13 Jun 2025

Traditional Customs Meet Modern Life at Divilacan Bay

Arriving at Divilacan Bay in Northeastern Isabela we Zodiac cruised into a large inlet fringed by mangroves exploring some of the untouched forest and rivers that make up the huge Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park - the Philippines’ largest protected area and a potential new World Heritage Area. With mountains rising from the sea to 2,400 metres against the large lagoons, it was quite a sight combining pristine rain forest in one of the world’s great biodiversity hotspots.

Our Zodiacs came ashore at Mapiya a Kaddemat village where we received with a warm welcome by the Agta and Dumagat indigenous people and traditional woven pendants and welcome handshake from the chief. This was followed by traditional dances showcasing everyday life activities, a wander through their village admiring the traditional hut-style living quarters and simplistic way of life.

We walked to the opposite side of the peninsula to a village called Dimasalansen where the stark contrast of modern-day concrete buildings, curated gardens and the Filipino community welcomed us with a spread of local delicacies including mangrove mud clam hot off the grill, smoked fish, and many sweet treats, as well as traditional dances which we were invited to join.

After lunch on board, we navigated the coral gardens into one of the large rivers that are contained in the National Park. With a low tide we adventured the best we could with some opting for a beach landing a lagoon walk. 

Images © C. Finch & C. Perry, Heritage Expeditions