Houses on stilts over clear
waters were visible from afar. Our
boatman maneuvered his craft and we passed by this small village to purchase some supplies and petrol.
Commerce unfolded before our
eyes as we wait for his order of business to finish.
Residents of all ages come to work and play in the waters. Life depended on sea. It was one panoramic landscape I had wanted
to witness.
We were at Sitio Marabon of
Balabac, Southern Palawan.
This part of Palawan is
unknown in the tourist map. But with
just a fleeting glimpse of this town, reports on hostilities and poachers
vanished. It was a busy and peaceful
community that we have witnessed.
Outrigger boats connected to
each other forming like a bridge towards the floating market center made the
scene unique in a certain way. Definitely
this area is not for tourists as nothing seems unusual with their daily routine
but hard work that is truly commendable emanated the busy floating village.
I am not a swimmer, thus,
with a boat which I surmise needs a lot of balancing, I stayed still at the
center of the boat while Carla tried to get near the fish vendors and the locals.
The fisher folks catch for
the day were shown to us, of varied colors and species – the lobster was a
standout of course. Some were peddled and others for home consumption. Our
boatman even bought some allocated for our stay at Onuk Island.
Balabac, Palawan is truly a
paradise. Aside from the pristine
beaches and lush mountains, the bountiful harvest from the sea is indeed a
blessing to this peaceful coastal community.
We were glad our boatman made us experience firsthand of what life is on
stilts.
0 comments