Eco-Friendly Travel in the Philippines
Best Sustainable Destinations
Planning for an eco-friendly travel to the Philippines this year? But confused about the places where you can actually connect with nature or discover the hidden gems and communities. Well, in this blog, we have handpicked some of the best eco-friendly travel destinations in the Philippines so you can explore this paradise sustainably.
Why Go for an Eco-Friendly Travel in the Philippines?
UK travellers will gain immense benefits by opting for an eco-friendly travel in the Philippines. Some of them are stated below:
- Learn about Community-Based Tourism by travelling beyond resort-style travel.
- Understand the Marine and Wildlife Conservation Efforts and travel responsibly through the biodiversity hotspots.
- Explore the Protected Natural Landscape by visiting the Philippines' untouched areas.
- Enjoy Your Stay Amidst Nature to experience slow-paced island living and support local communities and indigenous cultures.
- Authentic Immersion into the daily lives of the indigenous communities to gain deep cultural insights.
12 Best Places for Eco-Friendly Travel in the Philippines for UK Tourists
Check out the 12 best sustainable destinations for UK tourists to help you explore natural sites and enjoy your escape into the greenery of the Philippines.
El Nido (Palawan) - Sail Softly in the Emerald Lagoons
El Nido tops the chart of the best eco-friendly places in the Philippines, offering protected marine biodiversity, white-sand beaches, towering limestone cliffs, eco-resorts, and more.
Best Time to Visit El Nido
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (December to May)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 24°C and 32°C
- Peak Time: March to May.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in El Nidoo
- Exploring protected lagoons
- Snorkelling in marine sanctuaries
- Eco-kayaking and paddleboarding
- Trek to the hidden waterfalls
- Cycling around local villages
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in El Nido
- Tamilok
- Kinilaw na Isda
- Danggit
Read Also: Best Beaches in Philippines
Batanes (Batanes Province) - Tread Lightly on the Untouched Isles
Enjoy an unspoiled, eco-friendly vacation in the Philippines at Batanes, known for its rolling hills, eco-lodges and a well-preserved Ivatan culture.
Best Time to Visit Batanes
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (December to May)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 25°C and 33°C
- Peak Time: March to May.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Batanes
- Visit traditional Ivatan stone houses
- Trek to Marlboro Hills
- Enjoy coastal bird watching
- Whale and Dolphin spotting tours
- Kayaking near the shorelines
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Batanes
- Uvud Balls
- Vunes
- Lettuce Soup
Read Also: Manila Travel Guide
Sagada (Mountain Province) - Travel Slow Amidst Culture Untouched by Time
Sagada, one of the best sustainable destinations for UK tourists, offers a serene escape with cave treks and rice terraces hikes, and also allows visitors to witness the well-preserved Cordillera culture.
Best Time to Visit Sagada
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (November to May)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 13°C and 32°C
- Peak Time: December.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Sagada
- Watching sunrise from Kiltepan Peak
- Trek to Bomod-ok Waterfalls
- Go hiking at the Hanging Coffins Trek
- Explore the iconic rice terraces
- Birdwatching in Cordillera Forests
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Sagada
- Etag
- Sagada Coffee
- Pinikpikan
Apo Island (Negros Oriental) - A Fragile Gem with Immense Eco-Legacy
Experience an environmentally friendly travel in the Philippines at Apo Island. Set on a community-led marine sanctuary exploration, serving as one of the best diving and snorkelling spots. Also witness abundant turtles, pristine corals and other elements of the preserved biodiversity.
