Iris Island Resort is located on Darab Island in the Calamian Islands of Northern Palawan, positioned between Busuanga and Culion and within easy reach of Coron town and its nearby airport. A short one‑hour flight from Manila brings guests to the region, followed by a brief boat transfer to the island. Quiet, secluded, and surrounded by natural beauty, the island sits within a designated tourism development area and offers significant potential for expansion.
The Property
The island is approximately ten acres in size and includes a 3.3‑hectare water lease. Existing structures include a cliff‑top restaurant with a full kitchen, eight solar‑powered ocean‑view villas, a spa villa, a reception house connected to the pier, foundations for a staff house, and an unfinished residence at the island’s peak. Additional features include riprap‑enclosed sand areas suitable for future over‑water villas, a yoga shala, stone pathways around the island, and stone steps leading to the top. The resort’s restaurant and villas are solar powered, with solar water heaters for showers. Fire extinguisher stations are installed along pathways as required by local regulations. Boats are not included in the sale.
The Land and Water
The island is surrounded by a magnificent coral reef known for turtles, dolphins, colorful fish, and occasional dugongs. The reef is considered one of the most beautiful in the area and supports swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing. The island’s elevation reaches approximately 26 meters, and its position provides excellent exposure for solar energy production. Nearby attractions include World War II wrecks, white‑sand islands, hot springs, waterfalls, and more than thirty surrounding islands.
Access and Utilities
The island is a 15‑minute boat ride from road access and sits only 800 meters from a neighboring island with a fresh water source. Water is piped from Lajo Island to holding tanks on Darab Island. Solar power provides electricity, with additional panels easily added along the 100‑meter pier or on rooftops. Staff wages are generally low, and the island currently employs a caretaker. Travel from Manila involves a 50‑minute domestic flight to Coron, followed by a 40‑minute van ride and a 20‑minute boat transfer.
Operations and History
The eco‑resort operated for several seasons before the COVID‑19 shutdowns, offering all‑inclusive packages ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 PHP per night for two adults. During its operation, Iris Island Eco Resort achieved a 9.5 rating on booking.com, the highest in its class in the region. Staff were typically hired from nearby villages, with cooks and managers receiving higher wages.
Accommodations
The island includes four beach‑view villas located about ten meters above the shoreline and close to the reception area. Three are positioned together on the west side of the beach, while one stands alone on the east side for added privacy. Four island‑view villas sit approximately twenty meters above the beach and 200 meters from reception, offering elevated views of the ocean and surrounding islands. All villas are 35 m² with one bedroom, one bathroom with shower, and a balcony terrace. Each includes a king‑size bed, bedside tables, floor fan, water filter and dispenser, USB charging ports, vanity with mirror and chair, wardrobe, and balcony seating.
Development Potential
The island offers extensive opportunities for expansion, including additional villas, a second over‑water restaurant, and a luxury residence at the island’s peak. The flat summit area could accommodate a helipad, swimming pool, or tennis court. A pool site near the reception area is already prepared. The Bay of Buddhas—featuring large Buddha statues and an underwater temple—can be further developed as a tourist attraction. Enclosed riprap areas can be filled with white sand to create private beaches. Additional opportunities include fishing expeditions, island‑hopping tours, jet ski rentals, and sailing excursions.
Nearby Resorts and Attractions
Nearby luxury resorts include Busuanga Bay Lodge, Marina Del Sol Resort and Yacht Club, Al Faro Cosmio Hotel, Sunlight EcoTourism Island Resort, Huma Island Resort and Spa, and Sangat Island Diving Resort. Popular attractions include Pass Island, World War II wrecks, Black Island, Culion town, Coron town, Maquinit Hot Springs, Kayangan Lake, Malcapuya Island, Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, and numerous surrounding islands.
Nearby Towns
Coron, Busuanga is accessible by boat and van and offers an airport, hospital, supplies, hotels, and restaurants. Culion town is 30 minutes away by boat and provides additional services.
Foreign Ownership and Resort Operation
Foreign nationals cannot directly own land in the Philippines but may establish a Philippine corporation to hold property. The island is a tax declaration property, with taxes paid on improvements. Current annual tax is approximately 1,000 USD. To operate a resort, the new owner must secure a FLAG‑T (Forest Land Agreement for Tourism Purposes) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This agreement is valid for 25 years and renewable for an additional 25 years.
