Nature in the Philippines 7,641 islands that make up the Philippines are in Southeast Asia, close to Malaysia and Indonesia. They are stunningly beautiful, with beautiful ocean views, active rocky landscapes, and many plants and animals.

With an area of about 120,000 square miles, this is the fifth biggest island nation in the world. Choosing just a few of the most beautiful places in the Philippines is not easy. 

After that, mass tourism hasn’t become a big problem here until you leave big towns like Manila. 

The Philippines has many interesting places that aren’t on the beaten road. There are traditional villages in small towns and some of the best places in the world to scuba dive. There are also many beautiful beaches, lakes, and mountains.

So keep reading to learn about some of the best places to visit nature in the Philippines, broken down by area, along with the best places to stay and things to do there with World Pinoy Flights.

Top Ecotourism Destinations

There are many ecotourism choices in the Philippines. El Nido Marine Sanctuary and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (with over 360 kinds of coral) are two of the best places to swim in the ocean. Masungi Georeserve (1,600 hectares) or Mount Apo Natural Park are good places to visit on land. Find more eco-resorts and hidden gems on islands.

Marine and Coastal Wonders

There are beautiful marine reserves in the Philippines. Over 447 known and 44 unknown reef-building coral species live in El Nido Marine Sanctuary. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park has about 700 fish kinds and 360 types of coral.

Over 60 marine tourism companies are in Puerto Galera, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Unsustainable tourism threatens the environment there, and the Green Fins program works to stop this.

The Cuatro Islas Protected Areas have beaches with white sand and colourful coral gardens, which are great for diving. Responsible tourism is very important to keep these places around for future generations.

Looking into the Forest and Mountain

Explore the Philippines’ varied wilderness. The forests and mountains offer experiences you’ll never forget. Masungi Georeserve (Rizal) and Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (Davao Oriental) have many different ecosystems and lush woods.

You can walk through Masungi’s 1,600-hectare conservation area, which is home to the jade vine, or Mount Hamiguitan’s woods, which have over 130 waterfalls and many rock pools.

Beautiful scenery can be found in Mount Apo Natural Park in Mindanao and Biliran Island in the Eastern Visayas.

You can see Philippine Eagles and Deer on Mount Apo, one of the country’s tallest hills.

Secret waterfalls, lush jungles, and snorkelling are at Sambawan Island on Biliran Island.

These Philippine spots are must-sees because they are beautiful and full of different plants and animals. Hiking, birding, and enjoying the stunning views are all possible activities.

Freshwater Ecosystem Destinations

The Philippines has many different freshwater environments that are important for life and biodiversity. There are three bigger lakes in Southeast Asia, but Laguna de Bay is the biggest. It is used for power, irrigation, shipping, and everyday life. It’s a big place to fish, and migrating birds and other animals and plants live there.

Visit Pangil River Ecotourism Park (opened in 2009) for a deeper look. There are waterfalls, woods, and a river ecosystem in this park.It provides fresh water, food, and genetic materials. The Masungi Georeserve is a wildlife haven where you can go hiking and plant trees. These places show how important Philippine freshwater habitats are for the environment and how important it is to protect them.

Treasures of the Island and Culture

The Philippines has a lot of different freshwater ecosystems and a lot of beautiful islands and cultural sites.

Discover unique environments, many different species, and friendly nearby people.

Top places to visit on islands:

• An important part of the world heritage is the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, which is in the Sulu Sea. There are 600 kinds of fish, 360 kinds of coral, and 13 kinds of dolphins and whales that live there.
• Four Islands Protected Areas: Four islands in the western part of Leyte have white-sand beaches and coral gardens that are great for swimming.
• You can see thresher sharks in a marine refuge from Malapascua Island in the Visayan Sea near Cebu.
• Negros Occidental’s Danjugan Island Sanctuary has seven environments, both marine and terrestrial, and is a great place to snorkel, dive, and watch birds.

These islands and cultural places, such as the Batad Rice Terraces and the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, showcase the Philippines’ rich history.

Eco-friendly places to stay and holiday 

Get away to an eco-resort in the Philippines. El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island in Palawan has houses, crystal clear water, and lush jungles.

Get away to the eco-resorts in the Philippines (continuing). The Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort in Puerto Princesa has eco-friendly beach cabanas, and solar panels power the Iris Island Eco Resort in Busuanga.

There are eco-resorts in the central Philippines, like the Moalboal Eco Lodge (Cebu; natural materials, eco-products).

There are eco-resorts in the central Philippines (continued). Another example is the Bohol Bee Farm Resort, which works with the community and manages water and waste.

