Banwa Private Island is an ultra-exclusive private-island resort in Palawan, Philippines, set within a protected marine sanctuary that is part of the UNESCO Palawan Biosphere Reserve. The island has just six beachfront villas, each with its own private pool, and is run with a strong focus on sustainability and conservation through its own Aquos Foundation. Banwa operates its own PADI dive centre, offering diving and snorkelling straight off the house reef from the beach or jetty, plus access to more than 15 further dive sites within an hour of the island, including wrecks and coral gardens. The surrounding waters have been recognised as one of the Philippines' most important shark and ray habitats and are home to over 70 wildlife species, including nesting Hawksbill turtles. For a bigger adventure, Banwa organises private liveaboard expeditions to the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a remote atoll system in the Sulu Sea known for 30-40m visibility, a 100-metre wall, and dense biodiversity (600+ fish species, 360+ coral species, 11 shark species). Trips combine a stay at the island with several nights aboard a chartered 140ft luxury dive yacht carrying 26 guests in 13 staterooms, visiting sites such as Jessie Beazley Reef and the North and South Atolls. Access to Tubbataha is seasonal, limited to a few months each year, and packages are sold as private, small-group charters rather than per-dive bookings.