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

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."

Banwa Private Island: A Premier Destination

Banwa Private Island Receives Prestigious “Private Island of the Year” Award from Destination Deluxe for the Third Time 

Banwa Private Island, a multi-award-winning all-villa retreat nestled in the heart of Palawan, Philippines, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious “Private Island of the Year” by Destination Deluxe for the third year. This recognition underscores Banwa Private Island's unwavering commitment to providing an extraordinary and sustainable experience for its guests.

Private Island of the Year 2023 Winner:  Banwa Private Island

Upon receiving the honor, Banwa Private Island's Commercial Director, Pamela Balce, expressed her joy, stating, "We are truly humbled by this recognition as it highlights the dedication of our team to sustainability, authenticity, and exceptional service. Banwa Private Island's commitment to creating an extraordinary guest experience remains unwavering, and we are honored to be acknowledged alongside environmental innovations by the Aquos Foundation."

L’IGUANA EST ARRIVÉ!

Directly from the Iguana factory in Normandy, our new French-built amphibious Commuter Yacht has just reached our shores. 

A hidden gem surrounded by the crystalline Sulu Sea, mesmerizing marine life, and radiant coral reefs, Banwa Private Island enthralls travelers seeking exclusive and unique adventures in a private sanctuary.

With the arrival of world-class Iguana Commuter, Banwa Private Island has expanded the island escape experience. The Commuter model, being the most exclusive in the range of yachts from Iguana, is the first of its kind in Asia. Adding new dimension to immersive local activities, the sustainable, amphibious boat opens up access to new idyllic spots of North-eastern Palawan’s coastline to discover while enjoying the sheer thrill of the ride, seamlessly transferring between land and water. 

Travel Green: Explore Banwa Private Island at its greenest

Green season is every frequent traveller’s best kept secret. It is the perfect opportunity to explore Banwa Private Island where nature is in full bloom.

Green season means drizzles in the warm and sunny mornings, ideal for swimming, hiking, nearby island adventures and outdoor activities. The cool,. fresh breeze makes the days more relaxing, finding paradise in whatever you do.

Environment Hero of Banwa Private Island

At Banwa Private Island, team members are everyday heroes who passionately work together in the noble pursuit of protecting Mother Nature. Surrounded by the untouched beauty of the island sanctuary in North-eastern Palawan, the team’s collective love of nature has inspired each one to be custodians of the environment.

Meet Bernard, one of invaluable team heads who leads the Aquos Foundation in its various local conservation endeavors and research initiatives.  The Aquos Foundation, with the mission to conserve, protect and nurture the rich biodiversity in and around the marine protected reserve, is the environmental arm of Banwa Private Island.

Palawan being his childhood playground, Bernard has developed his strong affinity to flora and fauna at a very young age.  As a registered nurse by profession, his intrinsic gift of care and empathy has transcended to both people and nature.  Bernard, a pioneer of Aquos Foundation, has played a vital role in protecting and restoring the habitats of the critically endangered Mantanani Scops Owl, Hawksbill Turtle and the Tabon Bird (Megapode). 

We Are Ready for the World!

Experience the pristine and untouched beauty of Banwa Private Island as The Philippines opens to international travelers

Guests who yearn for privacy, serenity and tranquility in nature can now pursue their much-awaited holiday plans to explore the ultimate exclusive destination, Banwa Private Island, as The Philippines opens its shores to international travellers without any quarantine period.

There’s no better time than now to discover a luxurious hideaway gem nestled in North-eastern Palawan, one of the world’s last frontiers of natural biodiversity.  Remote yet not removed, Banwa Private Island boasts breath-taking views, flourishing flora and fauna, and powder-white sands of the turquoise Sulu Sea.  Charter flights via seaplane, private jet or helicopter will seamlessly take guests from Manila or Clark international airports right to the doorstep of the garden island.

Guests can choose to stay in any of the contemporary-designed villas or decide on an exclusive island charter and craft a dream holiday masterpiece.

Banwa Private Island is the perfect backdrop for shared travel experiences with family and loved ones -- take a plunge in the house reef, go kayaking or paddleboarding and walk on the wild side in the lush, verdant nature trails. 

Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path, hop on a boat to explore nearby islands, and say yes to unique adventures.  Embark on a deep-sea fishing excursion, take a short trek to a secret waterfall, or witness the quintessential Palawan sunset on a secluded sand bank while sipping your favorite cocktails.

Start planning now and see the world again. Revive your bucket-list, journey across the oceans and experience an escape unlike any other at Banwa Private Island.

For more information and enquiries, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com, or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.

About Banwa Private Island

Banwa Private Island is an intimate all-villa destination for discerning guests wanting to experience in luxury, privacy and designer services in a marine protected and nature reserve.

Located in north-eastern Palawan in the Sulu Sea, Philippines, the island’s lush landscaping provide a perfect environment for nature to thrive. Guests can prefer to be accommodated in one of contemporary-designed beachfront villas or decide on an exclusive island charter giving that privacy that guests may need. 

Remote yet not removed, the island is accessible via charter seaplane direct to the island or helicopter transfers from San Vicente, Puerto Princesa or El Nido directly to the island lawn, after a 1-hour commercial flight from Manila.

Committed to preserving and protecting the nature and biodiversity, Aquos Foundation, Banwa Private Island’s sister company was conceived to support, nurture and protect the island’s delicate ecosystem and its richness of flora and fauna that provides habitat for.

For more information, please visit www.banwaprivateisland.com                                  

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Banwa Private Island is back to serve you

WE ARE BACK!

As the sun shines anew, travel in serene seclusion to Banwa Private Island.

Enjoy a luxe air travel bubble journey to the all-villa holiday destination Banwa Private Island in North-eastern Palawan.

Ascent Flights Global (“Ascent”), the island’s preferred aviation partner, brings the allure and romance of travel, in a crowd-free and safe environment in their fleet of private jets, helicopters, and seaplanes.

Ascent’s holistic, tailored and seamless air travel experience from enquiry, check-in, arrival in the island, to well after your return ensures your peace of mind in planning and caring for you and your loved ones throughout your holiday.

Luxe Travel Bubble: Private Flights to Banwa Private Island

Take off and breeze through the skies in a private jet, helicopter or single-engine aircraft by Ascent Flights Global (“Ascent”) to the exclusive and all-villa Banwa Private Island.  

Banwa Private Island’s preferred aviation partner, Ascent features more private air options for a truly luxurious and seamless experience, whether flying directly to the island or through any of Palawan domestic airports. Every charter flight is tailored to the guest’s needs, meticulously organized from enquiry until well after arrival. 

The most favored and convenient charter flight from Manila to Banwa Private Island is through an 8-seater Cessna Grand Caravan EX seaplane, landing directly on the doorstep of the exclusive sanctuary.

Banwa Private Island - ‘Exclusively Yours’ For The Ultimate Holiday Masterpiece

Discover the island sanctuary, be your own artist and create your holiday masterpiece.

Banwa Private Island can be entirely and exclusively yours… it’s the perfect blank canvas to design your own private holiday and off-site business experience.  There are endless possibilities of reconnecting and rediscovering in the intimate all-villa luxury destination with pockets of lush garden and stretches of pristine beach within a marine reserve in north-eastern Palawan.

Charter the whole island exclusively, and let life imitate art.  Banwa Private Island can take your holiday to an exceptional level from family and friends’ reunions, social celebrations to corporate planning sessions, and select incentives.