Tao’t Bato – Singnapan Valley
4 days 3 nights - Offered in: English & Tagalog - Small group of 6 to 12 max
- Discover Tao't Bato in a four-day private or groupe guided tour
- Accommodations, entrance fees, and meals are included
- Convenient round-trip transport with private guide and driver
The Tao't Bato tribe, a subset of the larger Pala'wan indigenous group, resides in the remote Singnapan Valley in southern Palawan. Their name, "Tao't Bato" or "Dwellers of the rock," reflects their unique practice of taking refuge in caves during the rainy season to avoid heavy rains and flooding.
They speak the native Pala'wan language and share many cultural beliefs with the broader Pala'wan community. The Tao't Bato's distinctive feature is their cave-dwelling tradition during the wet months, as the valley's climate makes this necessary.
Life in Singnapan Valley revolves around simple living, with families engaged in farming, hunting, and gathering from the forest for sustenance. Marriages are arranged, and couples typically marry at a young age. Children play an active role in assisting their families and exploring the surrounding natural environment.
The Tao't Bato are known for their strong family bonds and warm hospitality, welcoming visitors to learn about their culture and traditions. These interactions provide a unique opportunity to document and preserve the heritage of the Tao't Bato tribe.
Activities
Day 1
Leave Puerto Princesa at 6:00 am by Van to Quezon, Palawan to get your climb certificate and briefing by the DENR.
If Tabon Caves are open, we will also visit this site, where possibly the oldest Homo sapiens fossil evidence in Southeast Asia was found.
Then we will proceed to Rizal Department Of Tourism for the tourist fees payment. Then finally proceed to Palawan Ecolodge Habagat to relax by the beach.
Day 2
Have a leisurely day by the beach and experience via activities the local environment and culture with:
- Kayaking in the mangrove with a guide,
- Weather permitting experience fish net pulling with the local fisherman,
- Snorkeling with Kayak
- Stand up paddle
Day 3
After an early breakfast, we will start our trek of 4 to 5 hours to Singnapan Valley where the Tao't Bato live and have lunch in the center of the village. After lunch, we will visit the Tao't Bato cave and set up camp for the night at the center of the village and enjoy the serenity of the place.
Day 3
Eat early breakfast and trek back to our drop off place in Balen Balen, where our private van will take us back to Puerto Princesa. Arrival time in Puerto Princesa at 16:00.
INCLUDED
- Van from Puerto Princesa – Quezon - Rizal - Puerto Princesa
- 1 Meeting Spot Guide
- 1 Local guide
- 1 Porter
- Climbing Fees
- Eco-lodge x 2 nights
- Meals
NOT INCLUDED
– Domestic Flights (Option)
– Insurances
OPTIONS
– Climbing Shoes Rental
– Sleeping Bag Rental
– Tent Rental
– Dry Bags rental
– Waterproof camera rental
- Customizable