Camp out on a deserted island in Palawan

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Would you like to spend a night or more with your loved one on a deserted island or beach? You can do so as part of our multiday expeditions between El Nido and Coron. For more comfort you can sprinkle your stays in fancy resorts or beach huts as well, as you can choose your own accommodation.

Here is an amusing video of one solo traveler who wanted to sleep overnight on a deserted island (he chose Maosonon). But don’t worry, we’ll take care of you better than that, supplying a tent, pillows and mattress etc, with cooking equipment and so on, whatever you need to make your experience truly unique and special.

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The image at the top is of Bolina Island, one of many deserted island or beach opportunities. It is located across from the nature camp I organized while living in the area for a few years.

Bolina is located in the Linapacan area, half way between El Nido and Coron. If you do not have the budget to join one of our private multiday tours between El Nido and Coron, you can get to the Linapacan area by public ferry. Linapacan encompasses 52 mostly deserted islands, and you can get to Bolina with a local boat or combine it with a local boat tour. You can rent a tent(s) from the local boatman, who can also provide you with cooking gear or make you dinner etc. There are many factors and best to write to me for details. Expect an all-inclusive package to cost roughly 5,000p.

Very nice, wide fluffy beach ideal for teaching beginners on kitesurfing, as shown in the video below. Good for swimming as well, as the water gets deep right from shore. As explained in the official sales pitch for the island below, could be a good island for bird watching!

And if you really want to experience wild camping, you can canoe, kayak or longboard your way through the entire Palawan area, a mere 2,000km stretch!

The Thrill of Sleeping on a Deserted Island: An Unforgettable Adventure for Travelers

For many, the idea of sleeping overnight on a deserted island is the ultimate adventure—a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in nature’s purest form. Imagine falling asleep under a sky filled with stars, surrounded by the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore. Whether you’re seeking solitude, romance, or a dose of adventure, spending the night on a deserted island offers an experience unlike any other. Here’s why you should add this once-in-a-lifetime adventure to your travel bucket list.

1. Escape to Pure Solitude

On a deserted island, the absence of crowds, traffic, and noise creates an environment of total peace and tranquility. It’s the perfect way to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature.

• Digital Detox: With no Wi-Fi or cell service, you can truly disconnect from the distractions of daily life.
• Stress Relief: The isolation allows you to relax, meditate, and enjoy the calming effect of the natural surroundings.

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2. Unparalleled Stargazing

Far from city lights, a deserted island offers some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see. This makes stargazing a magical experience.

• Crystal-Clear Skies: With no light pollution, you can see constellations, shooting stars, and even the Milky Way in vivid detail.
• Romantic Setting: A blanket under the stars is the perfect setup for a romantic evening with your partner.

3. Thrill of Adventure

Sleeping on a deserted island brings out your adventurous side, offering a sense of exploration and discovery that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

• Survivor Experience: Feel like a modern-day castaway as you build a campfire, cook over an open flame, and adapt to the island’s natural rhythm.
• Exploration Opportunities: Spend your day snorkeling in untouched coral reefs, hiking to hidden coves, or searching for unique wildlife.

4. Immersion in Nature

A deserted island immerses you in the untouched beauty of nature, providing opportunities to encounter incredible marine life, pristine beaches, and lush vegetation.

• Secluded Beaches: Enjoy private stretches of powdery sand where you can swim, sunbathe, and relax without interruption.
• Marine Encounters: Islands often feature vibrant coral reefs, giving you the chance to snorkel with tropical fish, turtles, and more.
• Wildlife Spotting: Depending on the location, you may see exotic birds, crabs, or even bioluminescent plankton lighting up the water at night.

5. Unique Bonding Experience

For couples, friends, or families, sleeping on a deserted island creates memories and stories that last a lifetime.