Best Time to Visit Apo Island
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (November to May)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 24°C and 34°C
- Peak Time: March to May.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Apo Island
- Get a guided reef dive
- Kayaking around the island
- Hiking to the viewpoints of Apo Island
- Snorkelling in marine protected areas
- Guided turtle-watching tours
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Apo Island
- Grilled Fish in Coconut Milk
- Kinilaw na Tanigue
- Seaweed Salad
Read Also: Clark Travel Guide
Puerto Princesa (Palawan) - Paddle Gently through the Subterranean Paradise
Travel to the Eco-Tourism Capital of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa, featuring the UNESCO-listed Subterranean River, allowing island hopping, preserving biodiversity and supporting local communities.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Princesa
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (November to May)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 23°C and 33°C
- Peak Time: December to April.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Puerto Princesa
- Experience kayaking in an underground river
- Go for a mangrove paddle boat tour
- Snorkelling at Honda Bay
- Firefly watching by the Iwahig River
- Visit Crocodile Sanctuary to see rehabilitation efforts
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Puerto Princesa
- Chicken Inato
- Croissant de Pina
- Crocodile Sisig
Donsol (Sorsogon) - Feel the Marine Magic by Swimming with Whale Sharks
Another eco-friendly place to visit in the Philippines is Donsol, where you can enjoy ethical whale shark watching, firefly tours and conservation of marine life, empowering local communities.
Best Time to Visit Donsol
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (November to June)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 26°C and 36°C
- Peak Time: February to April.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Donsol
- Gain snorkelling experience in ethical Whale Shark tours
- Set on a firefly watching cruise on the Ogod River
- Enjoy scuba diving at San Miguel Island reefs
- Community -led marine conservation visits
- Go kayaking for mangrove exploration
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Donsol
- Sawsawan na Bicol Express
- Pinangat na Isda
- Grilled Tuna
Read Also: Cebu Travel Guide
Camiguin Island (Camiguin Province) - Eco-Conscious Escape to the Volcanic Shores
Enjoy an environmentally friendly trip in the Philippines at Camiguin Island, the Island Born of Fire. See marine sanctuaries, giant calm conservation, volcano treks and more.
Best Time to Visit Camiguin Island
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (March to June)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 24°C and 32°C
- Peak Time: March to May.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Camiguin Island
- Enjoy a refreshing swim at Katibawasan Falls
- Go hiking at Mount Hibok-Hibok
- Rejuvenate at Ardent Hot Springs
- Enjoy the mangrove boardwalk tour at Katunggan Nature Park
- Go diving at Mantigue Island reefs
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Camiguin Island
- Pastel de Camiguin
- Seafood Sinigang
- Latik Rice Cake
Siargao Island (Surigao del Norte) - Ride Green Waves and Enjoy Soulful Island Living
Another appealing eco-friendly vacation spot in the Philippines is Siargao Island, which is committed to preserving its natural heritage, including mangrove forests and reefs, and is also a top surfing spot.
Best Time to Visit Siargao Island
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (March to October)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 25°C and 32°C
- Peak Time: September to October.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Siargao Island
- Enjoy snorkelling at marine sanctuaries
- Keep fit with sunset yoga sessions
- Set out on community-based cultural tours
- Get a thrilling experience at Sugba Lagoon cliff jump
- Take surfing lessons with local instructors at Cloud 9
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Siargao Island
- Kinilaw na Tuna
- Seafood Kare-Kare
- Banana Cue
Read Also: Panagbenga Festival Baguio City
Bohol (Bohol Province) - Step Gently in the Home of the Philippine Tarsier
Visit Bohol, a popular eco-friendly travel destination in the Philippines, featuring Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuaries, and community tours to help locals grow.
Best Time to Visit Bohol
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (December to May)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 25°C and 32°C
- Peak Time: March to May.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Bohol
- Go for a Tarsier Sanctuary visit
- Visit Bohol Butterfly Centre
- Snorkelling at Balicasag Marine Sanctuary
- Hike at Chocolate Trails
- Enjoy community-based village tours
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Bohol
- Peanut Kisses
- Calamay
- Danggit
Masungi Georeserve (Rizal Province) - Listen to the Whisper of Masungi Green Legacy
One of the popular eco-friendly places in the Philippines is Masungi Georeserve, an award-winning destination featuring million-year-old limestone karst and the conservation of over 400 endemic species.
