Isabela’s Abuan River is the Philippines’ Next Big Whitewater Destination

“It’s one thing to memorize the history of a Church, or even a city – but a river is different,” explains Anton Carag, certified Pinoy rafting Jedi. “If you don’t know how to read her, you’ll be in big trouble.”

Violently churning six seconds away is either the end of the Earth – or a giant washing machine. I white-knuckle my paddle, shoot him a swift glance and prepare to meet my maker. “Big trouble!” repeats Anton with a chuckle.

We plunge, paddle, curse, laugh and paddle even more as we cross the swells into calmer waters. In seconds the roaring river transforms into a gurgling rivulet of relaxation. The side-scrolling scenery is glorious to behold, adorned with dramatic cliffs, provocative fire-trees and flitting waterbirds. We are in the country’s next big rafting destination – Isabela’s Abuan River – and we love every dripping minute of it.