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TravelTips24 : Asia : Southeast Asia : Spratly Islands

Spratly Islands

The Spratly Islands are a collection of more than 100 small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, claimed in full or in part by several governments in the region.

Culture and History

This tropical archipelago is surrounded by rich fishing grounds and potentially by gas and oil deposits, and strategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the central South China Sea. It is claimed in its entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines. 45 of them are claimed and occupied by one of these parties. Even Brunei has gotten in on it, claiming exclusive economic rights encompassing one of the islands.

Travel to Spratly Islands & Visa Requirements

The vast majority of the Spratlys are either uninhabited, closed military bases, or otherwise off limits to casual visitors. However, a few have small civilian communities and can be visited by the determined travellers.

Flights and airtickets to Spratly Islands

Layang Layang, controlled by Malaysia, is the only island in the Spratlys with regular flights. A popular dive resort, it can be accessed via Kota Kinabalu.

There are a handful of unpaved airstrips among the other islands.

By boat

Pagasa (Philippines) and Itu Aba (Taiwan) are accessible on irregular cargo services from their respective mainlands.

Tours & Getting around Spratly Islands

See and Do

Scuba diving in the Spratlys is excellent, but the only island with a full-fledged dive resort is Layang Layang.

Spratly Islands souvenirs & shopping

Although the economic value of the archipelago's waters for fishing, and the suspected presence of underwater petroleum reserves are their primary source of interest, there is virtually no economic activity taking place on the islands themselves.

Spratly Islands cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

This page was last edited at 18:49, on 6 May 2008 by Jani Patokallio. Based on work by Todd VerBeek, Wikitravel user(s) CIAWorldFactbook2002 and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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