Northern Sierra Madre

The Largest Protected Area In The Philippines, With No Road Into It And Logging Pressure That Has Never Stopped · Palanan, Isabela

THE NORTHERN SIERRA MADRE NATURAL PARK IS THE LARGEST PROTECTED AREA IN THE PHILIPPINES, RUNNING FROM MOUNTAIN FOREST DOWN TO THE PACIFIC COAST ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF LUZON, AND THERE IS NO ROAD INTO IT. Palanan, the town at its heart, is reached by light aircraft, by a long boat journey up the coast, or by a multi-day trek across the range - which is why the forest is still there. IT HOLDS THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE AND THE PHILIPPINE CROCODILE, one of the most endangered crocodilians on earth, whose small wild population in the Isabela area is watched closely by conservationists. THE HONEST PART: ILLEGAL LOGGING AND MINING PRESSURE HAVE NEVER STOPPED, the park is chronically under-resourced, and the same inaccessibility that protects it also means almost nobody is watching. THIS IS A DESTINATION FOR PEOPLE WITH TIME, PATIENCE AND A REASON. Permits come from the DENR office in advance, and being weathered in for days is normal.

Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Palanan, Isabela, Palanan, Isabela, Philippines

PALANAN IS REACHED BY LIGHT AIRCRAFT FROM CAUAYAN OR TUGUEGARAO, by a LONG BOAT JOURNEY UP THE PACIFIC COAST from Baler or Divilacan, or by a MULTI-DAY TREK across the Sierra Madre - THERE IS NO ROAD. FLIGHTS ARE SMALL, INFREQUENT AND WEATHER-DEPENDENT and being stuck for days is a normal outcome. ANY VISIT INTO THE PARK ITSELF REQUIRES PERMITS FROM THE DENR PROTECTED AREA OFFICE and local guides, arranged in advance through Isabela rather than on arrival. THERE IS ALMOST NO VISITOR INFRASTRUCTURE - accommodation is homestays and basic lodging in Palanan and the coastal barangays. THE PACIFIC COAST TAKES TYPHOONS DIRECTLY, roughly June to November. Carry cash; banking is minimal.

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