Philippine Biosphere Reserves: From Apayao to Palawan

Discover the beauty of biosphere reserves and unique ecosystems in the country—let’s explore the Philippines' newest reserve, Apayao. It now stands alongside three others: Palawan, Puerto Galera, and Albay.

These places are special areas designated by UNESCO to protect wildlife and their habitats. But it's not just about conservation—it's also about finding ways for people to work in and with nature without causing harm. 

Traveling to a biosphere reserve is a chance to see and experience real-world sustainability in action. Ready to explore?

Apayao Biosphere Reserve is in the mountainous province of northern Luzon, covering 396,000 hectares. Its diverse landscapes feature mountainous land with tall peaks and valleys as well as flat areas with gentle hills and plateaus.

Thanks to its indigenous communities, Apayao is a model for environmental conservation. The Isnags practice lapat, where they declare certain areas sacred after the landowner dies, making them off-limits to people. As a result, this tradition creates protected zones where wildlife can thrive and ecosystems can regenerate, free from human disturbance. 

This practice also helped increase the population of the Philippine eagle, a critically endangered species.

Time to explore the wonders of this region! Here are some must-see places:

A tour guide will help you paddle through an underground river to reach the depths of Lussok Crystal Cave. Then, you'll explore the cave chambers on foot, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Visit the Municipal Tourism Office - Luna, Apayao for more information on Lussok and other attractions in Luna.

You can reach Bayugao Falls 30 minutes from Lussok Crystal Cave and just four kilometers from Luna. The falls feature three natural pools, each cascading about 12 meters into the next, creating a multi-tiered waterfall system. Visit Turismo Luna to learn more about Bayugao Falls and other tourist spots. 

Puerto Galera, a go-to for city dwellers looking to escape Manila, is also the Philippines’ first biosphere reserve. UNESCO designated 23,000 hectares of the municipality (situated at Mindoro Island’s northern tip) as a reserve in 1977. The conservation area has diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. 

Beyond its stunning beaches, Puerto Galera offers a wealth of natural wonders waiting to be explored. Here are three must-visit spots:

Experience the thrill of trekking through lush forests then reward yourself with a refreshing dip at Talipanan Falls. It plunges 30 meters from a forested ravine, creating natural splash pools. Visit Oriental Mindoro Tourism for more information on Talipanan Falls as well as updates on the municipality of Puerto Galera.

See amazing giant plate corals and barrel sponges at Coral Garden. Preserving coral reefs is a top priority for the Puerto Galera biosphere reserve because of its teeming marine life, including giant clams. Visit Amazing Puerto Galera for information on tours, activities, and more!

Just a short boat ride from Coral Garden lies Verde Island, a haven for marine biodiversity. Dive or snorkel in its crystal-clear waters to see coral reefs teeming with diverse fish species. You might even spot sea turtles! Relax on its pristine beaches and soak in the beauty of this island paradise. Visit Conservation International to learn more about the island passage and its incredible biodiversity.

UNESCO recognized the entire province of Palawan, encompassing over 1,700 islands, as a biosphere reserve. Often called the "last ecological frontier" of the Philippines, this protected area has towering limestone cliffs, clear blue waters, and dense rainforests.

The province also has the highest remaining mangrove cover in the country, with 44,500 hectares of mangrove forests. It’s also home to the Tagbanua, Palaw'an, and Batak people.

Ready to embark on an adventure? Discover Palawan's biodiversity at Puerto Princesa and the Sulu Sea.

Hop on a boat and glide through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It has one of the world's most stunning cave systems and stalactite and stalagmite formations. Limestone karst landscapes with forests teeming with unique wildlife serve as a backdrop to the underground river. Visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park & World Heritage Site for essential information and the latest updates on the area.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park has three atolls showing off coral gardens in one of Earth's most pristine marine environments. This remote park, located in the Sulu Sea, is the largest marine protected area in the Philippines. A liveaboard trip is the only way to travel to this marine protected area. Visit the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) to inquire about permits and regulations for visiting and to support the TMO’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Discover the captivating beauty of Coron, a group of islands renowned for their stunning lagoons, hidden beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Kayangan Lake, with its crystal-clear waters and towering rock formations, is a must-see. Coron also has incredible diving and snorkeling experiences, including the chance to explore World War II shipwrecks. Visit the official Facebook page of LGU CORON Tourism for any travel advisories.

While most people associate Albay with the iconic Mount Mayon, a central feature of the reserve, this protected area also includes three other mountains: Mount Masaraga, Mount Malinao-Tiwi, and the Pocdol mountain range. The biosphere reserve covers around 250,000 hectares, including coastal areas, grasslands, and mangrove forests. Three indigenous groups—Agta Cimarron, Agta Tabangnon, and Tabo—also call it home.

Here's where to go beyond Mount Mayon in Albay:

Looking for ways to appreciate the volcanic landscape of Albay? While many visitors flock to the Cagsawa Ruins for iconic views of Mt. Mayon's symmetrical cone, those seeking a more immersive experience can pitch a tent at Mt. Masaraga. An excellent camping spot is in the barangay of Amtic in Ligao.

Fun fact: Mt. Masaraga is an inactive volcano and home to "Rafflesia," the world's largest flower. Visit The Campsite Mt. Masaraga to learn more about tent rentals, campfire areas, and other amenities.

The town of Jovellar offers a guided bamboo raft ride through 180 meters of teal-colored waters of the Quitinday Underground River, also known as the Jovellar Underground River. You'll see stalactites, stalagmites, and a two-tier underground waterfall at the end of the bamboo raft ride. Visit Around Bicol for local insights, travel tips, and updates on tourism activities in the region.

These biosphere reserves offer an exciting mix of adventure, relaxation, and ecotourism. Check out these tips when planning your trip.

• Aim for the dry season (November to May). These protected areas have rugged terrain, so storms can cause mudslides or landslides.
• Book accommodations in advance, especially in provinces like Apayao, which have limited guesthouses.
• Keep in mind that activities like diving and spelunking may be seasonal. 
• Make sure you have a reliable mobile internet connection using your postpaid plan or prepaid promo before you hit the road to stay connected.
• For foreign travelers, enjoy access to a 5G network with Globe's Traveler eSIM. Download the GlobeOne app to check if your phone is eSIM compatible.

Whether diving into the Palawan reefs or exploring caves in Apayao, remember to respect the natural environment. Stick to designated trails, avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife, and bring a trash bag. These little things help preserve delicate ecosystems. Don't forget to support local communities. Happy travels!