Ecotourism sites and destinations

1. The Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras, often referred to as "stairways to Heaven", were included in the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Heritage List's cultural landscapes category. A vast, 23,000 sq. km. chunk of mountainous terrain in northern Luzon, the Gran Central Cordillera Mountains capture the imagination with cool foggy weather and majestic rice terraces. The areas listed in this category are considered to be sites of significant global value that demonstrate the interaction of man and nature. Listed sites are officially protected by the World Heritage Convention which seeks to preserve significant sites of natural and cultural value. The convention is ratified by over 140 countries, including the Philippines.

The cultivation of highland rice varieties by mountain terracing is practiced throughout Asia, but the Cordillera terraces are said to be the most extensive, unique and outstanding because of their altutude (up to 1500 meters) and steep slopes (maximum of 70 degrees). A complex system of dams, sluizes, channels and bamboo pipes keeps whole groups of terraces adequately flooded. They cover the highest mountain peaks of five provinces - Ifugao, Kalinga- Apayao, Benguet, Mountain Province, Abra - and are located even on the steepest slopes, sometimes slanting 70 degrees.

For 2,000 years, these high rice fields have followed the contours of the mountains. The fruit of knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance, they have helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment. This original work of Igorot peoples more than 2,000 years ago were designed and built using the most basic tools and technology. Yet they still survive to this day as living ecosystems based on the efficient and respectful collective use of the mountains' water resources.

The rice terraces have survived as a "living" cultural landscape because the indigenous peoples have preserved and maintained their own cultural heritage - a culture deeply rooted in the land and nature and creation. This is truly the special significance of the Cordillera.

Despite this seemingly forbidding landscape, the Cordilleras are actually home to numerous ethnic communities. There are around eleven of such groups in the highlands, all of them possessing their own unique cultures, customs and traditions.

There are five major rice terraces in the Cordilleras which are similar yet distinct from one another:

BANAUE. This is the most famous of all the sites. It is the artistic center of the Ifugao carvers and the Ikat weavers.

BATAD. Located also in Banaue, it is home to the spectacular tiered, amphitheater-shaped terraces.

MAYOYAO. Located in Banaue. The organic Ifugao rice, Tinawon, in red and white variety, is harvested here in abundance.

HAPAO. Its stone-walled rice terraces date back to 650 AD and is located in Hungduan. Mt. Napulawan is located here.

KIANGAN. It is home to two famous rice terraces sites known for their size and visual impact: Nagacadan and Julungan.

2. Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, Apo Reef was declared as a protected area through Presidential Proclamation No. 868 dated September 6, 1996. It has three islands : , Apo Menor and Cayos del Bajo with white sandy beaches ideal for recreation and sporting vacation.

With an area of 15, 792 hectares, Apo Reef is one of the largest coral atoll in the Philippines with a wide variety of habitat types

The reef waters abound with 385 species of marine fishes including families of sharks, sting rays, mantas, school of jacks and snappers and 500 species of corals which include soft corals and branching type of hard corals. Moreover, the presence of shipwrecks in the area makes this dive site popular among diving enthusiasts. It can also be a fishing ground for the local community and transient fishermen.

3. The Batanes Group of Islands, a rugged, rocky home to the friendly Ivatans lying some 180 kilometers north of the Luzon mainland.

4. Butuan, Agusan del Norte, The Agusan Marsh is an intergral part of the Central Mindanao ecosystem, acting as a catch basin absorbing much of the area's rainfall and preventing them from flooding the surrounding communities.

5. may be a small island but it ranks high on the ecotourism scale. Be it deep jungle, lush lowland or high seas, there is something in here for every ecotourist¶s mood and preference. Nature lover would do well to visit the famous , head on to River Safari among many other destinations.

6. It is a small, sun-kissed island blessed with idyllic landscapes, a cozy lifestyle and gentle people. Camiguin, off the coast of Misamis Oriental, has proven itself worthy of a place among the Philippines¶ top anchor destinations. Check out its white-sand beaches, scenic waterfalls and therapeutic springs. The province is also home to a linker¶s haven of seven volcanoes² more than enough reason to visit this charming province. Camiguin is a tiny pearl-shaped volcanic outcrop off the north coast of Mindanao. It is an ideal destination for trekkers in search of adventure and romantic yearning for a quiet corner. It can be toured form tip to tip by land transport in two hours. Mambajao, the capital, makes a good way station to such attractions as seven volcanoes, waterfalls, springs, and white sand beaches. It is positioned as the eco-agri site of the region. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by , to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay. Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao, with its land area pegged at 29,187 hectares. It is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao - the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok. According to the National Statistics Office, Camiguin has a total population of 74,232 persons, making the province the second smallest in the Philippines in terms of population. Among the Province's major products are coconut, cassava, banana, camote, palay, corn, fruits, coffee and vegetables. Camiguin's volcanic soil has proved to be a fertile ground for planting various crops. At present, the Provincial government is looking into an agricultural program that would increase the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables in Camiguin. The Province is also among the best abaca fiber producers in the country. Camiguin is proud of its natural resources, which include sulfur deposits, geothermal energy, agricultural lands and fishing grounds.

