The Philippines has secured a place on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 list through Kaway’an EcoPark, a three-hectare bamboo eco-tourism destination in Sabella Village, General Trias, Cavite. Opened in December 2025, the park is the only Philippine destination included in this year’s prestigious global selection of 100 remarkable places to visit and stay.
Developed by Citihomes Builder & Development Inc. (CBDI), Kaway’an EcoPark was created as a sustainable destination where architecture and nature exist in harmony. The master-planned park combines bamboo structures, landscaped gardens, lagoons and walking paths to encourage visitors to reconnect with nature while promoting environmental awareness and community interaction.
During a press tour on 25 May, CBDI President Rosie Tsai explained that the project was inspired by her long-standing appreciation for bamboo and its environmental benefits.
“Kaway’an originated from my longtime love of bamboo and my desire to prompt people to love the environment more, and that they have more social interaction and wellness,” Tsai said.
The recognition places General Trias on the international tourism map and highlights the growing role of sustainable architecture in destination development.
Sustainable bamboo design takes centre stage
Rather than relying on conventional concrete construction, Kaway’an EcoPark showcases how bamboo can be used as a durable structural material. The park was designed through a collaboration between Filipino architects, Indonesia’s renowned IBUKU Studio, and London’s Atelier One, creating interconnected gardens, bamboo groves and lagoons linked by naturally flowing pathways.
Its signature attraction, the Marilag Grand Pavilion, demonstrates bamboo’s strength, flexibility and resilience through geometric engineering while maintaining open, airy spaces.
According to Tsai, the pavilion was specifically designed to withstand the country’s challenging climate.
“The design of the Marilag Grand Pavilion ensures that it can withstand the kinds of typhoons and monsoon rains that we experience here in the Philippines,” she said.
The project also incorporates locally sourced bamboo alongside bamboo imported from Bali, Indonesia.
Elizabeth Wang, General Manager of Kaway’an Eco Development Inc., said the team carefully adapted the materials to local conditions.
“We also made sure that the structure itself will stand even amid our typhoons here,” Wang said, noting that the design is intended to withstand storms reaching Signal No. 3 or 4.
“We use the black steel spine along the centre of the structure. It was necessary to build with steel, which also lent beauty to the entire structure. We use synthetic kogon, and this is more of a safety feature as well,” she added.
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Recognition places Philippine sustainable tourism in the global spotlight
TIME’s annual World’s Greatest Places list highlights destinations that offer distinctive experiences, innovation and cultural significance.
Kaway’an EcoPark was selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by TIME’s international network of correspondents and contributors.
For Wang, the recognition carries responsibilities beyond international recognition.
“To be the only destination in the Philippines on this list is a matter we take as a commitment and responsibility to ensure we represent the best our country has to offer,” she said.
She added that the park reflects the country’s creativity, natural resources and hospitality while continuing to evolve.
“From the strength of our creativity through community and collaboration, to the richness of our resources and heritage, and of course, the unrivalled warmth of our hospitality, the story Kaway’an EcoPark wishes to share with the world is one still in growth and progress—one we invite visitors to take part in writing.”
With its emphasis on sustainable construction, environmental conservation and locally inspired design, Kaway’an EcoPark has become a new landmark for eco-tourism in the Philippines and an example of how bamboo architecture can contribute to more resilient and environmentally conscious destinations.
