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LOOK: You Can Visit This Protected Mangrove Park In Metro Manila For Free
Here's one more green space to visit in Metro Manila.
by Leana Vibal
Published on Jun 4, 2025
(SPOT.ph) Did you know there's a protected mangrove and bird sanctuary right within Metro Manila?
While most protected parks are located in exotic destinations like Palawan, Bohol, and Cebu, it turns out Manila natives don't need to travel that far to spot cool birds and learn about mangroves while finding out about the latter's role in our ecosystem.
A few minutes away from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) lies the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetlands. While relatively unknown to most Metro Manila residents, this protected ecopark is one of the Metro's last and most important green spaces. After closing off to the public for a while, it's been reopened and now ready for your visit. Here's why this hidden park South of Metro Manila is worth your time.
A few minutes away from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) lies the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetlands. While relatively unknown to most Metro Manila residents, this protected ecopark is one of the Metro's last and most important green spaces. After closing off to the public for a while, it's been reopened and now ready for your visit. Here's why this hidden park South of Metro Manila is worth your time.
Check out the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
You might have noticed the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) when you pass by the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road or Cavitex. After all, the spot is a 181.63-hectare protected area, a mass of green trees and mangroves right beside one of the busiest highways in Metro Manila.
Once known as the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), this coastal spot was the first in the country to be declared a Critical Habitat, earning the moniker "the last coastal frontier of Metro Manila." It serves as the home of several threatened species like the endemic Philippine Duck and Chinese Egret, while simultaneously serving as the first line of defense of nearby coastal communities against storm surges and flash floods.
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There are different ecosystems coexisting within the LPPWP. Photo from Facebook/ Las Pinas Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area..
The LPPWP boasts the most extensive variety of mangrove species this side of Manila Bay. The mangrove forests are split across two interconnected islands: Freedom Island to the north and Long Island to the south. Beyond being a site for mangroves, the LPPWP is also home to shallow lagoons, a Manila Bay-fronting coastline, and extensive mudflats, brush, and grassy areas where animals (particularly local and migratory birds) can feed, breed, and rest.
In a report by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-NCR, the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park is said to be visited by at least 5,000 birds every day. It is also an important stop for 29 migratory bird species, including the elusive Siberian Rubythroat.
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Explore the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park by walking along the wooden boardwalk..
Today, the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park is home to a visitor center, a wetland museum and learning space, as well as a long and winding boardwalk where guests can walk amongst the mangrove trees and see nature in its full glory. If you time your visit right, you might even be able to join a guided walk around the park where rangers can introduce you to the park's inhabitants. And if you're on the lookout for coastal cleanup activities, and totally game for mangrove planting sessions and other learning opportunities, you can find information about them on the LPPWP social media pages.
Birdwatching at Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. Photo from Facebook/ Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
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Guided Tours at Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. Photo from Facebook/ Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
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Mangrove Tree Planting at Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. Photo from Facebook/ Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
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Coastal Cleanup Activities at Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. Photo from Facebook/ Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
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Here's a look at the scenery at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park:
There are several benches and tables where you can kick back and take in the views. Pro tip: The LPPWP is a great place to catch the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset—and for snapping an IG-worthy shot while you’re at it.
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How to visit the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park
It may be tempting to rush over to the wetland park as soon as you read this but there's one more step you need to take before you go. All guests need to secure a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-NCR (DENR-NCR) by sending them an email at: denrncrlppchea@gmail.com. Make sure to include the number of visitors, plus date, time and purpose of your visit. You can expect an email back from the DENR containing your permit which you will need to bring with you on your visit.
If you will be commuting, the ecopark is roughly 4.7 kilometers away from PITX or 3.3 kilometers away from the LRT Line 1 Station: Dr. Santos.
Who knew that just a few kilometers from the chaos of the urban jungle lies a sanctuary of birds, mangroves, and peace and quiet? The Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park is one of the Metro's best-kept secrets, so why not trade one of your usual weekend crawls for a walk through the wetlands?
The Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park is at Freedom Island Trail (Railroad), Paranaque City. Entrance is free. For more information, visit Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park's Facebook page.
Leana is our go-to for Arts & Culture and Things to Do. She’s either glued to her screen—or gliding underwater like the mermaid she swears she is. Contact: leana@spot.ph
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