Iris Island Eco Resort
Location:
Iris Island Resort is located on Darab Island, one of the Calamian Islands of Northern Palawan in the Philippines and located between the island of Busuanga and the island of Culion. The small island is fairly near to Coron town, the largest town on the larger island of Busuanga, which is near the local airport. A short one hour flight from Manila gets you there.
Features:
...
Location:
Iris Island Resort is located on Darab Island, one of the Calamian Islands of Northern Palawan in the Philippines and located between the island of Busuanga and the island of Culion. The small island is fairly near to Coron town, the largest town on the larger island of Busuanga, which is near the local airport. A short one hour flight from Manila gets you there.
Features:
• Island is quiet and secluded yet very close (only 15 minutes boat ride) to road access
• Island is close to a neighboring large island (only 800 meters) that has a drinking water source
• Excellent position for abundant production of solar energy, additional panels can be placed along the 100 meter pier for maximum exposure to the sun, or on top of buildings
• Restaurant is solar powered, has 3 pavilions with spectacular views
• Huge potential for development
• Island is in a tourist development area that has been designated by the Philippine government as a tourist area to develop and promote
• The area is home to famous World War II wrecks and attracts divers from all over the world
• The island is surrounded by its own magnificent coral reef, where turtles, dolphins and multitudes of colorful fish are seen often and even sometimes dugongs (sea cows). The reef is one of the most beautiful reefs in the area.
• Very close to several 5 star resorts
• Excellent for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and many other outdoor activities
• Palawan is one of the safest areas in regards to storms and typhoons in the Philippines
• The domestic airport in Coron, Busuanga has been given the green light and budget by the Philippines government to expand to an international airport in the near future
Staff and Caretaker Costs:
• Generally daily staff wages per employee are around 500 pesos per day (10 USD)
• Currently the island has a caretaker, salary for the one person is 100 USD per month
Staff & Caretaker Costs:
• Generally daily staff wages per employee are around 500 pesos per day (10 USD)
• Currently the island has a caretaker, salary for the one person is 100 USD per month
Operations history:
• The island eco resort was opened for the first time a couple seasons before the Covid shutdowns. It offered all-inclusive daily packages starting from 10,000 PHP (approximately 200 USD per night) for 2 adults which includes 3 buffet meals up to 15,000 PHP/night (300 USD) during holidays and peak season times. It was classified as a 3-star resort.
• Staff costs are generally very reasonable, cooks and managers need to be paid higher wages. Generally staff required for operations and building, are taken from small nearby villages.
• During the time that the island resort was in operation, the Iris Island Eco Resort attained a 9.5 rating on booking.com which was the highest rating of any class hotel resort in the area
The Resort Aim:
The ultimate aim of Iris Island Eco Resort and Natural Health Spa was to infuse the three elements of Spirituality, Ecology and Natural Health into a rewarding vacation experience.
Beach View Villas:
There are currently 4 beach view villas each located about 10 meters above the beach level. They all have magnificent beach and ocean views and are only about 50 meters from the reception area. On the west side of the front beach there are 3 villas in close proximity and on the east side one solitary villa (perfect for maximum privacy). Pathways connect these villas to all areas of the island including the spa, common area, reception office, restaurant and beaches.
Island View Villas:
There are currently 4 island view villas; each located about 20 meters above the beach level and about 200 meters from the reception office. They have magnificent views of the ocean below and surrounding islands. Located along the natural pathways of the island, they offer maximum privacy. Pathways connect these villas to all areas of the island including the spa, common area, reception office, restaurant and beaches.
All villas are 35m2 in size, with one bedroom, one bathroom with shower and a balcony terrace. Each is equipped with a king size bed, bedside tables, floor fan, water filter and dispenser, usb charge plugs, vanity and mirror with chair, wardrobe, and balcony table and chairs.
Water Source:
It may be possible to drill a well on the island but the present water source comes from nearby Lajo Island, a very large island with a fresh water source at sea level that is only 800 meters away. This water source has been used for decades by the local island and water is piped from Lajo Island to a holding tank and then pumped halfway up the island to a larger tank that supplies the island villas, spa, reception and restaurant.
Size of island:
• Approximately 10 acres
• Includes in addition a 3.3 hectare (33000 square meters) water lease (leasing cost 30,000 PHP per year (550 USD per year) for 25 years and can be renewed
• The island has an elevation of about 26 meters
Existing Structures on the Island:
• Cliff-top restaurant with full kitchen
• 8 ocean-view solar powered villas 35m2 that can accommodate 2-4 people each
• 1 spa villa
• 1 reception house connected to pier and pier house
• Foundations started for staff house
• Residence on top of island (not finished)
• Rip rap (stone wall enclosed sand areas)- can be used to connect over-the-water villas
• 1 yoga shala along the stone wall (can be used for about 20 people for yoga or meditation
• 3 giant 3-4 meter Buddha statues and underwater Buddha temple (Bay of Buddhas tourist attraction)
• Paths around the circumference of the island with several areas with stone steps leading to the water´s edge
• Stone steps leading up to the top of the island (about 150)
• Solar powered restaurant and villas
• Solar water heaters for showers
• Fire extinguisher stations along pathways as required by municipal fire department
• The purchase does not include any boats
Potential for Development:
• Many more villas can be built each with views of the ocean
• A second restaurant can be developed over the water connected to the pier
• Residences can be built on top of the island and the existing one made into a luxurious owners residence
• Flat area on top of the island for a helicopter landing, swimming pool, tennis court
• Area near reception prepared for swimming pool
• Bay of Buddhas tourist attractions can be developed to attract thousands of day guests as the island has a spectacular coral reef. It is one of two underwater temples in the world
• White sand can be transported to the enclosed stone wall areas to make a luxurious enclosed white sand beach
• Opportunity for fishing expeditions, island hopping tours, jet skis, sailing excursions etc.
