The Philippines is certainly an envy of other countries because of its rich natural resources. Comprising some 7,107 islands, the archipelago has one of the world’s highest biodiversities. Various plant and animal species that are endemic to the country have been attracting wildlife experts and nature lovers to the Philippines.

Local environment department officials said the Philippines is home to some 1,137 species of amphibians, birds, and mammals. However, around half of them are now considered “threatened” due to man-made perturbations. Forest denudation, illegal hunting, poaching, and urbanization have been destroying wildlife habitat. This has been a cause for concern of environment preservation groups over the past years.

To raise awareness on environment protection, related government agencies and public groups are organizing guided tours to showcase the country’s wildlife. Here is a guide to some of the wildlife parks and nature centers in the Philippines.

Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the leading tourist attractions in the island paradise of Palawan is the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. This 3,700-hectare sanctuary, which opened in 1976, is home to various animal species such as giraffe, zebra, bushbuck, gazelle, elands, deer, and other exotic local and African animals. There are also more than 70 bird species living at the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary.

Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the island province of Bohol, the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary is also a must-go destination for travelers looking to explore the Philippine wildlife. This 134-hectare shelter serves as a breeding and protection center for the Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates. Around 500 tarsiers are currently housed inside the sanctuary, where exotic birds such a serpent eagles, parrots, grass owls can be found.

Albay Park and Wildlife

Aside from Mayon Volcano, Albay is also making a name on wildlife conservation. Set in Legazpi, Albay Park and Wildlife hosts more than 400 animals such as mammals, birds, and reptiles. Visitors can get up close and personal with a number of raptor species such as grass owl, Philippine eagle owl, and Brahminy kite. The park also allows guests to relax with its amenities such as a food court and picnic groves.

Zoobic Safari

Enjoy an ultimate safari adventure in the Philippines by visiting a 25-hectare amusement park in Subic, Zambales. Zoobic Safari offers a number of attractions such as Tiger Safari, where some 400-pound tigers are roaming around. Snakes from around the world, meanwhile, are featured at the Serpentarium. Visitors can also set their feet on steel walkway where over 200 crocodiles are resting below.

Exploring Philippine wildlife doesn’t end from the above-mentioned parks and sanctuaries. You can also spend a day in Donsol, Sorsogon, for some whale shark viewing, or visit Olango Island, which serves as a stopover of more than 50,000 migrating birds. There many other wildlife getaway destinations to choose from whether you are in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao.

1. Each country has its own unique feature. The Philippines is interesting in that it has 7107 islands divided into three major island groups - Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

2. That means there are plenty of beaches to choose from including the world’s best white sand beaches. Boracay,Camiguin, and Dakak are amongst the more popular ones, while hundreds of virgin beaches remain undiscovered along the coasts of Mindanao, at the northernmost province of Batanes, and in the coastal provinces of Pangasinan and in Palawan. Plus, you can go to the beach anytime of the year.

3. The regionalism created by the different islands has produced a nation so varied culturally – from the Ivatans in the North to the boat people in the South. Each culture has their own set of interesting festivals too.

4. Filipinos are a friendly people and are known for their oftentimes excessive hospitality. Attend a public wedding celebration in the Cordilleras, or walk through a town celebrating a fiesta in the Tagalog region and you’ll certain to be invited to a meal.

5. Almost 400 hundred years of Spanish rule, and 100+ years of American rule that mind you, extends to the present, has created a unique culture that combines the European flair for tradition and the American’s penchant for anything new. 9 of 10 Filipinos speak English – one of the highest percentage amongst Asian countries.

6. As the country that introduced the karaoke to the world, Filipinos are known for their musical abilities and grace in dancing. Most major festivals include street dancing, and Asian singing contests are normally won by Filipino singers. Three of the four Asian finalists in American Idol history come from Filipino families and not one of them is named Sanjaya.

7. The Philippines is home to very unique group of animals such as the world’s smallest monkey, the largest and smallest species of bats, 5 of the world’s seven species of marine turtles, the monkey-eating eagle, the world’s smallest hoofed animal, the tamarraw (pygmy water buffalo) and flying lemurs.

8. Shopping is cheap. Buy world class local products at just about 1/10 of the price you’d get for similar ones outside the country. Plus, the Philippines has 3 of the 10 biggest malls in the world.

9. It is home to several UNESCO world heritage sites such as the Baroque Churches, the historic town of Vigan, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park.

10. You find the tastiest species of mango, the world-renowned coconut oil, bagoong (fish fermented sauce) – flavored dishes, kalderetang kambing (goat stew), various forms of pulutan (finger food), sorbetes (fruit flavored coconut-based ice cream), rice pastries, taho (beancurd with caramel syrup), the highly exotic balut (boiled, pre-hatched poultry eggs), tapey (Igorot rice wine), lambanog (coconut-based alcoholic drink) and San Miguel beer.

Sagada, Philippines is oftentimes described as “Shangri-la” by those who visit the place. The description is not an accident – indeed, within just the boundaries of one the smallest towns in Mountain Province are several natural and man-made attractions that are feasts to the eyes, hearts and souls of both the residents and visitor.

The following can also be used as a checklist of things to see for those visiting the place:

1. Sumaging Cave – this gigantic limestone cave is huge and it can take more than a half day to fully explore the place. Make sure to bring a small snack and dry set of clothes to wear.

2. Bomod-ok Falls – this huge falls is around 2 hours hike from the town center. Enjoy the cool waters at the foot of the falls. On one occasion captured in nationwide TV, a man proposed to his girlfriend at the waterfalls.

