PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL DIARY: Binuatan Creations Handloom Weaving

While I was researching for where to go when you visit Puerto Princesa (PPS) and coming up with an itinerary, I came across blogs and reviews about Binuatan Handloom Weaving Creations. I was deeply intrigued, and the idea of going there definitely stirred up the DIY fanaticism that runs through my veins. So I included this on our second PPS City Tour, although it is not literally in the city but in the outskirts of the city. (We had two city tours, you can read about them by checking the links at the end of this blog post).

After our visit to Baker’s Hill, we went straight to Binuatan which is also in Bgy. Sta. Monica. Binuatan Weaving Handloom Creations (Binuatan is pronounced as bi-nu-wa-tan) is one of the last surviving  and local industries found in Puerto Princesa specializing in handloom woven products using indigenous fibers such as buntal, coconut, buri, cogon grass, pandan, pineapple and sometimes the bark of cashew trees which is abundant in Palawan.

We headed straight in to their workroom and one of the women who was busy weaving immediately stood up, welcomed us and invited us to try it. You could imagine how excited I was to try it, gosh, I looove these kind of stuff! So I sat there while she taught me how and man, doing what they do wasn’t easy at all! But when you see them and how fast they weave, you will definitely salute them. Handloom weaving is like a family heirloom, once the little ones (both boys and girls) can reach the treadles (pedals) of the loom, training starts too. That’s why they’re so fast and I bet they can do it even while they’re blindfolded or sleeping.

Stood up and thanked the girl who gave me the chance to try weaving using the handloom, I didn’t want to bother her anymore since it looks like she needs to finish a big roll. After taking enough photos of the work room. We checked out the souvenir shop which is just next door.

Their products are definitely export quality and world-class, evidence by the photo posted on the wall of the work room. See the brand? Yes, it’s Calvin Klein!  It makes me proud to know that our local products are still at par with the world’s highest standards and that native products are still irresistible to Westerners.

The souvenir shop sell a variety of affordable products like wallets, table runners, coin purse, clutches, bags, key chains, slippers, window blinds, place mats, coasters, etc.

I was looking for a beach mat to take home as a souvenir unfortunately, they don’t make it. Then I asked if they have ref magnets and the lady pointed me to a board in one of the walls where the ref magnets are displayed. Good thing they have unique ones that really represent Binuatan Weaving, I just love ref magnets! Our ref’s door is almost half occupied from all the ref magnets that I bought from all of my trips and pasalubongs/gifts from friends who have traveled somewhere.

Also, please don't try to haggle if you'll buy something from the souvenir shop, they'll give you discounts but don't initiate it. Consider the quality and the idea of making the finish products from scratch and by hand. Worker's here are mostly working students, just put in mind that you're somehow helping them send to school if you buy their goods. (#justSaying)

Some of you might find it boring or probably planning to skip this destination if you’re planning to go to Puerto Princesa, but I encourage you to still drop by. I may sound O.A. but I really did enjoyed that around 5-minute experience of trying to weave using a traditional handloom.

Binuatan Weaving Handloom Creations
Employees Village, Sta. Monica,
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

(+6348) 434-1907 or 433-7630

Puerto Princesa Tour Assistance/Licensed Tour Guide:
Bryan Elivera - 09152788528


Read about my Puerto Princesa Travel Diary blog posts here:

Go & See:

- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Kuyba Almoneca, Your Alternative to the Palawan Underground River
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, & - Puerto Princesa Baywalk
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Palawan Special Battalion WWII Memorial Museum
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Emerald Playa Beach & Nature Park
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Dos Palmas Island Resort
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Where to Buy Souvenirs
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour Part 1
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour Part 2
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Irawan Eco Park and Zipline
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Crocodile Farm and A Peacock I've Never Seen Before
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Mitra's Ranch & Baker's Hill
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Binuatan Creations Handloom Weaving 

Eat:
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Badjao Seafront Restaurant
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: KaLui Restaurant
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Bona's Chaolong
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Kinabuchs Bar & Grill
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Rene Saigon Vietnamese Specialties
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: White Fence Country Cafe

What I wore:

- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: What I Wore #1

- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: What I Wore #2
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: What I Wore #3

Sleep:
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary:  The Legend Hotel Palawan
- Puerto Princesa Travel Diary: Purple Fountain Courtyard Inn

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