Palawan

Palawan felt like stepping out of the modern world and into something far more raw and honest. I had the opportunity to shoot with Buhay Isla, an excursion company running a three-day, two-night boat trip from El Nido to Coron. No service, no distractions, completely off the grid. Just open water, remote islands, and a small group of people all choosing to disconnect from everything familiar.

What stood out most was how intentional everything felt. Buhay Isla runs their trips rooted in local culture and built around sustainability. It’s not polished or overproduced, and that’s exactly the point. It feels real. The kind of experience where you’re not being guided through something manufactured, you’re part of something that already exists.

If you’re looking for comfort, structure, and predictable days, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re open to a few days of going back to basics, meeting new people, and doing things you didn’t plan for, it becomes something you won’t forget.