The Philippines boasts diverse eco-tourism options. Marine highlights include El Nido Marine Sanctuary and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (over 360 coral species). Inland, explore Masungi Georeserve (1,600 hectares) or Mount Apo Natural Park. Discover more island gems and eco-resorts.
Marine and Coastal Wonders
The Philippines boasts stunning marine sanctuaries. El Nido Marine Sanctuary houses over 447 confirmed and 44 unconfirmed reef-building coral species. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features around 360 coral species and 700 fish species.
Puerto Galera, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with over 60 marine tourism businesses, faces environmental threats from unsustainable tourism. The Green Fins program combats this.
Cuatro Islas Protected Areas offer white-sand beaches and vibrant coral gardens, ideal for diving. Responsible tourism is crucial for preserving these sites for future generations.
Exploring Forest and Mountain
Explore the Philippines' diverse wilderness: forests and mountains offer unforgettable adventures. Masungi Georeserve (Rizal) and Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (Davao Oriental) showcase lush forests and diverse ecosystems.
Hike Masungi's 1,600-hectare conservation area, home to the jade vine, or trek Mount Hamiguitan's forests featuring over 130 cascades and numerous rock pools.
Mount Apo Natural Park (Mindanao) and Biliran Island (Eastern Visayas) offer breathtaking landscapes.
Climb Mount Apo, one of the country's highest peaks, and spot Philippine Eagles and Deer.
Biliran Island boasts hidden waterfalls, lush jungles, and Sambawan Island snorkeling.
These Philippine destinations, rich in biodiversity and stunning beauty, are must-visits. Activities range from hiking and birdwatching to simply enjoying breathtaking views.
Freshwater Ecosystem Destinations
The Philippines boasts diverse freshwater ecosystems vital for life and biodiversity. Laguna de Bay, Southeast Asia's third-largest freshwater lake, supports transportation, power, irrigation, and domestic use. It's a major fishery and habitat for migratory birds and diverse flora and fauna.
For a deeper dive, visit Pangil River Eco-Tourism Park (established 2009). This park features a river ecosystem, waterfalls, and forests, offering freshwater, food, and genetic resources. The Masungi Georeserve, a wildlife sanctuary, provides trekking and tree planting. These sites highlight the ecological importance of Philippine freshwater ecosystems and the need for conservation.
Island and Cultural Treasures
The Philippines boasts diverse freshwater ecosystems and numerous island and cultural treasures.
Explore unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and local communities.
Top island destinations:
- Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea; 600 fish species, 360 coral species, and 13 dolphin and whale species.
- Cuatro Islas Protected Areas: Four islands in western Leyte; white-sand beaches and coral gardens ideal for diving.
- Malapascua Island: Visayan Sea, Cebu; marine sanctuary, thresher shark sightings.
- Danjugan Island Sanctuary: Negros Occidental; 7 ecosystems (marine and terrestrial), snorkeling, diving, birdwatching.
These islands, alongside cultural sites like the Batad Rice Terraces and Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, showcase the Philippines' rich heritage.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations and Resorts
Escape to the Philippines' eco-resorts. Palawan offers luxury at El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island (villas, crystal waters, lush jungles).
Escape to the Philippines' eco-resorts (continued). Palawan offers sustainable beachfront cabanas at Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort (Puerto Princesa); and solar-powered Iris Island Eco Resort (Busuanga).
Central Philippines boasts eco-resorts such as Moalboal Eco Lodge (Cebu; natural materials, eco-products).
Central Philippines boasts eco-resorts (continued). Bohol Bee Farm Resort is another example, with community engagement, farm-to-table, water/waste management.
Central Philippines boasts eco-resorts (continued). Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge (Basco, Batanes) has locally-sourced food.