If you have recently looked out the window and noticed a hazy sky, reduced visibility, or an unusual smell of smoke, you may be wondering what is happening. The haze affecting parts of the Philippines is part of a much larger environmental problem unfolding across Southeast Asia.

Haze Crisis in the Philippines and Across Southeast Asia

For travelers, commuters, outdoor enthusiasts, and residents, haze can affect more than the appearance of the sky. Poor air quality can disrupt your travel plans, limit outdoor activities, reduce visibility, and pose health risks, particularly when fine particulate pollution reaches unhealthy levels.

The current haze is closely linked to forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, with weather systems carrying smoke across national borders. Understanding where the haze comes from, why it spreads so far, and what it means for your health and travel plans can help you make better decisions when air quality deteriorates.

Here is what you need to know about the haze crisis affecting the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

What Is Causing the Haze?

The haze affecting parts of the Philippines and Southeast Asia is largely linked to smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia. Fires across Kalimantan and Sumatra generate large amounts of smoke and fine particulate matter. Prevailing winds can then carry the pollution across national borders.

For Filipinos, this means the haze visible over parts of Luzon and the Visayas may not be caused by local fires or urban pollution. Philippine environmental authorities have attributed recent haze episodes to smoke from fires in Kalimantan being transported toward the country by the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat.

This is an example of transboundary haze, in which air pollution generated in one country crosses borders and affects neighboring countries.

Indonesia’s Wildfires Are at the Center of the Crisis

Indonesia experiences seasonal forest and land fires, particularly during prolonged dry periods. Dry weather associated with El Niño can increase the risk of fires and make them more difficult to control.

Large fires have been reported in parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra. Peatlands are particularly important because drained peat can burn underground for extended periods. These fires can be difficult to detect and extinguish and can release significant amounts of fine particulate pollution.

The problem becomes more serious when dry weather continues for weeks or months. Vegetation loses moisture, peatlands become more vulnerable to ignition, and fires can spread across large areas.

Why Does Peatland Burning Create So Much Haze?

Peatlands contain large amounts of partially decomposed organic material accumulated over thousands of years. When peatlands remain wet, they are naturally resistant to fire.

The situation changes when peatlands become drained or degraded. Once the peat dries, it can ignite and continue smoldering below the surface. Rainfall may be needed to completely extinguish these underground fires.

Peat fires can therefore produce persistent smoke even after visible flames disappear. The resulting pollution contains fine particles, including PM2.5, which can travel deep into the respiratory system.

This makes peatland fires a major contributor to Southeast Asia’s recurring haze problem.

How Does the Smoke Reach the Philippines?

Weather patterns play an important role.

The Southwest Monsoon can transport smoke from Indonesia toward the Philippines. Satellite observations can track smoke plumes as they move across the region.

This explains how haze can appear hundreds of kilometers away from the original fires.

Similar atmospheric conditions can transport Indonesian smoke toward Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The direction and intensity of the haze can vary with wind patterns, rainfall, and the location of active fires.

The Philippines is therefore affected by the broader regional atmospheric system even though it may not be the primary source of the smoke.

Which Parts of the Philippines Are Affected?

The impact varies depending on location, weather conditions, and the movement of the smoke plume.

Parts of Luzon and the Visayas have experienced haze during recent episodes, including areas around Metro Manila.

Air quality can also vary considerably between locations. One city may experience relatively good conditions while another area records unhealthy particulate levels.

This is important for travelers. Seeing haze over one destination does not automatically mean that the entire Philippines is experiencing the same air-quality conditions.

What Makes PM2.5 a Concern?

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller.

Because these particles are extremely small, they can travel deep into the lungs. Exposure can aggravate respiratory problems and create greater health risks for vulnerable groups.

Haze can also reduce visibility. In areas close to major fires, thick smoke can affect road transportation and aviation.

For travelers, poor visibility can mean slower journeys, changes to outdoor activities and possible disruptions to flights.

How Is the Crisis Affecting Southeast Asia?

The haze has consequences beyond air-quality readings.

Parts of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia can experience poor visibility and unhealthy air during severe haze episodes. Schools may temporarily suspend outdoor activities or classes when pollution reaches dangerous levels.

Outdoor exercise and tourism activities can also become difficult when air quality deteriorates.

Travelers may encounter reduced visibility, transportation disruptions, and changes to outdoor itineraries. Popular activities such as hiking, sightseeing, island tours, and photography can become less enjoyable when smoke reduces visibility.

The situation demonstrates how an environmental problem in one part of Southeast Asia can quickly become a regional concern.

Is the Haze Crisis a New Problem?

No.

Transboundary haze has affected Southeast Asia for decades. Some of the most serious episodes occurred during major fire seasons in 1997-1998 and 2015.

Land clearing practices, peatland drainage, forest degradation, prolonged dry conditions, and changing weather patterns have all contributed to recurring fire and haze episodes.

Climate conditions can further increase the risk by creating longer periods of dry weather. When vegetation and peatlands lose moisture, fires can start more easily and become harder to control.

What Can Travelers Do During a Haze Episode?

Travelers should monitor air quality rather than relying only on how the sky looks.

If you are visiting an affected destination:

• Check official air-quality readings before planning outdoor activities.
• Reduce prolonged outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high.
• Wear a well-fitting N95 or equivalent respirator when authorities recommend respiratory protection.
• Keep doors and windows closed during periods of heavy outdoor pollution.
• Choose indoor attractions when haze becomes severe.
• Allow additional time for road travel if visibility deteriorates.
• Check with airlines for operational updates if smoke is affecting airports.
• Follow advisories from local environmental and health authorities.

Travelers with existing respiratory sensitivities should take additional precautions and follow guidance from health professionals and local authorities.

What Happens Next?

The duration of a haze episode depends heavily on weather conditions, fire activity, rainfall, and wind direction.

Dry conditions can allow fires to continue burning and producing smoke. Rainfall can help suppress fires and improve air quality, though the extent of improvement may vary by location.

For the Philippines, the movement of the smoke plume will continue to depend on regional wind patterns. Conditions can therefore improve in one area while deteriorating somewhere else.

The current haze crisis highlights the regional nature of Southeast Asia’s air-quality problem. Forest and peatland fires may begin in Indonesia, but their environmental, health, transportation, and tourism impacts can extend far beyond Indonesia’s borders.

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