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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
19 Jan 2024
Feedback
9
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Details
Description
Workawayers! My name is Lawrence and I am working in my resort in Palawan, Philippines. I live there currently along with my family. I will personally be your host there and I look forward to giving you an insight into our island life.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
We are a remote island with a small fishing village, roughly an hour by private boat from the mainland. We currently rely on hiring boats when a re-supply or travel is necessary.
OUR ISLAND
The locals are friendly and welcoming but many do not speak english. Their culture is quite conservative so they do expect outsiders to wear appropriate clothing when visiting their village on the other side of the island.
The best way to describe the island is that it's a hidden sanctuary. The island has all you need for a true Philippine island experience with some modern luxuries.
Thriving, reefs vibrant with colour right off our beach. The island itself is both a marine and bird sanctuary and the people who inhabit the village are a protected tribal people.
WHO WE ARE
My family are from The UK and The Philippines. My mother and I were blessed enough to call this paradise; home. It was our combined effort to carefully design a place where we create a unique experience for guests and at the same time make it comfortable enough for us to live there.
Our values are sustainable living, respecting the culture and being innovative.
WHAT WE OFFER
Accommodation, transport (from EL Nido to the island and back) and food are included. My family have experience cooking for vegetarians and vegans.
Our are well ventilated with an electric fan and mosquito net.
We have a washing maschine, solar power, kitchen, clean toilets and showers.
Starlink WiFi which is reliable most of the day.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, about the things we need help with or anything else in general, I am happy to answer.Types of help and learning opportunities
Art ProjectsHelp with Eco ProjectsGardeningDIY and building projectsFarmstay helpHelp around the houseHospitality/TourismGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
A village lies just 25 minutes walk opposite to us where there is also a small elementary school. Fishing and coconuts are the main source of income for the locals. There are numerous situated islands around us with beautiful features, each with it's own vibe.
My family are originally from Manila, The Philippines. We have spent many years living abroad and have developed a sort of hybrid culture. We can give good insights into live both in rural and city living through our values which we have also from abroad.
The locals are also friendly and a few can speak english. I have been on one of their fishing boats to fish at night and it was a fun experience. Both the locals and travellers can benefit from exchanging ideas and cultures. Helping us to create a successful food garden will help the locals to see and copy techniques to improve their own lives.Help
We currently aim to accommodate a group of up to 4 volunteers. Collaborate with myself and my family for the following role(s):
1. Permaculturist: X 1
Create a small garden/farm utilising various sustainable and innovative techniques combining technology where necessary and utilising companion farming systems. Our rainwater tank should also be utilised and a water saving irrigation method. Wherever possible an automatic system requiring minimal maintenance should be applied. The ideal Workawayer needs to be passionate, have experience and is able to collaborate on a plan via video call before arriving.
2. Artists / Designers: X 2
For any of the following: Design and create physical signage, design a map of our island for use online and physical, design a brochure showcasing our place, artistic designs all over the place, anything creative to enhance our place. The designs should follow our current style of art which is more life-like, abstract and formal / rustic.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Tagalog: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.Accommodation
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:
We have beach huts, these are located just a stone's throw away from the ocean and are well ventilated and have fans installed. You will be have your own hand made bamboo bed with a mattress, clean sheets a pillow and a mosquito net.
ELECTRICITY:
We have a small solar system. You can charge all your devices in our place.
TOILET & SHOWER:
Our communal showers and toilets (separate male and female) are located a couple of minutes from the rooms. We have reliable facilities.
FOOD:
We cook delicious cultural food. We tend to eat what is seasonally grown and locally produced but on occassion we visit the markets in El Nido to stock up. My family have experience cooking for vegans and vegetarians also. I am sure they'll have no issues if you have any special requests.
TRANSPORTATION
Travel arrangements will need to be discussed in advance of your stay due to the remoteness of our island.
Note: We are only able to transport to and from the island during the mornings until mid-day from El Nido only. This means you will likely need to spend the night in El Nido if you are not ready to travel from there by 12:00 to go to our island. Note, we are hoping to gather our volunteers together on the same boat if possible.
There are three ways you can get to our island, Barangonan.
1. Take a ferry from Manila or other major ports (Cheapest Option but Longest) and go to either:
i. CORON
ii. PUERTO PRINCESSA
A. If you go to Puerto Princessa, you can take a passenger van (approx 700 pesos and 6 hours drive) which goes up to El Nido Terminal. Stay the night in El Nido and visit this world famous destination which inspired the film, The Beach.
B. Fly to Puerto Princessa Airport where you can take a a van outside the terminal entrance to El Nido for (approx 700 pesos and 6 hour drive). I reccomend to spend one night in El Nido to rest as it's usually a tiring drive and we can collect you in the morning.
i. For me this is the best value/ time option. The drive is through mountain roads so not ideal for those prone to car sickness. Ask to sit in front if you tend to get sick.
C. Fly to El Nido Airport (usually most expensive option but check prices)
I can then come and collect you from the airport by car.What else ...
Volunteers and helpers on their time off can do the following:
(Please note for all the activities, let me family know and they'll be happy to give tips and advice. All activities are subject to availability).
1. Snorkel on our beachfront reef.
2. Work on your tan on our beach.
3. Visit the village.
4. Beach bonfire.
5. Kayaking around the island.
6. Learn to cook local food (just ask my family).
7. Organise your own island hopping tour.
8. Hike to the top of the island. (subject to safety)
9. Stargazing
10. Firefly spotting.
11. Various local techniques for bushcraft, knots etc.
12. Fishing with the locals.
13. Ping pong, billiards, air hockey, other games.
14. Nature spotting
15. Spear fishingA little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Starlink
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Up to 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (5)
The most valuable advice… read more
Thank you guys for… read more
We had to paint some walls, clean the kitchen and tidy up the bar because the hostel was almost finished. We had so much fun exploring the sourrounding islands with other volunteers, cooking all together and watching movies under the stars at… read more
Feedback
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(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
The most valuable advice… read more
Thank you guys for… read more
We had to paint some walls, clean the kitchen and tidy up the bar because the hostel was almost finished. We had so much fun exploring the sourrounding islands with other volunteers, cooking all together and watching movies under the stars at… read more
I would… read more
Their input has helped me make my project even better and I do hope they come back to visit again.