When in Manila, summer usually means seeing photos of our friends and relatives enjoying the best that nature could offer. Travelling has a lot of benefits for the tourist. It has also been said that travelling strengthens the livelihood of those living in the travel destinations. However, recent photos about irresponsible tourism prove the sad and the dirty side beind the picturesque shots of summer getaways.
Donna Belle Islao, a concerned netizen, posted on Facebook about her island hopping experience in Guimaras:
Me and my friends went to Guimaras Island for some island hopping near Alubihod Beach. No doubt Guimaras is one of the beach destinations in Visayas they offer not just the sweetest mango on Earth but also virgin white beaches.
Our last island was the “Natago Beach” which our boatman says we could take pictures with the turtles and we were excited to reach that island we even asked our boatman if there’s an entrance fee he didnt answer us. Upon approaching the island we saw some teenagers already having pictures with the turle. We waited for our turn we were excited to see the turtle.
And then I saw this long rope floating just after the turtle and I thought it was just nothing as I come closer to the turtle I was surprised that its shell has a hole and that the long rope was attached to it. I pity the turtke and decided to take a picture underwater using my gopro and as I review the pictures I wa shocked to see this. I think its the turtle’s legs tied together so it cant swim away.
I am posting this picture so the turtle wont be a prisoner in that island the caretaker even charged us P50 each!! DENR pls take care if this issue.#turtle #denr #animalrights
Pls spread this til it reach authorities.
#travelresponsibly for everyone
Have you had any similar experiences? Do you have any suggestions how people could become more responsible tourists?
Photos by Donna Belle Islao
