You are here: / Philippines Sustainable Lodging – Tours

Philippines Eco Lodges

Discover the natural wonders of the islands with Philippines Eco Lodges. They are your perfect base for an unforgettable, sustainable adventure! From Palawan’s lush rainforests to Siargao’s crystal-clear waters. As well as Luzon’s volcanic landscapes, the Philippines offers ecotourists a rich blend of biodiversity and cultural heritage. Whether you’re snorkeling in coral reefs or hiking to hidden waterfalls, Philippines Eco Lodges promise a truly green getaway.

Philippines Eco Lodges And Resorts

Ecotourism in the Philippines

The Philippines consists of over 7,600 islands. It boasts impressive biodiversity and a growing ecotourism sector. Ecotourism is becoming increasingly important here. It combines conservation with community development. Numerous initiatives connect tourists with local communities and protect natural areas.

Popular forms of ecotourism include:

  • Hiking and wildlife tours in national parks such as Mount Apo and Northern Sierra Madre.
  • Snorkeling and diving in marine reserves such as Tubbataha Reefs and Apo Island.
  • Birdwatching in areas like Candaba Swamp or Olango Island.

Best Ecotourism Destinations in the Philippines

Palawan

Highlights: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, El Nido municipality, Bacuit Archipelago.

Features: sustainable tour operators, strict environmental regulations, and marine protected areas.

Bohol

Highlights: Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River, and Chocolate Hills, named that because the grasses on the hills turn a chocolate brown in the dry season.

Features: community-based eco-projects, nature parks, and protected areas.

  • Philippines Map
    Philipinnes Map

Siquijor

Highlights: waterfalls, mangrove forests, and coral reefs.

Features: quiet, small-scale tourism, and local sustainability efforts.

Camiguin

Highlights: volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Features: small-scale island tourism, nature parks, and eco lodges.

Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park

Highlights: Banaue rice terraces, Sagada caves, and forests.

Features: cultural heritage and nature conservation go together here.

Suggestions for a 2 week Sustainable Itinerary in the Philippines

Week 1

Day 1–3: Manila (Arrival — Culture, and Eco-Museum).

  • Explore Intramuros, Manila’s 16th-century walled city, on foot or by bike tour.
  • Overnight in one of the Philippines eco lodge.

Day 4–6: Bohol — Quickest to fly but you can also take the ferry.

  • Go diving or snorkeling with local NGO’s.
  • Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary and take a tour on the Loboc River.

Week 2

Days 7–9: Siquijor — Many ways to travel.

  • Explore waterfalls, mangroves, and participate in a beach clean-up.

Days 10–12: Palawan (El Nido or Port Barton) Take a flight or ferry.

  • Enjoy sea kayaking, reef snorkeling, and island hopping.

Days 13–14: return to Manila.

  • Philippines destinations Camiguin island
    Camiguin island
  • Philippines destinations Bohol
    Bohol

Flora and Fauna

The Philippines is a varied hotspot with many endemic species.

Flora – What Grows In the Philippines?

  • Endemic Flora: Rafflesia philippensis, Dipterocarp trees, Philippine teak (critically endangered). As well as Katmon, and Molave.
  • Threatened or Endangered Species: Almaciga, Yakal, Mangkono, and Tindalo.   
  • Economically and ecologically Important Plants: Coconut palm, Banaba, Mangroves and Bamboo species.  
  • Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) is the National tree of the Philippines.
  • Medicinal plants and traditional medicinal herbs are widespread. Some examples that are recognized both in folk medicine and by the Department of Health (DOH). These include Lagundi which is used coughs, asthma, and colds. Sambong is used for kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and as a diuretic. Tsaang Gubat helps against stomach pains, diarrhea, and as a mouthwash for gum problems.
  • Philippines flora ground orchid
    Ground orchid
  • Philippines fauna Anemone
    Anemone
  • Philippines flora Coconut palm infrutescence
    Coconut palm infrutescence
  • Philippines fauna Visayan Warty Pigs
    Visayan Warty Pigs
  • Philippines flora Pterocarpus indicus
    Pterocarpus indicus
  • Philippines fauna Starfish
    Starfish
  • Philippines fauna Tariktik-horn bird
    Tariktik-horn bird
  • Philippines fauna tarsier
    Tarsier
  • Philippines flauna Clownfish
    Clownfish

Fauna – What Animals Can You See In the Philippines?

