KABANTAGAN (Ka-ban-ta-gan)
Kabantagan is a private place owned by the Filipino visual artist, Diokno
Pasilan and his Scottish born wife, Ruth. While the owners and their 7yr old
son, Pintado, are not occupying the house it is available for rent. It is
a haven of tranquillity, beauty and peace and a place the owners fell in love
with 10 years ago. Surrounded by nature, coconut trees and the South China
sea, your only neighbours are the abundant wildlife and the gentle, huble
carabao (water buffalo). Kabantagan is a place to go to if you want to escape
from the rest of the world for awhile. It is a place to rest your body and
calm your mind.The Kabantagan compound is about 1.4 ha in size. The house
is located on its own private beach front (150m long) at Barangay Kemdeng,
San Vicente on the island of Palawan, Philippines. It faces directly west
with outlooks to various islands. Spectacular sunsets can be viewed from the
beach or the terrace of the house. The beach extends to the south (approx
4kms) and to the north (approx 2kms)There are no other developments in the
area. The closest village is approximately 2kms away or the town of San Vicente
approx. 8kms away. The nearest tourist destination is at Port Barton approx
45 minutes to get to by boat.
THE HOUSE
The house sits on poles approx 2m off the ground. It is made of wood and other
native materials. It is totally mosquito screened. The living room is around
80sqm in size and the main bedroom is around 20sqm. The house can sleep up
to 6 people (2 queen size beds, 2 single). This is a house where you should
feel at home. Sleeping arrangements are simply traditional with mattresses
on floor. The front of the house has a beautiful wooden balcony.The kitchen
is fully supplied with cooking utensils. There is a two burner gas stove.
Also provided is a small fridge box powered by LPG gas.The house has 2 toilets
and 1 shower. Being a tropical climate there is no need to have hot water
connected to the shower.
Lighting of the house is solar powered. This is also used during the day to
recharge mobile phones etc. However, there is a back-up gasoline generator
in case it is required.
All bedding/linen is supplied.Water to the house is pumped into tanks from
an underground bore. Drinking water is transported from a small waterfall
2kms away and then filtered. Bottled mineral water can be bought in San Vicente.
SERVICES
There is a full-time caretaker, Toto, who lives in his own building on the
compound. Toto takes care of the cleaning of the property and house and can
assist you other matters. He will climb the coconut tree to get you fresh
buko juice if you desire.If you would like laundry service there is a fee
of P250/day.The Kabantagan banca is a small outrigger boat is good for 4 persons.
It can be rented for a small amount. You can go fishing, visit the nearby
islands for snorkelling or to buy supplies in San Vicente. Although in an
isolated area, Kabantagan does have mobile phone coverage (there are no landlines
for phones). There is also now internet broadband service in the town of San
Vicente. It will soon be available from the house.
RENTAL RATES FOR KABANTAGAN
Daily: 1,500 pesos (approx P35/Aust dollar)
Weekly: 7,500 pesos
Monthly: 26,000 pesos
Above stated rates are for 2 person occupancy. Additional person P200/day;
P1,000/week; P3,000/month.
Maximum 6 persons can stay in the house.
Generator use (if required): P100/hour.
LPG gas bottles for cooking and the fridge are included in the rental price.
Minimum stay is 3 nights. Deposit of 50% is required on booking with full
payment required 2 weeks before arrival date.
HOW TO GET THERE
The most direct route is to take private van service from Puerto Princesa
to Kabantagan. Distance is approx 190kms and takes 3.5hrs. Cost is approx
P4,000.
Public bus or van Puerto Princesa to San Vicente is approx P200 per person.
Arrangements then have to be made to get to Kabantagan from San Vicente (either
by motorbike or boat) cost approx P150 per person.
WHAT TO DO IN KABANTAGAN
Well, the pace of life certainly slows down and simple things can become the
most pleasurable. Why not just switch off and enjoy:
• the sheer beauty and nature of this little oasis in a world that is
fast becoming smaller and more crowded by the moment
• lie on the balcony in the darkness and quiet of the night to watch
the stars
• the visual display of some of the most spectacular sunsets you will
ever see
• gently swing on a hammock and listen to the sounds of the wave
• if you are lucky enough to be there during a full moon the reflections
on the sea will stay in your memory forever
• watch the red squirrels at sunrise jumping from tree to tree to eat
the coconuts
• sit out on the banca (boat) in the bay to watch a full-moon rise or
to watch the sun rise
• bring some books that you have been meaning to read, but never have
the time
If you want to be more active you can always go fishing, snorkelling further
out off the banca; visit nearby islands for a day’s swimming/picnic;
walk and explore the surrounding area.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
• All food provisions, drinks and toiletries. You can stock up with
items at NCCC, the main supermarket in Puerto Princesa. Fresh fish is best
bought locally either direct from the fishing boats or at the market in San
Vicente, as well as locally grown vegetables and fruit.
• Recommended to bring your own suntan/block-out cream and insect repellent.
.
