Vote for Danjugan Island, Mt. Kanlaon and Apo Island in the Top 10 Philippine Gems. This project was launched recently by Isla Lipana to showcase the country’s pristine natural sceneries.
The three tourist destinations in Negros Island were among the shortlisted 25 sites which meet the criteria of being breathtaking, be in good condition, peaceful and secure, and accessible. Other considerations in choosing the 25 sites were that they received fewer visitors than mainstream sites, has received awards and recognitions, and the community is willing to be recognized.
Philippine Gems aims to showcase the Philippines’ “good side” to the world and hoped that this will increase awareness on our best kept tourist destinations and encourage local and foreign tourists.
Why Vote for the Philippine Gems
I believe the Philippine Gems project is a good initiative to highlight the other attractions in our country. It will make local and foreign tourists aware that there’s more to the Philippines than Boracay or Puerto Princesa.
The online voting will end in August 9, 2013. The public can vote online for their top 10 by visiting Philippine Gems website.
- Danjugan Island is a marine and wildlife sanctuary in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Unlike most islands in the Philippines, Danjugan still retains most of its original tropical forest cover which teems with wildlife. The island’s 40-hectare coral reef is more biodiverse per area than the Great Barrier Reef. The island has 5 lagoons, a bat cave, a turtle nesting beach, and a nesting pair of White Breasted Sea Eagle. Read more about Danjugan frm my posts here and here.
- Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island is the highest mountain in the Visayas rising to 2,435 meters above sea level. Nestled almost at the center of Negros Island, Mt. Kanlaon is at the heart of Negros Island and tied to the culture and history of the island. As the country’s third most active volcano, it has earned the name “The Killer Mountain” from mountaineers. Read about Mt. Kanlaon here.
- Apo Island is considered as one of the world’s best known community-managed marine sanctuaries. It has 650 species of fish and estimated to have over 400 species of corals. With a fee, visitors can enter Apo Island to snorkel and dive. Learn more about Apo Island’s success story here.