Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park

Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park is a large protected area on the eastern side of Luzon in the Philippines that conserves the northern portion of the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is one of the country’s largest terrestrial protected areas and protects extensive tropical forest.

The park is valued for long forested ridgelines, river systems and extensive biodiversity; visitors go for birdwatching, trekking and riverine scenery, though facilities are limited and much of the park is remote. Trails and local guides are typically required to reach interior areas.

The area was established to conserve watershed forests and native wildlife and has been subject to changing protection measures and community conservation efforts over recent decades. Land use pressures and conservation initiatives have shaped its management history.

The park runs along the eastern coast of northern Luzon, spanning parts of provincial jurisdictions on the island’s east side. It occupies mountainous terrain facing the Philippine Sea and is reached from provincial towns on Luzon’s eastern seaboard.

• Wildlife viewing: Best wildlife viewing is along forested ridges and river valleys where native mammals and birds concentrate; access is by road from nearby provincial towns but many areas require guided local access.