• Teamwork: Setting up camp, gathering firewood, or cooking together strengthens bonds and fosters collaboration.
• Unforgettable Moments: From shared meals under the stars to morning swims in the crystal-clear ocean, every moment feels special and unique.

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6. Authentic Connection with Culture

In some parts of the world, spending a night on a deserted island is guided by locals who share their culture and traditions with you.

• Traditional Island Cooking: Enjoy freshly caught seafood grilled over a fire, prepared with local techniques.
• Stories and Folklore: Learn about the history and myths surrounding the islands from local guides or fishermen.

7. Cost-Effective Luxury

Surprisingly, sleeping on a deserted island can feel like a luxurious escape without the high price tag.

• Affordable Adventure: Many island-hopping tours in destinations like Palawan or the Maldives include overnight camping as part of the package.
• Natural Luxury: Who needs five-star resorts when you have a private beach, crystal-clear waters, and a canopy of stars?

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8. Perfect for Adventure Photography

If you’re passionate about photography, a deserted island offers endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and unique moments.

• Golden Hour Magic: Sunrises and sunsets on a deserted island are breathtaking and perfect for creating dreamy shots.
• Starry Nights: Capture long-exposure shots of the night sky for unforgettable images.

Tips for Sleeping on a Deserted Island

1. Pack Essentials: Bring items like a sleeping bag, flashlight, bug spray, and plenty of water.
2. Choose Eco-Friendly Practices: Leave no trace by cleaning up after yourself and respecting the island’s natural beauty.
3. Follow Safety Guidelines: Always go with a guide or inform someone about your plans, especially in remote locations.
4. Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the environment while enjoying the pristine waters around the island.

Top Destinations for Deserted Island Stays

If this idea excites you, here are some incredible destinations where you can sleep on a deserted island:

• Palawan, Philippines: Islands around El Nido and Coron are perfect for secluded overnight stays as part of boat tours.
• Maldives: Many atolls offer private island camping experiences.
• Indonesia: Remote islands in Raja Ampat are ideal for adventurous travelers.

Conclusion

Sleeping on a deserted island is more than just an overnight stay—it’s an immersive experience that combines solitude, adventure, and nature at its purest. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a thrilling adventure, or a chance to disconnect and recharge, this unique activity is sure to create memories that last a lifetime.

So, pack your sense of adventure and embrace the beauty of the unknown. A deserted island awaits!

Experience the thrill of island hopping in the Philippines

For Sale

Bolina Island is located at the North-East tip of Linapacan Island, in the Province of Palawan, Philippines, with a total “Titled” land area of 125,059 square meters (12.5059 has.) In actuality, the whole island including the foreshore measures to around 24.5 hectares’. GPS at 11 degrees 33’43.27”N – 119 degrees 52’’06.81”E. The island has a wide beach coast on the south end with a 900 meter flat land area from the tree-line up to the center of the property. The sloped hill of Bolina on the North edge is a perfect ground for adventurous trekkers and mountaineers alike. The highest point in the island is around 164 feet from sea level, making it an ideal location for a view deck and or cabanas with a magnificent vantage point over the Linapacan straight. The north-west side of the island has a flat rock face with an inclination of around 70 degrees and an elevation of 80 feet. It is great for rock climbing activities. Photo enthusiasts and/or amateur photographers would marvel at the spectacular rock formations in and around the island. The surrounding sea is calm between the months of March to October making it possible for wake boarding, kayaking, Jet Ski, banana boat rides and other water sports. There are two natural wells on the island which could be harnessed and developed as a source of fresh mineral water supply for the inhabitants. From time to time, the surrounding islands are being monitored by the Navy, Coast Guard, the local Barangay units and the PNP “Bantay-Dagat” patrol boat for added protection. Commercial & other illegal types of fishing methods are strictly prohibited to help preserve the precious coral reefs and the marine life. It is also worthy to note that cell phone signals are available on the property. Smart & Globe telecommunication networks are present throughout the day.

