Get off the grid with this private island getaway on Airbnb

When your idea of a fun and relaxing getaway has graduated from endless partying and going to LaBoracay to finding solace away from the physical and virtual pollution of the city, here’s a destination that you may want to consider.

Just a little over three hours away from Manila, a private island is up for rent on Airbnb. Equipped with an 80-square meter bungalow with a living room, a kitchen, a main bedroom and an attic, the island can comfortably host a group of up to 10 people. It has a separate study with the most relaxing 360 degree island view and a spacious ground area where you can dine alfresco. You may also chill and/or read on a hammock under a tree, walk barefoot while enjoying your favourite glass of wine, or roast marshmallows and hotdogs around a ready bonfire by the lake.

The island runs on a generator which is powered on from 6PM-12AM only. This should give you enough time to charge your mobile phones and other devices. A rechargeable electric fan is available but the house is built to let in natural air so it can get really cool (cold even) at night.

If you are up for some legit camping experience, you may set some sleeping bags outside by the campsite. This spot is perfect for a drinking session with the barkada or snuggling with your special someone should you want to go there on a date. Skinny dipping is optional but it feels like a must-do since there is nobody around to Snapchat your private moment – well nobody other than your friends or your date that is.

HOW TO GET THERE

Once you have finalized your booking on Airbnb, the owner would send you a private message with detailed instructions on how to get to the island, what to bring, where to buy food, and contact information of the island’s caretaker/boat chauffeur.

If you are Waze/Google Map dependent like us, you may set your destination to Lumot Elementary School – Lumban, Caliraya, Cavinti Road. This is the closest destination to the lake and parking area where you will be picked up that is available on both maps. From there, watch out for the barangay’s covered basketball court and the barangay hall to your left. Just beside the barangay hall, there is driveway on the left side of the road going down the guarded parking lot of the NAPOCOR Watershed Management Field Office. Parking rate is at P75 per night.

Before getting to this point, you should call the caretaker to pick you up already so he can meet you with a private boat that will transport you to the island. You may request for the same boat to bring you back should you need additional supplies or in case of an emergency.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring food! Lots of it! Bring your own condiments, booze, water, an ice box and lots of meat for grilling! Pre-download movies and series to watch on iFlix, bring that book that you have been meaning to read for the longest time. Bring your pet! The island is pet friendly and is home to two overly-friendly huskies.

WHAT TO DO

The island is perfect for team building activities, sharing ghost stories and bonding with the family. On the other end of the spectrum, this can be a perfect getaway spot to recharge, think, write or even paint. Couples can spend a much needed alone time here – just lying down under the clear night sky and leaving the worries of the city behind.

All images © 2016 Dale Bacar.

If you hurry, you can get a P2500 discount on your AirBNB booking to any destination in the world until March 31, 2016! To avail of a discount code, just type SUNAIRBNB and text it to 2488 or SMARTAIRBNB and send it to 2855. You may use the code upon checkout when you book for a minimum of P8000. Promo is applicable to any booked travel until December 2016.