Aborlan, Palawan: Go Beyond the Ordinary

Palawan consistently headlines global travel publications, with destinations like Coron, El Nido, Puerto Princesa,...

Palawan consistently headlines global travel publications, with destinations like Coron, El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and San Vicente propelling the province to top-tier status. Yet, the Philippines’ largest province still has surprises up its sleeve. While still raw and developing, Aborlan—located just south of the capital—offers a profound cultural draw through intimate encounters with indigenous communities and thriving agricultural hubs. With its picturesque beaches and pristine rivers, Aborlan is a destination where nature and heritage meet.

Apurawan Beach and view of West Philippine Sea

Coast-to-Coast Wonders

Aborlan is one of the few municipalities in the country bounded by two major bodies of water: the Sulu Sea to the east and the West Philippine Sea to the west. A lush mountain range bisects these coastlines, with the majestic Mt. Shumkat (also known as Mt. Somkat) towering over the landscape.

The Tagbanua people are the original inhabitants of Aborlan. Local lore suggests the name “Aborlan” stems from their sacred “tree of the gods,” the Abelnan. Other intriguing etymological theories include:

A wild boar sculpture at the municipal hall grounds

• “A Boar Land”: An American phrase coined by explorers who noted the abundance of wild boars.
• Cuyonon Roots: Derived from the words abor (abound) and lan (place), signifying a “place of plenty.”

A vintage Palawan commuter bus on display at Rooted Coffee

How to Get to Aborlan

I was fortunate to explore this area as part of the Tourism Promotions Board’s Community-Based Tourism (CBT) program. For independent travelers, Aborlan is accessible via bus or van from the Irawan Central Bus Terminal in Puerto Princesa.

The town is roughly 70km away, and travel time typically takes around two hours. Note that while the main highways are well-paved, the interior roads connecting the two coastlines are currently undergoing construction.

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The Journey’s Start: Municipal Hall

Aborlan Municipal Hall

Tagbanwa Script as a National Cultural Treasure marker

A visit to the Aborlan Municipal Hall is the perfect starting point. Serving as Kilometer Zero, it houses the official local seal and a National Museum of the Philippines marker honoring the Tagbanwa Script as a National Cultural Treasure.

Tagbanua women at Rodriguez Integrated Farm

Immersion with the Tagbanua

Palawan’s cultural identity is supported by four main pillars: the Tagbanua (Central and Northern Palawan), the Palaw’an (Southern highlands), the Batak (Northeast), and the Cuyonon (the province-wide integrated group).

Aborlan is celebrated as the “Cradle of Tagbanua Culture.” During our visit, we were welcomed into two distinct communities:

Culandanum Tribal Skills Association

The Weavers of Culandanum

In the west, we visited the Culandanum Tribal Skills Association. Inside a humble kubo, women of all generations gather to weave, socialize, and sustain their community. They utilize forest-sourced materials like pandan and buri leaves for soft banigs (mats), and bamboo or nito vines for durable baskets and bags. Their work is a masterclass in geometric precision and structural strength.

• Culandanum Weavers Facebook

Heritage at Rodriguez Integrated Farm

Spiritual Dance Pagdiwata

In eastern Aborlan, the Tagbanua greeted us with traditional songs and dances. We witnessed their way of life, from processing rice to the sacred Pagdiwata—a spiritual ritual and rice wine ceremony used to give thanks and seek healing.

Male Tagbanua weaver

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Agri-Tourism

Rodriguez Integrated Farm (Brgy. Sagpangan)

Balinsasayaw house

This family-owned model farm is certified by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) – MIMAROPA. It is an educational hub for sustainable practices, featuring high-value crops and livestock. We enjoyed fresh mulberries and bamboo-cooked kakanin while meeting the resident wildlife, including a hundred nesting balinsasayaw (swiftlets) and an adorable, domesticated wild boar named Zumba.

• Rodriguez Farm Facebook

Seed-to-cup demonstration

Rooted Coffee Cafe

Rooted Coffee and Cacao Farm (Brgy. Iraan)

Established in 2014, this farm focuses on the “3 Cs”: Coffee, Cacao, and Coconuts. At their newly opened café, visitors can enjoy refreshing drinks and brews while at the outdoor workshop area, visitors can experience a “seed-to-cup” demonstration. We also observed artisans practicing local beadwork and writing in Surat Tagbanwa (an Abugida script). This ancient writing system is one of only three living indigenous scripts in the country and was inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 1999.

