Sabang, Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa, Palawan – Nestled on the picturesque island of Palawan, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour has emerged as a shining example of community-based sustainable tourism. Located in the enchanting village of Sabang, near the Underground River, this unique attraction allows visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating mangrove ecosystem while supporting the local community’s conservation efforts.

The Underground River is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, considered to be the world’s longest navigable underground river. 

The Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour offers an engaging and educational experience that not only showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the mangroves but also highlights the importance of preserving this vital coastal ecosystem. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the dense network of 47.55 hectares of mangrove forests, beach forest, molave forest, dipterocarp forest, mossy forest and peat forest that fringe the pristine waters of Sabang Bay.

There are a total of eight species of mangrove in the area from the total of 47 species found in the Philippines. The guides will gladly identify the gender of the mangrove among which is Rhizophora apiculata, its scientific name, as the male mangrove which is the most dominant in the area. The female mangrove is called Rhizophora mucronata. Both produce its seeds and fruits. Also prominent in the area is the tabigi mangrove with its scientific name, Xylocarpus granatum. 

Found deep in the mangrove habitat are the so-called century mangroves which are more than a hundred years old and towering in its height. Accordingly, these century mangroves is now found only in Palawan as the mangrove trees, considered as hardword are being cut by humans for building materials, furnitures, firewood etc. Large swaths of mangrove areas have also been converted into fishponds and this is one of the main contributors of its destruction.

The Philippines used to have 500,000 hectares of mangrove forest but now it is estimated to be left with only 120,000 hectares. Many would agree that human activity is the culprit in the deforestation of the mangrove areas. And out of the current 120,000 hectares, almost half or 48,000 hectares is found in the province of Palawan. This is one of the main reasons why Palawan continue to supply more than half of Metro Manila’s fish demands. The mangrove area provide a rich breeding ground for variety of fish. Research has found that one hectare of mangrove is capable of producing 1.8 tons of fish in a year.

Research conducted in Sabang found that two-thirds of the fish enter the river to lay eggs. Among them is milkfish locally known as Bangus. The Sabang river is locally known as Puyoy-Puyoy River which means “pocket” which was coined by the Tagbanwa tribes people who used to inhabit this place. Due to familiarity the river has now been called as Sabang River by most. Sabang has its meaning in the local dialect as brackish water or a mix of salty and freshwater. 

What also sets this tour apart is its community-driven approach and was spearheaded and supported by Conservation International, Palawan Conservation Corps, Local Community of Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City Tourism Office, the Management of Underground River and the Cabayugan Barangay Council. And with the initiative of the local community who now have eighteen members, the protection and conservation of the mangroves was born. By engaging visitors in sustainable practices and educating them about the significance of mangroves, the community aims to foster environmental awareness and create a sense of responsibility towards the ecosystem.

Tourists are guided through the 1.2 kilometer distance tranquil waterways by knowledgeable local guides, who share insights into the mangroves’ unique flora and fauna. (The river stretches further up to the source but the waterway becomes narrow to be able to navigate with boat.)  The guides also shed light on the ecological importance of mangroves in preserving biodiversity, providing coastal protection, and supporting local fisheries. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and actively participate in conservation efforts.

The paddle boat tour showcases the intricate mangrove root systems, home to a diverse array of wildlife including monkey, snakes, colorful birds, lizards, reptiles and squirrels.  Among the birds found here are endemic in Palawan such as the Palawan Peacock-Pheasant and Palawan Hornbill. Adventurers can witness the harmony between nature and the local community, as they paddle through narrow channels.

The community’s sustainable approach is evident throughout the tour. The paddle boats are carefully designed to minimize any impact on the delicate mangrove ecosystem, ensuring a low-carbon footprint. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to eco-friendly guidelines, such as refraining from littering and respecting the natural habitat.

Furthermore, the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour is a catalyst for community development. The initiative has generated employment opportunities for the locals, empowering them to be the custodians of their own heritage. Profits from the tour are reinvested into community initiatives, such as education programs and infrastructure improvements, benefiting the entire village.

The efforts of the Sabang community have not gone unnoticed. The Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour has gained recognition for its sustainable practices and contribution to responsible tourism. It has since received grants from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Forest Foundation Philippines together with UNDP and USAID was able to support the community by putting up a bird watching area along the river which is made of bamboo and 100 meters deep through a dense mangrove forest which is open for bird aficionados and nature lovers.

As word spreads about the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, an increasing number of tourists are flocking to Sabang to witness the splendor of the mangroves and support the local community’s conservation endeavors. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the significance of mangroves and the role they play in maintaining the ecological balance.

The Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour in Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, exemplifies the power of sustainable tourism when driven by community engagement and environmental stewardship. It stands as a shining example of how tourism can positively impact both nature and communities, inspiring other destinations to follow suit and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Entrance fee is P350 inclusive of tour and entertaining and knowledgeable guides who will gladly explain the conservation efforts and how important the wildlife and the ecosystem. That includes a song number which can be sang in multiple languages. Most tourists avail of the tour enroute to the Underground River. 

Bird Watching Tour is P450 and considered a special tour which will start at 6am up to 8am so reservation is required a day ahead of schedule.

For reservations, you may ask the travel agency you book your underground river tour for information about the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour.