Aussies can enjoy the Philippines’ unspoilt natural marine and land-based habitats without impacting the environment through a range of sustainable tour offering at these 5 destinations for eco-adventurers.
Bojo River Nature Reserve Cruise
Winding through lush mangrove forests in Aloguinsan, Cebu, a journey on the Bojo River promises some of the best wildlife encounters the Philippines has to offer. With over 26 mangrove species and more than 60 bird species inhabiting the area, you can join a cruise on a traditional baroto boat to explore the river’s rich biodiversity up close.
The non-motorised baroto boats minimise the environmental impact of travelling along the river while offering visitors a peaceful and tranquil journey. Bojo River Cruises are organised and led by the Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-tourism Association – a community-based group of fishermen, farmers and their families who deliver tours to earn additional income while preserving the natural environment.
Whale shark encounter in Donsol
There are only a few places in the Philippines where whale shark sightings are possible, but Donsol in Sorsogon is regarded as one of the best. With responsible tourism measures strictly implemented for visitors seeking to enjoy an encounter, you can see these spectacular creatures with peace of mind you’re not disrupting their environment. Join a boat tour to the interaction zone between November and June when the whale sharks visit the plankton-rich waters near the mouth of the Donsol River. Here, you can snorkel alongside the sharks at a respectful distance to admire their size and majesty.
Hike in the Masungi Georeserve
The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area located on top of a limestone karst in the southern part of the Sierra Madre range in Baras, Rizal. The georeserve is a popular hiking spot, made up of several limestone peaks and lush rainforests waiting to be explored. During a hike, you can expect to catch sightings of some of the 400 species of animals living in the georeserve.
The Masungi Georeserve offers a choice of hiking trails to suit all ages and ability levels – choose to embark on the Discovery Trail lasting only 3-4 hours, or hike along the Legacy Trail which will take 5-6 hours to complete. Alternatively, you might consider simply immersing yourself in nature by booking a relaxing “Garden Picnic” in the georeserve.
Eco adventurers on Camiguin Island
Known as the “island born of fire”, Camiguin Island is an adventure playground in the Philippines for eco-tourism enthusiasts with historic volcanic activity giving rise to lush forests, waterfalls, beaches and diverse marine habitats. Travellers visiting the island can enjoy a range of activities in this ecological wonderland including volcano trekking at Mount Hibok-Hibok and Mount Timpoong, waterfall exploration at Tuasan Falls and Katibawasan Falls, visiting White Island off the coast, and soaking in the natural hot and cold springs of Ardent Hot Springs and Sto. Nino Cold Spring. For something more aquatic, you’ll find a range of eco-friendly snorkelling tours around the coastline that are dedicated to preserving the natural environment.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Located in the Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a protected area and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as one of the most biodiverse coral reef systems in the world featuring reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and an array of tropical fish. The park consists of two main atolls – the North and South Atoll with each of them being home to key dive sites including Shark Airport, Black Rock and Malayan Wreck, and Washing Machine. You can visit the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park when the waters are at their calmest between March to June via a dive boat departing Puerta Princesa in Palawan.
