From my experiences traveling the Philippines, I’ve gone on to observe a wide range of tourism practices, with several reaching exemplary levels, while others unfortunately less so. What stands out in memory, however, are those that are done right, particularly those that prioritize the well-being of local communities. After all, it’s the people who live closest to these destinations who should, above all, have a say in how they are managed.

Fortunately, there are a number of places across the archipelago where tourism is handled with care, often serving as models for best practices. To cite just a couple of examples, the tourism initiatives in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, and Isabela City, Basilan, remain shining examples of how thoughtful, community-centered development can truly expands the benefits of tourism.

Sitting at the northern tip of Negros Occidental, Sagay City is quietly making a name for itself as a destination where nature, art, and culture converge—while staying deeply connected to its local roots. At its heart lies the Sagay Marine Reserve, a vast 32,000-hectare sanctuary teeming with marine life, making it the largest of its kind in the Philippines. Within this protected seascape, you'll find Carbin Reef, a dazzling white sandbar surrounded by turquoise waters, and the Maca Reefs, rich in coral and aquatic biodiversity.

Beyond the waves, there’s more to explore: the Suyac Island Mangrove Ecopark, home to century-old mangroves; the interactive Museo Sang Bata sa Negros, designed to spark curiosity in young minds; the vibrant Bougainvillae Art Community, where local artists thrive led by enigmatic maestro artist Nunelucio Alvarado; and the laid-back Lapus-Lapus Floating Cottage, perfect for unwinding amid nature. Sagay may be under the radar now, but it won’t stay a secret for long.

In Bougainvillae, Old Sagay, hop on a "Trisikad Tour" and cruise through a neighborhood bursting with color and creativity. Local volunteer artists, under the direction of Syano Artlink and homegrown master painter Nunelucio Alvarado, have turned walls into vibrant canvases, transforming this small community into an open-air gallery.

A leisurely ride on a trisikad, a bicycle with a sidecar decked out in hand-painted designs, offering a front-row seat to this immersive street-art experience with the trisikad owner behind the pedal serving as your tour guide.

A drawn out white sandbar emerging from the Visayan Sea, Carbin Reef is the centerpiece of Sagay’s marine sanctuary. This tongue-shape stretch of powdery sand, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, invites visitors to snorkel among thriving coral gardens teeming with marine life. Conservation is in full effect here with only a limited number of guests are allowed at a time, ensuring that the reef’s delicate ecosystem remains undisturbed.

Tucked away in Sagay’s coastal waters, Suyac Island Mangrove Ecopark is a sanctuary of tangled roots and resilient trees. Here, community members maintain and manage a 15-hectare forest inhabited by century-old mangrove trees that stand as natural fortresses, shielding the shoreline from storms, even registering zero casualty during typhoon Yolanda, while nurturing marine biodiversity.

After being greeted with a song and dance from the community’s performing arts group, trained community guides leads the visitors through wooden walkways as they share relevant information about the labyrinth of mangrove trees.

Today, this Ecopark serves as a model for sustainable tourism development, inspiring communities nationwide. The same model is also followed and implemented in another mangrove forest called Lapus-Lapus Floating Cottage.

With a strategy focused on attracting the right market to ensure low-impact, high-value tourism, officials are also leading financial literacy efforts through the Community-managed Savings and Credit Association (COMSCA).

Sagay City’s Museo Sang Bata Sa Negros is no ordinary museum. It’s a gateway to the marine world, designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Interactive exhibits invite both children and adults to explore marine ecosystems, fostering curiosity through hands-on activities and storytelling. The museum’s trained guides, aged eight to twelve and part of its “Junior Guide Program,” bring these stories to life. One of the earliest junior guides, who started in third grade, later pursued a marine biology degree in college. Managed with the dedication of both educators and local fisherfolk, the museum bridges science and community, teaching young minds the harmonious relationship between people and the sea.

Sagay’s transformation into a model for community-centered sustainable tourism emerged from a troubled past of environmental exploitation. The once-thriving coral reefs and marine ecosystems of the Visayas Sea suffered severe destruction, with elders still recounting the echo of dynamite blasts shattering the waters each morning.

A turning point came in 1999 when Sagay’s seascape, classified as protected under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1995, saw the official creation of the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve through Republic Act 9106. This milestone marked the community’s commitment to safeguarding nature for generations to come.

Sagay City’s commitment to sustainable tourism is taking shape through carefully planned eco-tourism loops, says Tourism Officer Helen Arguelles. "Since we strictly adhere to our carrying capacity, our strategy is to develop more community-managed eco-tourism loops with controlled visitor numbers," she explains. "One loop is nearly complete, while two others are progressing in terms of infrastructure and community organization."

