The Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia, comprising over 7,641 islands spread across the Pacific Ocean. The country is divided into three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is known for its stunning coastlines, diverse ecosystems, and active geological features due to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Its varied landscape includes volcanic mountains, tropical rainforests, fertile plains, rivers, and coral reefs. The country’s tropical climate fosters rich biodiversity, from dense forests teeming with endemic wildlife to some of the world’s most famous marine sanctuaries. These features make the Philippines one of the most ecologically diverse nations, boasting a wide array of natural landmarks.
Major Natural Landmarks in the Philippines
From its towering peaks to deep blue waters, the Philippines is home to numerous natural landmarks that captivate visitors with their beauty and ecological importance. Below is a detailed look at the most remarkable natural landmarks across the country.
1. Banaue Rice Terraces
Overview
The Banaue Rice Terraces, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” are ancient terraces carved into the mountains of Ifugao Province in northern Luzon. These terraces are over 2,000 years old and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural and historical significance.
Key Features
- Terraced Mountains: Stretching for miles across the Cordillera Mountains, these terraces were ingeniously designed to follow the natural contours of the land, supported by a complex irrigation system.
- Cultural Significance: The terraces were built by the indigenous Ifugao people, who still maintain traditional rice farming methods.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The Banaue Rice Terraces demonstrate sustainable farming techniques, with rice and vegetables grown on the steps using water harvested from the forests above.
Activities
- Hiking: Visitors can trek through the terraces to admire the intricate design and sweeping views of the landscape.
- Cultural Tours: Local guides offer tours to learn about the traditions of the Ifugao people and the history of the terraces.
2. Taal Volcano and Taal Lake
Overview
Taal Volcano, located on the island of Luzon in Batangas, is one of the Philippines’ most famous and active volcanoes. It is unique because it sits within a lake (Taal Lake) on an island (Volcano Island), making it a “volcano within a lake on an island.”
Key Features
- Volcanic Crater: The volcano’s caldera is filled with a crater lake, offering surreal views. Despite its relatively small size, Taal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines.
- Taal Lake: Surrounding the volcano, Taal Lake is home to several endemic species, including the rare Tawilis fish.
- Volcanic Activity: The volcano has erupted more than 30 times in recorded history, most recently in 2020, attracting scientific interest due to its constant geothermal activity.
Activities
- Boat Tours and Hiking: Visitors can take a boat across Taal Lake and hike up the volcano to see the crater and the lake within it.
- Bird Watching and Fishing: Taal Lake is a popular spot for birdwatching, and fishing is a common activity in the region.
3. Mayon Volcano
Overview
Mayon Volcano is perhaps the most iconic volcano in the Philippines, known for its near-perfect conical shape. Located in the province of Albay in Bicol, Mayon is an active stratovolcano and a favorite destination for tourists and mountaineers alike.
Key Features
- Perfect Cone: Mayon’s symmetrical cone is often cited as one of the most beautiful volcanic forms in the world.
- Active Volcano: With over 50 eruptions in the past 400 years, Mayon is one of the most active volcanoes in the country.
- Cagsawa Ruins: Located near Mayon, the Cagsawa Ruins serve as a reminder of the volcano’s devastating 1814 eruption, which buried a town and left only the church tower standing.
Activities
- Volcano Climbing: Experienced mountaineers can attempt to climb Mayon, though caution is necessary due to its active status.
- Photography: Mayon is a favorite subject for photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset when the volcano’s beauty is magnified.
- Cultural Tours: Visitors can explore the nearby Cagsawa Ruins and learn about the history of Mayon’s eruptions.
4. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Overview
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, located on the island of Palawan, is one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Key Features
- Underground River: The river runs for 8.2 kilometers through a series of limestone caves before emptying into the West Philippine Sea.
- Cave Formations: The river passes through stunning karst landscapes, featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and large chambers.
- Biodiversity: The park is home to a variety of species, including monkeys, monitor lizards, and bats, and supports a rich marine ecosystem.
Activities
- Underground River Tours: Visitors can take a boat tour through the river’s caves to witness its geological formations and unique wildlife.
- Hiking: There are trails around the park for those interested in exploring the surrounding forests and observing local wildlife.
5. Chocolate Hills
Overview
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are one of the Philippines’ most unusual and scenic landscapes. Spread across an area of 50 square kilometers, the hills are symmetrical mounds that turn brown during the dry season, resembling chocolate drops, hence the name.
Key Features
- Unique Geological Formation: The hills are composed of limestone and formed through the erosion of coral deposits during prehistoric times.
