My recent trip to Coron, Palawan, left me with a familiar feeling. The Super Ultimate Island Hopping Tour, while beautiful, felt a lot like experiences I’d had in El Nido, Siargao, Bohol, or even Boracay. It got me thinking about how many Philippine destinations offer very similar activities: island hopping, snorkeling in coral gardens, seafood buffets, and those trendy crystal kayak photoshoots. It’s effective, sure, but it also makes one destination blend into the next.
The Search for Something Different
After a while, tourists start looking for something more unique, something authentic that truly immerses them in a place. That’s where community-based tourism, or CBT, really shines. It’s about letting local communities lead the way in crafting tourism activities. This approach gives travelers a genuine taste of a community’s history, cultural practices, and untouched natural beauty. It creates a richer, more meaningful travel experience that goes beyond the typical tourist traps.
Discovering Aborlan’s Charm
This quest for authenticity recently led me to Aborlan, a municipality south of Puerto Princesa. The Tourism Promotions Board organized a trip, and what I saw convinced me that Aborlan is truly carving out its own space as an ideal community-based tourism destination. It doesn’t compete with the popular island-hopping spots; instead, it offers something complementary. Aborlan provides an authentic, sustainable experience that builds understanding and respect between visitors and the local community.
A Place Steeped in History
Aborlan’s story stretches back centuries. Long before any colonizers arrived, the Indigenous Tagbanua people lived here. Legend says the name comes from Abelnan, a mythical tree from their ancient stories. It’s also a place connected to global history. In 1521, the Magellan-Elcano expedition even stopped in Aborlan to resupply before their long journey back to Spain. Later, when Americans came in the early 1900s, they built schools for the Tagbanua. There’s a fun anecdote from that time: an American, seeing wild boars everywhere, supposedly reinterpreted the name as “A Boar Land.”
Getting There
Reaching Aborlan today is quite straightforward. You can fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport from Manila, Clark, or Cebu. From there, it’s about a 70-kilometer drive south, which takes around an hour and a half. If you prefer public transport, take a tricycle or jeepney from the airport to the Central Bus Terminal in Irawan. From there, hop on a bus or van heading to Aborlan. Public transport adds a bit more time, making the journey roughly two hours.
Bordered by Two Seas
One of the unique geographical features of Aborlan is its location. It’s one of the few places in the Philippines that touches two major bodies of water: the South China Sea to the west and the Sulu Sea to the east. The central mountain range of Southern Palawan, dominated by Mount Shumkat, cuts through the town. Currently, they’re still building the road that connects Aborlan’s east and west coasts, which just adds to its untouched feel.
Unspoiled Beaches and Quiet Retreats
For me, Aborlan is perfect for anyone looking for quiet, unspoiled beaches. You won’t find commercial establishments here, and surprisingly, there’s no mobile signal either, which can be a welcome escape! On the west coast, in Barangay Sto. Niño, you’ll find Apurawan Beach. It’s a long stretch of powdery gray sand overlooking the West Philippine Sea, usually frequented by local schoolchildren playing after classes in the afternoon. It’s wonderfully peaceful.
Another gem is Kataw-an Beach, where local surfers catch morning waves and relax as the sun sets. On the east coast, in Barangay Tigman, there’s a stunning cove with white sand and clear blue waters. It’s a popular spot for Puerto Princesa residents during summer. This cove also draws foreign volunteers who stay at Blessie’s Beach Cove for months, helping the community build schools and clinics. What’s amazing is they use bricks made from recycled plastic PET bottles, filled with waste collected from the shoreline. It’s a fantastic example of sustainable community effort.
Nature’s Playground and Local Innovations
Mount Shumkat is a favorite for local climbers, but if you’re like me and just want to enjoy the forest’s tranquility and cool springs, Tangod Eco-Park is a great option. Even more delightful is the Zion Flowing Bath, a rustic riverside setup where locals cool off and unwind. The friendly caretaker there makes delicious siopao and hopia using sweet potato and grated coconut—a true local treat!
A Thriving Farm Tourism Scene
Thanks to its gentle terrain and fertile soil, Aborlan is also becoming a hub for farm tourism. It’s a municipality that truly celebrates its agricultural bounty. Western Philippines University, originally founded by Americans to teach agriculture, is at the forefront of this. Today, the university welcomes visitors interested in sustainable farming practices. They’ve even launched a program to promote Palawan’s native chicken, the Paraokan, through a sustainable breeding and production system, helping to preserve local heritage and resources.
