Alternative to Palawan’s island beaches: Glamping and organic farm tour in the middle of a forest

Be one with nature at this glamping spot in Palawan.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — El Nido and Coron's world renowned islands, breath-taking reefs, and pristine beaches have long been the stuff of every globetrotter's fantasies — and understandably so have translated into droves of tourists pouring into these famous travel destinations.

But if you want to steer clear of the big tourist crowds, congested shores, persistent (and sometimes pesky) hawkers, and busy streets of this province, there is just the right place for you. And you don't even need to drive up north for five hours from Puerto Princesa, where most inbound flights usually come in.

All it would take is a 30-minute drive from the city proper to the barangay of Bacungan, where you can find glamping tents in the middle of a forest that has been turned into an organic farm.

If you have already developed seasickness from the province's beaches or simply want to take an accessible sidetrip from the city,  then why not venture deep into the lush forest-communities of Bacungan and into the Yamang Bukid Farm, originally a turmeric farm that eventually diversified into tending to other organically-grown medicinal, ornamental, and fruit-bearing plants.

Glamping or "glamorous camping" is quickly becoming the new trend among adventure-seeking travelers, as it offers a unique twist to traditional camping by offering resort-style services and comfort.

And YB's glamping site offers you just that: spacious tents that come with comfy mattresses and pillows, accented by mood lights and sheer curtains. What make these glamping site different from the others are its tents, which are not made of the usual nylon or polyester fabric and plastic or metal tent poles. Instead, these tents have wooden floors and are bolstered up by bamboo poles — giving you that breezy and "presko" feel.

Glamping in the middle of a forest inside spacious tents.

You won't also be needing an aircon here (though an electric fan is provided) as the tent's thatched roof allows the cool breeze to seep in while keeping the elements away. The tents come with mosquito nets or kulambo , though you might no longer be needing them as the tents are surrounded with citronella plants, a known mosquito repellent.

While you can rent these tents for an overnight stay (P4,200/night), what makes them stand out is that you can stay in them even for just a few hours (P150/hr) if you don't have the luxury of time and just want to have a brief siesta or a quick "for the 'gram" session. Breakfast is also free for an overnight stay.

No need for an 'aircon' as the thatched roof makes the tents 'aircool.'

Warm lights illuminate the interior of the tent.

Free farm tour

The best part of the experience, however, is not just within the glamping tents but outside them, as you get to explore the entire 1.2-hectare farm and avail of all the amenities for free since the place does not charge any entrance fees.

Yes, you heard it right! You are free to roam around its sunflower and strawberry farms, explore its sting-less bee farm, check out its tilapia and koi tanks, pose with its Zamboanga Peninsula or "Zampen" chickens (Bonus: They also have a peacock!), or dip your feet in the refreshing waters of a nearby stream.

Then once you've grown exhausted from all the strolling, wandering, and posing, you can catch your breath on their bamboo swing, while watching either a musical performance or a magic show underneath the cool shade of the farm's canopies of huge mango trees.

Rest under the shade of a big mango tree.

And a tour in an organic farm wouldn't be complete without helping yourself with, of course, a generous serving of what else but organic and healthy meals. The farm has an all-organic restaurant that prepares meals made of ingredients sourced directly from the farm itself.

Try all their best-sellers including mushroom sisig, salad with blue ternate, veggie pancit, tinolang manok, and ginisang monggo with malunggay leaves. For the sweet tooth, you can have some of their honey and turmeric glazed chicken or their strawberry and turmeric ice cream for dessert.

An IG-ready archway adorned with vines of edible blue ternate.

To cap off your trip, why not talk to and listen to the inspiring stories of the farm workers, many of whom were former illegal loggers who mended their ways and started caring for the nature instead.

Probably, no amount of island hopping or frolicking in the sea could rival all this bundle of treats that you'll get from spending some relaxing time away from the toxic and stressful noise of the city. Now how's that for an alternative getaway? — MDM, GMA News

_{How to get to the Yamang Bukid Farm: Option A) At the San Jose Bus Terminal, there are vans going straight to the farm; Option B) Also at the terminal, you can ride either a van or bus going to Roxas. Tell the driver to drop you off at the gas station at Barangay Bacungan. Once there, take a tricycle to the farm.}