From cloud-piercing peaks to coral kingdoms below the sea, the Philippines is home to some of the world’s most diverse and thrilling national parks.
The Philippines isn’t short on natural wonders. Scattered across more than 7,000 islands, its national parks range from pristine coral reefs and towering limestone caves to mist-shrouded forests and rolling mountain meadows. Here are five wildly different national parks to add to your next island-hopping adventure.
Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan
For a taste of tropical paradise, head north to Pangasinan where more than 100 emerald-capped islets rise from the turquoise waters of the Lingayen Gulf. Hundred Islands National Park is nature’s playground – perfect for boating, swimming in hidden lagoons, cliff diving, or snorkelling among vibrant reefs.
Each island offers something different, from caves to explore to white sand beaches where you can soak in the sun away from the crowds. It’s an idyllic destination for adventurers and serenity seekers alike.
Mount Pulag National Park, Luzon
Standing at 2,926 metres, Mount Pulag is Luzon’s highest peak and one of the most scenic hiking destinations in the country. Its summit offers sweeping views over a sea of clouds at dawn, a sight that draws trekkers from all over the world.
The lower reaches of the park are shrouded in mossy forests and scattered with waterfalls, while the summit opens up into golden grasslands and bamboo groves. It’s a trek worth every step for those chasing sunrise magic and mountain serenity.
Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park, Kalinga
High in the Cordillera Mountains of northern Luzon lies a lesser-known gem where time slows and nature sings. Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park is a sanctuary of pine forests, moss-covered trees, and clear mountain rivers – the kind of place where you’ll hear nothing but birdsong, rustling leaves, and the distant call of a Philippine warty pig.
Hiking trails wind through the park offering dramatic views of mountain valleys, while encounters with traditional Kalinga villages provide a glimpse into one of the country’s most enduring indigenous cultures.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Sulu Sea
Accessible only by liveaboard boat, this remote marine park is a diver’s dream. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to over 100,000 hectares of protected reef – an underwater Eden where reef sharks cruise through coral gardens and sea turtles glide past colourful schools of fish.
This is wild ocean territory. With excellent visibility, virtually untouched dive sites, and strict conservation rules in place, Tubbataha is a bucket-list destination for divers chasing marine magic.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan
One of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers lies hidden beneath the limestone karsts of Palawan’s Saint Paul Mountain Range. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park offers a journey into the earth, where boats glide through dark, echoing chambers past ancient rock formations, illuminated only by torchlight.
This UNESCO-listed park blends jungle-covered mountains with surreal subterranean landscapes, making it an unforgettable stop for those exploring the lush beauty of Palawan.
