SORSOGON, PHILIPPINES:
VOLCANOS AND GIANT WHALES
As a favorite “hangout” place of typhoons and other natural calamities, it is quite
hard to predict exactly when is the best time to visit the Philippines specifically the
Bicol Region. Safe to say though that April and May are the best months to pursue
that Bicolandia trip – the official summer season of the country!
Sorsogon is where are most ecotourism destinations found in the Bicol region. If
you love mountains and courageous enough to climb an active volcano, there’s Mt.
Bulusan. Just within the area is the Bulusan Volcano National Park, which is now
becoming a favorite destination for foreign travelers due to the fact that’s an eco
tourism park and to the number of activities that you can do! You can go kayaking,
camping, trekking and even try to learn how to cook local cuisine.
Tacacori Eco Lodge, Alajuela – Contributed by Nadine Rich of Nriched Content
Just 15 minutes away from the international airport at San Jose, a garden retreat awaits. Many
tourists come to stay at touristy areas on the Pacific coast but we highly recommend you to come to the
Central Valley when visiting the country, the views are magnificent, the locals are all about the “Pura
Vida” and you can really experience the “real” culture.
One of our favourite places to stay is the Tacacori EcoLodge, Alajuela. This eco-friendly lodge is
the epitome of sustainable with its 4 private villas that are made of natural materials such as bamboo,
rattan, cotton. Hot water is provided by solar energy and natural light is used throughout along with
energy saving lamps and LEDs. Tacacori’s owners, who are French, are committed to impacting the
environment as little as possible which they have proven since the beginning. No trees were cut down to
integrate the villas and they were designed specifically for maximum natural lighting. Biodegradable
soaps and organic shower gels are among their offerings here.
One thing people always go on about when staying at Tacacori are the gardens! They are
breathtaking and well, transformational! You will feel at one with nature and the experience will quickly
put everything back into perspective. You’re likely to see a vast array of wildlife including birds such as
toucans, hummingbirds, parakeets, motmots…the list goes on. Costa Rica is home to a quarter of the
world’s known butterflies so have your camera ready to see how many you can capture.
Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula – Contributed by Vicky of Earth Changers
Lapa Rios is one of the most incredible, eco-friendly, and nature-immersed Osa Peninsula eco
lodges, and in the world: It is certainly one of our favourites.
Here we are talking serious sustainable luxury on the Osa Peninsula, on the western Pacific coast
of Costa Rica. This 930-acre private nature reserve exclusive to guests is Central America’s last remaining
lowland dense tropical rainforest, that acts as a wildlife corridor to Corcovado National Park and is home
to 2.5% of the whole world’s biodiversity probably – being so dense, it is not even known exactly how
many unknown species there are!
The luxurious 17 private bungalows and shared areas are all designed in harmony with the
environment, built with locally harvested materials and open-air screen sections even allow you to
experience the sounds, sights and smells of the rainforest and ocean as you shower inside. Ecotourism
here is academically proven to make a substantial contribution to local livelihoods and environmental
conservation, including the highest rates of reforestation in the peninsula – which you can support by
planting your own tree!
Rio Perdido, Bagaces
For a Costa Rica Eco Lodge with wow factor, look no further than luxurious Rio Perdido. Literally
translated as “Lost River”, Rio Perdido has a thermal river running through the heart of its land: its
crystal clear waters are warm, rich in minerals and perfect for a fully natural spa experience. The resort
also uses the river’s warmth and energy to provide much of the heat and water throughout the
property.
The resort is set in a 600 acre private reserve in the heart of Guanacaste province, in an area
which is largely undiscovered, even by locals. The grounds include the thermal river and is an adventure-
lover’s paradise with canopy bridges, hiking and mountain biking trails, zip lining and tubing all onsite.
Rio Perdido is proud to say that 90% of its staff come from the nearest town of Bagaces, making it truly
of benefit to locals. Natural, healthy and locally sourced food is served in the restaurant and there are
plans for a larger organic vegetable garden in the future.
For an extra special experience we recommend the “centre bungalow” rooms which had just
been finished when we stayed. Black on the outside they cleverly blend in to the jungle and feature
some of the most amazing dual outdoor showers you’ve ever seen.
Tree House Lodge has been awarded the highest Certificate for Sustainable Tourism.
Eco-tours in Costa Rica are not complete without staying at any of the brilliant
eco-lodges. Costa Rica awards accommodations that excel in sustainability and eco-
friendliness, promoting a healthy competition between local businesses. For the ultimate
in sustainable travel, a plethora of eco-lodges are available for anyone looking for a
much needed digital detox, from roughing it up to living lux. Costa Rica’s Central Valley
features a varied array of rainforest hotels that are cut off from the rest of the world
(that’s right, no Wi-Fi or electricity).
If there’s one thing Costa Rica has proven, it’s that sustainability shouldn’t come
in the way of providing an upscale experience. Pacuare Lodge, declared one of the
world’s best eco-lodges by NatGeo, lies nestled on the banks of Pacuare River and
offers luxurious amenities, cultural encounters, rich wildlife, and well-appointed
accommodations.
