Philippines Wildlife
Top Spots for UK Nature Enthusiasts
Dive into the rich wildlife of the Philippines to discover amazing landscapes along with rich flora and fauna. Start preparing for a thrilling journey as you indulge in nature activities like safaris, wildlife exploration, and many other nature reserves in the Philippines. Besides thrilling activities and attractions, you can also enjoy the vibrant landscapes. The exploration of wildlife is not just limited to the land but also under the deep waters filled with corals, plankton and a wide array of fish. Scroll down to discover the best spots in the Philippines where you can spot wild creatures.
Philippines Wildlife Biodiversity
Before embarking on your journey to discover the Philippines' diverse wildlife, take a look at some interesting facts about its biodiversity.
- The Philippines houses over two-thirds of the earth's biodiversity, consisting of both plant and animal species, some of which are also endemic species.
- The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, which means it has a rich marine life and coral diversity.
- The Philippines ranks 4th in terms of bird endemism, with approximately 691 bird species, including 239 endemic species.
- Some of the endangered species that you can spot in the Philippines while exploring its wildlife are the Philippine eagle, the Philippine freshwater crocodile, the Tamaraw, the Philippine forest turtle, the Hawksbill sea turtle and many more.
- Some of the creatures that pose a threat to human lives and are found in the Philippines are the Box Jellyfish, mosquitoes and the Philippine cobra.
Top 15 Places to Experience the Wildlife in the Philippines
Discover some of the Philippines' unique wild creatures and the places around the country where you can spot them. Here are the top 15 places to experience the wildlife in the Philippines.
Apo Island Marine Reserve
If you are fond of marine creatures, then Apo Island Marine Reserve is a must-visit site, offering you a vibrant underwater ecosystem and the marine conservation efforts put into it. You get to see beautiful coral formations and an abundance of sea turtles present in them. It is also a popular area among snorkellers and divers to spend time in the clear waters of the marine reserve.
Location: Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 1982
Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area
Visit Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area to witness one of the most curious and unique animals in the Philippines, the tarsier. This conservation area is dedicated towards the protection of this endangered species with soft fur and wide eyes. You can take a walk amidst the lush green environment and spot these creatures perched motionless on branches. Make sure to avoid flash photography and maintain silence when witnessing this animal.
Location: Bilar, Bohol, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 1996
Davao Crocodile Park
Get amazed by the most popular tourist site of Davao, the Davao Crocodile Park. It is a popular crocodile farm in the Philippines, featuring updated equipment and facilities. Besides spotting different crocodile species, you also get to spot many animals like bearcats, monkeys, raptors, along with birds, snakes and reptiles. Moreover, there is also a butterfly park, a crocodile fossil museum, and one can also enjoy the crocodile feeding demonstrations.
Location: Talomo, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 2005
Philippine Eagle Center
Grab the opportunity to visit the Philippine Eagle Center to see the critically endangered and majestic Philippine Eagle from close by. Located at the foothills of Mount Apo, this place helps to learn about the protection, breeding and conservation efforts towards Philippine Eagles. This eagle centre also houses other birds of prey along with other mammals and reptiles, highlighting the diverse wildlife in the Philippines.
Location: Brgy, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 1987
Zoobic Safari
Experience a unique wildlife adventure, especially for nature enthusiasts who are interested in having close encounters with wild animals. The main attraction is the tiger safari, bringing you to a close encounter with the mighty beast of the jungle. Get carried away by a variety of attractions beside the tiger safari, like Zoobic Park, where you can pet different farm animals, Croco Loco, where you can see and feed crocodiles, and Serpentarium to spot species of lizards, iguanas, and snakes.
Location: Ilanin Forest West, Subic, Bataan, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 2003
Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and tribal Village
Take a walk amidst the serene Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and tribal Village, where you can find different species of butterflies fluttering around. Besides butterflies, there are also natural predators like lizards and scorpions, along with bearcat, pheasant and peacock. You also get to interact with the Palawan tribe and learn about their contemporary lifestyle and much more, offering you a blend of both cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Location: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
Year of Establishment: Unavailable
Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Get ready to explore the protected area of Tubod Marine Sanctuary, which offers excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. From stunning corals to vibrant marine life, the clear waters allow you to see everything around and make your trip worthwhile. Spend a fantastic time under the water, swimming with the aquatic creatures like fish and sea turtles. See a variety of fish, including barracuda, batfish, butterfly fish, angel fish and many more.
Location: Barangay Tubod, San Juan, Siquijor, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 2000
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park
Eager to go to a premier safari park in the Philippines, then visit Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, which houses over 120 different species of animals, accounting for over 1000 animals present there. Spread over an area of 170 hectares, you get the experience of both an adventure park and bewildering safaris. Enjoy a full-day tour at Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, visiting exhibits like White Lion Safari, gardens of the World, African Savanna and many more.
