Sailing season begins again tomorrow – the paraw’s first expedition is departs El Nido in the morning and will arrive in Coron after five days exploring the islands of northern Palawan. This is our second year of expeditions and the paraw is looking more beautiful than ever. Thanks to our amazing crew and talented carpenters who have put in so much time and effort during the rainy season!
We will be sailing until next June – check the Tao Philippines website to book your place www.taophilippines.com Tao Philippines
Palawan Paraw
A Blog Documenting the Construction and Voyages of a Traditional Filipino Sailboat
Greeting the Paraw
Children play in the water and a boy runs to greet the paraw as it arrives on Tao’s organic farm basecamp in San Fernando, northern Palawan. The paraw is currently sailing every Friday on 5-day expeditions between El Nido and Coron.
Reviving Sailing Traditions in Northern Palawan
Gener, whose father and grandfather were both boat sailors, is the originator of the Paraw project and our boat captain. He is teaching local youth sailing and navigational techniques. “A return to sailing makes sense – our marine environment is under threat and fuel prices are rising. Learning to sail again will help Palaweños escape dependence on gasoline and diesel while, at the same time, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the sea.”
Explorers wanted! SAILING SCHEDULE 2014 – early 2015
The paraw sails through the pristine waters of the Bacuit Archipelago (Photo © Scott Sporleder)
Here’s our much-awaited sailing schedule for the next few months. For a full description of each expedition, and for bookings, please visit the Tao Philippines website.
The paraw expedition combines stretches of pure sailing with time for exploring the islands, reefs, and villages along the way. During times of less wind we motor-sail between our island destinations. Navigating the adventure is our crew of barefoot sailors, who were among the traditional craftsmen that built the Paraw. Dive off the outriggers to snorkel around coral reefs and WWII shipwrecks; clamber through caves; stroll along abandoned beaches; socialize with locals and tune-in to the tranquil pace of island life. Each meal is prepared by our amazing cooks with freshly caught seafood and local organic produce.
Nov 7 to November 11, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO
Nov 14 to November 18, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON
Nov 21 to November 25, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO
Nov 28 to December 2, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON
Dec 5 to December 9, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO
Dec 12 to December 16, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON
Dec 18 to December 22, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO (FULL)
Dec 24 to December 30, a 7 day/ 6 night XMAS Sailing Paraw Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON (FULL)
Dec 31 to January 5, a 6 day/ 5 night New Year Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO (FULL)
Jan 9 to January 13, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON (FULL)
Jan 16 to January 20, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO
Jan 23 to January 27, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON
Jan 30 to February 3, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO
Feb 6 to February 10, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON
Feb 13 to February 17, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO
Feb 19 to February 24, a 6 day/ 5 night Sailing Paraw LNY Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON
Feb 27 to March 3, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO
March 6 to March 10, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON
March 13 to March 17, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO
March 20 to March 24, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition EL NIDO to CORON
March 27 to March 31, a 5 day/ 4 night Sailing Paraw Open Expedition CORON to EL NIDO
“Magnificent is not a Hyperbole”
That is what Justine (one of the woman on the sailing trip) said to me as we were kayaking back toward the boat after snorkeling in a lagoon that featured bright green water, black limestone cliffs speckled with trees, and pristine coral. It was true, the remote islands off the northern coast of Palawan are nothing if not truly magnificent. (Tomorrow from the office I promise I will post a series of pictures!)
As with any good adventure, ours started off with a few mishaps. First off, the van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido (the beach town from where we caught the sailboat) was crammed to its capacity with people and luggage, so some of the luggage ended up on top of the van. Luckily, the driver wrapped a tarp around the luggage that went on top; however, by the time we arrived in El Nido, after driving for…
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Paraw Sailing Schedule
Learning from the past for a sustainable future. The Tao Paraw project has taken 2 years to complete and is a collective project from historians, boat builders and sailors from all over the Philippines to revive an almost forgotten culture. This boat is truly unique and the largest that exists in the Philippines today.
We are inviting you to join and experience the way Filipinos travel the seas before fuel and engines. The design of the Bangkas with its two outriggers and no deep keel can be dated back for more than 1000 years, navigating through shallow water and hidden reefs between the islands.
Learn the ropes and enjoy the serenity of sailing. Our regular 3-day/3-night Open Group Sail Expeditions will continue until mid-August. Booking email: info@taophilippines.com
July 4-7 (Friday-Monday)
July 11-14 (Friday-Monday)
July 18-21 (Friday-Monday)
August 1-4 (Friday-Monday)
August 15-18 (Friday-Monday)
The paraw will then rest during rainy season and resume sailing in early October.
For details on organising a 3-day/3-night Private Group Expeditions, email: private@taophilippines.com
For more information, visit: http://www.taophilippines.com/tao-trips/sailing-paraw-expedition-0
Sail Aboard the Paraw
EXCITING NEWS! The paraw – now officially named the Balatik – will be open to bookings from this May. You can make reservations on the Tao Philippines Website.
Lambay, the paraw’s “blessing”
Yesterday was the ritual “blessing” of the paraw. Tay Domingo, a Tagbanua shaman from Palawan’s west coast travelled to Puerto Princesa with his son to perform the blessing, called a Lambay.
