Sustainable tourism in the Philippines: the coral gardener
7
JANUARY 2019
I remember the first time I met Jomar. We’d just arrived on the shore at Tugawe Cove Resort after a fairly bumpy 1.5-hour boat ride at sea. Quiet, yet helpful, he helped load our bags onto the back of a small jeep to take to our rooms. On the surface, he seemed like just another young guy working at our resort. We didn’t realize it then, but Jomar would be the one who’d teach us about sustainable tourism in the Philippines.
There we were, a small group of tired, yet curious, westerners, in the Caramoan Islands. A region so spectacular, that words or photos don’t do it any justice. Every detail you imagine when you think of a paradise island comes to life here. Powdery white sandy beaches, dramatic deep caves and warm waters. It’s lesser visited than Palawan — which isn’t a bad thing, considering the increasing number of visitors heading there.
Above all, the Caramoan Islands are a place that the local people love, and want to preserve. And learning how to practice sustainable tourism is something in which everyone can play a role.
Traveling to the Philippines
If you’ve not yet visited the Philippines — and you definitely should — here are some basic facts.
- There are over 7,100 islands in the country;
- They can speak English (American vernacular more than British); and
- Rainy season is typically from June to October; the hottest months are April and May.
The Caramoan Islands are in Caminares Sur, which is in the Bicol region of the country. From the capital, Manila, it’s a short 45-minute flight to the airport of Naga. It’s then around a 3.5-hour drive to the port, followed by a 1.5-hour boat ride.
Yes, the Caramoan Islands aren’t the easiest place to reach, but, trust me when I say, it’s totally worth it.
The sun setting in the Caramoan Islands
A lone house in the hills
Practicing sustainable tourism in the Philippines
Arguably, one of the best things to do in the Caramoan Islands is island hopping. After all, the name has an ‘s’ there for good reason. Its island range is also why American TV show, Survivor, chose to film there. Don’t be surprised if you hear this on repeat — it’s something the locals are very proud of!
Climb on board a colourful fishing (passenger) boat, let the wind entangle your hair, and lose yourself in the landscape. You’ll be glad you did.
It was on the first island, Pitogo, that we had our first glimpse of sustainable tourism in action. While the rest of us were admiring the beauty of our new environment, Jomar was focused on something else. Without saying a word, he began collecting plastic bottles and bags that’d washed up onto the shore. Following the example of our young guide, we too began collecting any trash that we found. Though such a simple action, it felt good to help keep the beach just as pristine as we’d found it.
Pitugo Island, Caramoan
Katanhawan Island
Pristine beach, Catanhawan Island
Catanhawan Island (big and small)
Our second island of the trip was to big Catanhawan (ca-tan-how-wan) Island. Much larger in size than the first, we saw even more sustainable tourism in action. For lunch, the resort had arranged a picnic, which they set up in the shade of the coconut trees.
Jomar and his friends set the table using a large banana leaf as a cover. The same plants also provided our ‘plates’ for the meal, and we used our hands as cutlery. For drinks, we drank directly from freshly cut coconuts — with straws. However, we left nothing behind and took any leftover food to the people living on the island. In short, we left the scene exactly as we’d found it, bar our several footprints in the sand.
“There are people in this world that talk, and those that do; Jomar falls into the latter.”
Sustainable tourism in the Philippines – the coral gardener
Later that evening, we were enjoying our final dinner that the staff had prepared for us down by the beach. As the evening wound down, with the conversation (and wine) still flowing, our guide, Miguel, called Jomar to join us.
What first began as a conversation regarding Jomar’s clear love of photography, soon turned into something entirely unexpected. When asked about his interests during his days off, we were all expecting an answer typical of a 22-year-old guy. Instead, he told us he spent his spare time re-planting coral in the sea.
We sat there, each of us listening quietly and with intent as he continued. Jomar spoke about replanting the coral for his younger siblings, so they could also enjoy it when they grew up. His love of his environment and the Caramoan Islands was so inspiring, it made me reflect upon my own actions. I’ve been lucky to meet some incredible people while traveling, but no-one as humble or as proactive as Jomar.
There are people in this world that talk, and those that do; Jomar falls into the latter.
Passionate about replanting coral, he also asked his friends to return from Manila, even offering to pay them to help. No-one took him up on his offer. Alone, yet undeterred, Jomar continues his mission solo, but it’s clear he’s more than happy to do so.
Jomar holding up coral ©Passrider.com
A banana leaf picnic on the beach ©Passrider.com
Jomar and his friend preparing coconuts. ©Passrider.com
The last word
My time visiting the Caramoan Islands, though short, proved to be a real eye-opening experience. It made me even more conscientious about practicing sustainable tourism and being a responsible traveler.
