The Sulu Sea is a body of water located in Southeast Asia. It is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /suːluː si/. The "s" in "Sulu" is pronounced as an "s" sound, while the "u" is pronounced as a long "oo" sound. The second "u" is also pronounced as a long "oo" sound, and the "l" is pronounced with a light "l" sound. The "i" in "Sea" is pronounced as a long "ee" sound. Overall, the pronunciation of the Sulu Sea is straightforward and easy to remember.
Sulu Sea is a body of water located in the southwestern part of the Philippines. It is a marginal sea that extends between the northeastern tip of Borneo and the southwestern coast of Mindanao island. The sea takes its name from the Sulu Archipelago, a chain of islands that separates it from the Celebes Sea.
Covering a total area of approximately 260,000 square kilometers, the Sulu Sea is considered a vital maritime region due to its strategic location and abundant marine resources. It is surrounded by several countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, making it an important waterway for trade and regional connectivity.
The sea basin is characterized by its relatively shallow depth, with an average depth of around 850 meters. It is primarily influenced by the monsoon system, experiencing two different weather patterns throughout the year. During the northeast monsoon, which occurs from November to March, the sea experiences strong winds and frequent storms. Conversely, the southwest monsoon, which takes place from May to October, brings calmer conditions.
The Sulu Sea supports a rich biodiversity, serving as a habitat for various marine species, including corals, fish, and other marine invertebrates. It is also home to several ecologically significant areas, such as Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional coral reefs and marine life. Additionally, the sea has historical and cultural importance, as it has been a maritime route for trade and exchange among different cultures and peoples throughout history.
The word "Sulu Sea" derives its name from the Sulu Archipelago, a group of islands in the southern Philippines. The sea itself is located between the Philippines and the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. The term "Sulu" refers to the Sulu Sultanate, a historical Islamic state that once inhabited the archipelago. Therefore, the name "Sulu Sea" is a geographical reference to the sea adjacent to the Sulu Archipelago.