The 10 Best Ecotourism Experiences in Luzon, Philippines

Rich in natural resources, the Philippines has been globally-admired for its pristine nature and diverse flora and fauna. Due to climate change and illegal man-made activities, some natural areas and species are under threat. In order to protect them, conservation efforts have been set up to promote sustainable travel among tourists. Here are 10 of the best.

On June 12, 1991, the world’s second largest volcanic eruption in that century took place in Zambales, Philippines. Mount Pinatubo’s eruption had resulted to millions of tons of sulfur dioxide in the air, covering the entire Luzon and reaching neighboring Asian countries. These days, it holds wondrous beauty featuring a blue-green lake on a gray-brown crater. After its tragic eruption, tourists are now visiting the area to experience Mount Pinatubo by trekking the crater lake, which involves a 4×4 ride on a lahar field. After a 2.5-hour trek, visitors are treated to a majestic view of the Pinatubo crater’s lake water.

Located in Candaba, Pampanga, the Candaba Swamp acts as a catch basin whenever water overflows from Maasim, San Miguel, Garlang, Bulu, and Penaranda rivers. Encompassing an area of about 32,000 hectares, the Candaba Swamp has freshwater ponds, swamps, and marshes visited by thousands of migratory birds every October to April (during the wet season). That’s because these migratory birds either spend their winter season in the country or just pass through before heading to their destinations. In 1982, the largest concentration of birds happened in the area with 100,000 migratory birds observed in just a day. If you’d like to catch sight of these birds, it’s best to see them at either sunrise or sunset. Some of the popular species you can see here are the Shrenck’s Bittern, Purple Swamp Hen, and Black-Crowned Heron.

The Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area or LPPCHEA is a nature reserve located in the South of Manila. Comprising of Freedom Island and Long Island, the LPPCHEA is the country’s first critical habitat teeming with mangrove forests, lagoons, and salt marshes. As visitors trek in the area, they are introduced to a diverse variety of ecosystems. The main attraction is the wild birds – 82 species of wild birds (41 species are migratory birds) can be found within the area. Tourists can spot these birds nesting, feeding, or flying in the open. During migration season, this area becomes a feeding and resting spot for migratory birds heading to warmer regions.

Located in Morong, Bataan and about a three-hour drive from Manila is the humble sanctuary called Pawikan Conservation Center. Due to harsh fishing conditions, illegal trade, and natural predation, the sea turtles (pawikan) have become endangered. Thus, the government’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) put up the conservation center. Headed by the Bantay Pawikan Incorporated, the organization’s members roam and patrol along the beach’s six-kilometer stretch to protect the hatchlings of the sea turtles from its predators and the fishermen around. These eggs would then be placed in the center’s hatchery until its hatching is completed after 51 days. Both local and foreign tourists head over to the area to volunteer with patrolling, join the center’s “Adopt a Turtle” program or attend the annual Pawikan Festival.

In the City of San Fernando, La Union, you’ll find this garden on a hilly 20-hectare land. Serving as a sanctuary for various wild animals and displaying theme gardens with their scientific names, it invites tourists to indulge themselves in the beauty of nature. Here you’ll find different themed gardens such as the Japanese Garden, Shade Garden, and Evergreen Garden. They also have a Medicinal Garden where they cultivate dozens of herbs and medicinal plants. What makes this destination a fascinating one is the existence of the harmonious relationship between the plants and animal species present in the garden.