As a traveler, backpacker, and a lone adventurer, one of my dreams is to tour ALL the 32 ecotourism spots in the Philippines. The list (32 ecotourism spots) came from the National Ecotourism Strategy of the Philippines published in July 2002.
At the onset, I did not know that the places that I had been trekking are ecotourism spots in the Philippines. Until my friend "Genine," told me about the nature of my trips in the Philippines. The thought amazed me.
According to NEDC Resolution No. 2001-01, "Ecotourism/Ecological Tourism – is a form of sustainable tourism within a natural and cultural heritage area where community participation, protection and management of natural resources, culture and indigenous knowledge and practices, environmental education and ethics as well as economic benefits are fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of visitors."
Among the various ecotourism activities that you can enjoy in the ecotourism spots are bird watching, whale watching, nature photography, hiking, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, mountaineering, and caving/spelunking. On my part, only diving is yet to be explored.
So far only 28 out of 32 spots have been conquered, explored and enjoyed! The journey continues and hopefully in the near future, all the spots will be visited.
 |
| from www.globalsecurity.org |
NORTHERN LUZON
Home of the friendly Ivatans, Batanes boasts of breathtaking landscapes and seascapes.
It has 3 major islands namely: Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat.
It has one of the richest cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
This is one of my favorite destinations.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-captivating-and-stunning-beauty-of.html
It is the place where the past meets the present according to some writers. It is once called " a piece of Spain in the Orient" considering that it has one of the best-preserved 18th century houses with cobbled-streets, antiques, and horse-drawn calesas.
Its best attraction is the century-old houses. These houses boast ancient tile roofs, massive hardwood floorings, and balustrades and azoteas.
I love seeing the area at night.
Known for its vast forest and numerous caves, trekking and spelunking are the two popular ecotourism activities in the area.
The Callao caves have massive limestone and other rock formations, skylights and a chapel.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/02/callao-caves.html
It consists of 23,000 sq. kms of mountainous terrain of rice terraces. You will definitely enjoy the cool foggy weather and the amazing rice terraces!
Carved by the Ifugaos as far back as 2,000 years ago, it is one of the UNESCO heritage sites in the Philippines.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-adventures-in-sagada-plus-itinerary.html
Hundred Islands, Pangasinan
Located in Alaminos, Pangasinan, it is the pride of Pangasinan. It has 200 plus islands and islets which can be reached through island-hopping adventure.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/02/island-hopping-at-hundred-islands.html
The 4 x 4 ride and the trekking to the crater of the volcano are the two best reasons why you should visit Mt. Pinatubo.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mt-pinatubo-trek-capas-tarlac-trail.html
SOUTHERN TOUR
One of the nearest ecotourism spots in Manila, the site can be reached in nearly 2 hours drive from Manila.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-day-in-rizal.html
Mt. Makiling, Laguna
Hiking is the primordial activity in the area. Bird watching can also be enjoyed in the area.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/two-mountains-in-one-day-mt-maculot-and.html
Batangas
Climb the world's smallest volcano either by trekking or a horse-back ride.
Once your reach the top of the crater, try to explore the lower crater. The volcano can also be seen at the top of Tagaytay City.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/05/top-10-tourist-spots-in-batangas.html
 |
| from Erick's Site |
I was not able to climb the mountain but I have wandered around the base of the mountain.
This ecotourism spot is located in Bicol.
Arguably, the world's perfect cone of volcano. Tourists flock Albay not only to visit the church ruins in Cagsawa but also to experience the ATV ride to the base of the volcano.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/bicol-adventure.html
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2015/05/backpackers-bicol-escapade-2015.html
Donsol, Sorsogon
Whale watching used to be the number one attractions in the area. Nowadays, Oslob is the best destination to have whale watching.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/06/whale-watching-in-donsol-sorsogon.html
Bulusan Volcano, Sorsogon
Enjoy the lake and the scenic view of the volcano which is usually hidden by the clouds.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/bicol-adventure.html
One of the best diving spots in the Philippines.
It has white sand beaches, saltwater lake and superb blue water diving.
Related Link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2015/05/apo-reef-and-pandan-island-sablayan.html
Target date - Summer 2016
Renowned for being the most difficult climb in the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Palawan
Renowned for being the most difficult climb in the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Palawan
One of the 7 wonders of the world, it is said to to be second longest underground river in the world.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/caves-in-philippines-spelunkers-dream.html
Tubattaha Reef
Palawan
(not yet)
Target date - indefinite
Back in 2010, I was about to explore this spot. Unfortunately, due to budget constraint, the dream failed to materialize. Instead, I went to El Nido, Palawan.
