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Nature trips often include lush trees, clear waters, fresh air, and breathtaking sunsets. Since the Philippines is blessed with picturesque scenery, some tourist spots are making great efforts to make the environment cleaner and more beautiful.

As caretakers of our planet, we should also remember to give back to Mother Nature.

For the wanderers who want to contribute in helping the environment, Biyahe Ni Drew revisited Zambales in search for travel destinations that promote sustainability:

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1. Talisayen Cove

Photo from The Poor Traveler

Location: Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales

Talisayen Cove is a secluded vacation destination that's been garnering fame due to its purity and cleanliness. They exercise zero waste management, implement proper disposal of garbage, and discourage the usage of plastics.

“Gusto naming mapanatili 'yung nature na hindi mapipinsala ng kahit na ano, tulad ng mga garbage. Dito na kami pinanganak, naisip na namin ito ever since."

The management employs a system in the resort to maintain sustainability. Food is served in boodle fight style, so tourists are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups and utensils. Bottled mineral water is available, but refilling one's own water container is preferred.

Garbage sacks are provided, which are being collected every Sunday for disposal. At night, solar-powered batteries are used as power source for their lights.

With a wide beach area, tents are the go-to lodgings of tourists. The resort can accommodate up to 5,000 tourists. However, the management avoids overcrowding to adjust to the capacity of their staff in maintaining the resort's cleanliness.

2. Ohana Art Café

Photo from ohanaartcafe (IG)

Location: Purok 2 Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales

The level of artistry in this café is over the top and we're living for it. Why? It's because they can turn any trash into art!

Ohana Art Café promotes sustainability through creativity. From colorful little ornaments to big wooden posters with inspirational quotes, every capture is Instagrammable.

Their menu offers crabs, squid, and fish to Filipino favorites like halo-halo and kakanin. Like Talisayen Cove, the usage of plastics is discouraged which is why they provide wooden utensils to their customers. To nourish their herbs, they turn their kitchen waste into fertilizers. Definitely zero waste!

3. Hideout

Photo from The Brave Sole

Location: Purok 12, Sitio Liwliwa, Sto. Nino, San Felipe, Zambales

Hideout is a vegan resto that promotes sustainability by upcycling materials and using wooden utensils instead of plastic. Their zero waste operation is also enforced by going paperless, completely avoiding the use of trash cans and free water refilling for those who bring their own containers.

The restaurant owner was a backpacker for three years in Southeast Asia. His travels were filled with cultural immersion, enabling him to incorporate new ideas to his business, especially in terms of ambiance and ventilation techniques.

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Even methods in cooking were keenly explored to accommodate the limited resources in their place. This explains why their menu is vegan - from burger made from banana bud or puso ng saging to seaweed bagoong.

4. The Glamp

Photo from The Glamp Zambales (FB)

Location: Sitio Liwliwa, Sto. Nino, San Felipe, Zambales

The Glamp is dubbed by the Drew Arellano as the “Backpackers Mecca of the North."

Zambales is known to be one of the major destinations for surfing. But did you know that it's also a good spot for glamping?

According to our biyaherong host, it is “actually camping with style with a little bit of luxury."

The Glamp Zambales boasts an air-conditioned tent inclusive of breakfast, foot massage, and Smores kit for a memorable bonfire session! They offer tents good for two people at PhP 5,000, and PhP10,000 good for six.

“It's must 'pag andito kayo in this side of Zambales. Kapag walang bonfire, kapag walang smores, kapag walang hotdog - corny ka,” said Drew.

For more Zambales sustainable travel tips, watch the full episode of Biyahe Ni Drew here:

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