Looking ahead, Sagay envisions positioning itself as a regional hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), particularly hosting forums about sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The city also aims to become a learning center for Protected Area Management and eco-tourism, to further attract the right market.

Sagay is also embracing the principles of Slow Food Travel, Arguelles notes. Local communities managing attractions like Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park, Lapus-Lapus Floating Cottage, and Carbin Reef—alongside a growing number of inland dining spots—are aligning with the Slow Food Movement’s "clean, good, and fair food" philosophy. By reviving heirloom recipes and sourcing organic ingredients locally, they are adopting a meaningful link between food, culture, and sustainability.

From the northern tip of Negros Island, we heads toward the southwest Mindanao province of Basilan where the component city of Isabela and former capital of the province is located.

Here, tourism is being reshaped to emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement for both visitors and the local community. Aiming to transform traveling from merely focusing on visual sights, the city is putting more weight on storytelling, ensuring that the voices of the locals resonate and that visitors carry home authentic narratives that challenge outdated perceptions of the region shaped by sensationalized headlines from decades ago.

At the heart of this effort is the Marang-Marang Women's Association, a community-based tourism (CBT) program that has received regional acclaim. The group shows visitors not only the beautiful natural setting of Marang-Marang Mangrove Forest, but also the region's culinary traditions, the hypnotic movements of igal dance, a traditional dance of the ethnolinguistic Sama Bajau people of the Sulu archipelago, and the intricate craft of weaving colorful mats and fabrics. Aside from cultural preservation, it also plays an important role in environmental conservation by serving as custodian of the mangrove sanctuary, which is both a natural resource and a heritage monument.

Visitors gain a better knowledge of Isabela de Basilan's identity this immersive experience, and the program reinforces the idea that tourism is about people and stories as much as locations. In doing so, the project adds to the overall Philippine tourism environment, particularly in culinary and experiential tourism, where Moro traditions are underrepresented. Furthermore, the city is introducing halal-certified services to target a specific market niche, broadening its tourism appeal.

Following the success of the Marang-Marang Women's Association, similar initiatives are emerging. Among these is the Bajau Women Weavers of Tampalan (BAWWAT), a group committed to the traditional technique of weaving Tepo mats out of pandan leaves. Recognizing the importance of market access, the local government has stepped in to help promote their products, assuring the continuation of this centuries-old art form.

In the uplands, the Tennun Weavers of Kapatagan Grande (TWAKG) carry on the rich legacy of Yakan tennun weaving, while the Maligui Bamboo Makers are pioneering the use of bamboo products for livelihood and preservation of heritage crafts. According to the city's Tourism Officer, Claudio M. Ramos II, Isabela de Basilan's aim goes beyond improving its image; it is about building strong, resilient communities based on cultural legacy and economic empowerment. The local government is creating a viable tourism ecosystem that benefits both hosts and guests by making smart investments in capacity building, infrastructure, and market connections.

“We are just getting started,” Ramos II said. “We can't wait to unveil much more in the coming months and years as we work to make our city a premier destination for sustainability, cultural immersion, and understanding.”

Coincidentally, these two Philippine cities found themselves in the spotlight at the 2025 ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards, held on January 20 in Johor, Malaysia. Sagay earned praise for its conservation-driven initiatives on Suyac Island, a mangrove sanctuary that has become a model for ecotourism. Isabela de Basilan’s Marang-Marang Women’s Association was recognized for its role in fostering a thriving community-based tourism program. More than just a badge of honor, this award underscores the community's commitment to preserving and amplifying the cultural heritage of the Moro people, particularly the Sama Banguingui and Bajau communities.

Through the collaborative efforts of local government units in Sagay City and Isabela de Basilan, along with national agencies such as the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its regional offices, the community-based tourism (CBT) programs in both cities have been significantly strengthened and made more sustainable. The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Philippines, the marketing arm of the DOT, has played a key role in this progress by conducting CBT workshops and providing crucial support—donating kayak units to Sagay and weaving materials to the weaving communities of Isabela de Basilan among others. These initiatives have enhanced the consistency and impact of the CBT programs, empowering local communities while promoting cultural and environmental sustainability.

By championing nature conservation, community empowerment and preservation of culture, both projects, hailed as exemplars of responsible tourism, are now being looked up to as case studies for similar efforts across the region.

Walking thousands of steps in the midst of a sunny afternoon would be taxing under normal city conditions. Well, up in the highlands of Ifugao and in the middle of Mayoyao's rice terraces, this kind of undertaking looks like something out of a well-shot film.

