Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi flies 360 kilometres south-west of Manila to experience the true meaning of luxury on “the peaceful island,” Amanpulo
In a country made up of thousands of islands, Amanpulo is the one that has repeatedly been called the most beautiful one in the world. From the private propeller plane making the 70-minute journey from the Manila airport, you’ll see a number of landmark places, but prepare yourself for when you finally set eyes on the island: a swathe of powdery white and emerald green, iconic to those that have seen it before, and utterly longed for by those who have yet to experience its wonders.
Amanpulo’s home island is called Pamalican. It is elongated and almost completely flat, encircled by five kilometres of fine, white sand, and surrounded by coral reefs and a marine sanctuary, where hawksbill and green turtles nest. Even among the legendary islands of Palawan, Pamalican stands out—radiating an enduring mystique that must come from the ultra-private nature of Amanpulo, which is first and foremost a paradise built on raw island. Nearby, you’ll find only the friendly neighbouring community of Manamoc.