Boasting diverse ecosystems and spectacular landscapes barely touched by humans, there are pristine national parks worth visiting all over the Philippines’ archipelago. A country blessed with vast oceans, thousands of islands and islets, and inland mountains piercing the clouds above, it’s no surprise that no two national parks in this incredible country are the same. Here are some of the Philippines’ most varied national parks to add to your itinerary.
Hundred Islands National Park
Hundred Islands National Park is the ultimate tropical playground with over one hundred mound shaped islets scattered across the turquoise ocean in Pangasinan – each covered with lush green foliage. With so many islets to choose from, the national park is a popular place for boating adventures where visitors can explore some of the unique offerings of the islands. Activities within the park include cliff
Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park
diving, snorkelling the coral reefs surrounding the islands, swimming in quiet shallow lagoons, and exploring the many caves and secret beaches.
Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park
Deep in the Cordillera mountains, the Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park in Kalinga is characterised by dense pine forest, gigantic mossy trees, and flowing rivers. The parks is renowned as a peaceful place where only the sounds of nature prevail, from rustling leaves to the variety of animals including birds, deers, macaques, bats, and Philippine warty pigs.
The National Park is popular for visitors who enjoy hiking the trails to enjoy views of the valleys and surrounding mountains. Within the Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park, you’ll also discover traditional Kalinga villages where ancient ways of life have been preserved by the locals to this day.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park to experience an underwater paradise like nowhere else on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes over 100,000 hectares of protected coral reefs in the Sulu Sea where divers are treated to the spectacular sights of coral gardens, more than 700 species of tropical fish, reef sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. Thanks to the park’s remote location and preservation efforts, the waters offer divers exceptional visibility and are renowned bucket-list destination for underwater adventurers.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Encompassing one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the Western coast of the island of Palawan. The park features spectacular limestone karst landscapes and an
Mt Pulag National Park, Luzon
underground river leading from the mountains to sea offering an important habitat or biodiversity conservation.
A trip to the Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park will take you on a scenic boat journey along the coast before cruising into the mouth of the underground river. Experience the atmosphere cool and become darker as you travel along this mysterious river before marvelling at the towering stalactites and rock formations by torchlight in the huge echoing chambers of the cave system.
Mt Pulag National Park
Located in the Cordillera Mountain Range, Mt Pulag National Park is the highest peak in Luzon and known for its steep slopes and summit covered with grass and bamboo plants. Visitors to the park can explore the foggy forests at the lower levels boasting brightly coloured mosses and lush ferns, as well as a series of lakes, rivers, and waterfalls cascading down the slopy terrain.
Journeying to the summit at dawn is a highlight experience of the park where you’ll be treated to rare scenes of a blanket of clouds below and the sun rising above the Cordillera Mountain Range on the horizon before you.
