Behind the Scenes of Our Low Season Makeover

As a Vietnamese Texan who's called Palawan home for the past few years, I've learned that the low season is anything but slow. My name is David Le, and I've been quietly transforming our little slice of paradise at Binga Beach Resort, turning challenges into opportunities and preparing for the bustling high season ahead.

This rainy season has been surprisingly kind to us. We were fortunate to experience only one back-to-back low-pressure system, which opened up a golden opportunity for some serious maintenance and improvements. My business partner Phil, a British expat with an eye for detail, flew in and spent an entire month helping me get the resort ready for the Christmas rush.

Our first major project was addressing the roofing situation. We completely replaced three roofs above Seaside Glamping 2, tackled remaining repairs on the main cottage, and gave some much-needed attention to our original structures - the carport and solar room. Staying true to our native aesthetic, we maintained the traditional nipa and cogan roofing styles that give our resort its unique character.

One of our biggest wins this season was significantly improving our guest amenities. We installed a water booster system for the showers, ensuring consistent water pressure - a small luxury that makes a big difference in a remote location. But the real game-changer was adding two private bathrooms to Seaside Glamping 1 and 2.

No more long walks to the main bathroom! Guests can now enjoy the ultimate convenience just steps from their glamping units.

With Phil on board, we took the opportunity to revamp our kitchen. We developed an exciting new menu that showcases local flavors and ingredients from our sustainable farms. The kitchen received several crucial upgrades to help us prepare for the incoming high season guests, ensuring we can deliver exceptional dining experiences. Stay tuned for our new drink and food menus.

Our marine offerings got a serious boost this season. We refurbished one of our small banca boats, giving it a fresh paint job that makes it look brand new. Barangay Binga is world-renowned for its squid fishing, and we're perfectly positioned for the prime season from mid-December to February. I'll send some pics of spearfishing for squid once the next full moon appears.

The excitement doesn't stop there. Phil arranged for a Mercury 15 hp engine to be sent to El Nido, which I'll be picking up next week. This is a game-changer for our aluminum boat, Elodie-Aurelia, which will now be ready to host 4-6 guests for island-hopping and snorkeling adventures. Don't forget we also have a huge boat that can cater to big groups up to 12 paxs for island hopping and snorkeling.

Living and operating a resort on one of the world's most beautiful yet remote islands isn't always easy. The constant road construction, the logistical challenges, and the wear and tear from salt water, sand, and tropical conditions require constant attention.

But we've built a sustainable model that goes beyond just survival. Our 10 kVa lithium solar system and Starlink satellite dish kept us fully operational during times when the rest of the island lost power and internet during rare extreme weather events like Typhoon Odette a few years back.

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us - it's a way of life. We manage several farms, compost everything, and ensure that absolutely nothing goes to waste. It's our small way of giving back to this incredible ecosystem that supports us.

As we approach the next three weeks, we're keeping a watchful eye on potential low-pressure systems or typhoons. While it's rare to encounter such events on the west side of Palawan at this time of year, we've learned to always be prepared.

Our experience with the once-in-200-years Typhoon Odette taught us that nature can be unpredictable. But we're ready - our structures are robust, our systems are resilient, and our spirit is unbreakable.

There are moments that test the very fabric of my resolve. The endless maintenance tasks seem to multiply like the waves lapping at our shores. Keeping this remote, off-grid retreat running feels like nurturing a delicate ecosystem - one that demands every ounce of my passion and perseverance. Some days, the distance from civilization weighs heavy, the logistical challenges forming a complex puzzle that threatens to overwhelm my spirit.

But then, magic happens.

I step outside and the world transforms. The crystal-clear waters shimmer like a living canvas, stretching endlessly between pristine white sandy beaches and the horizon. The gentle sea breeze carries whispers of adventure, of dreams, of connection. It sweeps away my doubts, replacing them with a profound sense of purpose. And when I see the faces of our guests - their eyes wide with wonder, their smiles reflecting pure, unbridled joy - I understand why I'm here.

In those moments, every challenge becomes a blessing. Every difficult day dissolves into the rhythm of this extraordinary place. The sacrifices aren't burdens; they're love letters to this beautiful corner of the world. We're not just running a resort. We're guardians of a dream, creators of memories, bridge-builders between travelers and this magnificent, untouched paradise.

This is more than a destination. This is home - in every sense of the word.

Stay tuned, adventure awaits at Binga Beach Resort.

- David Le

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