By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA, Philippines — Most of us probably know the more popular (and widely publicized) tourist destinations like the Ifugao Rice Terraces in Banaue and the famed white beaches of Boracay in Aklan. But has anyone heard of the Kaway’an EcoPark located in Sabella Village in General Trias City, Cavite?
Well, we better learn fast about this three-hectare nature preserve that has just earned the distinction of being the only Philippine destination included in TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2026.
The ecopark officially opened in December last year, and its eco-themed, master-planned landmark was designed to showcase the advantages of using bamboo as a structural material, while inviting families and individuals alike to embark on an immersive journey of relaxation and rejuvenation.
According to Rosie Tsai, president of the park’s developer Citihomes Builder and Development Inc. (CBDI), Kaway’an was born from her longtime love of bamboo and her desire to “prompt people to love the environment more and to encourage greater social interaction and wellness.”
To do this, CBDI engaged a team of homegrown Filipino architects, Indonesia’s renowned Ibuku Studio, and London’s Atelier One to collaborate on creating a structure where pathways seamlessly connect through gardens, lagoons, and bamboo groves. “We have created geometric designs that emphasize the wide landscapes, subtly exhibiting how bamboo can provide resilience, compression, flexibility, and strength to our eco-park’s various components,” Tsai explained.
“The design of the Marilag Grand Pavilion, its defining architectural centerpiece, ensures that it can withstand the kinds of typhoons and monsoon rains that we experience here in the Philippines,” she added.
In addition, she said Kaway’an EcoPark has been designed to host weddings, cultural celebrations, corporate events, photo shoots, and community gatherings on a grand scale. To date, yoga retreats have taken place, and GM Wang’s wedding ceremony was held in the park’s lush pavilion.
The park also features several attractions: the Marahuyo Bridge—whose name means “enchanting”—where visitors can take a stroll and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire area; a greenhouse designed to support food security through hydroponic production of lettuce, dragon fruit, jackfruit, calamansi, and other fruits and vegetables; and expansive green grounds where guests can be provided with banigs (native mats) and umbrellas upon request for picnics with family and friends.
Visitors can bring their own food or purchase from the nearby El Rio Floating Café.
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