The Camiguin culture is a mixture of both Boholano and Cebuano culture. It is very colorful and creative. The people are deeply religious, hospitable and friendly. Cebuano is the major dialect in the Province. However, in the towns of Sagay and Guinsiliban, where most of the indigenous tribes reside, the Kinamiguin dialect is still spoken. Kinamiguin is derived from the Manobo dialect with some mixture of Boholano.

7. Zamboanga del Norte, There is more to this city than just it's tasty sardines. Situated in the northern coast of Zamboanga del Norte, Dipolog is a bonafide gateway to the unspoiled, untainted side of Mindanao. In Dipolog one can enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Dapitan Bay and Aliguay Island, then head off for a refreshing hike up the nearby mountains.

8. Donsol, Sorsogon, For decades, the seafaring natives of Donsol, Sorsogon have been living in the company of the butanding-huge, gentle whale sharks that live in great numbers offshore. In a still unexplained natural phenomena, droves of these animals congregate in the waters of this town during summer months, forming the main attractions in a bustling ecotourism.

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the world's largest fish. Whale shark appear in Donsol waters in considerable numbers between December and May of each year, taking advantage of dense food concentration. Donsol is the seasonal feeding ground for whale sharks. The whale sharks arrival also prompt the local community to provide interaction tours, and visitors now have the chance to swim alongside these majestic creatures.

9. El Nido, Palawan, Named after the nests made by rare birds which is the main ingredient for a tasty delicacy, El Nido archipelago in Palawan evoke images of an untainted paradise. Steep limestones cliffs and lush vegetation are a common sight along its numerous islands, complemented by picturesque hidden lagoon and serene forests.

Occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, El Nido boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs and limestone cliffs. It is the sanctuary of various forms of wildlife. Blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is now one of the country¶s popular tourist destinations.

10. Alaminos, Pangasinan, No need to count them to realize the boatload of fun they offer. The Hundred Islands National Park is Pangasinan's provincial pride, consisting of a small archipelago off the coast of Alaminos. Call it a tiny version of the Philippines, its 200 plus green topped, white ringed islets set amidst a brilliant backdrop of deep blue.

Unexplored coves and islets await seekers of solitude. Each one in its own pristine beauty basks in the sun, lapped by the waters of Lingayen Gulf.

This National Park covers a land area of 1,884 hectares with 123 islands. However, only 3 islands have been developed for tourists namely: Governor, Quezon and Children's Islands.

11. Ormoc, Leyte, Tucked away in a quiet corner of Leyte is a mountain refuge unlike any another. Lying some 2,600 feet above the sea level, Lake Danao is a favorite picnic spot in Leyte.

Lake Danao is a guitar-shaped lake covering an area of 148 hectares. Viewed from the top, it looks like an uncut diamond thrown into a rugged topography of verdant growth, glimmering with magnificence. Hemmed by the cloudcapped Amandiwin mountain range, the lake is about 15 kilometers northeast of Ormoc City and is only a half hour drive along the all-weather Tongonan national road.

The lake is about 2,600 feet above sea level. Its cool green waters harmoniously blend with the evergreen forest of the surrounding hills. Its surrounding forests are rich in flora and fauna, a panorama of unspoiled nature. The plateau overlooking the lake accentuates the beauty of its shore which gleams with pebbles scattered everywhere like random polka dots thrown on a green persian carpet. With its cool atmosphere, peaceful and serene surroundings, the lake offers a wholesome feeling of security.

Lake Danao was adjudged as the cleanest body of water in Region 8 for three consecutive years.

12. boli, South Cotabato, Described as one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines, Lake Sebu lies, 3000 ft. above sea level, a calm, quiet refuge for the concrete-wary soul. Located on the Mountains of South Cotabatao, it is home to the T¶Boli and B¶laan minority groups.

