The Philippine Nature at its Best

All of us are probably familiar with the “Seven Wonders of the World” which are chosen due to their unique and exotic characteristics. If I’m not mistaken, these sites are chosen annually. It’s good to know that in this year’s new seven wonders, the Philippines has at least four tourist spots that qualify in the Top 77, as of this posting. Below are descriptions of the places.

The Tubbataha Reef

The Tubbataha Reef. According to an encyclopedia, the word “Tubbataha” is derived from two Samal words meaning “a long reef exposed at low tide”. It’s an underwater sanctuary native to the Sulu Sea that boasts of many wonders endemic only to the place. It is home to over a thousand species of marine wildlife, some of them are already endangered and are being protected and conserved around the globe. The site of manta rays, lion fish, tortoise or Pawikan (as it is known in the place), clown fish, and sharks are some of the wonders that never fail tourists, especially divers, that take a trip at the reef usually during the hot months of March to June. The reef itself is a refuge for underwater animals. In 1993, the United Nations designated Tubbataha as one World Heritage Sites found in the Philippines. Presently, it is one of the candidates of the Philippines for the New Seven Wonders of Nature. As of this posting, the Tubbataha Reef is at the top 3 spot. To vote for it, click here.

The Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills. One of Bohol’s top pride destinations is the Chocolate Hills which is composed of over a thousand cone-shaped hills. Another peculiar characteristic of the hills is the fact that all the hills are almost about the same size. The name “Chocolate Hills” is given to the spot because during dry seasons, the green grass that builds up the hills turn completely brown thus making the hills like chocolates. The hills became the first tourist attraction in Bohol, long before the white beaches in the island became famous. As of this posting, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol is at the top 4 spot. To vote for it, click here.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Recently, the site gained its fame when the house mates of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus took a trip here. According to Wikipedia, it “features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river”. A cave in the area also added fame to the place because the water runs through this cave before directly flowing through the South China Sea. Stalactites (mineral that hangs from the ceiling or wall) and stalagmites (mineral found in the bottom) are also present in the cave. This underground river is considered to be the the longest in the world. As of this posting, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is at the top 8 spot. To vote for it, click here.

The Mayon Volcano

The Mayon Volcano. One of the famous volcanoes in the world, the Mayon Volcano in Albay City never fails to attract tourists because of its perfect cone shape exclusive only to this particular volcano. Having erupted 47 times over the past 400 years, this volcano also earned the reputation of being the most active in the Philippines. It is also part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. As of this posting, the Mayon Volcano is at the top 10 spot. To vote for it, click here.

You have just witnessed some of the pride of the Philippines when it comes to tourism. This list is very, very incomplete. There are still many huge names associated with the Philippine Tourism. There are so many of them that I, as a Filipino, can be proud of.

P.S. Aside from the Philippine top pride nature destinations, there are also some places outside the Philippines that are nominated for the New Seven Wonders of Nature. To view the complete set of nominees, go to the website of the New Seven Wonders.