Panay Island

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Curated by David Quimpo and 12 others

Panay Island lays in the heart of the Philippines archipelago, and is home to an extraordinary collection of plants, animals and ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, mangroves, and grasslands. It faces the Sulu sea, home of the World Heritage listed Tubbataha Reef.

Panay Island by Andrew Pasaporte

About the region Articles about Panay Island Conservation Things to Do Nature Community

About the region

Wonders from the ridge to the reef

Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Panay Island belongs to the Western Visayan region with rich natural environment and cultural, historical heritage. The diverse landscapes and flourishing ecosystems are testament of how nature takes charge in shaping the island’s resources – from the ridge to the reefs.

The island is home to spectacular flora and fauna with some endemic species that remains in the wild habituating the Central Panay mountain range that is considered the backbone for conservation sites and where the “Big 5” species can be found: the Rafflesia speciosa, Visayan Spotted Deer, Visayan Warty Pig, Panay Monitor Lizard, and the Visayan Writhed-billed Hornbill.

The natural beauty of the island extends beyond terrestrial realms; it encompasses majestic mountains, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, and wonders of its underwater world. Each of these elements contributes to the allure of Panay, offering a haven for both adventure seekers and those seeking tranquility.

Turtle, Image: Hitoshi Namura, Unsplash

Boracay, Image: Darya Jum, Unsplash

Guimaras, Image: Cristina Ong, Unsplash

Clownfish, Image: Ray Aucott, Unsplash

Red morley hewitt Puka Shellbeach unsplash

Puka Shell beach, Image: Red Morley Hewitt on Unsplash

Panay Coastal Community / Andrew Pasaporte

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Articles about Panay Island

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Rising Earthkeepers: Youthful Hopes for a Sustainable Planet

The Eco-Adventure Camp empowers young Filipinos to connect with nature, build community, and lead meaningful environmental action.

Panipiason: Gateway to Aklan Mountain Adventures

In the heart of Panay Island, Madalag’s wild highlands and river-carved valleys offer a sanctuary of rare biodiversity—now the focus of community-led ecotourism and conservation...

Buruanga: The Hidden Side of the Philippines

Italian divers Giuseppe Lauria and Michela Cini uncovered and documented the exceptional, yet largely unknown, marine biodiversity of Buruanga, Aklan—revealing it to be on par...

On Folktales and conservation: Mararison Island

Folktales carry deep cultural wisdom, and the legend of Mararison Island reflects the enduring connection between storytelling, environmental conservation, and the urgent need for climate...

Darya jum Boracay unsplash

Conservation

Preserving Panay Island for future generations

Panay Island, with its remaining natural mountain forest, stands as one of the crucial carbon sinks within the Philippine archipelago. As the sixth largest island in the country, it boasts diverse features in both its land and sea life, serving as a habitat for various species of flora and fauna. Notable inhabitants include the critically endangered Walden's hornbill, locally known as "dulungan," the Panay Monitor Lizard, and the Visayan Warty Pig, among others.

The island encompasses key biodiversity areas, such as the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park - the last contiguous lowland forest in the Western Visayas. Additionally, the mountainous spine of Panay Island spans across the borders of four provinces. namely Capiz and Aklan, as well as Antique and lloilo.

The proposal to establish the Central Panay Mountains National Park emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard and preserve the island's remaining natural resources. Furthermore, it underscores the vital role of empowering local communities to advocate for just transitions and to uphold environmental laws and policies that contribute to the well-being and existence of nature and its people as a whole.

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Conservation efforts for Panay Island

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Swaying Over the 7th Aklan Hammock Festival

The 7th Aklan Hammock Festival united environmentalists, artists, and local communities in a joyful celebration of nature and cultural heritage.

With strong support from Kuno.Earth, the event highlighted creative advocacy, conservation, and shared commitment to protecting Panay Island’s wild places.

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Tubbataha Reef - The Coral Heart of the Philippine Seas

Discover the coral heart of the Philippines and the crown jewel of Philippine diving, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, in this short documentary. Around 700 species of fish and 360 coral species—about half of all known species—can be found here.

07 Walking along the coastal road of NPPNP

Walk for Wildlife: Circumnavigating the Northwest Panay Peninsula on Foot

A five-day Walk for Wildlife campaign circumnavigated the Northwest Panay Peninsula, raising awareness on conservation and engaging communities in protecting the region’s last remaining lowland primary rainforest. Organized by PhilinCon and Bristol Zoological Society, the journey highlighted the role of education, art, and local advocacy in safeguarding biodiversity.

From hunter, to guardian: the inspiring journey of Benjamin Tacud and the fight to save the dulungan

Benjamin Tacud is an irreplaceable figure in Panay's conservation community. His transformation to protector of the critically-endangered bird he once pursued, exemplifies the true spirit of conservation.

2017 masl (Poetry)

Iss Bautista is an Aklan-born nature writer and poet whose works explore the intersection of ecology and self. A product of UP Diliman's Creative Writing program (University of the Philippines), Iss has honed her craft through a multifaceted career in marketing and decades of “obsessive” note-taking.

Hobart launch: introducing Raz Salvarita

"We hope that this can create an impact, not just on the island but for the whole of the Philippines as well. So thank you so much for your willingness to embrace this work, together with us." Here, Raz Salvarita, Kuno Coordinator for the Philippines and Southeast Asia, explains the plight of Panay Island and his hopes for the future.

Poetry: Wild (Tumawog Falls)

Tumawog falls is one of the hidden gems of Panipiason, a remote town on Panay Island. This beautiful piece of poetry from Iss Bautista explores the call of the wild.

Mount Porras on a late afternoon after the rain

Embracing Ecotourism in Sibalom Natural Park

Ecotourism in Sibalom Natural Park is a commitment to conservation. By showcasing the rare Rafflesia speciosa and our unique natural heritage, we inspire visitors to join us in protecting and preserving these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.

Things to Do

Visiting Panay Island

Nature & Heritage

Landscape features

Marine life

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Nature

Discover the plants and wildlife that call Panay Island home

Panay Island galleries

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Panay, Philippines

The triangle-shaped island of Panay is the sixth-largest of the Philippines archipelago, and has an amazing array of landscapes and biodiversity hotspots, including the Central Panay Mountain Range. As the fourth-most populous island of the Philippines, it is also facing conservation challenges.

Community