If you’re eager to explore more, you can coordinate with the local tourism office. They can arrange visits to places like Villarico Mangosteen Farm, where you can learn about mangosteen cultivation. Or Rooted Coffee and Cacao Farm, which offers a “seed-to-cup” experience, showing you the journey of coffee and cacao. There’s also the Rodriguez Integrated Farm, where you can discover how they build houses for balinsasayaw, or swiftlets, whose nests are a key ingredient in the prized bird’s nest soup. It’s fascinating to see these unique local industries up close.
Immersive Tagbanua Culture
For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Aborlan is connecting with the Tagbanua people. Their culture and traditions are incredibly rich and well-preserved. Their active involvement in CBT projects not only provides visitors with an authentic experience but also helps to strengthen their heritage. These immersion activities allow travelers to learn about traditional dances and music, their intricate art and crafts, and truly understand their way of life.
In Barangay Culandarum, I witnessed a community of weavers creating beautiful bags, mats, baskets, and other handicrafts. They use locally sourced materials like buri, pandan, and bamboo, keeping an ancient craft alive. At Rodriguez Integrated Farm, the Tagbanuas still practice the traditional method of cooking sticky rice inside bamboo tubes, a culinary tradition passed down through generations.
Visitors are often greeted with performances of traditional songs and dances, which are powerful expressions of identity. The Tagbanuas also share their ancient writing system by inscribing visitors’ names onto bamboo. This practice is now recognized as part of the Philippines’ national intangible cultural heritage, which is a testament to its significance.
It’s inspiring to see younger members of the community adding their own modern twist to these traditions. Artisans at Rooted Coffee are crafting jewelry from local clay, creating Indigenous patterns using rubber stamps, and revitalizing traditional Tagbanua inscriptions. In Poblacion, a young artist named Stevey John recreates Aborlan’s iconic tricycles in miniature form, using scrap materials. It’s a wonderful blend of tradition and contemporary creativity.
Aborlan might not have the same widespread fame as El Nido or Coron, but it’s making a significant impact in community-based tourism. It stands out by showcasing its unique identity and offering visitors an experience that truly goes beyond the ordinary. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable journeys are found off the beaten path.
FAQ Section
What exactly is community-based tourism (CBT)?
Community-based tourism empowers local communities to actively participate in and manage tourism activities. It focuses on providing authentic experiences that highlight the community’s heritage, culture, and natural resources, ensuring that the benefits of tourism directly support the local people.
How is Aborlan different from popular tourist spots like El Nido or Boracay?
While popular spots often offer similar island-hopping packages and commercial activities, Aborlan focuses on immersive cultural experiences, farm tourism, and untouched natural sites. It emphasizes authentic interactions with local communities, particularly the Tagbanua people, and offers a quieter, less commercialized travel experience.
What unique cultural experiences can I find in Aborlan?
In Aborlan, you can immerse yourself in the Tagbanua culture by learning about their traditional dances, music, and art. You can witness traditional weaving, see ancient cooking methods like sticky rice cooked in bamboo, and even have your name inscribed using their ancient writing system on bamboo. Local artisans also create contemporary jewelry and art inspired by Tagbanua traditions.
Are there accommodations and mobile signal in Aborlan?
Aborlan is less developed commercially, so accommodations are typically simpler and more locally-run, often focusing on a more rustic experience. Mobile signal can be inconsistent, especially in more remote areas or along the beaches, offering a chance to truly disconnect.
What kind of farm tourism can I expect in Aborlan?
Aborlan’s fertile lands support various farm tourism activities. You can visit Western Philippines University to learn about sustainable farming, explore mangosteen and coffee/cacao farms for a direct experience of cultivation, and even learn about the unique practice of harvesting swiftlet nests for bird’s nest soup at integrated farms.
How can I get to Aborlan from Puerto Princesa?
From Puerto Princesa International Airport, you can drive south for about 1.5 hours (approximately 70 km). Alternatively, for public transport, take a tricycle or jeepney from the airport to the Central Bus Terminal in Irawan, then catch a bus or van to Aborlan, which takes around 2 hours.
Is Aborlan suitable for travelers looking for untouched beaches?
Absolutely. Aborlan is known for its quiet, unspoiled beaches such as Apurawan Beach and Kataw-an Beach, which are free from commercial establishments. These areas offer a peaceful environment for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Call to Action
If you’re tired of the usual tourist circuits and crave a travel experience that truly connects you with a destination’s heart and soul, then Aborlan is calling. Venture beyond the well-trodden paths in Palawan and discover a place where community, culture, and sustainability converge. Engage with the Tagbanua people, savor local traditions, and immerse yourself in pristine natural beauty. Aborlan offers not just a trip, but a profound journey of discovery and connection. Plan your visit to Aborlan and experience the authentic Philippines—a journey that will leave you with richer memories than any crystal kayak photoshoot ever could.
References
The Manila Times
Tourism Promotions Board