The number one diving spot in the Philippines.
El Nido
Palawan
Palawan has the best beaches in the Philippines ranging from San Vicente, Balabac, El Nido and Coron. El Nido is the number one marine sanctuary in the Philippines.
Related links:
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/04/el-nido-island-hopping-tour-tour-and-b.html
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/04/el-nido-island-hopping-tour-tour-c-and-d.html
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/04/corong-corong-beach-el-nido-palawan.html
Related links:
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/04/el-nido-island-hopping-tour-tour-and-b.html
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/04/el-nido-island-hopping-tour-tour-c-and-d.html
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/04/corong-corong-beach-el-nido-palawan.html
This used to be one of the best caves for spelunking. Unfortunately, due to human intervention, the caves were not preserved.
Nonetheless, you can still enjoy the 840 hectares of nature reserve in the area.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/04/top-10-caves-in-philippines-for-tourists.html
Lake Danao, Leyte
Feel the serenity of nature and enjoy the boat ride on the lake. This is the pride of Ormoc.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/eastern-visayas-tour.html
Towering at the height of 2,465 meters high, the area contains an abundance of natural attractions.
The stratovolcano straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, approximately 30 km (19 mi) southeast of Bacolod, the capital and most populous city of Negros Occidental.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/exploring-negros-oriental-and-negros.html
Olango Island, Cebu
One of the premiere spots to enjoy bird watching in the Philippines.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/bird-watching-at-olango-island-cebu.html
Bohol
Famous for its chocolate hills in Carmen, the Loboc River cruise and century-old churches.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/experience-bohol.html
 |
| from Photo Journeys |
Tanon Strait, Negros
I crossed the strait when I went to Negros from Cebu.
Apo Island, Negros Oriental
The island is famous for its pawikans or sea turtles.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/exploring-negros-oriental-and-negros.html
MINDANAO
Siargao, Surigao
The number one surfing spot in the Philippines. The best place to stay is in Cloud Nine.
Related Link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/siargao-surfing-capital-of-philippines.html
Camiguin Island
Known for its white island, it has a sunken cemetery, numerous waterfalls. volcanoes, hot and cold springs.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mesmerized-in-camiguin.html
Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur
Target date - Summer 2016
Note: I went last summer 2012, but did not make it due to cost (P5,000 boat rental) of the tour.
Garden of Malasag, Misamis Oriental
Easily reached from Cagayan De Oro, it has a botanical gardens and a wildlife collection of butterflies, birds and deer.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/tourist-spots-in-cagayan-de-oro.html
Dipolog (Dakak)
Zamboanga Del Norte
Known for its tasty sardines, one can enjoy the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of Dapitan Bay.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/04/dapitan-city-tour.html
Mt. Apo, Davao
Target date - indefinite
This is my ultimate dream to climb!
.jpg)
Lake Sebu
South Cotabato
This is my ultimate dream to climb!
.jpg)
South Cotabato
Seven Falls
3 Lakes
1 Tribe
One my favorite destinations in the Philippines.
Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/lake-sebu-7-falls-3-lakes-1-tribe.html
RAV Transportation Services
Van for Hire
Derick Villegas
0998-545-0016
0917-504-0770
(043) 778-4657
(043) 703-0435
Email: rav_services@yahoo.com
Facebook: RAV Electronic Services
Address: 938 Brgy. Darasa, Tanauan City, Batangas 4232
Transportation / Tour services to any point of Luzon
Brand New Foton Traveller vehicles available
Equipped with GPS, wifi, videoke, RFID, Sky TV
Satisfaction Guaranteed! =)
Adventure
Skywalk/Edge Coaster - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/adventures-in-cebu-city.html
Top Ten adventures - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-of-my-best-adventures-in-philippines.html
Beach
Others –
Top Ten Places - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/top-ten-places-in-philippines-i-visited.html
32 Ecotourism spots - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/32-ecotourism-spots-in-philippines.html
Top 10 summer pics 2011 - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/top-10-of-my-pictures-for-summer-2011.html
nice!
ReplyDeleteGood site about "ecotourism" in the Philippines. We would like to check out these places soon! You may want to share our blog posts about Essential Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism. Thank you and all the best! https://sstdi.org/tag/ecotourism/
ReplyDeletehttps://sstdi.org/tag/sustainable-tourism/
Wow ang ganda!! This place is not in my radar but I change my mind next stop... this place tara na! I'm still looking for best place to stay in manila
ReplyDeletebatangas house and lot for sale is very good try it here!
ReplyDelete