The government now seeks to attract more foreign and domestic visitors in Protected Areas, such as the over 335,105.57 - hectare Samar Island Natural Park (SINP).

“Those who crave adventure and prefer places off the beaten track will find SINP as their ideal place," says Zenaida R. Baisa, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Samar's local governments have been putting a premium on ecotourism and the SINP is "a very promising destination for mountaineers, backpackers, and birdwatchers as well as city dwellers who just want to take a break", Baisa pointed out.

And for the now, SINP targets travelers who can do without the comforts of a deluxe hotel.

In Barangay Tenani, Paranas, Samar, the Tenanu Association for Women and Development (TAWAD) opened an eco-trail and bird watching site.

They are also working with boat operators negotiating the rapids of the island's longest river.

The SINP’s attractions include the 841- hectare Sohotan Natural Bridge National Park, Basey, with caves, subterranean rivers, waterfalls, and its trademark natural stone bridge.

The Calbiga Caves Protected Landscape contains 12 caves, with the largest, Langun, spanning three football fields.

On the other hand, the Taft Forest Wildlife Sanctuary covers over 3,728 hectares of rainforests is a nesting site of the Philippine Eagle.

The Jicontol Watershed Forest Reserve covers over 6,483 hectares located in three municipalities in Eastern Samar: Dolores, Can-avid, and Maslog.

The mountainous terrain is be an important habitat of threatened bird species, such as the Samar hornbill, the Visayan broadbill, and the yellow-breasted tailorbird.

The Bulosao Watershed Forest Reserve occupies over 4,000 hectares in the southernmost part of the island and is home to the Philippine tarsier and other endangered species.