Tourism Breaking News
Surrounding yourself in nature holds many wellness benefits, from reducing stress to enhancing the immune system. In the Philippines, it is possible to experience this feeling of wellbeing while traveling to fun and nature-friendly destinations.
The Philippines Department of Tourism will be highlighting sustainable travel post-pandemic as it works towards inclusive growth and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage, and safeguards the integrity and diversity of the country’s national resources. Sustainable tourism ensures that destinations, especially nature-based, remain intact and will be preserved for future travelers.
Travel to these exciting destinations at the heart of nature and create a positive impact on its environment and local communities when international borders reopen.
1. Trek through Masungi Georeserve, Rizal
The sprawling landscape of the Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area that is a sanctuary for hundreds of native wildlife species. Take a three-hour trek on the Discovery Trail through the pathways with lush vegetation and limestone formations, walk over suspended bridges to take snapshots of your adventure, and crawl onto a spider-web view deck to get a spectacular view of the nature park and the expanse of the country’s largest lake, Laguna de Bay. For a deeper appreciation of the conservation efforts of the local community, take the Legacy Trail and participate in the planting and nurturing of the trees that will be part of the reforestation of the area.
2. Go Dolphin Watching in Bohol
Enjoy a day out at sea to watch the marine life in the clear blue waters of Pamilacan Island in Bohol. Visitors can catch various species of dolphins and whales such as Risso’s dolphin, Spinner dolphin, Bottlenose dolphins, Spotted dolphins, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, melon-headed whale, pygmy killer whale, and even blue whales splash around in their playground.
3. Swim at Campawan Curtain Falls, Davao Oriental
A trek through the forested area in the town of Baganga in Davao Oriental leads to the majestic Campawan Waterfalls. The au naturel beauty of nature that resembles a wide curtain that flows about 20 feet into a shallow basin of water is a quick retreat for a cool dip. With its potential as one of Davao Oriental’s attractions, efforts have been initiated to transform the place as an eco-park for locals and tourists to enjoy.
4. Kayak in El Nido, Palawan
Palawan is a paradise for kayakers, with placid waters along El Nido’s lagoons and coves that are teeming with marine life in crystal clear water. Kayaking through the limestone formations at the Small Lagoon and the Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island is an unforgettable, surreal experience. To help protect the ecological balance of its popular destinations, the local government has introduced measures such as enforcing a carrying capacity policy for the Small and Big Lagoons. Under the same policy, motorized boats are barred from anchoring at the entrance of the Small Lagoon and from entering the Big Lagoon, except those issued with special permits for carrying persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women. With the growth of tourism in their Province, the communities of Palawan are aware of the need to take care of their natural resources, and they are encouraging visitors to travel sustainably through what’s known as the country’s ‘last frontier’.