3. Mission Compound – enjoy the pine covered walk from St. Mary’s School to the St. Mary’s Church – Sagada’s Anglican Church that was built by the Japanese after World War II.

4. Lake Danum – go berry picking and enjoy the gentle breeze and fresh air at Lake Danum. This place has been used to film a Filipino romance movie.

5. Mt. Ampacao – start a morning by trekking to Sagada’s highest peak. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the top of the mountain.

6. Kiltepan Rice Terraces – the rice terraces at the boundary of 3 of Sagada’s barangays are the subject of beautiful postcards for its expansive and creative engineering.

7. Bokong Waterfalls – though smaller than the one in Bomod-ok, this waterfalls is nearer to the town center and thus, easier to visit. Try to do a running jump from the side of a mountain into the cool waters of the 20-foot pool.

8. Underground River – follow the underground river as it snakes its way into a cave and out again.

9. Sagada Restaurants – the town is slowly being regarded as a food-lovers destination. A weekend buffet by a French chef is a must-experience. The Yoghurt House restaurant has been visited by a Philippine president.

10. Sagada Weaving – take a part of Sagada with you home by dropping by the Sagada Weaving shop.

11. Hanging Coffins – these final resting places is not something for those who fear heights. Sagada is perhaps the only town in the whole Philippines that has a burial place in the face of limestone cliffs.

If you have travelled to a great deal of places and all over the world already then you probably have noticed that each city you visit is in some ways distinctly different from all others. You found out how each city has its own essential characteristic: the sophistication of New York, the glamour of Hollywood, the romantic atmosphere of Milan, the artistic flavor of Paris, the old charm of London, the liveliness of Tokyo…but if you decide to travel to the Philippines, there’s one quality that you’d notice all its cities have – and that’s warmth.

Below are several great spots to visit when you travel to Philippines. I assure you that there’s no need to fear getting lost or being treated in an unfriendly manner because the country is quite known as a tourist-friendly place.

Boracay – In recent years, Boracay, found in Aklan, Philippines, became very popular as a beach paradise to tourists all over the world. White sand, sparkling sea water, luxurious accommodation, great food and great company – you’ll find all of those and more when you travel to Boracay.

Intramuros – Fondly known as the Walled City because of its historic significance to the Philippines, traveling to the country wouldn’t be complete without a tour to Intramuros. There, you can check out the museums of the country and get to know a little bit more about the history and culture of the Philippines. Enjoy the beautiful wildlife that Luneta Park offers.

Malacañang Palace – I’m sure you’re aware of the legend of Ms. Imelda Marcos and her shoes. If you want to see where she lived when she was still the First Lady of the country, do try to travel to the deeper part of Manila and drop by at Malacañang Palace.

Ongpin – This is the Chinatown that everyone’s very proud of. If you travel to the Philippines and want to see a different side of Filipinos, perhaps you should travel to Binondo, Manila, where Ongpin is located and get to know the Filipino-Chinese communities. During holidays and festivities, you’d see that the streets of Ongpin would be decorated in authentic Chinese decors and everyone would be wearing red to honor the occasion they’re celebrating.

Banawe Rice Terraces – Located in the northern part of the Philippines, travel to Banawe to see for yourself what’s described as the eighth wonder of the world.
Wherever great spot you may find yourself in the Philippines, you’re sure to be welcomed by the natives with friendly smiles and warm hospitality.

The Philippines is considered one of the richest countries in terms of natural resources. It is composed of 7,107 islands and has a tropical environment that can be enjoyed by any tourist. It is a place where you can relax and enjoy all of its panoramic views, whether natural or man-made. It is known to the whole world that the country has some of the best tourist destinations. Some of these places may not be that grand or majestic, but they will be spectacular, nevertheless, even for local folks.

Enjoying the different destinations in the Philippines is easy and may be due to the fact that English is considered to be the second tongue. Considering that the country has over 180 languages, many people do speak English, even in the rural areas. Some foreigners may wonder why this is so. It’s actually because Americans were the country’s last conquerors. The country also has strong ties with English-speaking countries. When you tour the country, you will find your vacation more enjoyable because it’s easy to understand why things are the way they are. It’s also easy to understand the Filipino culture because they will know how to converse to you.

If you’re planning to spend a holiday in this tropical haven, it would be great to know a little about it. the Philippines is an archipelago where islands are united by seas and divided by mountains. Geographically speaking, since the country is a composition of many different islands, people tend to share their sub-cultures to each other and everything will still be united as the larger Filipino culture that all regions will be known for. Because of this geographical nature of the country, Filipinos can be so diverse yet one in a unique way.

Today, the Philippines has risen as one of the most fabulous destinations in Asia. There are many spectacular views that any tourist can enjoy. If you go to mountains, you can see the man-made rice terraces in Banquet which were made by the natives of the mountains as a way of sustaining their livelihood. The Banawe Rice Terraces are actually counted as one of the eight wonders of the world, and so are the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Those who love the underwater will also marvel at the rich marine life in the country’s many diving sites.

Most of all, tourists will often leave the country thinking of it not only as a land of beautiful views and beaches but also as a place where warm and spirited hosts will effortlessly go out of their way to accommodate an eager tourist. Immediately after arriving in the Philippines, most foreigners would see how friendly and hospitable Filipinos are. In fact, some actually come back because they have found love in the Philippines. This love does not always mean romantic love. It can also be a fascination for the country’s fabulous attractions, including its culture.