Tag: Palawan

Banwa Private Island – Multi-Award-Winning Experience Receives Latest International Recognition

Posted on by Expat PH

Banwa Private Island, the ultra-exclusive private island in Palawan, Philippines, continues to solidify its standing among the world’s most exceptional destinations with its third consecutive inclusion in Robb Report’s 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth for 2025.

Robb Report’s 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth, established in 2023, celebrates the pinnacle of global hospitality. Published by Robb Report, a leading authority on luxury lifestyle since 1976, the list is meticulously curated by 26 Travel Masters—globally respected luxury travel specialists renowned for crafting extraordinary journeys for an elite international clientele. Each expert nominates their top five exceptional properties, encompassing both new openings and timeless icons across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Among them is Henry Cookson, founder of Cookson Adventures, who lauded Banwa Private Island for its extraordinary marine setting and ecological significance:

“This is one of the world’s most exclusive private islands. It’s set in a marine-protected sanctuary, and we love it for its incredible diving—it’s possible to scuba alongside whale sharks as well as encounter the rare Hawksbill turtle and black tip reef shark.”

This latest recognition adds to Banwa Private Island’s growing list of international accolades, including the Editor’s Choice Award in The Gallivanter’s Guide 2024; being named “Private Island of the Year” by Destination Deluxe for three non-consecutive years (2020, 2022, and 2023); “Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort in the Philippines” by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific in 2023;  “Best of the Best in Travel” by Robb Report Hong Kong in 2024; and “World’s Leading Luxury Private Island” by the World Travel Awards in 2019.


Banwa Private Island has become a preferred retreat for celebrities, heads of state, and private families seeking more than just privacy. With only six contemporary beachfront villas—each with expansive interiors, private terraces and gardens, a jacuzzi, and a full-sized spring water pool—Banwa Private Island offers an experience defined by space, serenity, and sustainability. Among the largest and most luxurious in the world, the villas provide rare comfort and complete seclusion, with discreet service staff available at a moment’s notice but never in view. Whether reserved individually or through a full island charter, each stay is designed to feel effortless, private, and deeply personalized.

Located in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Banwa Private Island is surrounded by one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse marine corridors. Each guest stay contributes to vital conservation efforts through the Aquos Foundation, which supports habitat protection and scientific research—including in one of the country’s 10 Important Sharks and Rays Areas (ISRAs). Endangered species such as the Hawksbill turtle, blacktip reef shark, and whale shark thrive in these protected waters.

Sustainability is woven into daily island life. Banwa Private Island operates its own organic farm that supplies fresh produce to its kitchens. A self-replenishing artesian well provides natural water for drinking, bathing, and pools. The island is also uniquely mosquito-free, maintained through an entomologist-designed trapping system that eliminates the need for chemical sprays while safeguarding the delicate ecosystem.

Dining at Banwa Private Island is entirely bespoke—there are no menus to browse, no decisions to make. Each meal is thoughtfully crafted by the island’s chef, who takes time to understand every guest’s preferences and dietary needs. Using the freshest ingredients from Banwa Private Island’s organic farm and surrounding seas, the chef designs personalized menus that surprise and delight. Meals are served in stunning locations chosen to suit the moment—whether it’s a romantic dinner at Bantigue sandbar, sunset dining at the Platform, or an alfresco lunch by the pool.

Guests enjoy a seamless, all-inclusive island journey that extends to curated excursions, wellness treatments, and private aviation coordination. From snorkeling the vibrant house reef to exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, each itinerary is crafted to inspire discovery and connection with nature. 

As The Gallivanter’s Guide noted in its 2024 review: “The meticulous attention to detail is what makes Banwa Private Island truly special. The presence of vibrant flower bouquets that are refreshed every other day, the discreet room servicing during breakfast times, and the continuous replenishment of ice buckets and welcome treats—all without having to reach for the phone.”

“Today’s luxury traveler seeks more than privacy—they seek purpose,” said Simon Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Banwa Private Island. “Banwa Private Island delivers that rare combination of meaningful travel, uncompromising comfort, and untouched natural beauty.”

Villa rates begin at USD 3,050 per night, with a two-night minimum stay. Full island buyouts are available upon request.For more information, visit www.banwaprivateisland.com

Banwa Private Island and its Aquos Foundation Lead Conservation Efforts with Pating (Shark) Patrol Training for World Wildlife Day 2025

Posted on by Expat PH

Banwa Private Island, through its environmental arm, the Aquos Foundation, in celebration of World Wildlife Day 2025, partnered with Save Philippine Seas (SPS), led by Ms. Anna Oposa, and Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP), headed by Dr. AA Yaptinchay, to co-organize the Pating (Shark) Patrol Training in Roxas, Palawan. The initiative aimed to deepen community awareness of shark and ray conservation, focusing on species identification, legal protection, and the importance of Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs), particularly surrounding Banwa Private Island, a key reproductive habitat for blacktip reef sharks. 

Banwa Private Island and its Aquos Foundation attends Pating Patrol Training

The training gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from the Barangay Council of Tumarbong, Tumarbong Marine Protected Area (TMPA) Management Board, fisherfolk associations, the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Banwa Private Island & Aquos Foundation teams. Their participation underscored the collective responsibility in safeguarding marine biodiversity in Palawan’s waters.

