30 reasons to visit the Philippines

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Sea Turtles​

Out of 7 sea turtles in the world, five of it can be found in the Philippines – the critically endangered hawksbill, the endangered green turtle, and olive ridley, loggerhead, and leatherback as vulnerable. Unlike its freshwater cousins, sea turtles cannot retract their head, legs, and arms into their shell for protection but this body structure makes swimming easy. And because they have lungs and breathe air, they need to surface for air at regular intervals. Places to visit for turtles sighting include Apo Island, Apo Reef, Helicopter Island (El Nido), Pescador Island (Cebu), Balicasag Island, and Mantigue Island (Camiguin).

 

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Giant Clams​

Giant clams, particularly the genus Tridacna gigas is one of the most endangered clam species found in the country. These clams can weigh over 200 kilograms and can measure as much as 47 inches. They have become endangered because of the high demand not just in Southeast Asia but also in France and several Pacific Islands where they are considered as delicacy. Giant clams are called taklobo in the Philippines.

 

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Fin Whale​

Fin whale is the second largest species in the world with the largest measuring up to 27 meters. They are fast and strong swimmers with the average speed between 37 km/h to 41 km/h. Though they can live close to 100 years, they have become endangered due to excessive whaling in the 19th and 20th century.

 

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Lionfish​

A popular aquarium fish, the lionfish is interesting to look at because of their colors, fins, and rays, humans should be wary when interacting with them because their fins contain venom which can cause extreme pain, vomiting, fever, difficulty in breathing, convulsions, heartburn, and diarrhea among others.

 

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Box Jellyfish​

Heard about a local celebrity who almost lost her life to box jellyfish? Or that 7-year old Filipino-Italian who died after being stung by this highly dangerous marine life? There’s reason they are considered the “world’s most venomous creature”. The venom is so potent that it can cause death within 2 to 5 minutes especially without immediate treatment.

 

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Titan Triggerfish​

This species can grow up to 30 inches and is recognized as the largest species of triggerfish in its range hence also called giant triggerfish. Females may attack divers when the nest is threatened especially during reproduction season so care must be taken when around them.