It’s more fun in the Philippines when it’s Eco-friendly: 8 tips for your next trip!

The Philippines is full to the brim with beautiful natural locations, from jungles to mountains, islands and waterfalls. Ecotourism is an increasingly popular way for travellers to enjoy the Philippines and support the incredible natural environments and local people at the same time.

Here are some great eco-friendly ideas for your next trip to the extraordinary Philippine islands;

1. Stay in a unique accommodation

The Birdhouse is an intimate glamping accommodation tucked away in the town of El Nido in the Philippines, making it a fantastic base to explore the island of Palawan.  This unique eco resort was started by Mark and Camille, who along with Karen their cousin (and Manager) live on-site in the mother nest - the main house, which also serves as an area to congregate for yoga sessions with a picture-perfect backdrop.  They now have 5 luxury suite tents each with their own private bathroom and paradise views over Maremegmeg beach. 

Sitting a couple of hundred bamboo steps high, the in-house restaurant is a farm-to-fork concept open for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering a mix of Filipino and western food. As a genuinely sustainable lodging, the Birdhouse is now one of the leading green accommodations with composting toilets and the creation of an organic garden as well as partnering with a local farm in El Nido.  Mark, the owner, also runs ESTEL, a tourism publication focused on eco-sustainable tourism in El Nido, great for further tips and suggestions on things to do and places to eat.

2. Water Activities

Explore the Philippines by water and soak up the magical jagged limestone peaks that sit so majestically in the middle of the ocean. The Philippines has long been known for its transparent waters and is possible to enjoy by snorkelling, diving, swimming, kayaking and more. In recent years, island hopping tours to “premium sites” have been reduced and controlled on various Philippines islands, limiting the number of visitors at one given time. This has been a positive change in providing a more authentic and ambient experience for tourists and protecting the ocean at the same time.

Kite surfing is a popular activity on the island of Boracay. If staying in accommodation on the East side of the island it’s possible to sit on Bulabog beach and check out locals and travellers giving this water sport a go, very often picking up high speeds when the conditions are just right!

Freediving is another great way to enjoy the blue waters.  Freedivers learn to hold their breath for as long as possible to marvel at the world underwater. There are freediving courses on the islands that can help prepare you for a water adventure like this.

3. Adrenaline fun 

For a slightly different view of the Philippines, many of the islands offer ziplining over beautiful beaches and oceans.

4. Walking tours

There are tons of gorgeous walks on the beaches, some islands offer walking tours with a guide where you’ll learn about the local flora and fauna.

5. Cooking Classes

With influences throughout its history, region will play a big role in Filipino cooking. Being such a uniquely separated Country in terms of island location, each island has its only flavour and may determine where you decide to try a cooking class. Cooking is so much fun, learning new recipes encourages creativity and can be such a great activity to do with friends or family, plus you’ll be leaving with a new skill and most likely be introduced to some new local ingredients.

6. On the food & drink menu

Artcafe in El Nido has its own organic farm where they grow the majority of vegetables and herbs for the food they serve, whilst promoting a no plastic policy as well as other eco-friendly practises. Often with a live band to entertain their guests whilst they feast on the delicious meals delivered from the kitchen.

Prana is a South East Asian style restaurant based in Boracay run by Chef Peter Montemayor. He has put together a simple but delicious vegan, organic & vegetarian menu with and basic with focus on farm to table. Their herbs and other produce is collected from their own garden and sourced locally.   

The BrickOven Café located in Pila, Laguna are using hand-woven Tampipi food packaging takeaway pizza boxes which also helps support the local weavers during these tougher times. 

7. Islands to explore

Palawan

After visiting the town of El Nido, head south to Puerto Princesa where it is possible to visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Subterranean River national park. Enjoy the unique rock formations as you paddle through and encounter distinctive wildlife. A bit further south of Puerto Princesa City is the Tubbataha reefs, another sensational world heritage site to see a variety of marine species.

Masungi Georeserve, Rizal

Masungi Georeserve is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, tucked away in the rainforests of rizal. The conservations area aims to protect the floral and fauna but allow tourists to enjoy the highlights of this unique place.

Batanes

Batanes has been declared a priority by the Department of Tourism as an ecotourism zone, where it will be protected from unnecessary development causing negative harm to the area. This is an island where you can really disconnect and immerse into nature, expect green rolling hills that meet blue waters. For the adventurous, Mt Iraya is the 1000 metre high volcano that can be climbed with world-class views at the top.

Siargao Island

Siargao has been put on the map because of its great surf but it is also a natural paradise. For the adventurous traveller, this island offers surfing lessons, rock pool hunting, hiking and is for lovers of empty beaches.

8 Cultural and other tips

• Have some leftover currency? Why not consider donating your leftover pesos to a charity that can go towards education, supporting local farmers or cleaning up the beaches.

• Tipping isn’t considered mandatory but is very much appreciated in bars, restaurants and other hospitality industries.

• The Filipino people are known to be very friendly and it isn’t unusual to receive a wave and a hello, wave back and be polite, it is often the start of a wonderful and insightful conversation.

• Bayanihan is a Filipino custom that encourages the community to help each other without expecting something in return.

• Pakikisama is a term that describes an important quality, essentially meaning “to get along with others” and is very much ingrained in society.

• Celebrations are a big part of Filipino life, there really is no occasion too small to celebrate! If you want to part like a Filipino there are many festivals to attend and experience the culture and lively atmosphere.