Its More Fun

Monday, July 11, 2011

Balangay or Bangka (Philippine Sailboat)





When the Spanish arrived in 1521, they found the Filipinos have already a civilization of their own. The early inhabitants of the islands have been living in independent villages called “barangays.”

The name “barangay” originated from “balangay” meaning sailboat. These sailboats help spread the Austronesian culture around the Philippines and Taiwan.

Aside from the Philippines, south part of Taiwan also celebrates the “Balangay” festival.

Balangay is also known as the outrigger canoe. In the Philippines and in Indonesia, this is called Bangka. They are also referred as parao or balanghai.


This Bangka is a type of canoe featuring one or more lateral support floats known as outriggers, which are fastened to one or both sides of the main hull. These outriggers are mostly made of bamboos.

Bangka are use as fishing or transport vessels, and in the Philippines, outrigger canoes are often fitted with petrol engines, and aside from fishing, is often use for island hopping by tourist.

Balangays stationed on the bay of Palawan

Modern-day Bangka patterned after the Balangay craftmanship

Bangka for island hopping

Tourists on Bangkas

They use bamboo to reposition the bangkas

Bangkas are use to bring divers to their diving sites

Bangkas for siesta / nap time

Support outriggers are made of bamboo for stabilization

Bangkas are use to transport tourists from island to island

 Parao or Bangka?

10-12 seater Bangka

Bangka has comfort room as well for "bawas" and "ihi" (no. 1 & 2)

Comfort room or C.R. is a commonly use term use in the Philippines

Bangka by the sunset

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balangay

http://www.corondivers.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=1

2 comments:

Ryan Maryland said...

It truly is more fun in the Philippines. Going to beaches will never be a dull moment. More so if you have your very own yacht for sale philippines. Can't wait to hit the beaches

Unknown said...

NICE bangka i WANT TO KNOW Joe MUCH bangka in Peso.