Bohol river life on the Abatan community tour

Board a local banca boat to visit the five ancient communities who live along the Abatan river in Bohol. The name Abatan actually comes from the Visayan word ‘abat’, which means to meet, converge or come together. This really speaks to the river’s five communities, the Cortes, Maribojoc, Antequera, Balilihan and Catigbian, who live in harmony and each have their own culture, livelihoods and traditions. You’ll get a glimpse into their lives on this tour.

Before we had roads on Bohol, locals would get around by sailing its three main rivers, one of which is the Abatan. As you drift along the water, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful river life, with thick mangrove forests home to creatures like fruit bats and the large flying fox. At night, there are even eight species of fireflies that light up the forest. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit the villages, where you’ll learn about their traditional fishing methods and see how they catch shellfish and mud crabs.

During the tour, you’ll also get to see the local nipa weaving, which is used to make roofing in the villages. Further upstream is another community whose livelihood is bamboo furniture making and basket weaving. You’ll even get a chance to try traditional weaving with help from the skilled women in the village. The real highlight though is the cultural performance, where locals from the different communities tell their story through dance, depicting their daily routines and traditions.