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Luquillo's Ecotourism Gem
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Luquillo.- Every year, hundreds of tourists, both domestic and international, visit the municipality of Luquillo, and it's no wonder why.
And it's no wonder. This town of approximately 20,000 inhabitants boasts a rich ecological diversity that includes part of the El Yunque rainforest, majestic rivers, scenic beaches, natural and marine reserves, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Angelito Trail
El Yunque National Forest spans three municipalities: Río Grande, Canóvanas, and Luquillo. And the latter has some of the few places in El Yunque that can be visited without a reservation, such as the Angelito Trail.
Located alongside Route 988, this trail descends for about a mile until reaching Río Mameyes, where the Las Damas Pool is located. The area is home to protected species such as the parrot, the Puerto Rican boa, the coquí frog, and the red fruit bat, among others. Meanwhile, the Mameyes River is the only river in Puerto Rico protected under the Federal Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, which prohibits any kind of development along the riverbed. "It's one of the largest watersheds that feeds into El Yunque, the forest. What characterizes it (as a scenic and wild river) is the size of its watershed," explained Kyonis Vega, a marine biologist from Luquillo who frequents the area.
PUBLICIDAD1 / 8Take an unforgettable selfie in Luquillo. Tablas de surfing en la playa Costa Azul, de Luquillo. - Isabel Ferré Sadurní
Vega added that the trail has been used historically as a recreational area and also for birdwatching, vegetation monitoring, and scientific research. The trail has diverse vegetation, including tabonuco trees, tree ferns, and primitive plants that have hardly evolved, such as bryophytes, commonly known as mosses. Although swimming is allowed in Las Damas Pool, signs in the area warn visitors that there are no lifeguards on duty, they should be aware of the risk of flash floods, and they should not enter the water if they are not accompanied.
Also found along the banks of Highway 983 is the Las Pailas Pool. What sets this pool apart is the smooth rock formations in the riverbed that form a natural slide.
Northeast Ecological Corridor Nature Reserve
The geographical limits of the Northeast Ecological Corridor Nature Reserve (NECNR) encompass about 3,000 acres of land and a marine reserve that extends nine nautical miles offshore along the entire coast of Luquillo.
Primarily recognized as the nesting grounds of leatherback turtles, the Northeast Ecological Corridor Nature Reserve comprises beaches like Sandy Hills, La Selva, San Miguel, Playa Escondida, La Boca, and several others. You can also find the historic San Miguel plantation, previously devoted to sugarcane farming and once traversed by the island's former circumferential railway. In fact, remnants of the railway tracks can be seen along the coastline of the plantation.
Biologist Rosaly Ramos Gutiérrez, responsible for scientific research at the NECNR, indicated that the reserve is home to 486 plant species, 409 of which are native, including the pterocarpus or "chicken tree," which only grows in wetlands, mangrove forests, coral colonies—including the elkhorn coral, seagrass beds, which are one of the main food sources for manatees, and many others. It is also the habitat of 124 bird species and over 126 species of marine animals, amphibians, invertebrates, and non-native species, including bottlenose dolphins and the manatee, which is a protected species.
PUBLICIDADSome species, like the Eugenia fajardensis, only exist within the boundaries of the NECNR.
The Reserve is open to the public seven days a week. The use of vehicles and horses on the beach sands is prohibited. Visitors can enjoy the sea, recreational fishing, cycling, and hiking. A camping area is also available. The NECNR is a zero waste area, so visitors must take their garbage with them.
San José Church
Built in the early 20th century at its current location—although it was founded in 1731—the San José Church of Luquillo combines the ecological diversity of Luquillo with Taíno heritage and environmental protection depicted in the altars and ambo of its church.
Wilfredo Ríos, a retired Social Studies teacher and university professor, explained that the original church was built out of wood where the recreational plaza is located today, and later it was moved to its current location. "Since then, renovations have been made."
Meanwhile, Ramos Gutiérrez explained that the altarpiece of the altar features a painting by the Luquillo artist Isabel Vázquez Maldonado. "The painting depicts the town of Luquillo at the foot of El Yunque, which is what the altarpiece represents, with chief Yuquiyú. The altarpiece was carved in Colombia and brought in parts," Ramos Gutiérrez emphasized. Other symbolisms include an altarpiece that depicts all the elements of a coastal town. From beach grapes, coconut palms, Taíno symbols such as the Taíno coquí, the Taíno sun, and cemíes, alongside San José, the patron saint of Luquillo, and the Virgin Mary of Divine Providence. The church is located on Calle Jesús T. Piñeiro, in front of Luquillo's public plaza.
