Philippines’ Sustainable Island Hotspot
A green sea turtle surfaces near your kayak as you paddle through an electric Kool-Aid blue lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Your destination? A pristine palm tree shaded beach without another soul in sight. This is just another day in Palawan, an archipelago of 1,780 islands south-west of Manila in the Philippines.
Yet, this scene has become increasingly rare around the world. Things like empty beaches, biodiversity, cultural authenticity and clean oceans are becoming scarce. The price of standing in the world tourism spotlight is high.
Case in point: Boracay. Waste management and environmental concerns so plague the tropical hotspot that on April 26, 2018, President Duterte officially closed Boracay to all visitors for six months.
Boracay is an extremely popular destination for domestic and international travellers. According to the Boracay tourism office, the island made a record US$1 billion dollars as it played host to over 2 million visitors from all parts of the globe.
With Boracay off limits, it’s time to look for a new favourite island destination while simultaneously figuring out a way to preserve the slices of paradise we so love.
El Nido: The Green Alternative to Boracay Enter El Nido. Armed with its spectacular natural beauty and forward-thinking approach to sustainable tourism, this charming little town is the perfect launch pad to see Palawan. Get acclimated while staying in a luxury bell tent at the Bird House El Nido. The Bird House is a “glamping” eco-resort that is perched in the jungle canopy 187 stairs above Marmegmeg Beach.
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