Resorts in Close Proximity:
• Busuanga Bay Lodge (10 minutes away by boat)
• Marina Del Sol Resort and Yacht Club (10 minutes)
• Al Faro Cosmio Hotel (10 minutes away by boat)
• Sunlight EcoTourism Island Resort (30 minutes away by boat)
• Huma island Resort and Spa
• Sangat island Diving Resort (30 minutes away by boat)
Tourist Attractions:
• Bay of Buddhas (the island's own tourist attraction on the island)
• Pass Island – very popular day trip to a white sand island only 30 minutes away
• World War II Wrecks- exceptional world renowned diving sites (Akitsushima wreck site only 5 minutes away from the island)
• Black Island beach and caves
• Culion town and Culion Island
• Coron town
• Maquinit Hot springs
• Pamalican island
• Coral Garden / Lusong Gunboat
• Kayangan Lake on Coron Island
• Malcapuya Island
• Concepcion town waterfall
• More than 30 islands in close proximity
Nearby Towns:
• Coron, Busuanga- 90 minutes directly by boat or 20 minutes by boat and 40 minute van ride to town (location of domestic airport, soon to be international airport, hospital, food and building supplies, many hotels and resorts)
• Culion town- 30 minutes by boat (hospital, food and building supplies)
How to Get There:
From Manila, take a 50 minute domestic flight to Coron, Busuanga, then a 40 minute van ride from the airport to boat access, then a 20 minute boat ride to the island.
Foreign Ownership and Resort Operation:
Foreigners who are not Philippine nationals cannot own land directly in the Philippines. They can however; register a Philippine corporation which can hold Philippine property and this can be arranged through a lawyer. The island is what is called a tax declaration property. Tax is paid on the developments on the property. The current tax paid is approximately 1,000 USD per year. The new owner will need to secure a FlagT (Forest Land Agreement for Tourism Purposes) with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) in order to operate a resort for tourism purposes in the Philippines. This tourism agreement is valid for 25 years plus 25 years extension.
Location:
Iris Island Resort is located on Darab Island, one of the Calamian Islands of Northern Palawan in the Philippines and located between the island of Busuanga and the island of Culion. The small island is fairly near to Coron town, the largest town on the larger island of Busuanga, which is near the local airport. A short one hour flight from Manila gets you there.
Features:
• Island is quiet and secluded yet very close (only 15 minutes boat ride) to road access
• Island is close to a neighboring large island (only 800 meters) that has a drinking water source
• Excellent position for abundant production of solar energy, additional panels can be placed along the 100 meter pier for maximum exposure to the sun, or on top of buildings
• Restaurant is solar powered, has 3 pavilions with spectacular views
• Huge potential for development
• Island is in a tourist development area that has been designated by the Philippine government as a tourist area to develop and promote
• The area is home to famous World War II wrecks and attracts divers from all over the world
• The island is surrounded by its own magnificent coral reef, where turtles, dolphins and multitudes of colorful fish are seen often and even sometimes dugongs (sea cows). The reef is one of the most beautiful reefs in the area.
• Very close to several 5 star resorts
• Excellent for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and many other outdoor activities
• Palawan is one of the safest areas in regards to storms and typhoons in the Philippines
• The domestic airport in Coron, Busuanga has been given the green light and budget by the Philippines government to expand to an international airport in the near future
Staff and Caretaker Costs:
• Generally daily staff wages per employee are around 500 pesos per day (10 USD)
• Currently the island has a caretaker, salary for the one person is 100 USD per month
Staff & Caretaker Costs:
• Generally daily staff wages per employee are around 500 pesos per day (10 USD)
• Currently the island has a caretaker, salary for the one person is 100 USD per month
Operations history:
• The island eco resort was opened for the first time a couple seasons before the Covid shutdowns. It offered all-inclusive daily packages starting from 10,000 PHP (approximately 200 USD per night) for 2 adults which includes 3 buffet meals up to 15,000 PHP/night (300 USD) during holidays and peak season times. It was classified as a 3-star resort.
• Staff costs are generally very reasonable, cooks and managers need to be paid higher wages. Generally staff required for operations and building, are taken from small nearby villages.
• During the time that the island resort was in operation, the Iris Island Eco Resort attained a 9.5 rating on booking.com which was the highest rating of any class hotel resort in the area
The Resort Aim:
The ultimate aim of Iris Island Eco Resort and Natural Health Spa was to infuse the three elements of Spirituality, Ecology and Natural Health into a rewarding vacation experience.
