine protected sites in the Philippines that was established to secure marine biodiversity in this part of the country.

Taklong Island Marine Reserved includes two main islands and 37 smaller islands. All thogether, these islands are also knows as South Point Islands. These islands have great limestone rock formations, numerous coves with white sand beaches and sandbars.

The University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) maintains the protected marine area. They have a building in the island with large dorm type rooms with clean bathrooms. Those wanting to spent the night in the island have to secure a permit from the Administration Office of UPV Miagao Campus.

During the day, visitors can just “hop” to Taklong Island for an tour of the island. There is a lighthouse on top of a hill, where visitors can see a great vantage point of Taklong Island from the top.