Isla – The Island Experience Review: Glamping on Darocotan Island, Philippines

How to Get to Isla – The Island Experience

To reach Isla – The Island Experience, you’ll first need to make your way from El Nido to Teneguiban port.

Here are your options:

One of the things that makes The Island Experience so special is its size, as they never have more than 30 guests on site at any one time, which gives the whole place that cosy, social and community feel that you just can’t replicate in a bigger resort. 

All rooms are beautiful bamboo huts on stilts, each with a balcony overlooking the most stunning turquoise waters I have ever seen.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that waking up to that view every single morning was one of the best experiences of my entire travelling life. I’d open my eyes, step out onto my balcony with a coffee, and just stand there thinking, “How is this place real?” 

If you’re someone who appreciates the simple things in life, like fresh air, incredible views and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, then you are going to absolutely love it here.

Room Types

Large Hut

• Sleeps 2 (double bed)
• Balcony with ocean view
• Fan & electricity

Extra Large Hut

• Sleeps 3-4 (1 double + 2 single beds)
• Balcony with ocean view
• Fan & electricity

👉 Check availability at The Island Experience here — rooms go fast with only 30 guests at a time.

Bathrooms

As The Island Experience is an eco-friendly and sustainable project, huts don’t come with private bathroom facilities. 

Instead, there are 2 shower and toilet blocks on the property, which are cleaned and maintained regularly throughout the day, and to be honest, this was absolutely fine. 

The only time it felt like an inconvenience was when I needed to pee in the middle of the night, and I was scared about what creepy crawlies might be out there, but I just had to put my big girl pants on and go when I needed to go!  

💡 Not sure if shared bathrooms are for you? If private facilities are a dealbreaker, this probably isn’t the place for you — but if you’re happy to embrace the eco-glamping experience, you genuinely won’t miss them. I promise!

What is There to Do at Isla – The Island Experience?

After 12 years of travelling, I’ve stayed in a lot of places, but the activities here struck the perfect balance between adventure, relaxation and cultural connection. I tried out all of the activities at Isla – The Island experience and can genuinely recommend them all! 

Here’s a rundown of everything on offer:

Hammocks & Relaxation

If your idea of a perfect holiday involves doing absolutely nothing, you’re going to fit right in here. 

The Island Experience has hammocks and comfortable seating dotted all around the property, and I spent a lot of hours here swinging in the hammocks with a good book, just letting the time slowly pass by! 

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is one of the highlights of any stay on Darocotan Island, and the best part is that The Island Experience provides guests with free snorkelling gear. 

The marine life here is incredible,  and if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a shipwreck just a short distance from shore to explore.

Village Tours

It’s important to know that Darocotan Island isn’t just a tourist destination; it’s home to a real, thriving local community. 

Volunteers at The Island Experience run daily village tours where you can meet locals, learn about their way of life, and pick up something from their small shops to support them directly. I took part in the village tour during my stay, and it’s one of the reasons I’d recommend The Island Experience over a standard resort every single time.

Floating Pontoon ⭐ MY FAVOURITE

Right, I have to give this one its own special moment because the floating pontoon was my absolute favourite thing about the entire stay. 

Located just a short paddle from shore, it’s the perfect place to sunbathe, read, or just stare out at the horizon and let your mind go completely blank.

Every single afternoon, I would pop my Kindle into my dry bag, paddle out to the pontoon and spend hours out there completely alone with the ocean. If I close my eyes, I can still picture it now, and it makes me want to book a flight back to the Philippines immediately. 

If you take nothing else from this review, take this: do not skip the pontoon.

Pig Bathing

Every afternoon, the pigs are set free from their enclosure for a little dip in the sea, and you can get involved with washing them. 

I, however, made the very wise decision to watch from a safe distance. Why? Because I stood at the shoreline, watched that gorgeous, crystal-clear, turquoise water turn a very murky shade of brown within approximately 30 seconds, and decided that was enough for me. 

Paddleboarding

Fancy exploring the island from a different angle? You can rent a paddleboard for just 250PHP and head out on the water. If you’re planning to paddle around the whole island, make sure to check with the staff first that the conditions are safe, but on a calm day, it is absolutely stunning.

Beach Bonfire 

Every few evenings, the team puts on a beach bonfire after dinner, and this was genuinely one of my favourite parts of the whole trip. 

There was something so special about sitting on a beach under a sky full of stars with a drink in hand and surrounded by people you’ve only just met that gives you one of those real “I love my life” moments. 

✨ Keen to enjoy the Isla Experience Magic? Check current prices and availability here — worth booking ahead as it fills up quickly.

Food & Drinks at Isla – The Island Experience

Food 

Let me just start by saying  I did not have a single bad meal during my entire stay at The Island Experience. Not one. And as someone who has eaten their way through 60+ countries, that is really saying something!

Food is served in a communal buffet format for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you won’t be picking from a menu. 

Everything is made with fresh, local ingredients, and the spread is always incredible. There are also plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, which I always think is a sign of a place that really cares about catering for its guests. 

The meal times themselves are also part of the whole charm. There’s something really lovely about sitting down to eat with a group of strangers and getting to know one another. 

Drinks 

There’s a small onsite tiki bar which is open for most of the day (and yes, I absolutely made use of it😄)

You can grab soft drinks, beers and cocktails, and if you get a little peckish between meals, they also serve snacks.

💡 One important thing to note: Food and drinks are NOT included in the price of your stay. The staff will keep a running tab for you throughout your visit, and you’ll settle up at checkout. I’d recommend keeping a rough mental note of what you’re spending as it can add up quickly (especially when the cocktails are soooo good).

