A down-to-earth place for guests’ basic needs with wellness and nature at the center
Our Story
When Palawan was just becoming a popular destination in the early 1980s, the family behind Tarabanan Cottages and some friends thought of having a place where people can enjoy nature and at the same time utilizing natural energy and sourcing food from the community. They saw the need for something that is accessible, affordable, unique and community-centered in the midst of high-end hotels that were becoming the trend.
The concept of bamboo cottages that are open in front and at the back was to harness the tropical climate of the Philippines. The family with the help of some friends designed the cottages one by one and placing them strategically in a half-hectare property without cutting trees that were already growing. At the time, electricity had not reached the village so some solar panels were installed, enough for the lights and other needs. To add to the solar panels, a small wind turbine was also constructed in front of the beach but it proved challenging since there were days when the habagat and amihan (southeast and northeast monsoons) winds blew hard.
“Nature and sustainability is the heart of Tarabanan Cottages.”
Because of our efforts, we are certified as one of Palawan’s first Zero Carbon Resorts by the EU-funded SwitchAsia program and was given a special award for attaining energy autonomous operation plus complementary environment and community friendly practices.
For 20 years we kept the look and feel of Tarabanan by regularly replacing and repairing the cottages with bamboo thatched roofs and nature-friendly design. Until Typhoon Odette hit on 16 December 2021. Most of our cottages were totally destroyed and that forced us to rebuild with more permanent, sustainable, and resilient cottages. The new designs are sturdier but with the same principle – harnessing the natural wind during the hot summer months and using rainwater catchment. Soon Tarabanan Cottages will run fully on solar power.
Food Sourced From Community
Food is something we are so proud of in Tarabanan Cottages. We don’t have a menu because our stocks are freshly sourced daily from the community. But we assure you that you will have a truly Filipino gastronomic experience at Tarabanan. We look forward to having you with us soon!
Nature at its Finest
We have maintained the mantra that coming here is communing with nature, sharing the photos on your social media you can do later.
The cottages’ amenities are minimal (please don’t ask us about a swimming pool or wifi) but we compensate these with sheer tranquility and exclusivity.
What We Offer
A day without worries in a very relaxing environment. Finding yourself alone on the beach watching the boats nearby while local villagers pass by along the shore. If you are tired of lazying around with your books and your favorite drinks, the sea is yours alone.
If you feel like going out, our staff can accompany you for day trips to the Unesco Heritage Site Saint Paul Subterranean National Park (Underground River) or go snorkeling at Honda Bay, or the nearby Olangoan Falls.
For the more adventurous, we can take you for a trek to the Batak Tribe, more or less three-hour walk to the village of these wonderful people who even with modernity have managed to keep their indigenous culture intact. Better yet, our experienced local guides can accompany you through the rain forests for a two-day cross-country trek where you go camping for the night or two in the forest.
“Tarabanan sits a few meters in front of Honda Bay so you can literally jump into the sea when you wake up or before you even go to bed. In the evening, you have here the best vantage point of millions of stars in the sky.”
Come and Visit Us Soon !
For special requests about trips and accommodations, we can always cater to your tastes and personalize your options.
