6 Philippine Protected Areas You Should Know About

Currently, the Philippines has a total of 240 protected areas. Among them are forest basins, natural parks, protected landscapes and marine sanctuaries. They are all of exceptional beauty and richness.

On the other hand, environmental awareness in the Philippines increases every year, due to the needs of its increasing population. Hence the importance of protecting the land from possible human exploitation and the loss of endemic species.

The Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources is responsible for the management and development of these spaces. Data from 2018 certify the country’s concern, since in that year the protected areas were expanded by 94. In this article we have wanted to highlight 6 very unique protected areas of the Philippines.

1. Bataan National Park

It is located in Luzon, just over 90 kilometers from the capital of the Philippines, Manila. It was founded in 1945 and has an area of ​​150 km². It has thick tropical forests and geographical features of great beauty. Its mountains, rivers, waterfalls and lakes are highly valued by international tourism, especially by trekking and hiking enthusiasts.

These jungle forests are home to wild birds, insects and monkeys, as well as various plant species typical of the area, among which orchids stand out. In addition, within the national park is Mount Natib, a dormant volcano.

2. Hundred Islands National Park

It has a total of 124 islands within the protected area. More than two million years old and formed on a coral reef, only three of the hundred islands can be visited: the Governor’s Island, the Quezon Island, and the Children’s Island.

During the visit various activities and tours are offered. Among them, the boat trips with a visit to the Imelda cave and the practice of snorkeling and kayaking stand out. There are also hiking trails with camping at the top of Governor Island, which displays spectacular views.

3. Protected Areas of the Philippines: Basilan National Park

In the autonomous region in Mindanao is the Basilan National Park, another of the protected areas of the Philippines. Located in the interior of the island and only 10 kilometers from the city Isabela, capital of the region, it offers the possibility of making several routes, including a trekking route to reach the top of the island.

Among the most prominent areas of the park are the Cabunbata Falls, a paradisiacal corner created by these waterfalls, surrounded by a unique natural environment. There, in addition to observing native plant species, we can also see beautiful tropical birds.

4. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

It is located about 80 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa, in Palawan. Founded in 1992, it is considered a World Heritage Site by Unesco and since 2012 it has been one of the 7 new wonders of the world. Here is the longest navigable underground river in the world, with more than 8 kilometers of route.

During the canoe ride through its caves we are presented with a unique ecosystem formed over hundreds of years. In the same way, we can also see species of exotic birds, monkeys and other species typical of the region in the outer zone of the park.

5. Mount Pulag, another of the protected areas of the Philippines

It is the highest peak in the Luzon region and one of the highest mountains in the Philippines. Declared a national park in February 1987, it covers an area of ​​70 km². This protected area of ​​the Philippines has a temperate climate and a long rainy season, which benefits the local fauna and flora.

The park has more than 528 species of plants, among which the dwarf bamboo and the Benguet pine stand out. It also has 33 species of tropical birds and endemic small mammals. It receives many visits throughout the year and tourists highlight not only the beauty of its thick forests, but the views offered by the top of Mount Pulag.

6. Lake Naujan National Park

Lake Naujan is the fifth largest lake in the Philippines. This freshwater lake is located on the island of Mindoro and was declared a national park in March 1956. With an area of ​​50 km², it is easily accessible both by sea and by land.

With the arrival of tourism, many areas have improved their facilities for lovers of sustainable tourism. In addition to offering different activities, a large number of animal species can be seen, such as the freshwater crocodile, which is in danger of extinction.