There are eco-resorts in the central Philippines (continued). The food at Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge in Basco, Batanes, comes from nearby.

For wildlife lovers, these Philippines spots are a must-see

It would be smart to plan to visit nature in the Philippines. While it’s still cool, winter is the best time to enjoy the outdoors in many parts of the Philippines. The natural beauty of these places would make you feel like you’re under a spell. Before you get there, you should plan your Philippine Holiday Packages because it will take a lot of time to see all the beautiful places to enjoy Mother Nature’s comforts. Here is a list of places like the Philippines that fans will enjoy.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

It is a well-known World Heritage spot with many different kinds of sea creatures. It lives in the Sulu Sea in the Philippines, which has beautiful scenery when you dive deep. Because of its unique and beautiful reefs, the park was nominated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in 2007.

Banaue Rice Terraces

It is an amazing work of art made by people, and you can find it in the Ifugao mountains. To make it look like it was all planned, the place was put together with both hand tools and big machines. People who love nature love this place in the Philippines more than any other.

The area is beautiful, and farming is still done there. This makes it stand out from other places and bring in lots of people. A lot of people from all over the world come here to get their pictures taken for big movies.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

People think it is the best place in the Philippines for nature fans. It is also called the underground river. In terms of natural settings, it’s hard to beat. It was named one of the Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012. It is like a big cave inside a rock. 

It is one of the most famous and beautiful places in the Philippines. The view of the nearby natural resources is enough to make you feel lucky.

Hundred Islands National Park

One hundred twenty-four islands make up the tourist spot, most of which have woods and beaches. There are only three islands where tourists can spend their holiday, but diving or swimming in the clear, old water would make you feel like you’re in a beautiful natural setting. 

The spot is spread over about 16.76 sq km and was found by seafarers more than 2 million years ago. If you want to escape the busy business world, beaches with white sand will make you feel like you’re in heaven. 

Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage Park

You always want to live life to the best when you’re in nature. You’d dance and wander around like you’ve never done before. Here, you’ll find the park’s modern features and a quiet, natural spot to give your senses a real treat. 

There are many kinds of plants and animals, fields, a large camping area, and an ecological park that is about 12.84 hectares in size. The place would indeed welcome you with flowers flying and birds singing.

Tinuy – An Falls

A rainbow can be seen as the waterfalls 95 meters from Niagara Falls in the Philippines. Even if it’s hot outside, the place is beautiful and interesting to visit when you hear the waterfall. Surprisingly, the water falling is very clean and clear, and many people go there daily. 

Great Santa Cruz Island

It only takes 15 minutes to get there by boat from Zamboanga City. The natural blue water and smooth, shiny sand on the island create a peaceful atmosphere. Before you go, you should make plans and confirm them with the tourism service in charge of the area. 

Biri Island Rock Formation

People love the place because of the strong, naturally formed buildings made of rocks. The Pacific Ocean’s waves touch the land, making you feel like you’re in a big area of naturally beautiful scenery. 

Mount Mayon

A big rock in the shape of a cone stands tall above the Albay fields. About 2,400 meters above sea level stands the volcano. That person said before you go, you should find out how dangerous the place is and what the weather is like.

Lots of people from around the world have always liked going to the Philippines. Many people love to visit that place to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. Even better, it’s good for your eyes and will help you stay healthy over time.

Top Things to Do and See in the Nature in the Philippines

Getting wet and diving

The Philippines is a great place for divers and snorkelers to experience the ocean because it has hundreds of species of marine life, coral, and WWII shipwrecks. The big islands are close to dive sites that are good for people of all skill levels.

Hop from island to island

It’s hard to pick just one island to visit because there are so many. You might be able to visit two or more big islands during your holiday and then take a ferry to see smaller islands and beaches that don’t get as many visitors.

Visit places with history

Philippine history can be found throughout the country, but the walled city of Intramuros in Manila should be on your list. This 64-hectare Spanish fortress was built while it was still a colony. There are many ancient buildings and streets to explore. Wear good shoes that let you walk!

Check out the Philippine Tarsiers

The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place in Bohol. Its goal is to protect these rare, furry, bug-eyed primates native to the Philippines.

Outdoors and Adventure

If you don’t like water-related activities or have had enough beaches, you can go to other natural areas and do exciting activities on land. For fun things to do in Boracay, you can swing for 70 meters, hike to Taal Volcano, or go to Hinagdanan Cave in Bohol. People have a lot of choices.

FAQS about Nature in the Philippines