"Buhay Isla" is a Tagalog phrase meaning island life. With buhay meaning “life” and isla meaning “island,” together they capture what we stand for: the rhythm, simplicity, and authenticity of living close to nature.
Our goal is to give guests a glimpse of what it feels like to live like a Philippine islander — away from the noise of the fast-paced modern world. Like the native tribes of Palawan, we guide you across remote beaches, limestone cliffs, and hidden caves, with no agendas, no timetables. Whether you lay on the sand, rest in a hammock, or sleep on a bamboo floor as waves lull you to sleep, Buhay Isla invites you to expect the unexpected and rediscover a simpler way of living.
Buhay Isla is not just an expedition — it’s a lifestyle. Every journey is an invitation to:
Your participation also creates impact — helping provide alternative livelihoods for islanders, reducing reliance on destructive practices like dynamite fishing or illegal logging.
At Buhay Isla, we live and hire by FACES, our compass for guiding expeditions, shaping guest experiences, and building teams.
But FACES alone is not enough. Every team member at Buhay Isla must also embody what we call Responsible Eco-Friendly Leadership — people who:
This is what makes Buhay Isla different — our guests are not just joining a tour, but being guided by leaders who live our values every day.
NOTE: Our office is usually only open during reserved briefing hours before a trip
NOTE: Our office is usually only open during reserved briefing hours before a trip