The Most Stunning National Parks of the Philippines
When it comes to natural beauty, my country the Philippines has no shortage of stunning destinations to offer. As a traveler, I’m always looking for opportunities to deeply experience new cultures and landscapes.
Over the years, some of my most memorable trips have taken me into the heart of national parks, allowing me to truly immerse myself in the nature and history of a place.
Join me as I take you through some of the Philippines’ most stunning and rewarding national parks.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines is an amazing natural wonder, recognized worldwide because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the Saint Paul Mountain Range along the western coast of Palawan Island, this area is approximately 80 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City and covers around 22,202 hectares.
The park is home to one of the prettiest caves in the world. Its underground river stretches for 8.2 kilometers, running straight into the sea. Inside, the cave along the river showcases impressive, visually striking rock formations including stalagmites, stalactites and several large chambers, which are really beautiful!
Hundred Islands National Park
The Hundred Islands National Park, located in the northern Philippines within Pangasinan province with 124 coral islands scattered across 18.44 square kilometers in the Lingayen Gulf. Known locally as “Kapulo-loan” or “Taytay-Bakes,” this area stands out for its breathtaking views of limestone cliffs rising from the sea.
The park offers a range of activities for visitors, including swimming, island-hopping, camping, scuba diving, and kayaking. Four islands have been developed for tourism—Governors Island, Quezon Island, Marcos Island, and Children’s Island—while the others remain pristine and uninhabited. Those interested in snorkeling can explore the habitat of the giant clams, one of the world’s largest bivalve mollusks.
Before planning an overnight stay, I suggest checking in first with local authorities for camping guidelines is important.
Aurora Memorial National Park
The Aurora Memorial National Park is a big, beautiful area located in the Sierra Madre mountains, stretching across the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Aurora in the island of the Philippines.
This park, which started in 1937, covers over 5,676 hectares of forest. It’s full of rainforests, mossy woods, rivers, and springs, making it a perfect place for nature lovers. The park is home to different animals, including 19 types of amphibians and 30 kinds of reptiles, like lizards, snakes, and even turtles. It’s also notable for rare birds like the endangered Philippine eagle and the Luzon water redstart.
Bird watchers might also see vultures, falcons, and hawks flying around. If you want to explore the park, you’ll need to get a guide and a permit first.
Mt Apo National Park
Just 20 miles west of the bustling city of Davao, in the heart of Mindanao, Mt. Apo stands as the highest and most popular mountain in the Philippines. Its majestic height of 2,954 meters makes it the country’s highest point and a treasure trove for nature lovers.
Spanning 64,000 hectares, the Mt. Apo Natural Park offers a sanctuary for a remarkable variety of plants and animals, including the Philippine eagle. Internationally recognized, it is listed by the UN and celebrated as an ASEAN Heritage Site, making it the ideal destination for outdoor lovers. The park provides trails that welcome both seasoned mountaineers and those new to hiking.
Calauit Safari Park
Calauit Safari Park is a wildlife park on Calauit Island in Palawan, Philippines, covering 3,700 hectares. It was set up on August 31, 1976, to be a safe place for animals, including some from Africa, like giraffes and zebras. Over the years, it’s become home to more animals, including the Philippine deer, making it a big success story of the park.
Besides the African animals, there are native ones, too, like the Palawan bearded pig, the Philippine porcupine, and the binturong, or bearcat, all of which are endangered. Visiting Calauit Safari Park, is a great place to learn about wildlife conservation and see some of the Philippines’ amazing animals up close.
Biak-na-Bato National Park
Biak-na-Bato National Park, located in San Miguel at the very tip of its municipality, is a fantastic place for those who love nature walks, and exploring caves and rivers. It’s about 12 kilometers off the main road, but the drive is worth it because you’ll see beautiful mountains and rice fields along the way.
The park is pretty big, covering 2,117 hectares, and has a clean river running through it. You can find cottages for picnics or even for an overnight stay. There are many caves for adventure seekers, each with its own story and stunning natural rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites.
It’s especially good for beginners since the paths are easy to walk on. Some of the most incredible caves include Yungib II Cave, Tanggapan Cave, and the Bat Cave, which is home to six types of bats.
Balbalasang–Balbalan National Park
Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park, located in Kalinga Province in Luzon, is a beautiful, untouched spot in the mountains. It’s known as the “green heart of the Cordillera” because of its lush forests covering two mountain ranges in the Cordillera Central region.
The park boasts special areas of mossy and pine forests alongside hardwood trees, all protected from mining and deforestation that have impacted other areas of the Cordillera region. This makes it a paradise for bird watchers, with 89 different bird species recorded, including 34 found only in the Philippines and two unique to Luzon.
Besides birds, the park is home to other wildlife like bats, civets, deer, monkeys, rodents, and wild pigs, offering a rich experience for animal lovers. Another best best things to see in the park include the tall mountain peaks, rice terraces, and the Saltan River running through a village.
Caramoan Peninsula National Park
Caramoan National Park, located on the Caramoan Peninsula in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, showcases stunning natural beauty due to its relatively undeveloped state. The park features breathtaking limestone formations, pristine white sand beaches, and a subterranean river.
Gota Beach stands out as the premier destination within the park, offering a natural pool, spectacular views of limestone islands, and opportunities to encounter wildlife up close. Omang Cave is the must-visit cave here, with the Manipis and Culapnitan also worth exploring.
Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to do, including kayaking, island hopping, rock climbing, trekking through untouched wilderness, cave exploration, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and camping. There are designated camping spots within the park, but visitors must bring their own camping gear.
Read more about top beaches in the Philippines here
Samar Island Natural Park
Located on Samar Island in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, this park covers over 333,300 hectares and is home to the country’s largest remaining area of lowland forest. Its mineral-rich mountains provide a habitat for unique plants and animals.
Half of the 38 mammal species found in the park are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on Earth.
Pagsanjan Gorge National Park
Located in Laguna, Philippines, roughly 100 kilometers southeast of Manila, Pagsanjan Gorge National Park is a breathtaking destination. The park spans 152.64 hectares and is kown for its stunning Pagsanjan Falls, which are reached through an exhilarating canoe ride.
The journey takes you past towering cliffs and lush greenery until you arrive at the majestic waterfall. The adventure continues as you navigate the rapids on your way back.
Mount Pulag National Park
Mt. Pulag National Park is a hiker’s haven perched high in the Cordillera Central range of the Philippines. As the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest in the country, standing at 2,922 meters, the park offers trails for beginners and pros. It’s famous for its incredible sunrises and sunsets that light up the sky above a sea of clouds.
The summit is gentle, covered in grass and dwarf bamboo, while the slopes below are wrapped in a mossy forest full of ferns and moss. For wildlife enthusiasts, it’s also a sanctuary for animals like the Philippine Deer and the Luzon Pygmy Fruit Bat.
If you’re new to hiking, the Ambangeg Trail is the perfect start. It is known for its breathtaking views and manageable path. For the more daring, the Akiki Trail, known as the “Killer Trail,” offers a challenging yet rewarding climb.
The Philippines, is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. From lush rainforests to crystal clear blue waters, each park offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
The journey through these parks has shown us the incredible diversity and beauty of this country’s natural landscapes. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a new adventure, there is something for everyone in these stunning national parks.
Happy Travels! 🌴
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