The Philippines just earned itself a lone spot on Time Magazine's World's Greatest Places of 2026. The Kaway'an Eco Park, located in General Trias City, Cavite, is one of 100 destinations selected by the magazine as among the best places to go and stay all over the world. With structures built primarily of Philippine bamboo, which grows abundantly all over, and is often referred to as "poor man's timber," as an ode to its resilience and place in Philippine culture and design.
The three-hectare resort, located just under two hours outside of the city, was developed by entrepreneur Rosie Tsai as a family-friendly farm and nature sanctuary highlighting the lowly bamboo. On their website, General Manager Elizabeth T. Wang says, "From artisans, to architects, and even farmers, we worked with local and international communities to bring Kaway’an Ecopark to life in a way that recognizes the richness of our heritage." The use of bamboo in the construction is intended to serve as 'proof of concept' of climate-resilient design.
One of the most majestic attractions in Kaway'an is the Grand Pavilion, made of steel and bamboo beams, is a popular events venue, while the beautiful curves of Marajuyo Bridge, which spans the length of the park's lagoon, beckons guests to cross it. Visitors to the park can also go on nature hikes through the gardens, fishing, horseback riding, and participate in a variety of nature-driven workshops.
The Kaway'an Eco Park's efforts in sustainability has also won them two LIT Lighting Design Awards in 2025, which acknowledges how lighting is integral to great design, combining artistic expression and scientific principles. The park was recognized for 'Community Building Lighting," and "Exterior Architectural Illumination, both of which highlight the natural beauty of the bamboo.
Time's World's Greatest Places 2026 list is decided based on nominations made by the magazine's global network of correspondents and contributors. The recommendations include hotels, restaurants, museums, parks, focusing on those offering unique experiences. The list also highlights travel and tourism' continued uptick in the last few years, as more and more people are seeking out new places to explore. Other destinations that made it to the 2026 compilation include Masiya's Camp At Royal Malewane in South Africa, Maldives' Six Senses Laamu resort, United Arab Emirates' Surf Abu Dhabi, Egypt's Grand Egyptian Museum, and even the immersive Netflix House in Philadelphia.