"Every storm brings the promise of new beginnings; plant your seeds and let the rain do the rest."
Island Life: A Journey from Isolation to Anticipation
A once-isolated paradise on Palawan's "Middle Island" stands at the cusp of transformation with new infrastructure bringing accessibility to what was previously reachable only by treacherous 4x4 journeys. After five years of pioneering sustainable glamping in this protected area, I watch with cautious optimism as development approaches, hoping the inevitable growth preserves the natural beauty that made Lumambong Beach special.
David Le
4/3/20252 min read
Island Life: A Journey from Isolation to Anticipation
Five years ago, I broke ground on what many considered an impossible dream—creating a sustainable retreat on "Middle Island," a secluded stretch of Palawan coastline just two hours from El Nido but worlds away in development. Now, I'm witnessing the inevitable transformation I always knew would come.
Back in 2018, there was no road connecting us to civilization. Getting here meant white-knuckle 4x4 adventures and heart-stopping near-misses—just part of the charm of being truly off-grid. Lumambong Beach remained one of the few pristine shores with no access road, a sanctuary where nature and local fishermen coexisted undisturbed.
Today, things are changing rapidly. The new airport in San Vicente welcomes Cebu Pacific's small planes four days weekly during high season (December to May). But the real game-changer is the cement road now 75% complete, stretching from Alimanguan to Bato Ning2, New Canipo, Binga, and finally reaching Lumambong Beach. Palico Energy is installing power lines in New Canipo, and rumors of a solar farm in Cauban bring hope to this undeveloped paradise—for now.
Choosing glamping wasn't just because it was unique—it was the right approach for a protected area in Minapalaya Sound. Securing the only Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) across five barangays was grueling but deeply rewarding. Still, off-grid life presents daily challenges, like managing our 10kVA lithium solar system—essentially babysitting a rebellious teenager with its own agenda, especially during back-to-back low-pressure weather systems.
This past high season brought an influx of curious visitors, both locals and foreigners, simply driving up to explore. I welcome this growth—it's positive for the community and local economy. My hope is that the developers who've purchased land nearby will honor their responsibility to this fragile ecosystem.
What I've learned is that projects and dreams of any scale are achievable if you clearly define your goals and priorities. I take pride in operating the only business here with all necessary permits and plenty of room to expand. Perhaps an eco-farm is next?
The middle way is finding us now. The question remains: can we grow sustainably while preserving what made this place special to begin with?
