ACTIVITIES
Banwa Private Island offers a diverse array of activities, inviting guests to enjoy a well-rounded and enriching retreat. From the excitement of sports and recreational options like non-motorized water sports, golf and tennis, to the relaxation and rejuvenation found in the island’s wellness offerings, which include world-class massage treatments and invigorating yoga sessions.
What truly sets Banwa Private Island apart is its connection with nature. Guests can immerse themselves in the pristine, natural beauty of the island. From guided eco-tours and wildlife spotting to simply basking in the splendor of the outdoors, the island provides a sanctuary for nature lovers.
The island’s holistic approach extends an invitation to not only escape from the ordinary but also to reconnect with oneself and with the serene, untouched landscapes. Whatever your inclination, Banwa Private Island ensures that your visit is not just luxurious but also memorable and transformative. It’s a place where adventure, relaxation, and the wonders of nature converge to create an extraordinary experience for all.
ACTIVITIES ON THE ISLAND
SPORTS & RECREATION
Banwa Private Island beckons water sports enthusiasts with an array of non-motorized activities.
From kayaking to paddleboarding, pedal kayaking, and Hobie wave sailing, the island offers eco-friendly, entertaining pursuits.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the crystal-clear waters surrounding the garden island provide the perfect playground.
It’s an ideal setting to enjoy serene moments on the water, leaving you with cherished memories
DIVING & SNORKELING
Banwa has its own PADI dive centre and dive shop and can certify divers on request.
The island boats a wonderful house reef that can be accessed directly from the beach or jetty.
There are over 20 local dive sites (click map below) and further afield trips to the world famous Tubbataha Reef can be arranged.
CONNECT WITH NATURE
Banwa is a haven to explore and under the guidance of our Aquos team is a wonderful experience for our guests.
Among the endangered species, we have just recorded our 10,000th egg nesting by Hawksbill turtles.
Our Tabon bird sanctuary guided walk is perfect for children and adults alike.
STARGAZING
Not only famed for its intensely beautiful sunsets, Palawan is now also becoming one of the world’s most ideal locations to catch stunning views of the Milky Way.
With breathtaking views of the night sky due to such minimal light-pollution, Banwa Private Island provides a magical setting to partake in your latest favorite pastime.
BEYOND BANWA
Within just 20 minutes of the island are a host of unique adventures including amazonian like river cruises, line fishing, our organic farm, mountain hiking and much more.
A little further afield, we can arrange visists to the world famous Tubbataha Reefs and the Subterranean River - both UNESCO world heritage sites.
NEARBY
BARBACAN RIVER CRUISE
The Barbacan River is an oasis of tranquility, exuding serenity from the moment you arrive.
A 30-minute boat ride to the river’s mouth offers a glimpse of the pristine beauty that lies ahead.
As you glide along the gentle current, a captivating 20-30-minute river cruise unfolds, showcasing a lush primary mangrove forest spanning 25 kilometers. The rich biodiversity features mangrove plants, Hoyas, vines, puzzle nut trees, bamboo species, palm trees, and the nipa plant, a local livelihood source.
Observing local fishermen in paddle boats, bamboo poles used for fishing nets, bamboo crab traps, and riverside huts adds to the charm.
JOHNSON ISLAND SEABIRD WATCHING
Nature’s enchantment comes to life on this serene island as exposed sandbanks beckon a multitude of seabirds, turning it into a vibrant avian sanctuary.
Johnson Island’s allure is intricately tied to the ebb and flow of the tides. During high tide, countless seabirds seek refuge on these sandbanks, creating a picturesque tableau of feathered beauty.
Egrets, terns, plovers, and an array of other seabird species add their unique colors and voices to this vibrant chorus of life.
SUNSET CRUISE TO PAGBU ISLAND
Pagbu Island, a sanctuary for flying foxes, offers a captivating encounter with these remarkable creatures.
Your arrival on Pagbu Island is timed with the mesmerizing flyout of tens of thousands of flying foxes to mainland Palawan, precisely five minutes after sunset. Their graceful flight creates a surreal and remarkable visual against the setting sun’s vibrant hues.
As the flying foxes soar overhead, the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple. This exquisite sunset perfectly complements the elegance of the flying foxes’ flight, making it a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s paradise.
ILIAN RIVER CRUISE AND BAGONG BAYAN FALLS
Your excursion commences with a 45-minute boat ride along the coastal areas, immersing you in the stunning coastal scenery.
A 15-minute river cruise at the mouth of the Ilian River takes you deep into a biodiverse mangrove forest.
Upon reaching Bagong Bayan Village, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the locals, who live a simple life closely connected to the land and the river.
They rely on mud crab hunting, nipa weaving, and farming for their livelihoods. Their hospitality and warm smiles will make you feel right at home.
Your journey continues with a 30-minute trek to a hidden waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass through the heart of the village, offering a chance to connect with the locals and immerse yourself in their daily lives.
TUMARBONG ORGANIC FARM
Your adventure begins with a 15-minute boat ride aboard the Iguana Commuter, an amphibian yacht, taking you to Tumarbong Organic Farm, a sanctuary of natural abundance.
Tumarbong Organic Farm is dedicated to sustainability, using eco-friendly practices to cultivate organic vegetables and oyster mushrooms. You’ll also explore vermiculture with African nightcrawlers, essential for nutrient-rich compost.
Traditional copra making adds a touch of local culture to your experience, showcasing time-honored craftsmanship. Before leaving, refresh yourself with a taste of freshly picked buko (coconut) juice.
TUBBATAHA REEFS
Scientific research has revealed that the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park contains no less than 600 fish species, 360 coral species, 11 shark species, 13 dolphin and whale species, and 100 bird species. The reefs also serve as a nesting ground for Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles.
Contact us to find about our Tubbataha & Banwa cruise & relaxation trips.
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the Sulu Sea. The marine and bird sanctuary consists of two huge atolls and a smaller reef covering a total area of 375 square miles. It is located 93 miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan province.
In December 1993, the UNESCO declared the Tubbataha Reefs National Park as a World Heritage Site as a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100 metre perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.
Tubbataha forms part of the Coral Triangle, recognised as a center of marine biodiversity containing 75% of the described coral species and 40% of the world’s reef fish.
SUBTERRANEAN RIVER
The Subterranean River National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located about 50 miles north of the city of Puerto Princesa.
It’s located in the Saint Paul mountain range on the western coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east.
In 2010, a group of environmentalists and geologists discovered a cave dome measuring 980 feet above the underground river, along with never-before seen rock formations, large bats and undiscovered marine creatures. The deeper recesses of the underground river are almost impossible to explore and it’s thought they could hold even more secrets of nature.
In 2012, the Subterranean River was chosen as one of UNESCO’s New 7 Wonders of Nature.
