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Whale Shark off Donsol

Nature & Wildlife

Red Crab from Olango Island

Because of its isolation, the Philippines has one of the world's highest biodiversities, with many endemic to the country. 43% of its birds, and two-thirds of its mamals and plants live nowhere else.

1,137 species of amphibians, birds and mammals are found only in the Philippines and according to the country's environment and natural resources department, half of these are considered "threatened or endangered.

The department now has jurisdiction over all terrestrial plant, animals, turtles and tortoises, and wetland species, including crocodiles, waterbirds, amphibians and dugong, in an effort to reverse the trend. Some of the best known of the endangered species include the Tamaraw, a type of wild cattle found on Mindoro, the Philippine Tarsier, the Cloud rat, Golden-Crowned Flying Fox (Fruit Bat), several species of Wild Pig, and the Philippine Spotted Deer.

Dolphin & Whale Spotting...

A scenic cruise through the Tanon Strait lying between Negros Oriental and Cebu Island, we proceed towards Bais, home to frolicking dolphins and whales.

Pamilacan Island Bohol is also the place to go for visitors who want to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.
The seas around Bohol are a haven to more than 11 species of dolphins and whales, including the bottle-nose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, pan-tropical spotted dolphin, long-snouted dolphin, Fraser's dolphin, melon-headed whale, short-finned pilot whale, Bryde and the sperm whales.

Ex-whale-hunting boats have been refitted and equipped with seats and life vests, and they carry skilled whale-spotters whose familiarity with the area also makes them excellent guides.

The best season is the months from March to June, but resident dolphins and small whales can be found all year round. Tours are dependent on weather and sea conditions.

These creatures are usually at their best during early morning and on sunny days.

Whalesharks & Manta Rays

Whale Shark- Photo by Gutsy Tuason

The largest annual congregation of Whale Sharks is in Donsol, Philippines from December to May. These gentle giants, the largest fish in the world, are migratory animals, found in warm tropical waters as they follow their food supply. They migrate to Donsol in vast numbers to take advantage of the dense food concentration of plankton and krill which is brought about by the current patterns, water temperature, and the general health of the sea.

We offer tours to Donsol, where you can get amongst these beautiful creatures with simple snorkeling equipment. If you doubt your swimming skills, just slip on a life vest!

Manta Ray- Photo by Gutsy Tuason

Whale Sharks are friendly to human beings as long as you don't scare them away by touching or harassing them. Give them respect and your encounter will be one you'll always remember!

The strong current from the San Bernardino Straight from December to May makes Donsol an ideal feeding center for the Manta Ray - the largest and most harmless ray in the world. Manta Rays are known to be extremely curious animals, and often approach and make themselves known to divers, but have never been known to attack.

The Tarsier

The Tarsier

The Philippine Tarsier, as its name suggests, is endemic to the Philippine archipelago. Established populations are present particularly on the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. They have also been found on various isolated islands within its known range, such as Maripipi Island, Siargao Island, Basilan Island and Dinagat Island

The Tarsier is one of the smallest known primates, and is mostly active at night, living on a diet of insects.

Although it is a protected species, it is still threatened by the destruction of its natural forest habitat, which has reduced the tarsier population to a dangerously small size.

You can visit the Tarsier at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Bohol, to see it in its natural habitat.

Giraffe - Photo copyright of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

The Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

The Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary has evolved to become a home of important Philippine endemic and exotic wildlife from Africa.

Calauit Special Project started in 1997 with the introduction of eight species on an experimental basis to see whether the movement of African wildlife from a subtropical to tropical habitat would succeed.

Eventually, 104 different exotic animal species composed of giraffe, eland, zebra, impala, bushbuck, gazelle and waterbuck arrived in the island. After 24 years, the number has increased dramatically except for gazelle and topi, and is now in existence with some endemic and endangered Philippine wildlife.

Crocodile at Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Crocodiles

There are several places in the country with crocodile farms but the most famous is the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The crocodile farm was established with the objectives to conserve the two endangered species of crocodiles, and develop suitable farming technology.

Research studies and preservation activities now involve other endangered species and the centre contains many other examples of Palawan's endemic animals,

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