Animal Encounter
PHILIPPINE EAGLE IN DAVAO
Meet one of the world’s largest and most regal birds at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos. This 8.4-hectare area is nestled in the Malagos Watershed at the foothills of Mount Apo. The center is run by the Philippine Eagle Foundation. Which focus on conversation breeding, research, and education about these animals. They have 27 captive-bred eagles so far-no small feat considering that only about 600 remained in the wild in 2015. Go on a guided tour to hear the stories of its resident eagles, seven of whom are on view to the public. Then explore the rest of the center’s resident birds, mammals, and reptiles, like the silvery kingfisher, Philippine hanging parrot, and Philippine coucal.
DID YOU KNOW? – Trivia
You can end your trip with a meaningful mark: a donation to the center will allow you to sponsor the planting of one seedling or to have your name engraved in one of the pathways.
TARSIER IN BOHOL
Less than an hour’s drive from Tagbilaran, Bohol, the town of Corella is famous for its most diminutive resident: the Philippine tarsier. The tarsier is one of the world’s smallest primates-an average adult is only as big as a human fist. For a natural encounter, head to the Philippine Tarsier Foundation. The sanctuary, a protected 8.4-hectare forest reserve, is home to thousands of tarsiers. Observe these miniature mammals through the Tarsier Trail, a rolling pathway roughly 15 kilometers long, which allows trekkers to get a real look at the tarsier in its most natural of habitats, as well as spot some endemic animal and plant species along the way. Because tarsiers are exceptionally shy, only experienced keepers are allowed to approach and handle them.
Ethical Travel Tip: Avoid touching the tarsier as it leaves a scent that confuses its mate. Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the nocturnal tarsiers as they rest. Do not use flash photography.
DID YOU KNOW? – Trivia
Tarsiers have the largest eyes relative to body size of any mammal. Each eyeball is around 16 millimeters in diameter, which is as large as the tarsier’s entire brain. The eyes are so large that they can’t rotate them. Instead, tarsiers can twist their necks a full 180 degrees in either direction, just like owls.
DID YOU KNOW? – Trivia
Dugongs can live up to 70 years.
DUGONGS IN BUSUANGA, PALAWAN
The dugong is a gentle giant that calls Philippine waters its home. A relative to the manatee, the dugong is believed to have been mistaken as mermaids in ancient times. Adults measure up to 10 feet long and weigh a hefty 700 pounds thanks to their diet of seagrass- they can gobble over 80 pounds of the stuff every day. The Dugong Dive Center in Coron is run by environmentalists and members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, who work to protect the area’s reefs and animal species.
A full-day excursion begins by boat ride to dugong’s feeding grounds along the Busuanga coastline where dugongs surface to breath every five minutes. Once you’ve spotted a few, you’ll have the chance to snorkel and dive in the very same waters. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the quest for a dugong in Palawan’s famed scenic setting is in itself a treat.
WHALE SHARKS IN DONSOL
There are several opportunities for one to catch a glimpse of whale sharks, but none are as respectful as in the coastal town of Donsol. From November to June, these fish-the biggest in the world-converge in Donsol Bay to feed on the high concentrations of plankton and krill brought about by the current.
Donsol, which can be reached via a 50-minutes plane ride from Manila to Legazpi and a two-hour drive from Legazpi, lies within the Coral Triangle, one of the world’s most biologically valuable marine ecosystems. Guided by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), sightseeing follows special protocol that ensures any interactions don’t disrupt these gentle giants. You can snorkel among these 40-foot creatures for an exhilarating experience, but touching and feeding are prohibited to avoid disrupting their natural behavior and migratory patterns. Boats are also careful to maintain the proper distance so as not to crowd the animals.
DID YOU KNOW? – TRIVIA
41.5 FEET Length of the world’s longest whale shark measured.
DID YOU KNOW? – TRIVIA
Dolphins have 2 stomachs and they dive up to 1,000 feet
DOLPHINS IN BAIS AND PAMILACAN ISLAND
For a real dolphin show, Bais City is a one-hour-and-20-minute flight from Manila to Dumaguete City, and a land trip to the Canibo or Capinahan Wharf. An early morning cruise along the bay takes on to Tañon Strait, a protected marine sanctuary, to see dolphins doing their signature leaps and somesaults in deep blue waves. After the show, continue cruising to the Manjuyod White Sand Bar for a lunch of grilled seafood against glistening white sand and teal waters. Timing is essential to this itinerary: the sand bar disappears completely during high tide!
A second option is for one to make the journey to Bohol, a one hour-and-20-minute flight from Manila. From Tagbilaran, it’s less than half an hour to the Baclayon Pier. A boat from here takes one to Pamicalan Island, which is surrounded by white sand beaches, clear waters, and is home to more than 10 species of dolphins and whales.