Location: Carmen, Cebu, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 2018
Apo Reef Natural Park
Take a trip to Apo Reef Natural Park, which is the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world and the largest in the Philippines. It has also been marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, it is a protected marine habitat that boasts a diverse marine life. This natural park invites nature enthusiasts to dive and snorkel, exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem and spotting a plethora of aquatic creatures.
Location: Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 1996
Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary
Go to see the diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs at Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary. It is also a popular destination for diving and snorkelling because of the clear waters that make it easy to spot the beautiful fish, breathtaking coral reefs and other aquatic lifeforms. One can also stroll by the beach, take a sunbath and enjoy the vibrant scenery surrounding the area.
Location: Cordova, Cebu, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 2002
Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary
Take a tour of the first safari park in the Philippines, Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary, a popular tourist destination that offers a unique experience of encountering African wildlife, including giraffes and zebras. Spread over an expanse of 9700 hectares of land, this wildlife sanctuary is home to a diverse array of animals, birds and plant species. Visitors can get a close encounter with these animals during the safari and can also feed the zebras.
Location: Calauit Island, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 1976
Giant Clam Sanctuary
Get a close look at the magnificent clams in the Giant Clam Sanctuary, which plays a crucial role in the formation of coral reefs. Explore the natural habitat of the giant clams by snorkelling, allowing you to see the vibrant marine life. Make sure to capture stunning pictures of the spectacular underwater ecosystem in the pristine waters near the Samal Islands.
Location: Savaia, Samoa, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 1979
Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Sanctuaries
Indulge in a unique eco-tourism experience at a 43-hectare island in Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Sanctuaries, which offers you a rich biodiversity that attracts nature enthusiasts. There are also five lagoons that offer limestone forests and extensive coral reefs, which offer a variety of marine and terrestrial life. You can also find an outdoor classroom and research area that promotes environmental education.
Location: Danjugan Island, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 1996
Mount Purro Nature Reserve
People seeking solace amidst nature or seeking a peaceful escape should consider travelling to Mount Purro Nature Reserve. Indulge in activities like nature walks, river trekking and hiking to Mount Purro, where you will also feel disconnected from technology. Witness the surreal beauty of the surroundings, where you get to explore a 36-hectare forest sanctuary in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Location: Barangay, Calawis, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 1960
Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
Explore the Tulapos Marine Sanctuary, a vibrant coral reef offering diverse marine life and snorkelling opportunities. Spot some of the spectacular coral formations along with abundant fish, sea turtles and barracuda schools. As you dive into the shallow waters, you get to see an abundance of marine life such as colourful fish, black tip reef sharks, sea turtles and many more. Divers of various expertise can visit here to spend time in the marine ecosystem.
Location: Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, Philippines
Year of Establishment: 1987
Travel Tips for UK Nature Enthusiasts
Before you set out to chase your wild dreams and explore the diverse wildlife of the Philippines, check out the travel tips to make your holiday experience better.
- It is best to travel to the Philippines during the dry season, which prevails from December to April, offering warm temperatures that allow you to spot the diverse animals, birds, and marine creatures.
- Make sure you take the necessary vaccinations and also carry mosquito repellent, as there are cases of people dying from dengue.
- If you are travelling during the peak season, make sure you pack light and breathable clothes to help you enjoy the hot and humid weather.
- Dress modestly when visiting holy places of local communities and mosques to pay respect to their local cultures and traditions.
- Get travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies and any unexpected circumstances.
- If you plan to stay for up to 30 days, you won't need a visa. However, if you exceed this tenure, you will need to apply for a visa.
- Consider booking your flights and accommodations in advance during peak season to reduce the travel rush.
- Purchase a local SIM card to stay connected and enjoy reliable network and internet access.
- Make sure to carry local currency, as you will need it to buy goods and services in rural areas, where credit cards or international debit cards may not be accepted.
- Ensure you carry a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to keep you protected from the tropical heat.
Read Also: Budget Travel to Philippines | Cheapest Flights to Fly to Philippines | Best Travel Tips to Philippines
Conclusion
Discover the wild side of the Philippines, where you can experience the diverse flora and fauna both on land and below the water. Explore the wilderness in the safaris, national parks and nature reserves of the Philippines. Besides spotting animals, you also get to learn about their natural habitats, conservation efforts and many more. Make sure to follow the travel tips to gain a seamless wildlife experience.
If you're planning a trip to the Philippines and its nature reserves, we are here to help reduce your travel stress. Filipino Travel Center offers you some of the best flight deals and offers that will help you adjust your budget more towards the activities in the wilderness rather than purchasing the flight tickets. Check out our site to grab some fantastic discounts and offers.
FAQs
Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest wildlife sanctuary in the Philippines.
Some of the endangered species found in the Philippines are Philippine eagle, Philippine freshwater crocodile, Tamaraw, Philippine forest turtle and many more.
Yes, there are many safaris available in the Philippines.
Some of the best snorkelling spots in the Philippines are Apo Island Marine Reserve, Tulapos Marine Sanctuary and many more.
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