Stepping Back in Time at Boracay’s Motag Living Museum

Sailing into Boracay cruise port, I arrived on one of the most iconic islands in the Philippines. Known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Boracay (Filipino – Pronounced [boh-rah-kai]) is a popular stop for sunseekers and honeymooners alike.

But this island has more to offer than beach umbrellas and souvenir shops. Beneath the tourist layer is a deep connection to rural heritage, especially in the surrounding Aklan region. The Motag Living Museum offers a hands-on look at what life was like here before tourism took over.

Instead of a lazy beach day, I found myself immersed in local culture, surrounded by nipa huts and friendly faces eager to share their traditions.

On this visit, I joined a ship-sponsored excursion to the Motag Living Museum, located just outside the main resort area. The entire village was built using native materials like bamboo and woven palm, designed to resemble pre-tourism Filipino homes. It felt like stepping into a living diorama, but nothing was staged. It was simply life, preserved and shared.

One of the highlights was sipping fresh coconut water from polished coconut shell bowls. The hosts offered samples of local snacks, including hand-scooped coconut meat and traditionally prepared rice cakes. We watched as they pounded rice using wooden mortars, harvested from nearby paddies, and demonstrated how tobacco was once rolled and smoked.

I especially appreciated the genuine interaction. These weren’t scripted performances but real people sharing family stories, spiritual practices, and everyday skills that had been passed down for generations. It reminded me that travel is more than seeing pretty places, it’s about listening to the heartbeat of the community that calls it home.