The Tree House is a small eco-lodge in a secluded corner of Limón Province.
Accommodation is in a handful of quirky open-air houses made from bamboo, fallen trees and
other recycled materials. The lodge is seconds away from a white sand beach, in a remote and
ecologically diverse location. Coral reefs, swamps and rainforests all make for a wild and
beautiful experience. Committed to local projects and green practices, the Tree House Lodge
has been awarded the highest CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism) certification possible
Morretes, Paraná
Only one hour from Cutitiba and surrounded by the green beauty of Serra do Mar, we find the
hospitable city of Morretes. Many visitors take the train from Curitiba to arrive in Morretes, on a scenic
tour bordered by steep cliffs. It is a small city, but it has a lot to offer: from trails, rafting and waterfalls
to a typical meat dish called Barreado.
BOJO RIVER NATURE PRESERVES
A small town located on the western seaboard of Cebu, Aloguinsan is gaining renown for its
nature tours that advocate sustainable and responsible tourism.
One of the notable activities for town visitors is a downstream ride on a small baroto (wooden
boat) along the Bojo River as fishermen guide point out mangrove and other flora as well as bird species.
Aside from the river cruise, the town also offers a culinary treat at its organic farm and
exploration of a cove that was once home to a hermit more than a hundred years ago.
The town, which faces the island of Negros, is 72 kilometers via Toledo and 58 kilometers via
Carcar from Cebu City. It is reachable by vans for hire or buses via Toledo City. Those with their own
transport may take the Carcar City or Toledo City route going to Aloguinsan.
Just two kilometers from the town center of Aloguinsan is a village of local fishers and their
families. They protect the Bojo River Nature Reserve, an area that includes the 1.4 kilometer-long Bojo
River Nature Reserve and the surrounding environment that serves as home to 61 bird species and
remarkable native flora.
The community manages the Bojo River Village Tour, which involves a ride downriver as a
fisherman guide point out mangrove and bird species along the riverbank.
A 400-meter long boardwalk that cuts across the mangrove forest provides the option of going
on a trek along the river. The bamboo boardwalk connects to a 150-step natural trail carved on a hillside
that leads to a gazebo overlooking the river landscape.
Aside from the river cruise with its corresponding orientation and short lecture on mangroves
and wildlife, the Bojo River Village Tour includes an ancient send-off ritual performed by a village
medicine man, a mat-weaving demonstration, and a buffet lunch.
If guests request it, the community — which has organized into the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism
Association (BAETAS) — can also run bird-watching tours and stage a special cultural performance with
the river providing a stunning backdrop.
Aloguinsan is a fourth-class municipality in western Cebu. Formerly a barrio of the town of
Pinamungajan, a Royal Decree of the Kingdom of Spain converted it into a town in 1886. The town is
blessed with a number of natural wonders, including the Bojo River, which is currently being promoted
as one of the eco-tourism destinations by town officials.
BOJO RIVER NATURE PRESERVES
Bojo, Aloguinsan, Cebu
The Bojo River is a 1.4-kilometer waterway located in the Bojo River Nature Reserve, which is
protected and maintained by the Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association. It is home to around 70 bird
species and native flora. The word “bojo” has two meanings depending on the language used. In
Spanish, it means “river ceiling” while in the Visayan language, it means “hole,” which is logical since the
river essentially ends up as “a hole” leading to the sea.
The Bojo River Cruise & Eco-Cultural Tour is among the most popular tourist attractions of the
town. And it is not a simply river cruise where you only get to admire the beauty of nature since the
guides are knowledgeable about the flora and fauna in the area. The guides will also share the history of
the association taking care of the river and its surroundings. So, the river cruise on the Bojo River will
not only be a fun activity, it will also allow guests to learn something new about nature. The limestone
rocks close to the mouth of the river are similar to the ones found in El Nido or Coron in Palawan. The
river cruise will take around three hours to finish and guests have the option to take a dip on the clear
waters at the mouth of the river.
A 400-meter long boardwalk that cuts across the mangrove forest provides the option of going
on a trek along the river. The bamboo boardwalk connects to a 150-step natural trail carved on a hillside
that leads to a gazebo overlooking the river landscape.
Lower Magat Eco-Tourism Park
Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya
Located within the 24,000-hectare forest land, the Lower Magat Eco-tourism park has a total
land area of 1,000 ha. It has cottages/picnic huts, camp site, boating and eco-trails. Ideal for all ages.
Experience eco-trail, camping, fishing etc. as you commune with nature.
The 1120-hectare park is located on the lower portion of the Magat River in Cagayan Valley,
thus its name.It is a beautiful place found in the heart of the forest, and provides native lodging houses,
a swimming pool and several other facilities for its guests. The park also has a lake within its vicinity as
well as hiking trails for bird watching, mountain biking trails and camping grounds for adventure-loving
families.
The lower magat eco-tourism park already have established trails to explore and it is easily be
done on foot. There’s the fishing area and soon to be site for a floating restaurants. The area is a smalel
serene lake with cottages where visitors can stay at night.
