Experience unrivaled seclusion and sustainable luxury at Banwa Private Island
Tucked away in a corner of the Sulu Sea, on the eastern coast of Palawan and within a marine protected area, is Banwa Private Island. It has won global recognition as “Private Island of the Year” for the third year in a row and offers guests an extraordinary experience by providing them with luxurious personal space, exclusivity, and the opportunity to commune with nature’s amazing beauty.
With a name taken from the local word “Tagbanwa,” meaning, “Guardian of Rivers and Forests,” this six-hectare tropical paradise is only two hours from Manila by helicopter. It has six magnificent beach-front villas, each with its infinity pool. What I consider most noteworthy is the island’s deep well which provides still and sparkling spring drinking water for the guests. This same water is used in the swimming pools and the bathrooms for a chemical-free experience.
The resort is also 100 percent mosquito-free, thanks to instruments placed all around the island, containing water, sugar, and yeast, attracting mosquitoes and killing them in the process. This means guests do not have to worry about walking around the island’s lush gardens as they explore it and discover more of nature’s bounty.
The villas range from one-bedroom to four-bedrooms and the resort’s all-inclusive rates give guests the freedom to focus on their leisurely holiday and not have to worry about having to pay for anything else. With the gracious staff anticipating their every need, guests are in for a stay of pure bliss.
Banwa Private Island has facilities that cater to everyone’s preferences. The Meridian Wellness and Sports Center has the most modern gym equipment and a spa staffed with expert therapists. For those who can’t stay away from golf, the island has a well-designed 9-hole course. Of course, Latitude, its fine dining restaurant, serves the most exquisite meal with ingredients organically grown on the island’s own farm.
For VIP guests who may have a large entourage traveling with them, the resort has a facility called Axis, a cluster of guest rooms beautifully designed and equipped with a kitchen and playroom.
What adventures with nature can one enjoy on this private island? A lot! For those who delight in the underwater scenery, Banwa Private Island has a complete set of diving equipment for guests to use, as they explore the deep, with the guidance of seasoned dive masters. There are exactly 15 dive sites around the island.
Guests can also choose between two exciting excursions. They can ride on the Iguana Yacht, an amphibious vessel, to explore a beautiful sandbar just 10 minutes from the island. Alternatively, they can embark on a relaxing sunset cruise, enjoying their favorite cocktails and finger food while admiring the breathtaking skylight colors that mark the end of the day.
For those seeking more thrilling adventures, the island transforms into a sanctuary for diverse bird species and other animals under the care of the AQUOS Foundation. Hawksbill turtles call this island home, with an estimated population of around 60. Witnessing a mother turtle lay her eggs is a remarkable sight. After carefully depositing her clutch, she meticulously covers the nest with sand to maintain moisture. Then, in a clever display of maternal instinct, she creates a decoy nest to confuse potential predators lurking nearby.
The island also has 62 bird species, the most interesting of which is the Philippine Scrubfowl, or the Tabon, seen continuously digging its claws in the sand. There is also the rare, near-threatened Mantanani Scops Owl. It is small, with a dark brown upper part and a pale lower part. It distinguishes itself from the regular owl because it has a goose-like honk.
Even more exciting is what takes place at sunset. Hordes of Palawan flying foxes, which are actually fruit bats, and estimated to number around 43,000, wake up from their daytime slumber and fly all over the place. It is an awesome sight even for non-nature lovers.
There is so much more to delight in at Banwa Private Island, where luxury and nature are at their best. More information on this beautiful resort may be obtained through 09178882864 or www.banwaprivateisland.com.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com