Melo Villareal
Guide to The Philipines: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The tropical, vibrant, and lush nation of the Philipines, comprising about 7,641 islands, is a place that is worthy of visiting. It’s a beautiful tropical country with abundant marine life and verdant landscapes. Here are the attractions in the Philippines that made it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Baroque Churches of The Philipines
San Agustin Church and Museum in Intramuros photo via DepositPhotos
It refers to the four baroque churches that came into power during Spanish colonial rule. These churches were listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1993. These churches are located in Manila, Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur, Paoay in Ilocos Norte, and Miag-ao in Iloilo.
But, they collectively portray the reinterpretation of European Baroque architecture and decoration by Chinese and Filipino craftsmen.
Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustín in Intramuros, Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, and Saint Augustine Church are the cultural assets of Philipines.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
It’s a pristine coral reef with dense and diverse marine life. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is undoubtedly one of the incredible coral reefs we have on this planet. It comprises the South and the North Reef and will be a unique experience of a lifetime.
The dramatic underwater terrain of the reef while exploring the fantastic biodiverse marine life, like manta rays, turtles, and sharks, will be an exciting experience for you. It came to light after the 1993 UNESCO recognition.
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
In 1995, these amazing rice terraces became a highlight in the cultural landscape category. They were developed by Ifugao cultivators about 2,000 years ago. It is considered a remarkable landscape because of the high altitude steep slopes, with an intricate channel of bamboo pipes, channels, sluices, and dams that ensure the proper flooding of rice terraces.
The five inscribed clusters are; the Nagacadan terrace cluster in the municipality of Kiangan, a rice terrace cluster manifested in two distinct ascending rows of terraces bisected by a river; the Hungduan terrace cluster that uniquely emerges into a spider web; the central Mayoyao terrace cluster which is characterized by terraces interspersed with traditional farmers’ bale (houses) and alang (granaries); the Bangaan terrace cluster in the municipality of Banaue that backdrops a typical Ifugao traditional village; and the Batad terrace cluster of the municipality of Banaue that is nestled in amphitheater-like semi-circular terraces with a village at its base.
Historic City of Vigan
Vigan is a cultural heritage City located at the west-northwest coastline of the island of Luzon, in the province of Ilocos Sur. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1999.
This historic and cultural city is the archetype of Spanish colonial urban planning and architecture in the Philippines that preserves European-style buildings. It is undoubtedly an unequaled jewel of South Asia.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Palawan’s beautiful, amazing landscape differs from others because of the underground river flowing under the massive limestone caves.
Also known as Puerto Princesa Underground River, It is distinctive from others because it directly emerges in the sea while its lower portion is affected by tidal influences.
It is a beautiful and admirable “mountain-to-sea” ecosystem with dense forests and rich biodiversity. It was highlighted in the year 1999.
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southeast of Mindanao Island, Philippines. It was declared a national park and a wildlife sanctuary in 2003 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
The sanctuary protects typical mountain ecosystems of the biogeographic region and includes the agroecosystem, dipterocarp, montane, mossy, and mossy-pygmy forests. These ecosystems harbor an assemblage of endemic, rare, and economically important flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Philippine Eagle and the tropical pitcher plant Nepenthes hamiguitanensis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in the Philippines?
According to Wikipedia, UNESCO has designated six World Heritage Sites in the Philippines.
What are the 6 World Heritage Sites in the Philippines?
The 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines are Baroque Churches of the Philippines, Historic City of Vigan, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary.
Is Puerto Princesa a Unesco World Heritage Site?
Not the entire City. However, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is El Nido a Unesco heritage site?
No, El Nido is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, which covers over 36,000 hectares of land and 54,000 hectares of marine waters, is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. (Source: UNESCO)
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