These flying rodents may not be to every backpacker's tastes, but the Philippines is fast-becoming renowned for its bat tourism.
The country boasts more than 25 different species of bat, which is more than likely to satisfy the holiday requirements of any keen animal-lover on a
student travel excursion.
Murcia's bat population is one of many emerging ecotourism attractions alongside caving in Cagayan region.
Officials are also keen to protect their resident bat populations, half of which are found nowhere else in the world.
According to the city of Murcia's environment and natural resources officer, Joan Gerangaya, bats play a vital role in planting seeds in the city.
She told ABS CBN news: "That is why we are protecting them here in the resort and we discourage people from throwing stones at them."
And protection is needed, with more than half of the indigenous bat species facing extinction.
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