Biak-na Bato National Park

Biak-na Bato Overview

Biak-na-Bato National Park, known in Filipino as Pambansang Liwasan ng Biak-na-Bato, is a historically and ecologically significant protected area located in the province of Bulacan, north of Manila on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.

Covering approximately 8.9 square miles (23 square kilometers), the park lies in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Established in 1937, it is not only a refuge for native flora and fauna but also a landmark of national history, serving as the site of the Biak-na-Bato Republic during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule.

The terrain of Biak-na-Bato is rugged and varied, composed of limestone formations, caves, rivers, and forested hills. The name “Biak-na-Bato” means “split boulder,” referencing the dramatic rock formations and gorges found throughout the area.

The Madlum River, with its clear waters, cuts through parts of the park and creates a system of caves, pools, and waterfalls. Lush vegetation thrives in the park’s humid lowland forest, with stands of narra, molave, and kamagong trees, along with vines, ferns, and orchids that cling to rock surfaces and tree trunks. The combination of forest and karst topography gives the park a striking and scenic landscape.

Wildlife in Biak-na-Bato includes a variety of native and endemic species, although the park’s relatively small size means animal sightings are occasional. Mammals such as the Philippine long-tailed macaque and civet cat inhabit the forest, while reptiles like skinks and monitor lizards can be found among the rocky slopes.

Bird species such as kingfishers, coucals, and Philippine bulbuls are frequently seen, and the park serves as a resting ground for migratory birds during certain seasons. Amphibians, insects, and freshwater fish contribute to the area’s ecological balance, especially near the river and cave entrances.

Among the most popular features of the park are its caves and historical landmarks. The Bahay Paniki Cave (House of Bats), Aguinaldo Cave, and Tanggapan Cave are frequently explored by visitors interested in geology and history.

These caves served as hideouts for Filipino revolutionaries, including General Emilio Aguinaldo, during the late 1800s. The Biak-na-Bato Republic, one of the earliest attempts to form a Filipino revolutionary government, was declared here in 1897. Interpretive signage and guided tours offer visitors insights into both the natural features and historical context of these sites.

Visitors engage with Biak-na-Bato National Park through a mix of nature and heritage activities. Trekking, caving, river wading, and rock climbing are popular pursuits, as are guided historical walks and educational tours.

Families and student groups often visit for day trips, picnics, and outdoor learning experiences. The park’s proximity to Metro Manila makes it an accessible destination for urban dwellers seeking a green escape and cultural enrichment.

Conservation in Biak-na-Bato faces challenges such as deforestation, illegal quarrying, and encroachment. However, recent efforts by local government units, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens have led to reforestation programs, stricter regulation, and improved awareness of the park’s dual natural and historical importance.

Restoration projects and eco-tourism initiatives aim to balance public enjoyment with the protection of its fragile ecosystems and heritage sites, ensuring Biak-na-Bato remains both a living forest and a monument to the country’s fight for independence.

Park Map

Biak-na Bato National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Biak-na-Bato National Park also supports a range of bird species, especially those adapted to karst terrain, riverine environments, and lowland forests. Its caves and cliffs also provide important nesting areas for certain birds and bats.

Luzon Hornbill
A large, fruit-eating bird endemic to Luzon, the hornbill helps disperse seeds across the forest. Its loud wingbeats and honking calls are a signature of mature forest areas.

White-eared Brown Dove
This ground-dwelling dove forages for fallen fruit and seeds along forest trails. It is shy but frequently heard, with a soft coo echoing through the underbrush.

Philippine Serpent Eagle
This striking raptor soars above the limestone hills, hunting for snakes, lizards, and small mammals. It perches in tall trees and calls out with a piercing whistle.

Philippine Bulbul
Abundant in both forest and secondary growth, this songbird feeds on fruit, nectar, and insects. Its cheerful, bubbling calls are a constant background sound in the park.

Guaiabero
A small green parrot endemic to Luzon, the guaiabero is often seen near flowering and fruiting trees. It travels in small flocks and communicates with high-pitched calls.

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker
Active in tree trunks and bamboo thickets, this tiny woodpecker taps for insects beneath bark. It is often spotted in mixed flocks moving through the canopy.

Coleto
With its bald pink head and loud calls, the coleto is a unique starling that feeds on fruits and insects. It nests in tree hollows and is highly social in forested habitats.

Lowland White-eye
A bright and lively songbird, the white-eye flits through mid-canopy and shrub layers, feeding on nectar and insects. It often joins mixed-species foraging groups.

Philippine Coucal
A secretive, ground-foraging bird, the coucal hunts lizards, insects, and small birds. It is often heard with its deep, resonant call echoing through the vegetation.

Barn Swallow
Often nesting in caves and rock ledges, these agile aerial insectivores are seen darting across open areas and riverbanks, catching insects mid-flight.

Biak-na-Bato National Park is a rugged refuge where forest, cave, and karst systems intersect—providing a sanctuary for both endemic wildlife and iconic bird species in one of Luzon’s most historically and ecologically significant landscapes.

Biak-na-Bato National Park, located in Bulacan Province in Central Luzon, is a rugged landscape of limestone cliffs, caves, rivers, and forests. Known for its historical significance and dramatic karst formations, the park also supports a rich variety of native and endemic wildlife. Its unique blend of lowland forest and rocky terrain shelters mammals and reptiles well adapted to both forest floor and limestone environments.

Philippine Warty Pig
This endemic wild pig thrives in forested and rocky areas, rooting through soil and limestone crevices for roots, fruits, and invertebrates. It plays an important role in forest regeneration.

Philippine Deer (Luzon Brown Deer)
Common in shaded glades and riverine forests, this deer browses on leaves and young shoots. It is most active at dawn and dusk, often retreating into dense undergrowth for safety.

Philippine Long-tailed Macaque
Seen in troops along rivers and forested trails, this primate is a highly social forager. It feeds on fruit, leaves, insects, and small animals and often adapts to human-altered areas.

Common Palm Civet (Musang)
Nocturnal and solitary, the palm civet forages through forest and caves, feeding on fruit, small animals, and insects. It helps disperse seeds throughout the park’s forest system.

Northern Luzon Cloud Rat
This large, tree-dwelling rodent is endemic to Luzon and is mostly nocturnal. It feeds on leaves, bark, and fruit and is rarely seen due to its preference for dense canopy cover.

Philippine Forest Rat
Often found near limestone outcrops and cave entrances, this native rodent is active at night and feeds on insects and seeds. It is a key prey species for native raptors and snakes.

Philippine Gecko (Hemidactylus species)
Small geckos are commonly found clinging to limestone walls, feeding on insects. These reptiles are active at night and are often seen near cave mouths or rocky trails.

Tokay Gecko
This brightly colored gecko with a powerful bite is often heard before it is seen, with its loud, echoing call. It feeds on insects, small reptiles, and roosting birds.

Water Monitor Lizard
Often seen near riverbanks and forest trails, this large reptile feeds on fish, amphibians, and carrion. It is an excellent swimmer and is a top reptilian predator in the park.

Skinks (Various endemic species)
These quick, shiny lizards are commonly seen darting across sunny rocks and forest clearings. They feed on insects and are important in controlling invertebrate populations.