The scenic paddy fields under a bright blue sky make for an idyllic setting, and as we made our way to pockets of small communities, we passed by many fascinating characters such as farmers sowing crops, village mothers weaving a Ginallit, an Ifugao stripped wrap-around skirt, and residents tending to other farm animals.

In between being awestruck by Mayoyao's rice terraces, which is one of five clusters in the Cordillera region inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Batad, Bangaan, Hungduan, and Nagacadan, I immediately discovered that Mayoyao is more than just its iconic rice terraces. Over the next five days of exploring this part of Ifugao, we would discover the rich culture, beautiful nature spots, witness performances of traditional arts, learn about its history, and even taste some local delicacies, all of which shape the unique character of Mayoyao and its residents.

Mayoyao's rice terraces are so huge that they are divided into clusters, stretching to more than half of the municipality. These are Chaya, Chumang, Bongan, Magulon, and Banhal, the ones we explored by foot.

Hiking to the village of Banhal reminded me of the Open Air Museum in Kiangan, also in Ifugao. Similar elements, such as traditional dwellings and other aspects of Ifugao culture, can be witnessed during the hike. After a kilometer of brisk walking, we stopped by and observed a brief session on loom weaving and handicrafts with members of the Mayoyao Women's Organization. A short distance away, we paused our hike once again to mingle with the owners of a small farmhouse and shared with them servings of sweet potatoes, banana cue, and brewed coffee while sitting on the lawn and taking in the breathtaking view of the surrounding Banhal rice terraces.

On the fourth day, we would embark on another rice terrace trek in a different town. This time, we were escorted by Leandro Elahe, a local tour guide who could easily pass as a historian. We began our walk in Bongan at the same location where a UNESCO marker stands. Along the journey, we stopped at a few abodes to meet villagers who demonstrated customary rice pounding and rice terrace farming practices.

The first waterfalls we visited only requires half an hour of hiking as the jump-off trail is reachable by vehicles. Tenogtog Falls, as it’s called, takes its name from a native word for "chopped" or "sliced." It is said that during the olden days, following an arduous hunt, hunters would assemble near these multi-tiered waterfalls to distribute the rewards of their kill.

Despite the frigid water, I surrendered to the urge of taking a dip on the crystal-clear stream as a form of therapeutic relief for my body after the lengthy land travel to Ifugao and the afternoon trek the day before. The following day, we visited another waterfall, the A'pfaw Mahencha Falls.

The hundreds of steps leading down to the waterfalls from the picturesque viewpoint now called Khohang Garden and back, can be taxing in a mountain environment where air becomes thinner.

Nevertheless, the sight of A’pfaw waterfalls will immediately put you in a state of deep contemplation, where you can let yourself be embraced by the breathtaking beauty of nature. While others in our group jumped and splashed about in the chilly waters, I opted to relax and stare at the waterfalls this time.

Outside of our rice terraces and waterfalls exploration, we also went to a number of historical and cultural sites around Mayoyao, accompanied not only by the local tourism staff but also by the town's cultural bearer and historian, Bobby Bongayon, and in one instance at the Mt. Nagchajan Historical Site, the town mayor himself, Jimmy Padchanan Jr. They both delighted us with anecdotes about the rich history and intriguing customs of Mayoyao.

At Khohang Garden, Bobby Bongayon led a storytelling session where he narrated a few legends handed down from their ancestors as well as having us listen to a Hudhud chant performed by a young lady, Jhomaica Panangon, a member of Mayoyao's Tourism Office.

Stories chanted by the Ifugao people as far back as the seventh century make up the Hudhud, an art form recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. There are hundreds of chants that cover topics such as history, customary law, religious beliefs of the ancestors, and epic tales of warriors.

Usually sang or recited in the old days by an elderly person who holds a prominent role in the community, either as a historian or preacher, to complete a comprehensive recitation of the Hudhod may take several days.

In Mt. Nagchajan, we visited the place where the last band of Japanese soldiers made their last stand during World War II. Amidst the breathtaking scenery, we were joined by Mayor Padchanan Jr. as he further shared with us more about their local customs and culture. Following a sumptuous lunch, the locals serenaded us with folk songs and treated us to an amusing presentation of ceremonial and courtship dances, in which some of us even took part in.

In the process of being both visually amazed and intellectually stimulated, our journey to Mayoyao evolved into much more than a simple sightseeing tour. On any given day, most of the people we met in Mayoyao would be going on with their daily lives. But when visited by guest travelers, they easily open up to share their proud history, culture, and traditions.

