Nestled in the idyllic surroundings of a forested bay in clear emerald waters, the house of Boayan, a little isle in the South China Sea, is an ideal spot for those in search of secluded comfort.

Boayan is not a resort, but the home of Philippe, Ditchay and their daughter Amelle. It becomes yours for the duration if your stay. In fact, they literally move out into another house nearby. Domestic help is on call and you can indulge in the services of an incomparable cook — Ditchay herself! Given that provisions cannot be obtained easily on the isle, you will be amazed by the excellent variety of culinary dishes she cooks up in Franco-Philippine style — duck (preserves, souffles, curry, rilettes), pates, cheese toasts, chocolate cake and delicious home-made bread. Vegetables and herbs are grown in the garden and the hen house assures fresh eggs for breakfast.

Six years ago, in their search for another way of life, Philippe and Ditchay said goodbye to their respective professions as a photographer and actress and came to settle here. They live on the isle like modern Robinson Crusoes — no television, electricity or telephones, but the magnificent spectacle of the bay, solar panels, the clarity of the digital satellite radio, a satellite telephone in case of an emergency and internet. They are attentive but discreet hosts who will provide you with interesting political, cultural or tourist information om the Philippines that they know so well.

The house is a large wooden pavilion on stilts, surrounded by a planked terrace facing a lagoon. It has two rooms and a bathroom. The kitchen is in a separate pavilion, very nice and inviting with wicker-work and kitchen utensils decorating the walls.

The terrace, with its fabulous view of the surrounding hills, is the place where you will spend most of your time. Mealtimes are the highlights of the day and are turned to the sounds of the waves. You are only a hop, skip and a jump from the crystal waters of the lagoon, which you can consider your own private swimming pool, where no mortal will come to disturb your tranquility. The lagoons boasts of an easily accessible beautiful coral reef. You can also admire the multi-colored fish of this sea garden with the help of snorkeling equipment.

The powdery white-sanded beach stretches out in from of the house. At low tide, it is pleasant to wander about in search of seashells. However, do restrain from destroying the fragile surroundings of the reef.

You can go fishing in a motorboat driven by an experienced boat man, on an excursion or a picnic on the golden deserted beaches, explore the little forest in the hills opposite or simply laze on your terrace and dream.

You will feel as if you’re in another world here, where time is of no consequence and where peace and tranquility are omnipresent. It is a tricky task returning to the hustle ad bustle of the capital, but the memory of this paradise lost will remain with you for a long time.

How to get there

By air, land and sea, 75-minute daily flights on Air Philippines Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit or PAL from Manila to Puerto Princesa. Two hours by car from airport to Port Barton. 45 minutes from Port Barton to Boayan Island. Transfer from the airport is usually included in the tour package.

More photos here

About the Author: WayPH

Our mission is to bring each of the 7,107 Philippine islands to you. We constantly make sure that our tour packages are high-quality and with reasonable rates. We do not just want to satisfy your travel needs, we make sure that we go beyond your expectations by taking you to the most memorable trip of your life, each and every time.

11 Comments

  1. Victoria Watts February 25, 2015 at - Reply

    Myself and 4 friends are thinking of coming to stay on Boayan Island in a couple of days on 27th February for a few nights….do you have availability and what is the cost? I’m also not sure how we get to the island, is there a ferry or small boat service?

    Many thanks,
    Victoria Watts

  2. Kevin January 24, 2015 at - Reply

    Hi
    Hope you are well, Any available for 3 nights between Fe17 to 25? And rate please.

    Thanks
    Kevin

  3. David May 8, 2013 at - Reply

    Hi,
    Are you still accepting guests?.

  4. Manny Torres January 9, 2013 at - Reply

    My son and fiancee are traveling to Palawan between Feb 15 and 23 and I suggested they plan on spending a few days in your paradise. What days are available and can you give us your rates.
    Thanks.
    I will be traveling with them but would like to give them as much privacy as possible. Is there another room I can use outside of the “main house”?

  5. Rick Naccara December 13, 2012 at - Reply

    Good morning,
    Pleased to know if you are still taking guests.
    Many thanks, Rick Naccara

  6. yen March 1, 2010 at - Reply

    hi…i love the place..superb..
    btw, how much is your honeyoon package for 2nights and three days..
    hope to receive your respose the soonest…
    thanks and Godbless…

  7. terence April 29, 2009 at - Reply

    hi, how much package for 2 pax and 1 infant, for 3 days 2 nights, full meal, and transfer from airport puerto princesa to your place. for nov. 2009tnx

  8. ditchay July 15, 2008 at - Reply

    please contact me about 2009 on ditchay@chinaseaisland.com
    thanks

  9. Rob Duff July 13, 2008 at - Reply

    Hi there,

    My Fiancee and I are getting married in KL, Malaysia, in April next year, the 19th to be exact and are looking for places to go on our Honeymoon.

    Your place looks perfect and I am wondering as to the rates for seven nights. Lets say from the 21st until the 28th of April 2009.

    I look forward to your reply.

    Thanks

    Regards

    Robert Duff

  10. dodie March 24, 2008 at - Reply

    hi,
    Please send me your rates , im planning to give my girlfriend th e best vacation and i think this is the perfect place.thanks

  11. Maje Daroy February 7, 2008 at - Reply

    hi there!!

    wow!! what a beautiful place to stay and live with!! how i wish my fiancee and I can pay a visit in your island for 3days(13-15,, he is on vacation for 5days and we wanted it to be so memorabale and special!! we are really experience the paradise that boayan island offers.. can you assist us and give us the rates??

    feel free to get in touch with me very soon, he will be in our country(phils) this coming sat!!

    thanks and gobless,

    Maje

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