  • Birds: the rare Philippine eagle, hornbill, and many songbirds.
  • Marine life: reef sharks, turtles, dugongs, clownfish, and manta rays.
  • Mammals: Tarsiers (smallest primates), civet cats, and the Visayan warty pig.
  • Reptiles: Crocodiles, snakes, and sea turtles.

Small-Scale Nature Conservation Projects

Here are inspiring projects where ecotourists are welcome or can contribute:

Tarsier Conservation Area

Location: Bohol
Focus: conservation of Philippine tarsiers, education, and small-scale ecotourism.

Note: created by local conservationists, not a commercial zoo.

Apo Island Marine Sanctuary 

Location: The Province of Negros Oriental.
Focus: community management of the protected reef.

Note: an example of successful marine conservation by local fishermen.

The Mabuwaya Foundation 

Location: Luzon
Focus: protects the critically endangered Philippine crocodile.

Note: works with villages for habitat protection and ecotourism.

Danjugan Island 


Location: The Province of Negros Oriental.Management: island managed by The Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation.

Activities: sustainable tourism, environmental education, and nature research. They offer some overnight options.

Environmental Challenges in the Philippines

  • Deforestation
    Causes: illegal logging, mining, and agricultural expansion.
    Impact: only about 23% of the original forests remain intact.
  • Coral Bleaching and Destruction of Marine Ecosystems
    Causes: climate change, overfishing, dynamite fishing, and tourism.
    Impact: only 1% of coral reefs are still in “excellent” condition.
  • Plastic Pollution
    Fact: The Philippines is among the top 3 countries contributing to ocean plastic.
    Reason: poor waste infrastructure plays a major role.
  • Climate Change
    Impacts: more and heavier typhoons, rising sea levels, and degradation of ecosystems.
  • Mining
    Impact: large-scale mining damages biodiversity, rivers, and communities.
  • Philippines destinations Port
    Sunset Philippines Port
  • Philippines destinations Chocolate Hills
    Chocolate Hills

Philippines Policy on Ecotourism and Sustainability

Positive Steps:

Challenges:

  • NGOs and communities often play a bigger role than the government.
  • Enforcement is often weak, especially at the local level.
  • The influence of large corporations and corrupt practices are obstacles.

Philippines Eco Lodges and Travel Safety

We recommend that you always check the safety situation in the country you want to visit. Be careful with information you find online. You can also consult your country’s official government website. The Canadian Government has Travel Advisories on the Philippines.


IMAGE CREDITS > Philippines Bohol  Image by Victor Jr Jomoc from Pixabay. > Coastline of Camiguin island. Image by justDONQUE. Wikimedia C. C. 2.0. > Tarsus at Bohol. Image by giulianabencovich from Pixabay. > Ground orchid, Image by Mark Miller from Pixabay. > Anemone, Soft coral, Image by Arhnue Tan from Pixabay.> Coconut palm.  Image by Fernando Hernandez from Pixabay. > Visayan Warty Pigs. Image by Shukran888. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0. > Pterocarpus indicus. Image by Zarate123  Wikimedia C.C. 4.0. > Starfish. Image by John Cedrick Bermudez from Pixabay. > Tariktik-horn bird. Penelopides panini. Image by Bruno from Pixabay. > Tarsier. Image by Philipp from Pixabay. > Clownfish. Image by VirgoStudio from Pixabay. > Port. Sunset. Image by Dmitriy Groshikov from Pixabay. Bohol Hills, Chocolate Hills, Central Visayas, Philippines. Image by Vyacheslav Argenberg. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0.