Lake Sebu us a young town as it was created on November 11, 1982. It used to be a barangay of Suraliah, South Cotabato. From a sixth class municipality in 1992, it became a third class municipality in 2001, registering tourism as the highest income earner. It coveers an area of 8,913 sq. km. with a population of 60,000. The main tribe is the T'boli and the next large ethnic group is the Ilongo, so the most widely spoken dialects are T'boli and Hiligaynon / Karay-a. Tagalog and English are both spoken and understood by the local people.

From 1938 to 1950, 8,300 families were resettled by the National Land Settlement Agency which adversely affected the tribes because of commercial ranching, minin and logging so the tribe was displaced and moved to the upland part. They called the place S'bu and practiced barter system to acquire goods and services. They had peaceful and abundant life as there were plenty of foods for their needs due to spacious and fertile land suited for agriculture and domestication.

Today, the T'boli and Ubo ancestral domain claims had been awarded to them. Generally, teh town was proclaimed as Watershed Forest Reserve by virtue of Proclamation number 65. Lake Sebu again form part of the Proclaimed Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve, hence, it become an initial component of National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) and now categorized as Allay Valley Protected Landscape. A Protected Landscape - an area of national significance which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these areas. The Philippine Eagle and Tarsier were among the important wildlife species sighted in tropical rain forest of Lake Sebu.

13. A center of trade and commerce in the Northern Mindanao region, Misamis Oriental possesses wealth of natural attractions ranging from highlands to high seas. There is a lot of everything in this province for ecotourists. For starters check out its world-class dive sites and beaches. There is also the Malasag Ecotourism Gardens, a breathtaking canopy walk, white water river rafting adventure, as well as countless other scenic hikes, caves and waterfalls.

Nature tripping is a never-ending possibility in Misamis Oriental, one of the five provinces of Northern Mindanao. From watersports and fine beaches to cave exploration and ethnic settlements, the list of nature-communing endeavors to be experienced in the province is longer than enough to fill a lifetime's itinerary.

Seas and beaches offer a limitless aqua adventure. Go scuba diving at Duka Bay and Mantangale, also a primary dolphin and whale shark watching destination. Find glorious hideaways in the white sand beaches of Midway Beach, Maputi White Beach, and Opol Beach Fronts.

Go white water rafting and tubing in the rapids of Cagayan de Oro River, one of the longest rivers in Mindanao. Or simply get picture-happy at the San Isidro/Sagpolon, Palalan, and Tiklas waterfalls as well as Sapong Spring and the Cold Spring at Lagonglong.

A multitude of choices await the nature lover or adventurer. The Gardens of Malasag Eco- Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro, a cultural village in a botanical setting, is home to Region 10's tribal communities and endemic plants and trees. Also in Cagayan de Oro is Macahambus Cave, a historical site dating back to the 1900s. Initao Cave is home to the split-nose bat and the Initao National Park is a forest reserve with a natural limestone formation and marine life.

Shift into a more relaxed pace at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club, situated along Lumbia Road in Cagayan de Oro. Or explore this city's museums, from the Xavier University Museum showcasing Muslim-Bukidnon culture to the La Castilla Museum featuring household heirlooms.

14. Davao Del Sur, Davao City and Cotabato Province, Rising some 9,691 ft. above sea level, the slopes of Mt. Apo beckon. It is the Philippines¶ tallest peak, complete with its own set of obstacles and challenges. But don¶t be daunted²as any veteran outdoorsman will tell you: the rewards up there are definitely worth the long grueling climb.

Mt. Apo towers over the whole Philippine archipelago being the highest mountain of the country. Its base is known to be larger than the island of Singapore. In 1982, the United Nations listed Mt. Apo in its National Parks and Equivalent Reserves while the 1984 ASEAN Declaration on Heritage, Parks and Reserves named it as an ASEAN Heritage Site.

The park is also regarded as the last stronghold of the remaining population of the rare and endangered Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), which, aside from being the symbol of environmental preservation in the country, has been declared as the national bird. This majestic raptor, mates for life and can live for half a century.

15. Bulusan and Irosin, Sorsogon, Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon is one of the three active volcanoes in the Bicol region. The crater is located at its highest peak - 1,550 meters above sea level. Completely surrounded by forest, park visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, hiking, swimming, canoeing and camping.

Bulusan is a 2 km. trail around the lake, has colorful and varies leaves - bearing trees and presence also of wildlife like Philippine Brown Deer and Luzon bleeding heart pigeon.

16. Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park was proclaimed as a protected area under Presidential Proclamtion No. 746 dated February 20, 1996.

