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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.

Understand

Controversial island building

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.

There are only 4 km² of land, but there are six countries with territorial claims. 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. Brunei claims exclusive economic rights encompassing one of the islands. The United States endorses the territorial claims of the Philippines, and has a strong military presence in the region to support the Philippines' claims.

Wikivoyage takes no stand in the territorial disputes, and treats each island as part of the country that has effective control over it, as visitors will need to obtain that country's visas, use that country's currency and fall under that country's de facto jurisdiction while visiting.

Get in

Map of the Spratly Islands and the countries that administer each island

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

By plane

Layang Layang (Swallow Reef), 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 mother countries.

See and do

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

Buy

The economic value of the islands is the waters for fishing, and the suspected presence of underwater petroleum reserves. There is virtually no economic activity taking place on the islands themselves.