After seeing several examples of inspiring sustainable tourism in the Philippines, I realised how easy it is to do. It just takes some small actionable steps, supported by some extraordinary people. Truth is, it’s easy for us to act responsibly while traveling; sometimes we just need to see it in action.
We can all learn something, however small, and put it into practice in our respective environments. And collectively, we can make a big difference.
Sipping on freshly cut coconuts
Sustainable village on Catanhawan Island
Leave the scene clean
Where to stay in the Caramoan Islands
It’d be wrong of me not to mention the incredible 4-star Tugawe Cove Resort. Soak up the stretching views from the comfort of the infinity pool, and bask in the lush green gardens. What’s more, the resort is a big advocate of sustainable tourism so you’ll be in good hands. Rooms are in the form of individual huts, and very spacious inside.
How often do you practice sustainable tourism while traveling? Are you pretty good, or something you need to work on?! Let me know in the comments below.
Till next time, happy boutique travels x
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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I’m so happy to see the Philippines stepping up to help keep the environment protected while still maintaining their tourism. More countries should take this responsible approach.
I completely agree. If poorer countries can do it, richer ones should follow 🙂
I won’t have myself that high when it comes to sustainable travelling. I get carried away. But I’m glad many travel writers are writing about this. That thing about seeing it for so long and sticking in works well for me. I promise to be conscious this year.
That’s better than nothing Lydia 😀 I think as long as we’re aware about how we treat our environment when traveling, that’s the first step
Pilipino food is so delicious too! I especially adore chicken adobo ❤️ and thanks to your post i think I would love to visit Philippines too
You should definitely visit, and try it there 🙂
The Caramoan islands look stunning! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos!
You’re welcome, it’s a beautiful island region
What a beautiful story of Jomar’s. Thank you for sharing. The group of islands are definitely worth the travel to get there. We are planning a visit to the Philippines in the near future and hopefully we will be able to extend and visit.
That’s wonderful to read Jane. He’s really an inspiring young guy! Hope you visit soon
I really would love to visit the Philippines some day. It looks absolutely gorgeous!
The islands are something straight out of a dream!
Wow I had no idea it had so many islands!
There are many!
What a wonderful trip! I want to start participating in sustainable tourism. Jomar sounds like a wonderful person that’s making a difference.
Thanks Sam; it’s so easy for all of us to do, and Jomar is quite extraordinary!
Your beautiful pictures make me want to go to the Philippines right now. I haven’t heard of the Caramoan Islands, so it was very interesting to read about them. I find it very unique that they re-plant coral there. Other countries should do it too.
I completely agree Anda! It was so inspiring listening to his passion, and for such a young person too. We can all learn something from him
I’m glad to see the Philippines are increasing their efforts in protecting the environment. A lot of other countries can learn from this example. I’m glad you wrote about sustainable traveling too. It’s a very important topic and the internet needs more articles like this one. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Daniel! I couldn’t agree more. Hoping other countries will follow suit!
I think we should all be learning to treat the planet better and look after it. I know we try and do what we can
I totally agree with you Kara. I’m also upping my efforts to be a more responsible traveler
Wonderful guide, thank you. The pictures are amazing
Thanks for commenting!
I am totally sold from y our description and photos. One day when I don’t have 6 kids in tow this would be one of my dream holidays.
Awww Maybe you can bring them one day; there’s a lot of space for them to run around in!
Your photos are just so beautiful and colorful. They definitely make me want to travel to the Philippines! I am actually half “pinay” anyway so I plan to go in a few years with the hubby. I’ll keep this is a resource for our planning 🙂
Aww perfect Cecilia. You really have to visit with your husband; it’s a beautiful part of the world. And thank you for the compliments! 😀
This is fantastic to see locals stepping up to preserve their beautiful country. It was just last year where I was reading about the Phillippines closing islands due to the trash left behind by tourists. I greatly respect Jomar and the positive impact he’s had on the islands. Great journal about your stay. I definitely want to go on this vacation ASAP.
Thank you Martha! I’m sure Jomar would be so happy to know his passion for re-planting coral is being shared around the world! I really hope you visit soon.
Your photos are amazing!! These islands are absolutely breathtaking!
They really are, and a good example of how we can keep our environment clean
The beach pictures are amazing, the water is so perfect
It’s like something straight out of a dream!
Those look like picture perfect Beaches! Looks like an amazing trip!
They are, and it was! 😀
Jomar’s story is so touching. How wonderful that he is so conscious and collecting bottles. What beautiful photos, such a lovely place.
