Several studies have shown that exposure to nature, whether as simple as walking in green spaces or as challenging as farming in the fields, improves both mental and physical health.
Humans need time in nature to recharge. However, not everyone has the luxury of time and resources to tend to a farm or garden that can help them cope with life.
If strolling outside just isn't cutting it, here are farms that you can visit that will not only feed your tummies with nutritious food, but also fill your heart and spirit with tranquility and joy.
Coron Natural Farms (CNF)
Outdoor activities such as river kayaking, bird watching, cycling, farm tours, and earthing or grounding are some of the things you can experience at Coron Natural Farms.
CNF owners Al and Mae Linsangan are two of the pioneer tour operators in Coron, Palawan. Having an extensive background in the travel industry, they, for sure, know how to treat guests with an experience that will bring them closer to nature.
In addition, the farm is kept natural and does not use any chemicals in cultivating crops and animals, so you do not need to be concerned about the food you will eat during your trip.
There's also a spot inside the farm where you can hang out while sipping a drink or swinging on hammocks.
Prado Farms
Prado Farms in Lubao, Pampanga offers an exceptional feature that is rarely seen on local farms: a chapel. This farm is an excellent choice if you wish to strengthen your spiritual life.
Here, you can experience swimming in a saltwater pool, riding vintage bikes, riding carabaos, farm tours and demos, pig feeding, camping, rice planting and harvesting, and obstacle courses.
Farm-to-table is another thing to look forward to, as Prado Farms incorporate the crops they raise into the meals of their guests.
Read: Eco-resort in Pampanga offers respite from the city
Red Theodore Bonsai Flower Farm
Found in Ramon, Isabela, this bonsai paradise may be another site worth visiting, especially for those who find bonsai fascinating.
People can find respite and motivation from this place, much like its owner, who credits bonsai and plants with improving his mental health.
This flower farm includes a park, picnic areas, and a venue where everyone can have a good time.
Read: From distraction to flourishing hobby: Gardener establishes bonsai paradise in Isabela
Sambali Beach Farm
This farm along the sandy shores of Danacbunga, Botolan in Zambales is perfect for beach bums.
Sambali Beach Farm is more than just a working farm for its founder Ching Camara; it is a place of relief and healing.
Should you want to experience the full 'Sambali experience,' you can try the activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, e-biking, surfing, motorbiking, tours, and even a three-day organic farm training. You can also stay in one of their rooms or cottages for a day or two.
Sambali Beach Farm produces and processes salt, which you may purchase and take home with you.
Read: How a gardener’s hobby of growing plants flourished into a productive beach farm
Vaikuntha Forest Farm
This natural farm in the Sierra Madre mountains is a place for adventurous souls who opt to take the road less traveled.
According to Shai Tamayo, the owner and a holistic nutritionist, Vaikuntha Forest Farm is not your regular tourist site, but rather an “eco-destination” where you can learn, unwind, heal, detox, get active, and meditate.
Come to this farm if you are interested in events such as yoga, survival training, emergency preparedness, wilderness rescue, first aid, and the like.
It highlights the natural beauty of the environment and gears toward simplistic life and seizing what nature can provide us. The farm doesn't have those modern facilities like karaoke as well so guests can fully immerse themselves in nature.
This Rizal farm has a few private rooms and a communal lodging that can be booked as a whole. It also follows a strict vegetarian diet and provides visitors with hearty meals prepared with farm-grown ingredients.
Read: A remote forest farm in Rizal boasts of an all-natural and authentic farm experience
From the sandy shores of Zambales to the mountains of Rizal, these farms can help you have a nature escape, whether you prefer a laid-back or a thrilling and busy one.
If you plan to visit them soon, make sure to check the requirements for traveling to and from the location.