• Rooted Coffee and Cacao Facebook

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Coastal Wonders: Two Seas, Two Vibes

Marikit port (Port of Aborlan)

Quincentennial Historical Marker

The Eastern Shores (Sulu Sea)

• Marikit Port: Known as the “Port of Aborlan,” this bustling maritime hub offers views of Malanao Island. It is home to a Quincentennial Historical Marker commemorating Magellan’s 1521 expedition; history records that the crew attempted to dock here but were repelled by the local inhabitants.
• Blessie’s Beach Cove: A serene escape and home to a unique volunteer program where foreigners help build community schools and clinics using eco-bricks made from PET bottles.
• Kataw-an Beach: The ultimate “quiet” spot. Fringed with coconut trees reminiscent of Siargao, this undeveloped beach is perfect for a digital detox. Day-trippers can use local cottages, while Remy Rico’s Beach offers overnight stays.
• Remy Rico’s Beach Facebook

Kataw-an Beach

The Western Shores (West Philippine Sea)

Apurawan Beach

• Apurawan Beach: A rugged, “untamed” coastline with deep blue waters and cream-colored sand. It is arguably the best spot in town to witness the sunset. For those staying longer, the Green Mango Guesthouse is just 200 meters away.
• Green Mango Guesthouse Facebook

Green Mango Guesthouse

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River Adventures & Freshwater Escape

Tangod Natural Falls Eco-Park

• Tangod Natural Falls Eco-Park: A protected sanctuary for Palawan’s biodiversity. Visitors can hike forest trails or cool off in the river.

• Tangod Eco-Park Facebook

• Contact: +63 931 782 5069 | 0912 165 2468

• Zion Flowing Bath (Brgy. Cabigaan): Managed by the Filipino Benevolent Christian Mission (FBCM), this site features naturally flowing, icy-cold spring water. Their hospitality includes unique treats like siopao and hopia made from sweet potato and grated coconut.

• Note: Respect the community’s rules—no alcohol and modest swimwear are required.

Zion Flowing Bath Culandanum River

Zion Flowing Bath entrance and Hopia

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Knowledge & Innovation

Western Philippine University (WPU)

Along the man-made lagoon at WPU

Paraoakan Native Chicken project

The “Green” university of Palawan is a sprawling, lush campus dedicated to agriculture and fisheries research. A major highlight is their study of the Paraoakan Native Chicken. Indigenous to Palawan, this breed is being researched as a “clean meat” alternative—it is free-range and raised without synthetic antibiotics. While on campus, don’t miss the towering, century-old Dita tree, a slender giant standing as a silent witness to the university’s history.

More than a century old Dita Tree

The Giant Talent in Small Details: Stevey John Armado

In Barangay Sagpangan, artisan Stevey John Armado creates extraordinary works of “micro-engineering.” His handcrafted mini tricycles are hyper-realistic scale models of Palawan’s transport. Each piece, complete with functional wheels and tiny upholstery, is a tribute to Filipino ingenuity and proof that world-class artistry can flourish in the most unexpected places.

Stevey John Armado

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Has this glimpse into the raw beauty of Aborlan piqued your interest? For more information and travel assistance, reach out to the Aborlan Tourism team.

• Aborlan Tourism Facebook

Blessie's Beach Cove

Foreign volunteers staying at the Blessie's Beach Cove

🎒 Aborlan Travel Essentials: Know Before You Go

To make the most of your Aborlan adventure, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Cash is King: While there are a few ATMs in the town center, most establishments, farms, and eco-parks are cash-only. Bring enough Philippine Pesos (PHP) for your entire stay.
• Respect the “Zion” Rules: If visiting the Zion Flowing Bath, remember that it is a religious community. Pack modest swimwear (like a rash guard or swim shorts) and strictly avoid bringing alcohol or cigarettes.
• Connectivity: Signal can be spotty on the West Coast (Apurawan/Culandanum). Download your maps for offline use and finish your urgent emails before leaving the town center.
• Eco-Warrior Kit: Help preserve Aborlan’s “raw” beauty. Bring a reusable water bottle, a dry bag for boat/river trips, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine life in the Sulu Sea.
• Insect Repellent: Since you’ll be visiting integrated farms and forest eco-parks, a good mosquito repellent is a must to stay comfortable during treks.
• Transport Timing: The last buses and vans heading back to Puerto Princesa usually pass through the highway by late afternoon (around 5:00 PM). If you aren’t staying overnight, plan your departure accordingly.
• Language: While Tagalog and English are widely understood, a simple “Maimpis” (Good/Beautiful) or “Salamat” (Thank you) will go a long way in connecting with the Tagbanua locals.