In a nation like ours, where many ethnic treasures are sometimes overlooked in favor of picture-perfect attractions, this is how I envision traveling. Instead of just popping in and out, taking pictures, and then going away, an immersive experience like what he experienced in Mayoyao should be replicated everywhere. By including locals in tourism activities, we provide them with a voice and a platform to preserve and pass on their unique intangible heritage.

Because of that, our trip to Mayoyao, Ifugao became one for the books.

Whenever one thinks of Sorsogon, the gentle giant whale sharks of Donsol first comes to mind. However, upon further exploration, you will learn that the province offers a plethora of delights that include beautiful beaches, heritage towns and other natural gems comprising of waterfalls, quaint lakes, firefly-laden rivers and sleepy volcanoes. From the rich flora and fauna, colorful culture and traditions, plateful of delicious local cuisines, and to everything that ticks every intrepid traveler's check list, it’s no wonder each time a visitor departs Sorsogon, heaps of memorable experiences are left behind.

The province's things to do list is full of exciting adventures. Swimming with the "butandings" in Donsol will introduce visitors to the mesmerizing world of the underwater especially where one can experience the thrill of chasing the gentle giants of Sorsogon.

Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t fast enough on my fins to catch up with them. I saw a whale shark from our boat for a moment or two, but lost sight of it when we dove into the water because they swim fast but not so furiously though, as fellow travel writers from the other boat was lucky enough to swim with a playful baby whale shark.

The white sandy beaches lapped with turquoise colored waters in Matnog lures beachgoers to a day of beach fix and chill at the long shores of the pinkish Subic Beach in Calintaan Island. It is also here where a variety of sea creatures can be seen up close at Juag Fish Sanctuary.

For heritage and history enthusiasts, the Spanish colonial houses in Juban provides a dash of throwback vibe to a simpler life more than a century ago. Lined up charmingly on a short part of Maharlika Highway are four "bahay na bato” (Stone House) that are still immaculately preserved. The foundation of these houses built way back in 1890s, are made of stone bricks and where the wooden second floor stands.

One of the houses was even converted into a bed and breakfast called "Casa Feliz" where guests can stay for only 200 pesos per bed/night. These houses came under threat of demolition a couple of years ago due to a planned road widening project. Thankfully, an online petition managed to halt it. A few towns away in Barcelona, additional history can be found on the ruins of the old Spanish Governadorcillo.

But wait, there’s more history to uncover at Sorsogon Museum. The site of a former provincial jail and justice hall, it was transformed by the provincial government into a museum in 2019. Retaining its original early 1900s architecture, the museum features 10 galleries showcasing historical items related to the province of Sorsogon that are curated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office.

It also showcase artworks done by former inmates, such as the painting of the Lady of Justice found on the second floor, and a mural of revolutionary hero Che Guevara. The museum also converted the old exercise yard of prisoners into an amphitheater.

For the wave-riding buccaneers, the swell they are seeking can be found on the waters of Rizal beach in Gubat town. This underrated surfing spot facing the Pacific Ocean is now becoming a favorite even among surfers from different parts of the globe.

Kambal Busay Falls in Bulusan, Sorsogon had me stripping down to my boxer shorts for a therapeutic dip while the others were busy hiking to the other falls because it totally exceeded my expectation. Another best thing about this is the waterfalls' 5-minute accessibility from Zoe's Resort & Eco Adventure Park. The park has done a fine job keeping the place in great condition by minimizing man-made structures and managing visitors' capacity.

Snack on pili nuts while you enjoy a tranquil cruise over the greenish waters of Buhatan River. A community-led Cooperative group organized by the late Gina Lopez in 2014, manages this Eco-Adventure tour that takes visitors along a narrow tributary flanked by mangrove forests snaking its way until it meets the waters of Sorsogon Bay. A local musician serenades tourist on the floating cabanas with acoustic melodies accompanied by the background chirping hymns of several bird species.

One cannot leave Sorsogon without experiencing the tranquility of Lake Bulusan. Kayaking in the middle of the lake with only the chirruping sounds of nature provides the perfect moment to listen to your own thoughts. Given that there’s no existing PHIVOLCS alert level, a trek to Bulusan volcano may be in order for mountaineers on the lookout for a forested peak to conquer as well as spot numerous colorful bird species.

All of these and more can be experienced in Sorsogon. The Bicol region isn’t hash-tagged #ExcitingBicol for nothing because the provinces it covers such as Sorsogon fully lives up to its billing — offering travelers nothing but exhilarating and pleasant destinations.