TOP 10 RP ecotourism spots

The Philippines is considered one of the world’s best ecotourism destinations. And why not when we are blessed with vast pastoral lands and lush mountains, extensive coastlines ringed by unspoiled beaches, and deepblue waters offering about 40,000 square kilometers of coral reefs teeming with marine life.

But the problem is, these destinations are also facing threats from us, travelers. The environmental degradation and cultural alienation particularly in heavily promoted and visited spots by tourists has prompted the Department of Tourism (DoT), together with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), to banner ecotourism and sustainable development, promoting travel with as much passion as protecting the country’s natural diversity.

With ecotourism, tourists take on the observer status, expected to give due respect to the local community and their environment. The socio-economic benefits are directed to the community, while tourists benefit from the opportunity to experience nature’s unadulterated grandeur and contribute to its preservation.

1) SORSOGON. Located in the southern part of Bicol Peninsula, Sorsogon boasts of rolling hills and valleys that are carpeted with varying foliage. Travel to Donsol and witness for yourself the phenomenon that is the "butanding" or whale sharks, which has brought this once sleepy town to its feet.

2) GUIMARAS. Unperturbed by news about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention last year, tourists still flock to Guimaras to see its 238.3-kilometer coastline, with long stretches of white, powdery sand considered among the world’s finest. It also prides itself in producing the sweetest mangoes in the world -- the carabao mango.

3) PALAWAN. Its exotic beauty remains undefiled. Branded as the country’s last frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna that are found nowhere else. And with more than a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and caves. It is also home to Tubbataha Reef, the only national marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

4) BANAUE. With tall rice terraces at the backdrop and cool breeze shuttling between mountain peaks, a journey across the Cordillera’s Banaue rice terraces exposes one to an atmosphere strangely different from the daily offering of Manila and its suburbs. More importantly, it provides a peek into the ancient Philippine civilization.

5) BOHOL. It is situated in the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and whitesand beaches. The Chocolate Hills, all of 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, are undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in the province. It is also one of Asia’s best diving destinations. Pamilacan island is frequented by many diving enthusiasts for its whales and manta rays.

6) ANTIQUE. The Bugang River Tour in Pandan, Antique was awarded gold winner in last year’s International Green Apple Environment Awards for Environmental Best Practice in London, England. It is also dubbed as the "Cleanest River" in the country. Enjoy a trekking tour through its rainforest with hanging bridges, and take a refreshing bath at its numerous health springs.

7) PANGASINAN. Lose yourself among the Hundred Islands, scattered like emeralds in the deep blue waters off Pangasinan. This National Park covers a land area of 1,884 hectares with 123 islands. Only three islands have been developed for tourists namely: Governor, Quezon and Children’s islands. Explore its numerous diving spots and caves.

8) CAGAYAN DE ORO. Aside from being a white water rafting destination, in which it is best known for, it also houses a nature park -- the Malasag EcoTourism Village, a 7.2hectare park etched with nature and eco-trails. Here, one finds a microcosm of all ethnic cultures in Northern Mindanao. It is nestled within the slopes of Cugman Watershed in Cagayan de Oro City and was dreamily inspired by the picturesque gardens of Granada in Spain and Butchart Gardens of Canada.

9) SOUTH COTABATO. Lake Sebu in South Cotabato is recognized as one of the most important watershed areas in the country and its 92,450-hectare landscape was proclaimed as a protected area. The entire protected area consists of many small streams, creeks, rivers, and springs. Lake Sebu is one of the water bodies that provide irrigation water for rice lands throughout the provinces of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

10) CEBU. Olango island, just four kilometers off the east coast of Mactan Island in Cebu, is site of a 920-hectare protected wetland called the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS). Every year from February to April and from September to November, the OIWS serves as refuge to thousands of migratory birds traveling the East Asian Migratory Flyway, one of the most important shorebird and waterbird migratory flyways in the world. The Olango Birds and Seascape Tour offers a front-seat view of the wonderful world of birds and nature.

[ Banaue Rice Terraces Wiki | Tubbataha Reef Wiki ]