PUBLICIDADNot Just Beaches: Brazil Craves More Eco-tourism, And Expects Hosting COP30 Climate Talks In Amazon Will Spur Its Growth
Brazilian tourism officials are hoping that, by hosting United Nations climate talks next year in the Amazon rainforest city of Belém that will focus on environmental sustainability and ending deforestation to slow global warming, the country can change its image as a destination merely for beach holidays.
The summit is expected to boost Brazil's attractiveness as an eco-tourism destination and increase travel to its Amazon rainforest and other biomes that offer the world's greatest biodiversity, Tourism Minister Celso Sabino said.
Only 9 per cent of current visitors to Brazil are ecotourists, while almost two out of every three are there for sun and beach, he says.
"Tourism is essential for the sustainability and preservation of forests, bringing needed economic development for the local inhabitants," he says.
Above: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Most tourists visit Brazil for its sunshine and beaches. Photo: Getty ImagesDrawing more environmental and adventure travellers is part of the government's plan to increase overall tourism in Brazil, which is low in comparison with other countries. Tourism contributes less than 8 per cent of Brazil's GDP, compared to more than 20 per cent in Spain, Portugal and the Dominican Republic, the minister says.
Sabino is working on expanding flights to Brazil and will be at the Seatrade Cruise Global fair in Miami, in the United States, next week to discuss increasing the number of cruise ship visits to Brazilian ports.
Unspoilt bay in Sri Lanka aims to stay that way with tourism set to boomAll steps to raise foreign and domestic tourism will be welcomed by private businesses, which complain that the number of tourists remains stagnant and below the level before the pandemic.
"Brazil has a natural vocation for eco-tourism given its unique biodiversity. There is an enormous potential to be tapped," says Marina Figueiredo, executive president of Braztoa, the Brazilian tour operators association.
Tourists worldwide are looking for new experiences with nature and wildlife, Figueiredo says.
"COP30 next year will be more than just a conference. It is a very strategic event that will showcase Brazil as a country that protects the environment and preserves nature," she says.
Discover Gopeng's Natural Beauty: Perak Town Is Now An Ecotourism Hotspot
The biggest flower in the world, the rafflesia, doesn't just grow on the island of Borneo. It can also be found in several states in the peninsular, including deep in the jungle of Perak's Kinta Valley.
The jungle in question is Ulu Geroh, located in the small town of Gopeng. At least this is what Gopeng local Stephen Yaw shared with us. Yaw, a retired administrator, likes to spend his time learning about the history of his hometown, and going on hikes and other adventures in the area.
According to Yaw, Gopeng was no more than a quaint mining town and rubber plantation back in the day. It was very much isolated and merely served as a bypass between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.
In the mid-1990s, however, things changed when certain developments started to take place.
"When highways were built, connecting Tapah to Ipoh, Gopeng became more accessible, bringing in out-of-town tourists," Yaw shared.
The town's ecotourism flourished when the first nature resort opened up in the early 2000s.
Gopeng's biggest draw is its natural beauty, and the town is ideal for adventurers who love nature explorations.
Part of natural wonders found in the town is the rafflesia. Known for its parasitic nature, the enormous flower can weigh over 7kg and measure up to 90cm in diameter. It is endemic to South-East Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. When the flower blooms, it produces an offensive smell which many have described as "repulsive".
The rafflesia is even known as "the corpse flower".
Other than the flower, Ulu Geroh is also home to the country's national butterfly – Rajah Brooke's Birdwing.
"Tourists hike up Ulu Geroh hoping to see the rare winged beauties every now and then. These butterflies wander near the limestone hill next to the river, and feed on the minerals," said Yaw.
Hike up Ulu Geroh to see the majestic Rajah Brooke's Birdwing butterfly. — Photos: STEPHEN YAWThe species was first discovered by British naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace in the 1800s who then named it after the first White Rajah of Sarawak, James Brooke. Today, this majestic species – bearing black wings with green markings – can only be found in a few places, and Gopeng is one of them.
"The nation has over 1,200 butterfly species and I think that the Birdwing is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen," Yaw said.
However, he advises folks who wish to hike in or explore Ulu Geroh to go with a trusted local guide.