- Seasonal Color Change: The hills are covered in green grass during the rainy season and turn brown in the dry season, giving them the appearance of chocolate.
- Protected Area: The hills are part of a protected natural landscape, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Activities
- View Deck: There is a viewing platform in Carmen, Bohol, where visitors can admire the panoramic view of the hills.
- ATV Rides: For an adventurous tour, visitors can rent all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and explore the hills up close.
- Photography: The surreal appearance of the Chocolate Hills makes them a favorite subject for photographers, especially at sunset.
6. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Overview
Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is one of the most famous marine sanctuaries in the Philippines. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and pristine coral reefs.
Key Features
- Coral Atolls: Tubbataha consists of two large coral atolls and the Jessie Beazley Reef, making it one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world.
- Biodiversity: The park is home to more than 600 species of fish, 360 species of coral, as well as marine turtles, sharks, and manta rays.
- Diving Destination: Tubbataha is considered one of the best dive sites globally, attracting divers from around the world.
Activities
- Scuba Diving: The park is open to divers during the dry season (March to June), offering opportunities to explore its vibrant reefs, large schools of fish, and marine megafauna.
- Boat Tours: Liveaboard tours offer an extended stay for visitors, allowing them to explore the park’s remote waters.
7. Mount Pulag
Overview
Mount Pulag is the third-highest mountain in the Philippines, standing at 2,928 meters above sea level. Located in the Cordillera Region, the mountain is known for its breathtaking sea of clouds and diverse ecosystems.
Key Features
- Sea of Clouds: One of the most famous attractions of Mount Pulag is the “sea of clouds” that blankets the landscape at sunrise, offering an ethereal view to hikers who reach the summit.
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: The mountain is home to various endemic plant and animal species, including the dwarf bamboo and the Philippine deer.
- Sacred Ground: Mount Pulag is considered sacred by the indigenous people of Benguet, Ifugao, and Kalanguya, who believe that their ancestors’ spirits rest on the mountain.
Activities
- Trekking: Several trails lead to the summit, with the Ambangeg Trail being the most popular and beginner-friendly.
- Camping: Overnight camping is allowed at designated sites, allowing trekkers to witness the stunning sunrise and sea of clouds.
8. Hundred Islands National Park
Overview
Hundred Islands National Park is located in Pangasinan, northern Luzon, and consists of 124 islands scattered across the Lingayen Gulf. It is one of the most popular coastal landmarks in the Philippines.
Key Features
- Island Hopping: The islands are known for their diverse shapes and sizes, with only a few being developed for tourism, including Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island.
- Marine Life: The waters around the islands are home to a variety of fish species, coral reefs, and sea turtles.
- Natural Caves: Some of the islands contain caves that can be explored during low tide.
Activities
- Island Hopping: Boat tours allow visitors to explore the islands, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the white-sand beaches.
- Kayaking and Snorkeling: The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and kayaking around the smaller islands.
- Ziplining: Visitors can experience an aerial view of the islands through zip lines that span between select islands.
9. Hinatuan Enchanted River
Overview
Located in Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, the Hinatuan Enchanted River is a stunningly clear, deep blue river that seems almost otherworldly. The river flows directly into the Philippine Sea and is known for its mystical beauty.
Key Features
- Crystal Clear Waters: The river’s waters are so clear that the fish are visible swimming below the surface, and the depth gives it a mesmerizing, almost mystical blue hue.
- Underground River Source: The river’s waters emerge from an underwater cave system, which has yet to be fully explored.
- Legends and Mysticism: Local folklore suggests that spirits and fairies protect the river, contributing to its “enchanted” reputation.
Activities
- Swimming: Visitors are allowed to swim in designated areas, enjoying the refreshing and crystal-clear waters.
- Boat Tours: Boats are available to explore the nearby mangroves and estuaries.
- Fish Feeding: At specific times, local guides feed the fish, allowing visitors to witness large schools of fish gather at the river.
10. Apo Reef Natural Park
Overview
Apo Reef Natural Park, located off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, is the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world and the largest in the Philippines. It is a UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site and a marine biodiversity hotspot.
Key Features
- Coral Reefs: The park is renowned for its extensive coral formations, supporting a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
- Islands: The park consists of Apo Island and several smaller islets, providing nesting grounds for seabirds and turtles.
- Marine Biodiversity: Apo Reef is home to over 400 species of coral, 500 species of fish, and a wide array of marine mammals.
Activities
- Scuba Diving: Apo Reef is a premier diving destination, known for its clear waters, abundant marine life, and impressive coral walls.
- Snorkeling and Island Hopping: Non-divers can enjoy snorkeling, island-hopping, and bird-watching around the reef’s islands.