The Surrounding Islands

The closest rural community from Bolina Island is the Inupupan Island (which is a short 15 minute boat ride). There are around 600 families that reside on the island. Basic public services are available on the island such as a small health clinic, flea market, a make-shift gas station, Barangay outpost (local police unit) and a small chapel. This rural community can be a source of basic food supplies with local fishermen selling their freshest catch daily and farmers selling their produce on the banks of the shore.

The Beach

View from Bolina’s wide fluffy beach facing our island on the left, behind the sailing boat.

The island has a beach frontage of about 500 meters of unspoiled, powdery white silica sand. It is the only island in Linapacan with the widest beach from the tip of the sea up to the tree lines (which measures about 230 meters in the center). The beach is virtually protected by two elongated islands on the south-end making it an ideal place to just bathe under the sun without the worries of monstrous waves hitting you on the shores during monsoons and storms. The sandy beach covers almost the entire south-east tip of Bolina all the way to its south-west end. The sand gradually inclines from the shore towards the tree line at a 20 degree-angle with at least four (4) meters from sea level at its height. Its half crescent shape with its longest tip at the center faces southward, thus avoiding the strong North winds and waves that gradually reclaim the sand over time such as that of its neighboring islands. Flora & Fauna

The regular visitors of the island are the endangered sea turtles belonging to the Leather backs and the green back turtles which frequent the property all year round. They lay their eggs on the far end of the beach, two or three turtles at a time and then leaves without a trace. After 3 to 4 weeks, hundreds of baby turtles start to emerge from their burrows in the sand and instinctively rush to the sea, leaving only small straight tracks and empty shells behind. It’s a magnificent site and a rare opportunity to witness such a miracle of nature and actually be the owner of such a privileged island. The numerous varieties of birds that inhabit the island are also a key factor in promoting the place. There are endemic species such as the Tabon bird and the native Mayna. Finch, King Fisher, Red-head wood pecker and silver larks that inhabits the area has virtually transformed the island into a bird sanctuary. With a minimalistic approach and a genuine concern for nature, a peaceful co-existence can be harmoniously achieved between the island and its future developer. The coast line has about 170 coconut trees with additional trees being planted all year round. This multi purpose tree can yield lumber, the leaves can be woven together to form a strong type of roofing and wall (Nipa), which is locally used by the native Filipinos on their houses. The fruit is delicious and the coconut juice is a stable source of nutrient and is truly a tasty drink. Other fruit bearing trees such as the Cashew, Mango and Santol can be found all through out the island. Thick vegetation and foliage also prevents land spills and flooding during the rainy season and helps clean the air. A few type of flower bearing plants also abound the property with the beautiful white Orchid (native to this region) at the fore front. Large hardwood trees can also be seen dotting the entire island. The Marine Life

The marine life is another factor in considering this island paradise. The varieties of corals and fishes are too numerous to mention. Snorkeling in the crystal clear water around the beach will be more than a treat. Just hold a small piece of bread in your hand under the water line and you will be treated to a feeding frenzy of hundreds of fishes gently nibbling your hand. The water level during high tide is about 4 to 5 feet deep for several meters into the sea. Experience or inexperienced divers will get a kick out of the beautiful coral formations around the island. Just a few meters of the beach are varieties of anemone, branching alveopora marionensis, invertebrates & giant clams can be seen. The water is clear all through the year making visibility at 100%. Also worth considering are the dolphins which during their breeding months (between April to September) frequent the surrounding seas. Swimming with the boats and often putting on an acrobatic show for tourist and residents alike. They have grown accustom to their human neighbors and have flourished in numbers over the years. So travelling to and from the island will probably turn out to be a “dolphin watching trip.

To get here you can join or book one of our private custom Palawan boat tours between El Nido and Coron. Tons of paradise beach islands to see along the way, excellent snorkeling in crystal clear waters, caves to explore, Spanish fortress and much more. Completely off the beaten path!

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