"It's not advisable to explore the forest on your own, and it takes at least three hours to complete the whole trail," he said.
Adventure time
White water rafting is very well known here too. This all-time favourite local activity is an exhilarating sport, and can be done at Sungai Kampar, which is located in Gopeng.
Generally, rafting comes with different levels of difficulty, ranging from beginner, intermediate to advanced. Yaw said a number of tour agencies and local resorts offer guiding services and there are usually a few packages for tourists to choose from.
Aside from the water sport, the town is famed for spelunking, too, thanks to the many caves that can be found in Perak. One of them is Gua Tempurung, the largest cavern in Peninsular Malaysia.
The 4.5km-long Gua Tempurung is surrounded by beautiful limestone formations. You will find mineral deposits either hanging majestically over the ceiling (stalactites) or rising from the floor (stalagmites), decorating the cave's interior.
Gua Tempurung has beautiful rock formations. — GISELE SOO/The StarRemnants of mining activities, such as abandoned tin mining tools, can be found in the cavern, too.
"Bats live in Gua Tempu-rung, and if you visit in certain months, you may spot the nocturnal creatures hanging high above the cave ceiling. The ancient cave takes its name after the coconut husk because of its uncanny resemblance to the coconut shell," Yaw said.
Although the cavern is large, only 1.9km is accessible to visitors.
Yaw also suggests checking out the lesser-known Gua Kandu, which has its fair share of history.
Gua Kandu was a hiding place for the Communists back in the day.
"They sought refuge in the cave; there are paintings on the walls as evidence," he said.
Located about 10 minutes from Gua Tempurung, this cavern is a labyrinth of chambers. "If they are unfamiliar with the place, it may seem like a maze, so please go with a local guide for safety reasons."
Apart from these cave, visitors can head to the gorgeous Geruntum Falls, which is tucked in Gopeng's verdant forest of Ulu Geruntum. The waterfall is also popularly known as Lata Merkor.
"People go there to do abseiling activities or just to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. There are a few levels to the waterfall, and do keep in mind to wear proper shoes as some parts of the trail may be slippery," Yaw shared.
Parking spots are available for a fee (RM3), and you can easily walk to the waterfall from there.
Time to relax
If you prefer activities that are less strenuous, there are also plenty of other attractions you can see and experience in this town, like the Hoga Gaharu Tea Valley, where you will find thousands of gaharu (agarwood) trees.
The guide at this tea plantation will share with you its history and some fascinating details of the trees. For example, Hoga is a hybrid creation, made up of various kinds of agarwood trees. Agarwood is aromatic and has long been used to produce incense, perfume and even tea.
Hoga Gaharu Tea Valley is an interesting place to visit. — GISELE SOO/The StarYaw said: "It takes more than two decades for the agarwood to mature, before it is harvested."
It's a nice place to take pictures, too, especially in the agarwood forest. At the information centre, you can buy some agarwood products and sample gaharu ice cream, coffee or tea.
Nearby, you will find the small yet informative Muzium Gopeng. Opened on April 18, 2009 to coincide with World Heritage Day, the museum houses a collection of items that dates back almost two centuries. Among the artefacts on display are household items, photographs and newspaper clippings.
The museum was founded by Yaw's brother, Bernard, who wanted to preserve Gopeng's history. Bernard first transformed the family's ancestral home at the historical Eu Kong Street, into a museum in 2009.
A few years later, the museum moved into a four-storey shop lot, which used to be a stable for racing horses.
"The stable belonged to Eu Tong Sen, the son of Eu Kong, who was a businessman and philanthropist in Perak," Yaw said.
Muzium Gopeng is only open on the weekends and entrance is free.
Local favourites
Food, of course, is easily available in Gopeng. Yaw recommends that visitors check out Pasar Baru Gopeng before starting their adventures in town. There are many hawker stalls offering a variety of dishes here.
"This is a great place to experience local cuisine, and you can indulge in the delicious spread of Gopeng's delicacies, which includes coffee," Yaw shared.
Pasar Baru was once known as Pasar Lama before local authorities relocated the market, providing a bigger space for hawkers and vendors to run their business.
Today, the market is bustling with life, and frequented by many.
"My comfort food is lai fun (a type of rice noodles) served with fish balls and soup. The Hainanese coffee and chicken porridge are especially popular in this part of the state too," he said.
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