Palawan Culture Week

You’ll arrive on Sunday, and have plenty of time to settle into your accommodation ahead of your exciting Palawan Culture Week!

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to learn about your surroundings and the local culture.

Orientation Schedule

• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
• Philippino Do’s and Don’ts, Philippino Culture Lessons and Philippino Language Lessons.
• Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
• Lunch
• Workshop: Weaving Coconut leaves or broom making
• Philippine Cooking Classes & Welcome Dinner

Tuesday

A delicious breakfast at the accommodation centre kickstarts this day packed with activities. During the morning session, you’ll be given a Filipino Language Lesson to help you interact with the locals while you’re staying at Palawan. Just before lunch, you’ll take part in a clean-up drive around the village plaza. Therefater, you’ll have a craft session to make your own souvenir bracelet, and a cooking class. Cooking class is next, and this will extend into dinner, giving you an excellent experience of the delicious cuisine.

Wednesday

Today entails a trip after to the beautiful city of Puerto Princesa. Home to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a Butterfly Garden and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, there’ll be plenty of sights and sounds to capture your interests as you explore the city. Taking lunch at Puerto Princesa, your afternoon will then move on with a visit to the Palawan Museum – the perfect place to learn about the history of the area (and there’s a lot of it!) Then, there’ll be time to shop at Robinson’s Mall in Palawan before returning to the accommodation centre for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Thursday

You’ll need your cozzie/trunks today as your tour of the area takes you sightseeing around Nara. Spend some free time at a stunning waterfall location, where you have a cool dip. Back at the accommodation, you’ll be introduced to our various projects before dinner.

Friday

Off to a nearby island today, to give you the chance to swim, bathe and snorkel! After lunch, you’ll learn about your chosen project and what you’ll be doing. Finally, before dinner, you’ll have the chance to share your views on the week’s activities, asking questions and sharing any suggestions for improvements.

Saturday

Sadly, today is departure day if you are leaving us. Alternatively, you’ll have free time to explore, relax and hang out with other participants if you’re staying on.

Evenings and Weekends

After your day of adventure, you can choose to further explore the area or simply relax with your new-found friends.

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Places to Visit

Coron Bay

Fancy a dive? Found at the northwest of Palawan (between Busuanga and Culion islands) is known for being one of the best wreck diving locations in the world.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Located 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa and has recently been voted one of the new 7 wonders of nature. Don’t miss this beautiful park – public transport is available to take you there, and the journey itself is worth the visit!

During your Kindergarten Volunteer programme in Palawan, Philippines, you will be staying in Tigman Village in the Aborlan District, which is a small and laid back area just outside of Puerto Princesa City. Palawan is a special island dotted with fishing villages and plenty of beautiful places for you to explore.

About the Accommodation

Our accommodation is in keeping with the area, built with many natural elements and with a tropical beach at your feet! Here, you’ll have a single-gender dorm-style room with bunk beds, although private rooms are available, subject to availability.

You’ll be doing your own washing, so get practising now if this is something that is normally done for you:) However, there is a laundry service here, too, which you can use for a small fee, if prefered.  You will be living like a local with basic facilities including “bucket showers.” – not really a hardship in this good weather! Due to our tropical setting, WiFi service may not be what you are used to at home, but it is available. However, we recommend purchasing your own local SIM card if you want to stay connected throughout the day.

Importantly, please be advised that due to jellyfish in the water, it is unlikely that you will be able to swim at the beach close by the accommodation. There is an area near the river or on the other side of the village, which is about a 15 minute walk away, where you will be able to enjoy a cool dip more safely.

Food Arrangements

Filipino cuisine is utterly delish, and you’ll have the chance to try cooking some authentic food of your own whilst you’re here. The food will consist mainly of local cuisine (lots of vegetables, meat, egg and rice) and you will have three meals per day served to you through the week, with two meals at the weekends (brunch and dinner).

Facilities

There are many forms of local transportation such as jeepneys, buses and vans which depart every hour to the town of Aborlan or to the next town Narra.

Further, you’ll find ATM’s & Western Union transfers available in the town of Nara, which is about 30 minutes away by car. Here, you can also find all necessary amenities.

Activities & Events

Tuesday Night

Join us for a fun night under the stars, with a Bonfire and plenty of great banter!

Thursday Night

You don’t have to have a great singing voice to take part in a musical trip down memory lane. In fact, it’s the ones who can’t sing who make our evenings the most fun:)

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