Food & Drinks

Food and drinks are not included in your stay and are charged separately via a running tab settled at checkout. I’d recommend budgeting roughly $15-20 per day for meals and drinks, though obviously that depends on how well acquainted you get with the tiki bar! 

Activities

Most activities at The Island Experience are completely free,  including snorkelling gear and village tours. The only activity with a cost is paddleboarding at 250PHP (~$4) per session.

When is the Best Time to Visit The Island Experience?

The Island Experience is at its absolute best during the dry season, which runs from November to May. 

During these months, you can expect clear skies, calm seas and that picture-perfect turquoise water that makes Darocotan Island so special.

I visited in April during the dry season, and the conditions throughout my entire stay were absolutely perfect. There was not a drop of rain, calm seas every single day and the most stunning clear visibility for snorkelling. Honestly could not have asked for better weather! 

What about the wet season?

The wet season runs from June to October, and while it is still possible to visit during this time, you may experience rough seas, heavy rainfall and reduced visibility for snorkelling. The boat schedule may also be affected by weather conditions during these months.

Is The Island Experience Good for Solo Female Travellers? 

I’ll be upfront,  I visited The Island Experience with friends rather than solo. But having travelled solo for the best part of 12 years and visited over 60 countries, I know exactly what to look for when it comes to assessing whether a place is solo female travel-friendly, and Isla – The Island Experience ticks every single box.

The island is small, safe and incredibly well managed. The staff are attentive and welcoming, the guest community is tight-knit and friendly, and the whole set-up naturally brings people together in a way that means you are never really on your own for long.

In fact, if I ever find myself back in the Philippines (which I fully intend to), returning to The Island Experience solo is already at the top of my list. 

The community vibe here is honestly one of the best I’ve ever encountered at any accommodation in the world, and I think solo travellers would thrive in that environment.

My Personal Review of The Island Experience 

I’ve been travelling for over 12 years and visited more than 60 countries. I’ve stayed in five-star hotels, tiny hostels, overwater bungalows and everything in between and somehow, a collection of bamboo huts on a tiny remote island in the Philippines has ended up being one of the most memorable travel experiences of my entire life.

From the moment we stepped onto the boat over to Darocotan Island, I knew we were in for something special. The staff who met us at the pier were warm, funny and immediately made us feel at home, and that feeling never once went away during our entire stay.

Within hours of arriving, we were chatting to other guests on the beach, sharing travel stories and laughing like we’d known each other for ages.

Some of my favourite moments from the trip included belting out karaoke with a group of virtual strangers, sitting on the beach every single evening watching the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever seen, and of course, those long, lazy afternoons out on the pontoon with nothing but my Kindle and the sound of the ocean.

When it came to leaving, I genuinely did not want to go. We booked the latest possible boat off the island, and even then, it still felt too soon. 

If you’re looking for somewhere genuinely off the beaten path in the Philippines, away from the crowds of El Nido town, this is it.

Where else is there to stay on Darocotan Island? How Does The Island Experience Compare?

Darocotan Island is still relatively under the radar, which means accommodation options are limited. There are three main places to stay on the island, and depending on your budget and travel style, here’s how they compare:

• Isla — The Island Experience: (obviously my top pick!) This is the one I chose, and I’d recommend it to almost every type of traveller. It strikes the perfect balance between affordable comfort and a genuine sense of community, which, in my opinion, is what travel in your 30s is all about. 
• Dryft Darocotan: If you’re looking for something a little more upscale with more privacy and luxury, Dryft is the one to look at. I did actually consider it before booking, but at the time, it was a little out of my budget. It looks absolutely stunning, though and would be a brilliant option for a special occasion or if you’re travelling as a couple looking for something more romantic.
• Backpackers Island, El Nido: If you’re travelling on a shoestring budget, then Backpackers Island, El Nido, is your best bet. It’s the most affordable option on the island and a solid choice if you’re keeping costs to an absolute minimum.

Tips for Staying at The Island Experience 

1. Plan Your Journey Around the Boat Schedule 

This is really important. Make sure you know the boat times before you travel and plan your journey accordingly. 

One thing I learned pretty quickly about travelling in the Philippines is that if a journey is supposed to take 5 hours, budget for 6 or 7. Always leave plenty of wiggle room between connections because missing a boat means waiting hours for the next one!

2. Bring More Cash Than You Think You Need 

There are no ATMs on the island, and cards are not accepted, so whatever cash you bring is what you’ve got. Factor in your food and drinks for the duration of your stay, any activities like paddleboarding, and a little extra for snacks and souvenirs from the village. 

If you do overspend, a PayPal transfer may be possible, but I would absolutely not rely on that!

3. Bring a Dry Bag 

This was genuinely one of the best things I packed for my trip. A dry bag means you can safely take your phone, Kindle or camera out to the pontoon, on the paddleboard or snorkelling without worrying about water damage. I used mine every single day!

4. Download Things Before You Go 

WiFi on the island is available in the communal area, but it is patchy at best. I’d highly recommend downloading any books, podcasts, playlists or Netflix shows before you arrive so you’re never stuck without entertainment during downtime. 

That said, I’d also really encourage you to embrace the digital detox. Putting my phone on aeroplane mode for most of my stay was one of the best decisions I made!

5. Pack Light But Pack Smart 

You’re going to be on a small remote island, so you really don’t need much! Essentials include reef-safe sunscreen, a good book, a reusable water bottle, snorkelling gear if you have your own, and something warm for the evenings. 

6. Embrace the Community 

This might sound obvious, but go in with an open mind and a willingness to connect with the other guests. 

Some of the best conversations and funniest moments of my entire trip happened completely spontaneously with people I’d never met before. 

🏝️🛏️If I have finally convinced you to book a stay at Isla – The Island Experience, you can check availability and current prices here.