Nestled in the rural landscape of Malay, Aklan on Panay Island—just a short ride from the world-famous beaches of Boracay—the Motag Living Museum offers a rare and immersive window into pre-modern Filipino village life. Unlike traditional museums filled with static exhibits behind glass, Motag is interactive, living, and deeply experiential. Visitors are not just observers—they become participants in the daily life, crafts, and customs of the people who lived off the land long before tourism transformed the region.
Nestled in the rural landscape of Malay, Aklan on Panay Island—just a short ride from the world-famous beaches of Boracay—the Motag Living Museum offers a rare and immersive window into pre-modern Filipino village life. Unlike traditional museums filled with static exhibits behind glass, Motag is interactive, living, and deeply experiential. Visitors become participants in the daily life, crafts, and customs of the people who lived off the land long before tourism transformed the region.
Celebrated as one of the first interactive cultural museums in the Philippines, it preserves the agricultural heritage and indigenous traditions of the Aklanon people, offering a meaningful counterpoint to the beach-centric experience of nearby Boracay.
Historical and Cultural Relevance
The museum was created to safeguard the fading traditions and practices of Panay's rural communities—particularly the farming lifestyle that shaped much of the region’s history. It emphasizes hand-plowing rice fields with carabaos, weaving abaca fibers, and using traditional wooden tools and clay pots.
Motag also serves as a cultural revival project, employing elderly locals who act as guides, farmers, and storytellers. These community members don traditional attire and share personal stories, songs, and rituals passed down through generations, offering insight into pre-colonial and colonial-era livelihoods.
Features and Highlights
At the Motag Living Museum, you can:
- Plow and plant in a real rice field using a carabao (water buffalo)
- Pound rice and grind corn with traditional tools
- Watch traditional weaving and try loom weaving or broom making
- Listen to folk music and chants performed by community elders
- Play traditional games like sungka with local children
- Explore authentic Bahay Kubo (native huts) made from nipa and bamboo
The experience engages all senses—expect the scent of fresh coconut and wood smoke, the sound of folk songs, and the earthy feel of soil and tools.
Visitor Experience
Visits are conducted as guided cultural experiences lasting about two hours. Friendly local hosts lead guests through various stations and activities, with hands-on participation encouraged. Storytelling plays a key role in connecting guests with the culture.
Small groups ensure intimate and interactive visits, suitable for all ages. Photography is welcome, with the museum offering a unique and authentic backdrop.
Location and Access
The Motag Living Museum is located in Barangay Motag, in the municipality of Malay, Aklan, on Panay Island. It is only 10–15 minutes from Caticlan Jetty Port, the main gateway to Boracay.
Coordinates: 11.901940750176642, 121.92375994640174
How to get there:
- From Boracay: Take a boat to Caticlan, then a tricycle or van to Motag.
- From Kalibo Airport: About 1.5–2 hours by van via Malay.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is open year-round, but the ideal time is during the dry season (December to May), when activities are more dynamic and the weather is favorable. Visits during local festivals, such as the Ati-Atihan in January, offer added cultural value.
Practical Information
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (advance booking recommended)
- Entrance Fee: PHP 500–700 per person (supports local community)
- Group Tours: Customizable for families, students, and foreign guests
- Amenities: Basic restrooms, souvenir shop, and traditional snacks available
Visitor Tips
- Book in advance to ensure availability
- Wear comfortable clothes suitable for farm activities
- Bring cash as digital payments may not be accepted
- Respect the space—this is a living environment for the hosts
- Engage with the guides—they are happy to answer questions and share stories
The Motag Living Museum is a profound cultural journey—one that honors the roots of Filipino life and offers travelers an opportunity to connect with the island's soul beyond the beach.
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