The Philippines’ island groups are endowed with a bounty of natural beauty which promotes peaceful and responsible interaction with the environment. The ecotourism activities include seeing amazing creatures up close and experiencing them. Aside from the famous clean beaches, the Philippines is a tropical region that supports a diverse range of ecosystems in its forests, mountains, and more than 7,000 islands.
The travel destinations are created and promoted in the Philippines as we progress toward a more sustainable future. These places provide not only an opportunity for adventure but also the chance to truly connect with the environment and wildlife, as well as a method to support local communities.
If you want to travel somewhere serene because you’re sick of the artificiality of busy, well-known vacation spots, then perhaps it’s time to consider the Philippines. Some of the world’s best-preserved eco-tourism destinations are found here. Without worrying that your actions are endangering the environment, you can have a calm time there. You can find the most beautiful natural scenery in the Philippines. Listed here are the best ecotourism spots you absolutely must see.
Top Ecotourism in the Philippines
1. Puerto Princesa
As it is home to a large variety of birds, fish, bats, and other creatures, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the top ecotourism sites in the Philippines and around the world. One of the nicest places to visit in Palawan is Puerto Princesa, where this natural sanctuary is hidden among the trees in a jungle.
One of the most magnificent cave systems in the world is traversed by a river on a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River. You’ll find intriguing limestone formations and bat colonies inside. Groups of birds, animals, and reptiles are still thriving in the forest that abuts the river. 15 different species of indigenous bird are present among them, including the Palawan hornbill.
2. Batanes
Batanes island is the Philippines’ smallest and most northern province. It is well known for its undulating hills and rocky coastline, which together create stunning landscapes. It was designated a heritage and ecotourism zone in 2016. While there is still room for development on the island, protecting its national and cultural history is given top priority.
In Batanes, visitors can stay in homestays managed by locals. There are other sights to explore, such as Mount Carmel Chapel, Marlboro Country, where you can observe cows, carabaos, and horses, Chawa View Deck, Liveng, and Savidug Barrio, where you can see typical Ivatan stone homes.
3. Masungi Georeserve
The Masungi Georeserve lies hidden in Baras, Rizal, amongst lush woods and limestone outcrops. Several endemic species of plants and animals, notably the jade vine, are safeguarded by this 1,600-hectare conservation area. This park has been enticing both outdoor lovers and first-time travelers to enjoy nature through its renowned Discovery Trail since it opened in December 2015. Visitors to the exclusive trail can stroll through karst landscapes, pass by natural railroads and woodlands, and connect with nature.
4. Tubbataha Reefs
The Tubbataha Reefs in the Philippines are one of the best diving locations in the world because of their spectacular underwater scenery, which is made up of vivid corals and marine life. The reefs are home to 600 different fish species, 360 different coral species, 11 different shark species, 13 different dolphin and whale species, birds, and green and hawksbill sea turtles. Due to its “pristine coral reef,” “extensive lagoons, and two coral islands,” it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Tourists must undergo a trek that lasts roughly 10 to 12 hours due to its remote location (only accessible from mid-March to mid-June). However, it is worthwhile to travel in order to experience this, quite honestly, an astounding diversity of aquatic life.
5. Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park
Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park, which is situated along the beaches of two cities in Metro Manila, offers most city people a welcome change of scenery and is one of the top natural attractions close to Manila. Two islands make up the park, and they are home to mangroves, ponds, lagoons, mixed beach woods, and other features. The park has developed into a summer home for many migrating bird species as well, in great part due to the fact that it is a protected place. It is also near the residential community of Bria Homes, which also promotes eco-friendly community.
6. Mt. Apo
The tallest mountain in the nation, Mt. Apo, rises 2,956 meters above sea level and features several distinct sceneries. To the west of Davao City, which is best known as the home of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, is this natural beauty and one of the must-see mountains for climbing in the Philippines. You’ll pass through mossy marshes, jagged rocks, lush forests with wild deer, and even rubber plantations as you make your way to the summit.
Read also: Mindanao Travel Destinations: Exploring the Beauty and Culture of Southern Philippines
7. Danjugan Island
Seven different types of habitats are found in this protected wildlife and marine sanctuary, which have turned into havens for numerous fish, bird, coral, butterfly, bat, and even sea turtle nesting species. Off the coast of Negros Occidental, a province famous in the Bacolod City and its delectable cuisine like chicken inasal, is Danjugan Island. Travellers are welcome to make day trips or stay overnight in order to better comprehend the sanctuary and its purpose.
8. Banaue Rice Terraces
Rice fields of Banaue are classified as UNESCO world heritage sites. And you’ll discover why this is the case when you visit. More than 2,000 years have passed since the rice fields were established there. The terraces rise to a height of around 1500 meters above sea level, and because they are situated in one of the most isolated regions of Luzon, the main island of the Philippines, it requires some hiking to get there, which appears to discourage the typical crush of coach-bound tourists. The Sunrise Viewpoint, where members of the indigenous Igarot tribe pose for photos and offer wood carvings for sale, is the most well-known location to view the rice terraces.
9. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
In the province of Davao Oriental, there lies a lush mountain range known as the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. This province, which is situated along Mindanao’s southeast coast and has a large number of coconut trees, is the nation’s top producer of dried coconut meat and coconuts. In addition to its lush forests, it is well renowned for the Aliwagwag Falls, one of the country’s most picturesque waterfalls with over 130 cascades and numerous rock pools with turquoise water.
10. Sohotan Cove
An exquisite setting may be found in Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte, in Sohoton Cove. There are 13 inland lakes there, and 3 of them are open to the public. The Protected Landscape and Seascape fiat applies to it. As a result, indigenous plants and animals can be found there, including stingless jellyfish, green sea turtles, and tarsiers, kalaw (hornbills), and eagles. Boat tours are permitted inside this aquatic rainforest, where visitors may take in the lush vegetation and the pristine water. They can also go to Tojoman Lagoon or the well-known Jellyfish Lagoon, where stingless jellyfish come to the surface during the mating season.
When seeing the Philippines, which is made up of more than 7,000 islands, you can find various natural treasures. You may take in the lush surroundings while assisting attempts to preserve these natural areas by supporting ecotourism operations in the Philippines. You can check for a near Bria Community to the above mentioned tourist destinations and you might be interested in residing in these areas. Bria Homes can also help you to find your home near these locations, just visit the homepage, click “contact us” and then complete the pop up contact form or you can message us on our official Facebook.
Written by Denielle dela Torre