It is the highest peak in Romblon at 2,058 meters above sea level. This van be found at the heart of Sibuyan, one of the seven islands of Romblon Province. The island is known for its exceptional intact chain of ecosystems such as bio-diversity rich forest, mangroves and coral reefs. Some species can be found only on the island. These include five mammals namely, the Greater Sibuyan and Lesser Sibuyan forest mice, the Sibuyan giant moss mouse, Sibuyan pygmy fruit bat, Sibuyan-striped shrew rat. Dugongs, dolphins and whales are sighted in the municipal waters.

17. Naga, Camarines Sur, Mt. Isarog - replete with the rich flora and fauna is found in the Bicol region.

18. Mambucal, Negros Occidental, Keeping watch over much of Negros Island is Mt. , a towering 2,465 meter high volcano. Within its slopes lie an abundance of natural attractions. Greenery covers much of its surface, along with dwarf forests, pine trees, several lakes and a huge main crater that makes this particular climb unique, typical treks take up to 3-4 days, giving ecotourists enough time to see such sights as the Buslogan and Oro Waterfalls, the Samok lagoon and the Margaha Valley.

19. Los Baños, Laguna, Towering between the provinces of Laguna and Batangas, Mount Makiling beckons with its landscape of lush rainforest greenery, cool mountain air, geologic wonders, network of hiking trails and nearby scientific institutions and hotspring resorts to top up visitors' education and wellness interests.

Mt. Makiling is home to more than 2,000 species of flowering plants, 291 species of ferns, 211 species of mosses, 45 species of mammals, 181 species of birds, 65 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians and thousand insects and other arthropods

20. Legaspi, Albay, For both tyro trekker and hardened hiker, Southern Luzon has a wealth of landscapes waiting to be explored. It offers five best climbsthis side of the islands, each with its own unique set of challenges and difficulties. The Mt. Mayon, an active volcano boasting an almost perfect cone.

Five hundred fifty three kilometers from Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, rises a near perfect cone volcano and one of the seven (7) wonders of the world. Its summit measures 2,421 meters above sea level (masl) while its circular base has a radius of about 48 kilometers. Mayon Volcano is surrounded by 5 municipalities and 3 cities with a total land area of 5,775.70 hectares. Its symmetrical form at any horizontal direction made this volcano a truly scenic wonder.

Located at the foot of Mayon in Lidong, Sto. Domingo, Albay is the DENR-managed campsite and ecopark. It is only 20-minutes ride from Legazpi City where one can enjoy communing with nature.

21. Sapang Bato, Pampanga, Mt. Pinatubo is no easy climb-it makes you pay on the way up. Rising some 1,780 meters above the plain, it made the headline when it errupted in 1991. Devastating Central Luzon, it dumped tons of ashes and made raging rivers of lahar. These days however, Mt. Pinatubo is the focus of attraction for eco-tourist.

22. Peñablanca, Cagayan, Located at the eastern tip of Luzon, the Peñablanca Protected Landscape & Seascape is known for its countless caves and lush, fertile land. It is verdant junction to some of the region's greatest landscape - the Cordillera and Sierra Madre Mountains lie on its western and eastern borders, providing for some perfect setting for some truly intense eco-adventures.

23. (off Mactan Island), Cebu, Way before the scientists and the ecotourists arrived here, the flat muddy plains of Olango Island were already host to a set of visitors. Every year, from February-April, thousands of migratory birds plying the East Asian Migratory flyway arrive to make a stopover at the wildlife reserve. Essentially a huge 920-hectare protected wetland, the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a resting place for a variety of migrating water birds. Among the frequent guests are Chinese egrets, Asiatic dowitchers, Eastern curlews, plovers, and sandpipers.

Located five kilometers east of Mactan Island, Olango Island lies between the Bohol Strait to the south and the Camotes Sea to the north. To the east is the Olango Channel while to the west is the Hilutungan Channel. It has seven barangays, one of which is Sta. Rosa (erroneously used to refer to the whole of Olango Island), where the island's wharf and parish church is located. Olango island hosts seven Lapu-Lapu city barangays, namely, Baring, Caw-oy, Sabang, Santa Rosa, Talima, Tingo and Tunga-san

Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the country. Migration starts from the breeding places of birds in Siberia, Northern China and Japan. Anticipating the scarcity of food and winter cold, these birds fly as far as Australia and New Zealand from late July until late November. This is usually referred to as the Southward Migration. By late February until May, these birds return to their breeding grounds in the reverse Northward Migration.

Based on data gathered so far, the birds use Olango as a major refueling station as well as a wintering ground. At Olango, the birds can replenish their fat reserves by feeding on rich supply of invertebrates in the intertidal mudflats. These fat reserves must fuel the birds on the next lap of their journey which may cover from 3,000 to 15,000 km. of non-stop flight.