Nestled in the Sulu Sea, northeast of Palawan—considered the last frontier of the Philippines—Banwa Private Island is a haven for marine biodiversity, making conservation efforts a fundamental part of its sustainability mission.

Throughout the training, experts discussed shark and ray species commonly found in the Philippines, their ecological roles, and the threats they face. Participants also learned about existing conservation laws that protect these species and the importance of ISRAs in ensuring their long-term survival. Additionally, community involvement in conservation efforts was emphasized, particularly in improving data collection on shark sightings, bycatch, and landings to support scientific research and policy recommendations.

The initiative highlighted the importance of local engagement in marine conservation, emphasizing that empowering communities with knowledge and practical conservation tools is key to protecting marine biodiversity. Through programs like Pating (Shark) Patrol Training, Banwa Private Island is fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that extends beyond the island, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving marine ecosystem. 

Banwa Private Island’s Aquos Foundation plays a vital role in marine conservation through initiatives such as reef restoration, marine turtle conservation, and sustainable fisheries management. By integrating scientific research with community action, the foundation works to protect critical marine habitats and support local conservation programs.

The Aquos Foundation team headed by Bernard Bonares (5th from left) proudly holds an informational infographic on shark species in the Philippines

One of the key commitments from the training was the active participation of local stakeholders in conservation efforts. Attendees pledged to report shark sightings through the Shark Spotted PH Facebook group, enhance local data collection on marine species, and advocate for sustainable fishing practices to reduce threats to sharks and rays.

Beyond advocacy and training, Banwa Private Island offers guests with immersive conservation experiences that highlight its commitment to sustainability. Guests can explore the island’s Tabon Bird Sanctuary, home to the nesting Philippine Megapode (Tabon Bird) and the Mantanani Scops Owl, a near threatened species. They can also snorkel in the island’s vibrant house reef, witnessing thriving corals, giant clams, and diverse marine life, or participate in Banwa Private Island’s Marine Turtle Conservation Program, where they may observe nesting turtles, natural hatchling releases, and conservation efforts in action.

The Aquos Foundation team, led by Environmental Guardian Bernard Bonares, (5th from left) gathers before the start of the Pating (Shark) Patrol Training in Roxas, Palawan.

The success of the Pating (Shark) Patrol Training reflects the power of collaboration in marine conservation. By strengthening community engagement and scientific research, this initiative reinforces the vital role of local stakeholders in protecting Palawan’s rich marine biodiversity.

To experience Banwa Private Island’s immersive conservation programs, contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882836, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com or visit website at www.banwaprivateisland.com. 

Banwa Private Island Elevates Filipino Hospitality

Posted on by Expat PH

Banwa Private Island, a premier luxury retreat nestled in the pristine waters of the Sulu Sea in Palawan, Philippines, is proud to announce that 63 of its frontliners have been certified under the Philippines Department of Tourism’s (DOT) award-winning Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program.

Janet Oquendo, Island Manager of Banwa Private Island, expressed the island’s commitment to providing world-class hospitality with a distinct Filipino touch. “By participating in the FBSE program and certifying 63 of our frontliners, we aim to further elevate our service standards and ensure that our guests experience the warmth and authenticity of Filipino hospitality,” she said.

Recognized globally as the ‘Private Island of the Year’ by Destination Deluxe for three years and included in Robb Report’s ‘The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth’ for two consecutive years, Banwa Private Island offers an unparalleled luxury experience. Beyond its exclusive accommodations and world-class amenities, the island remains deeply rooted in Filipino culture and tradition. 

The DOT’s FBSE program, hailed as the Training Program of the Year at the GovMedia Awards 2024, has empowered thousands of tourism industry professionals to deliver exceptional service. By embracing the seven core values of Filipino hospitality – Maka-Diyos (God-fearing), Makatao (People-oriented), Makakalikasan (Environmentally-conscious), Makabansa (Nationalistic), Masayahin (Cheerful), May Bayanihan (Community-spirited), and May Pagasa (Hopeful) – Banwa Private Island’s team is committed to providing warm and sincere service, from the iconic “Mabuhay” gesture to personalized attention to detail.

Through the FBSE program, Banwa Private Island’s 63 certified frontliners are now equipped to deliver world-class service, ensuring that every guest feels the warmth and hospitality that the Philippines is renowned for. 

Recognized as one of the Philippines’ important shark and ray areas, Banwa Private Island is not only an exclusive destination but also a responsible steward of the environment. The island’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its eco-friendly practices, from sourcing local ingredients from its own organic farm to minimizing waste. Beyond its operational sustainability, Banwa Private Island actively participates in various conservation programs, including marine conservation initiatives and coral reef restoration projects. By preserving the natural beauty of the Sulu Sea, the island ensures a sustainable future for generations to come. Banwa Private Island is also known for its unspoiled natural environment, with an artesian well providing fresh spring water and a naturally mosquito-free ecosystem. 

By participating in the FBSE program, Banwa Private Island reinforces its commitment to providing world-class hospitality with a Filipino heart. The island’s dedication to excellence and sustainability ensures that guests will experience a truly unforgettable and authentic Filipino experience.For more information and inquiries in booking an island escape at Banwa Private Island, please contact our Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com or visit website at www.banwaprivateisland.com.