Beach View Villas:
There are currently 4 beach view villas each located about 10 meters above the beach level. They all have magnificent beach and ocean views and are only about 50 meters from the reception area. On the west side of the front beach there are 3 villas in close proximity and on the east side one solitary villa (perfect for maximum privacy). Pathways connect these villas to all areas of the island including the spa, common area, reception office, restaurant and beaches.
Island View Villas:
There are currently 4 island view villas; each located about 20 meters above the beach level and about 200 meters from the reception office. They have magnificent views of the ocean below and surrounding islands. Located along the natural pathways of the island, they offer maximum privacy. Pathways connect these villas to all areas of the island including the spa, common area, reception office, restaurant and beaches.
All villas are 35m2 in size, with one bedroom, one bathroom with shower and a balcony terrace. Each is equipped with a king size bed, bedside tables, floor fan, water filter and dispenser, usb charge plugs, vanity and mirror with chair, wardrobe, and balcony table and chairs.
Water Source:
It may be possible to drill a well on the island but the present water source comes from nearby Lajo Island, a very large island with a fresh water source at sea level that is only 800 meters away. This water source has been used for decades by the local island and water is piped from Lajo Island to a holding tank and then pumped halfway up the island to a larger tank that supplies the island villas, spa, reception and restaurant.
Size of island:
• Approximately 10 acres
• Includes in addition a 3.3 hectare (33000 square meters) water lease (leasing cost 30,000 PHP per year (550 USD per year) for 25 years and can be renewed
• The island has an elevation of about 26 meters
Existing Structures on the Island:
• Cliff-top restaurant with full kitchen
• 8 ocean-view solar powered villas 35m2 that can accommodate 2-4 people each
• 1 spa villa
• 1 reception house connected to pier and pier house
• Foundations started for staff house
• Residence on top of island (not finished)
• Rip rap (stone wall enclosed sand areas)- can be used to connect over-the-water villas
• 1 yoga shala along the stone wall (can be used for about 20 people for yoga or meditation
• 3 giant 3-4 meter Buddha statues and underwater Buddha temple (Bay of Buddhas tourist attraction)
• Paths around the circumference of the island with several areas with stone steps leading to the water´s edge
• Stone steps leading up to the top of the island (about 150)
• Solar powered restaurant and villas
• Solar water heaters for showers
• Fire extinguisher stations along pathways as required by municipal fire department
• The purchase does not include any boats
Potential for Development:
• Many more villas can be built each with views of the ocean
• A second restaurant can be developed over the water connected to the pier
• Residences can be built on top of the island and the existing one made into a luxurious owners residence
• Flat area on top of the island for a helicopter landing, swimming pool, tennis court
• Area near reception prepared for swimming pool
• Bay of Buddhas tourist attractions can be developed to attract thousands of day guests as the island has a spectacular coral reef. It is one of two underwater temples in the world
• White sand can be transported to the enclosed stone wall areas to make a luxurious enclosed white sand beach
• Opportunity for fishing expeditions, island hopping tours, jet skis, sailing excursions etc.
Resorts in Close Proximity:
• Busuanga Bay Lodge (10 minutes away by boat)
• Marina Del Sol Resort and Yacht Club (10 minutes)
• Al Faro Cosmio Hotel (10 minutes away by boat)
• Sunlight EcoTourism Island Resort (30 minutes away by boat)
• Huma island Resort and Spa
• Sangat island Diving Resort (30 minutes away by boat)
Tourist Attractions:
• Bay of Buddhas (the island's own tourist attraction on the island)
• Pass Island – very popular day trip to a white sand island only 30 minutes away
• World War II Wrecks- exceptional world renowned diving sites (Akitsushima wreck site only 5 minutes away from the island)
• Black Island beach and caves
• Culion town and Culion Island
• Coron town
• Maquinit Hot springs
• Pamalican island
• Coral Garden / Lusong Gunboat
• Kayangan Lake on Coron Island
• Malcapuya Island
• Concepcion town waterfall
• More than 30 islands in close proximity
Nearby Towns:
• Coron, Busuanga- 90 minutes directly by boat or 20 minutes by boat and 40 minute van ride to town (location of domestic airport, soon to be international airport, hospital, food and building supplies, many hotels and resorts)
• Culion town- 30 minutes by boat (hospital, food and building supplies)
How to Get There:
From Manila, take a 50 minute domestic flight to Coron, Busuanga, then a 40 minute van ride from the airport to boat access, then a 20 minute boat ride to the island.
Foreign Ownership and Resort Operation:
Foreigners who are not Philippine nationals cannot own land directly in the Philippines. They can however; register a Philippine corporation which can hold Philippine property and this can be arranged through a lawyer. The island is what is called a tax declaration property. Tax is paid on the developments on the property. The current tax paid is approximately 1,000 USD per year. The new owner will need to secure a FlagT (Forest Land Agreement for Tourism Purposes) with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) in order to operate a resort for tourism purposes in the Philippines. This tourism agreement is valid for 25 years plus 25 years extension.