I know, he’s really someone we should all be following by example!
What beautiful images of the Philippines! You’ve sold us! It sounds like a great place to visit!
Perfect! Happy to read that
I would love to capture a sunset there. Sounds spectacular. I didn’t know there were that many islands in the Philippines. Sounds adventurous.
Trust me when I say, it’s a place you’ll remember forever
Traveling to the Philippines sounds amazing! The island hopping is such a dream 🙂
It’s incredible, and unforgettable too
it looks amazing here, i would love to visit!
You must, it’s a wonderful region to visit
There is a huge potential of Philippines to promote sustainable tourism just like Malaysia, Thailand and the rest can do. But because of poverty, the advocacy is being replaced with ways that could earn them more to feed the hungry stomach. It is sad, knowing this reality – but there still many people like Jomar who have genuine passion for the nature conservation. Not all things can be fed with $$$
I completely agree with you, and I hope the government there puts it at the top of their agenda. The potential for sustainable tourism is huge
Love the fact they used a banana leaf to cover the table – it sounds like Survivor, which I had no idea was filmed in the Philippines! I thought it was Australia for some reason… oops! I would definitely like to explore the islands at some point, so will definitely make a note of Caramoan Islands (even despite the journey to get there, it’s totally worth it) x
Lol I’d never heard of it before traveling there! It’s a beautiful part of the country Becca, and somewhere I’m sure you’d love!
I would literally die! I have been wanting to visit The Phillipines for a long time now, These pics make me want to start a Phillipines or bust fund to make it happen
Lol start that fund now!! It’s an incredible country to travel around, and cheap too! x
This is such a great post because I do think tourists sometimes trample all over the land and don’t respect the place people actually call home. I’ve thought a lot even about how ziplining ruins parts of the forests / jungles and it isn’t great for animals in the area. Sustainable travel is such an important topic and I wish more people would travel sustainably and not affect local culture. I really liked your photos! Color pictures with a lot of light, grogeous.
Thank you so much Crystal! I didn’t think about the effects of ziplining either, but you’re so right. I think we all need to be more conscientious of our actions when traveling somewhere new
I don’t think many people realise how easy it is to practice sustainable tourism. Although I admire and respect people like Jomar who spend their time off in replanting corals in the sea, what I loved about your post is highlighting that one doesn’t even need to go out of their way to practice sustainable tourism – it can be as simple as collecting plastic bottles from the beach (or not putting them into the sea in the first place!) or eating out of a banana leaf and no plastic cutlery. It really doesn’t take a lot of effort to these small things!
You’re so right Medha! Just by cutting down on simple things, or clearing everything behind us, we can ALL make a difference x
I am so glad to come accross this post about Philiphines as I am going there soon. Moreover, it’s great to know that Philiphines are stepping forward with sustainable tourism and actions are takes to preserve this beautfiul nature. It’s important that we take an action too and change our daily habits into more responsible.
How wonderful Anita! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, it’s so beautiful and they’re being very proactive!
Really great pictures! I have heard great things about the Philippines, after reading this post, I will definitely put it on my travel list.
Thank you Gabriel! It’s a great country to visit, and there’s a great photo op everywhere!
This post couldnt have come better as I am aspiring to travel to the Philippines this spring. Would March or april be a good time to visit you think? I will definitely bookmark this post and come back to it once I have my tickets booked – I cant wait! I will need to visit the Caramoan Islands for sure!
Wonderful Ann! I’m sure you’ll have an excellent time there. April is really hot, the start of their summer, so I wouldn’t go then. January and Feb is a great time, and less busy too
Philippines is amazing, your pictures are so lovely! We have always wanted to visit, and now even more after reading they are stepping forward with sustainable tourism, that is amazing!
Thank you Evelyn! I loved my time in the islands so much, and you’ll enjoy every second I promise x
Wow! Philippines is really a great country. There are so many beautiful spots that we can visit and enjoy. But what amazed me so much is Jomar, a 22 year old man spending his spare time re-planting corals in the sea! Really wonderful!
Tell me about it! I was so in awe of him, and it made me realise how easy we have it in the west too x
This is such a great post – we need to be travelling more responsibly and it seems like the Philippines are doing quite well on this front. I didn’t know there were 7,100 islands in the country though, that took me by surprise!
You’d never think it!! But yes, there are many islands there, so hoping they keep up their sustainable tourism efforts!
Thanks for sharing all your gorgeous photos! I also didn’t know the Phillipines ha over 7,000 Islands.
You’re welcome! There are a lot of islands!