Best Time to Visit Matsungi Georeserve
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (November to April)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 24°C and 31°C
- Peak Time: January to March.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Matsungi Georeserve
- Go hiking at Masungi Conservation Trail
- Enjoy birdwatching in Limestone Forests
- Get captivated with a 360-degree sunrise at Tatay Peak
- Set out on the Montane rainforest boardwalk
- Set out exploring the hanging bridges
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Matsungi Georeserve
- Pancit Habhab
- Kutsinta
- Adobo sa Gata
Read Also: Batanes Travel Guide
Ticao Island (Masbate Province) - Swim Gently with Manta Rays
Ticao Island is an eco-friendly vacation spot in the Philippines, renowned for its untouched areas both on land and underwater, dramatic waterfalls and Manta Bowl.
Best Time to Visit Ticao Island
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (December to May)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 24°C and 31°C
- Peak Time: December to April
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Ticao Island
- Enjoy swimming at Catandayagan Falls
- Go diving at Manta Bowl
- Explore Burubancaso rock formations
- Snorkel at Halea Nature Park
- Go cliff jumping from Paborito Rock garden Lagoons
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Ticao Island
- Seafood Kinilaw
- Grilled Bangus
- Bicol Express
Siquijor Island (Central Visayas) - Dive in Crystal Bays to Explore Coral Mysticism
Siquijor Island boasts untouched waterfalls, lush jungles, and community-led tours highlighting locals' efforts to preserve forests and coral reefs.
Best Time to Visit Siquijor Island
- Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (November to May)
- Temperature During Dry Season: Between 26°C and 30°C
- Peak Time: April to May.
Eco-Friendly Experiences for UK Travellers in Siquijor Island
- Go for freediving at Harmony Bay
- Indulge in eco-trekking at Cambugahay Falls
- Partake in cultural immersion tours
- Do sunrise yoga at Paliton Beach
- Snorkel at Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
3 Traditional Dishes to Try in Siquijor Island
- Sutukil
- Kinilaw
- Biko
Travel Tips for Eco-Conscious Travel in the Philippines
Check out some handy eco-conscious travel tips for the Philippines.
- Pack eco-friendly essentials
- Avoid carrying plastic
- Support local businesses
- Book eco-certified lodges or community-run homestays
- Do not touch the corals or feed the wild animals
- Avoid littering and dispose of any trash
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Carry a reusable water bottle
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Eco-Travel in the Philippines
Make your eco-travel in the Philippines more hassle-free by avoiding the following common mistakes.
- Greenwashing in tourism
- Unethical wildlife experiences
- Mismanagement of waste
- Use of non-reef-safe sunscreen
- Overuse of water and electricity
- Feeding or chasing marine life
- Ignoring local rules and customs
- Treating eco-friendly sites as mass-tourism spots
Conclusion
The Philippines is a treasure trove of natural landscapes and a well-preserved environment, filled with endemic flora and fauna. Set out on an unforgettable journey without impacting nature, but just leaving your footprints behind. Do pay heed to the travel tips and mistakes to avoid, which will show your support for the local communities of the Philippines as they try to preserve their natural heritage. Book your flight tickets with us to enjoy a seamless flight experience.
FAQs
Yes, the Philippines is a safe country to travel to for eco-travel.
Some of the best destinations in the Philippines for first-time UK visitors seeking eco-friendly travel include Palawan, Siargao, Bohol, and more.
The dry season is the best time to visit the Philippines for eco-travel.
Palawan is best known for eco-travel.
Try to use bicycles, buses, public ferries and low-impact boat services to travel sustainably between Philippine islands.
No, with mindful planning, eco-travel can be within your budget in the Philippines.
No, with mindful planning, eco-travel can be within your budget in the Philippines.
You can stay at their homestays, purchase goods, hire local guides and many more to support the local communities of the Philippines.
Yes, Eco-friendly travel is suitable for first-time visitors at Philippines.
Yes, places like Apo Island, El Nido Marine Reserve, and Tubbataha Reefs are some of the marine conservation areas in the Philippines where tourists are allowed.
Read Also: Travel Guide to Philippines