Olango Island is a diverse coastal ecosystem consisting of extensive coralline sandflats, mangroves, seagrass beds, and offshore coral reefs. The island's mangroves are most extensive in the Cebu province, and its offshore corals are home to scores of various marine species. The island is virtually flat, and it is surrounded by warm seas and partly sheltered from monsoons and strong trade winds.

The unique biodiversity of life on and around Olango has made it one of the best known of the wetlands recognized by the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

24. Sabang, Palawan, Palawan's famous river is undoubtedly one of the province's most visited sites. glide through the awesome caverns of Puerto Princesa Underground River, taking in the cool air and the calm, quiet darkness below. it is a breathtaking trip to the bowels of the earth, one that could well whet your appetite for subterranean sojourns. Should your wish to do some more you can also check out teh rest of the St. Paul National Park - there are quiet treks, scenic boat rides and many more caves.

A world heritage site inscribed by the UNESCO, this natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out in to the South China Sea.

25. Time for a hearty helping of sun, sand and surfing action. Since the early nineties, Siargao Island off the coast of Surigao del Norte has been a magnet for surfers worldwide. This island¶s southeastern coast has just the right geographic ingredients to produce the perfect wave, making it host to a vibrant international surfing community. 26. Basey, Samar, the Sohotan Caves National Park, an 840-hectar nature reserve, beckons with an endless array of subterranean delights. Make your way to your pristine rock tunnels filled with exquisite formations. There are underground streams, natural bridge sand huge sky lit caverns, all spread out over dozens of underground chambers.

27. Tagaytay, Climb the world's smallest volcano or simply view it from the cool foggy slopes of nearby Tagatay City. Aside from being fairly challenging and rugged climb, Taal Volcano is a major lesson in earth science. Situated among red oxidized soil and smoking vapor vents in the main crater, which houses a small lake of sulfur and water. Up here the wind is cool, atmosphere calm and the view breathtaking. Such a lovely sight, one might say, that belies this land's awesome but violent nature.

Taal Volcano,as a Protected Area under the category of Protected Landscape through Presidential Proclamation No. 906 dated October 6, 1996, strides the provinces of Batangas and Cavite with a geographical position of 14 9'N latitude and 121 3' E lomgtitude. It covers an area of 65,790 hectares and situated in the municipalities of Talisay, Malvar, Tanauan, Laurel, Agoncillo, Sta. Teresita, Cuenca, Alitagtag, Mataas na Kahoy, Lipa City, Balete and San Nicolas in Batangas and Tagaytay City in Cavite.

The forty seven (47) identified cones and craters which constitute the volcano island were formed by different types of volcanic processes: base surges (rapidly moving mixtures of volcanic debris and steam) ash falls and effusions of lava. Twenty aix (26) of these cones are tuff cones, five are cinder cones and four are marsh (shallow to deep circular depressions of volcanic origin.

28. Bais, Negros Oriental, The waters of Tañon Strait are host to a unique ecotourism attraction: pods of dolphins eagerly awating visitors from Land! The starting point for most dolphin watching tours is the town of Bais, Negros Oriental where sightseeing boats can be easily rented. Spend a day with these fun loving creatures of the sea-we guarantee an interactive experience you won¶t forget.

29. Cagayancillo, Palawan, Located right in the middle of the Sulu Sea, another World Heritage Site the Tubbataha Reef is one of the most beautiful dive spots in the Philippines. It is home to a dazzling array of marine life, making it a favorite among the diving enthusiasts from all over the world.

30. locos Sur, Vigan - a sleepy colonial-era town located on the west coast of Luzon, it is a place where past meets the present. Once called "a peice of Spain in the Orient" this locate evokes a feeling of life in 18th-century Philippines with cobbled streets, antiques and clip- clopping calesas.

Vigan was inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List in November 1999. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines and from China with those from Europe to create a unique culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia. Its Kamestizoan District is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tiled roofs, massive hardwood floorings, ballustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.

31. Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal, Pamitinan Cave, a historic site, is where Andres Bonifacio, together with other 8 katipuneros declared their first independence against Spain in April 12, 1895, a year before the start of the Philippine revolution. The cave still bears the inscription of Andres Bonifacio and his follows: Viva la Independencia Filipinas´.

Wawa Dam is located at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It supplies water to Novaliches passing through large pipes. It has gorge which lies between two limestone mountains and through it passes the upper Marikina River. Four caves are said to have been inhabited by the Japanese soldiers during the Second World War.