Looking for a quick escape from the city? Located just 1.5 hours from Quezon City, Pulong Kabyawan in Pulilan, Bulacan, offers a refreshing glimpse into “buhay probinsya” (rural life). This 100-hectare estate promotes local agriculture, sustainable tourism, and cultural preservation.
What is Pulong Kabyawan
The name is derived from two Filipino words:
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Pulo: An “islet” or patch of land usually found in the middle of rice fields.
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Kabyawan: A traditional stone or wooden mill used to extract juice from sugarcane.
(The image below shows a miniature of a Kabyawan).
I was looking for actual sugarcane since the place is named “Kabyawan,” but after chatting with the staff, I learned there is no sugarcane currently planted in the area. The farm today focuses on rice and local vegetables.
The total land area of Pulong Kabyawan is 100 hectares, but only 37 hectares are designated as a tourist attraction. Most of these 37 hectares consist of farmland and a local community with actual residents. We visited the southern part, where the tourist attractions are located. The northern part, which we passed before entering, seems to be occupied by factory buildings. It is said to be the embodiment of the struggle between modernism and heritage conservation.
Top Attractions at Pulong Kabyawan
The Living Farm & Garden
Upon entry, you are greeted by sprawling rice paddies and the Mandala—a towering, traditional stack of unhusked rice that serves as a symbol of a bountiful harvest.
To make the most of your visit, here are the highlights you shouldn’t miss:
- Free Bike Rentals: The best way to explore the 37-hectare tourist zone is on two wheels. Grab a bike at the entrance and enjoy the fresh breeze as you pedal through the scenic trails.
- Animal Encounters: Experience a true farm atmosphere where ducks and geese roam freely through the gardens. Keep an eye out for the hardworking carabaos (water buffaloes) grazing or cooling off in the fields.
- The Kneeling Carabao Tradition: Pulong Kabyawan honors the soul of Pulilan’s culture. Learn about the famous Kneeling Carabao Festival, celebrated every May 15th in honor of San Isidro Labrador, where these gentle giants are trained to kneel before the church as a sign of thanksgiving.
- Agro-Heritage Features: Aside from the rice fields, you can explore the palaisdaan (fishponds), kamalig (granaries), and the lush vegetable gardens filled with local crops.
Quick Tips for Visitors:
- Using the free bikes is highly recommended to cover the expansive 37-hectare area comfortably.
- The Mandala and the Art Bridge offer the perfect rustic backdrop for your travel photos.
- While the crops are beautiful, please remember that picking fruits or vegetables is strictly prohibited to preserve the farm’s produce.
Museo Pulong Kabyawan (Casa Beatriz)
Step inside Casa Beatriz, a stunning replica of an 1853 ancestral house that stands proudly in the middle of the fields. Originally located behind the Pulilan Church, this house honors the granddaughter of the former cabeza de barangay who founded the 100-hectare estate.
As you explore the two-story museum, you will discover:
- Evocative Art & Artifacts: Admire paintings that vividly capture the simplicity of provincial life. Look closely—some artworks mirror the exact landscape you see through the museum windows!
- Authentic Farming Tools: Head to the first floor to see genuine plows (araro) and tools used by generations of farmers. Don’t miss the powerful 3D mural of a farmer’s face, which serves as a poignant reminder to value our agricultural heroes.
- Vintage Treasures: Travel through history as you browse a collection of antique typewriters, heavy flat irons, and classic phonographs.
- Living Traditions: Learn how the farm keeps culture alive every December. The museum showcases the Annual Palaro ng Lahi, an event where local children play traditional Filipino games and receive Christmas gifts.
Please appreciate the beauty of the artwork and artifacts with your eyes only—do not touch the exhibits!
Kape’t Bahay Cafe
Before heading into the museum, make sure to stop by Kape’t Bahay. The name is a clever play on words—it’s literally the “neighbor” (kapitbahay) of the museum! To save time, the staff suggests you place your order first and explore the gallery while the kitchen prepares your meal. By the time you finish your art tour, a fresh, hot feast awaits you.
Trust me, the food far exceeds expectations! We thought we were getting a simple snack, but we ended up with a high-quality meal:
- Pesto de Alto (P250): This dish packs a punch of flavor, and they certainly don’t scrimp on the protein.
- Daing na Bangus (P300): This classic favorite comes with a very generous serving size—perfect for a hearty appetite.
- Longganisang Pulilan (P350): We loved this so much that we bought a pack to take home! It has a balanced flavor that isn’t overly garlicky.
While the cafe prohibits outside food, they encourage you to take your Kape’t Bahay meal out to the garden. There’s nothing like enjoying a local dish under the shade of the trees!
The Farm-to-Table Difference:
The cafe serves healthy brown rice harvested directly from their own fields. If you want to bring the taste of Pulilan home, you can purchase their vacuum-sealed brown rice for P280 per 5 kilos.
Essential Travel Guide: Rates & Hours
If you’re planning a visit, here is the updated schedule and entrance fee guide:
Travel Tips:
- Ample parking is available on-site.
- Guests are strictly prohibited from picking flowers or vegetables.
- Support the local cafe; however, you can enjoy your cafe meals alfresco in the garden.
- Visit on a weekday to enjoy the lower P150 entrance fee and smaller crowds.