You have me wanting to pack my bags, Lisa 🙂
I have never been to the Philippines before – but your photos definitely indicate this is something I need to do as soon as possible.
Sounds like a country with the right way of thinking also!
That’s what I want to read Alexandra! It’s a great country that’s trying to be progressive!
I would love to go to the Philippines. It’s been on my wish-list for years. Your photos are so beautiful!
Thank you! I hope you visit one day, it’s wonderful
I will make it there one of these days. The Philippines has a lot to offer the world!
It’s a beautiful part of the world to explore!
What an absolutely beautiful place. It looks inviting and like a wonderful adventure. I really love that you found Jomar and he talked to you about planting coral. I didn’t know that was something you could do. When we snorkel, we try to pick up any trash we find on the bottom of the sea. Sometimes it’s too deep, but we do try. If everyone did their part, think of how fast the ocean could be clean!
Thank you Kathleen for your lovely comment! We can all do something while traveling to be more responsible, and we need to find more Jomars in this world too!
Caramoan islands look so pristine. The stay at Cove Resort must be a great experience as well. Thanks to Jomar that he is making us aware of sustainable tourism which is a very important part of today’s travel world. You certainly had a great time there.
We did, and a very humbling one too!
Being Sustainable is the only way forward for such island destinations, which don’t have proper wast disposal system. I am currently in Gili Air, Indonesia, and am amazed to see the different sustainability initiatives the locals have taken to keep their home clean.
You’re so right. And that’s encouraging to read about Gili Air too!
Great topic! And what a wonderful story with Jomar. It’s great that people, locals and tourists, are taking actions to make sure we can enjoy the beauty of the planet longer. We need to keep raising awareness like you’re doing with this post. Thank you for being part of the solution 🙂
Thank you Marion! I think the more we talk about it, the better 😀
It’s great to see Philippines doing so much about the environment. I wish in my country people could be more aware about sustainability and it’s importance. I use to love watching ‘Survivor’, didn’t know it was shot there.
I think so too, it’s very encouraging to other developing countries.
Firstly, the place is absolutely breathtaking. It is always great to meet people who care about their place and think about sustainable ways of tourism. Recently, I visited a place where there used to be rampant poaching and felling of trees even 2 decades back. But now the poachers have turned into protectors of animals and forests and they are developing a sustainable way of tourism. Jomar will remain in my mind for long!
That’s an amazing story, and inspiring for other places where it may still be happening. I won’t forget Jomar either!
I love how Sustainable tourism is being practiced in remote islands of Philippines. Hands as cutlery – this is what our great forefathers used to do, right! Replanting corals so that next generation can enjoy – there could be no cause greater than this. Hats off and more power to Jomar. I would love to meet him in person.
He’s truly an inspirational character, and he doesn’t even know it!
I have never been to the Philippines before. Your photos are gorgeous. My friend was just there island hopping. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Hope you make it one day too 😀
Sustainable traveling should be taken up seriously by others too and your post just made it so attractive. All in all wonderful pictures with wonderful words. Lovely <3
Thank you so much! I wanted to share the images and story of our time there
The Phillipines looks like it is so gorgeous! I would love to be able to travel there some day.
It’s an amazing country to visit!
Wonderful to see the locals so invested in sustainability and taking care of nature and replenishing it! these are some beautiful photos and locations. What lens do you use for these beautiful landscapes?
I totally agree! I use my iphone and Crosstour to capture these 🙂
These photos are so breathtaking. I said I wanted to go to the PHillipines soon it looks like such a wonderful place and so scenic
Thank you! Yes, it’s an amazing place to travel too. I hope you visit one day
The beaches look amazing. Would definitely visit the Philipines one day.
I hope you do too, it’s incredible
Such pretty views! You look like you had a fabulous trip and learned alot a long the way!
We really did, and in a wonderful part of the world too
Love the line-“there are some people who talk, and some who do”. Indeed, my heart is filled with respect for this young man who took the initiative to step up and do something. When I visit the Philippines I will surely keep this in mind. Your pictures are spectacular, easy to convince anyone of staying there.
Thank you so much! I really wanted to share his good work, and hope it’ll inspire others to do the same
Well accounted. This island is a perfect example of how we all need to visit certain places and leave it the way we found it. I hope more and more people start adopting that. On a different note, loving the green island and the whole clear water around it.
It’s a beautiful part of the country, and one they’re hoping to keep it that way
What a fantastic place to visit! I am all in for sustainable anything and all these examples are great, I wish every tourist destination would put this into practice!
Me too! It’s so easy to put into practice too 🙂