Frequent Questions
Reservations
Is there a minimum night stay?
For villa guests there is a minimum 2 night stay. For whole island rentals there is a minimum 7 nights stay.
When is the best time of year to make a reservation?
The ideal tourist season in terms of weather is the drier season from November to May. During the rainy season meaning the months of June, July, August, September and October, the resort is closed.
Are meals included in the accommodation price?
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included as well as free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and filtered water. Additional snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, shakes, coffee drinks and ice drinks are available but will be charged extra. Please note that lunch on your arrival and departure days is not included as checkin is 2pm and checkout is 12 noon.
Do your rates include transfers from the airport to the island?
Yes, but only if you book 3 or more nights. If you book 3 nights we offer free one-way pickup transfer from the airport in Coron/Busuanga or from Coron town. If you book 4 nights or more, both-way pickup and dropoff transfers are included in the rates. The trip involves a van ride of about 40 minutes and boat ride to the island of 20 minutes. If you require pickup or dropoff at other locations than Coron Airport or Coron town, additional rates may apply.
What activities are included in the accommodation price?
Free evening meditation sessions and free evening lectures and presentations (when available).
What about internet, cell phone signal and charging my devices?
The island is located in a remote area of the world, although there is a good cell phone signal and usually fairly good internet, it may vary during the day. The resort offers free WIFI only in the restaurant.
Low wattage devices such as tablets, mobile phones and digital cameras (no hair dryers) can be easily charged in your villa. Laptops can be charged in your villa or in the restaurant.
What services do you offer in the Spa?
The Shanti Spa offers our guests a variety of luxurious and healing spa treatments in our open Spa Villa
We offer:
- CLASSICAL MASSAGE
- FOOT MASSAGE
- BACK AND NECK MASSAGE
- NATIVE PHILIPPINES MASSAGE
- AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
- AYURVEDA MASSAGE
- LAVA TIGER SHELL MASSAGE
For more information, see our SPA section.
When is the best time of year to make a reservation?
The ideal tourist season in terms of weather is the drier season from November to May. During the rainy season meaning the months of June, July, August, September and October, the resort is closed.
Villas
What is the capacity of each villa?
Each villa is 35m2 / 375 square feet and has either a king size bed ideally suited for a couple or single beds that can accommodate up to 3 adults, and some include a bunk bed for children. An additional single bed (sofa bed) can be requested to accommodate an extra adult or child. Maximum capacity 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
What type of rooms are available in the resort?
The resort offers individual villas, all with sea views. We have four Standard Sea-View Villas, two Deluxe Sea-View Villas and two Superior Sea-View Villas.
Is smoking allowed inside the villas?
Sorry, all our villas are non-smoking so please refrain from smoking inside the villas. Also, as we want to keep our island pristine, we ask that you please not throw your cigarette butts anywhere on the island.
Are mosquito nets included in the rooms?
For most of the season, mosquitos are not a big problem on the island, other than at dusk and dawn. However all our poster beds are equipped with mosquito nets that breathe and allow for fans to cool through the material. All villas include screens on the windows and sliding glass doors.
Do your villas have air conditioning?
No and we do not plan to. To stay true to our goal of being a truly ecological resort and limit carbon emissions, we have strived to use natural means of cooling, including thatched roofs, screens, fans and mosquito nets that breathe and allow fan cooled air. In most cases this is more than enough for a comfortable stay.
Are there hot showers?
Yes, our villas include solar heated hot showers.
What about shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other detergents?
We ask that you please not use your own shampoo, conditioner or soaps unless they are natural and biodegradable. Each villa is supplied with ecological biodegradable shampoo, conditioner and soap for your use that ensures we do not harm the environment.
What about internet, cell phone signal and charging my devices?
The island is located in a remote area of the world, although there is a good cell phone signal and usually fairly good internet, it may vary during the day. The resort offers free WIFI only in the restaurant.
Low wattage devices such as tablets, mobile phones and digital cameras (no hair dryers) can be easily charged in your villa. Laptops can be charged in your villa or in the restaurant.
Universal plugs are used through the island which can accept various American, European and other plugs. Voltage is 220V.
Renting the whole island
What is included when you rent the entire island?
Booking the entire island resort includes:
- Accommodation for up to 16 guests in our 8 beach view and island view villas
- Staff of more than 15 employees at your service
- Mosquito nets
- Complementary in room water and water filter
- Free breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet daily
- Complimentary coffee and tea and water available all day in the restaurant (juices, shakes, cappuccino and coffee drinks, ice drinks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included but are available at a cost)
- Free WIFI in the restaurant plus free personal mobile Wi-Fi for each villa
- Free welcome drinks
- Free boat and van transfer from Coron airport to the island and back
- Free rental of mask, fins and snorkel
- Free morning yoga and evening meditation sessions
- 1 Complimentary massage per guest during your stay
- Boat available for Day trips for at a cost (see day trips)
- Free evening lectures and seminars (when available)
- Special custom programs and meals can be organized for your group
What if we have a group of more than 16 people and would like to rent the entire island?
The island currently has 8 villas that can accommodate 8 couples comfortably, however please contact us and we can try to make arrangements for additional beds in the rooms. Additional costs will apply.
Restaurant
Are meals included in the accommodation price?
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included as well as free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and filtered water. Additional snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, shakes, coffee drinks and ice drinks are available but will be charged extra. Please note that lunch on your arrival and departure days is not included as checkin is 2pm and checkout is 12 noon.
What if I am a vegetarian or have special meal requests?
Each meal buffet will always have some vegetarian dishes and our chef will try to accommodate you with any other special requests as much as is possible.
Is the restaurant available to visitors who are not guests?
Yes, the restaurant is open to visitors other than guests who can enjoy our daily breakfast, lunch or dinner buffets at a set price. Other refreshments like coffees, ice drinks, shakes, and light snacks are also available during the day. A public restroom is available in the restaurant.
Activities
What activities are included in the accommodation price?
Free evening meditation and lectures (when available)
What activites are there to do on the island?
We have one of the best coral reefs in the areas, so snorkeling is fantastic. Swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking meditation in the evenings, massage, day trips can be organized, scuba excursions can be organized, walks around the island etc. Please see under menu: Things to Do
Do you have a Dive center?
We not not have a dive center on the island but we can organize dive excursions with our partner dive shop that is only 15 minutes from the island. They can pick you up, take you diving and return you back to the island. Please advise us in advance your experience level, how many dives and dates so we can ensure availabilty.
Sustainability
Does the island have its own power supply?
The island buildings each have their own solar panel power supply and battery storage. The restaurant has 220 volt power while the villas have a combination of 5/ 12V and 220V for smaller appliances only. Solar path lights are used throughout the island. We do not use any generators for our buildings. Due to this we please ask our guests to be modest in their energy uses and to not waste energy during their stay.
What ecological methods do you use for cooking?
Cooking is done predominantly by solar ovens with some frying done by traditional methods. As solar technology advances and we learn more, we hope to be eventually free of using any fossil fuels for cooking.
What about waste disposal?
All toilets on the island are composting toilets that are waterless. In combination with enzymes and special natural composting material, liquid waste evaporates through an outlet tube and solid waste composts into an odorless and ecologically safe powder used as plant fertilizer.
All grey water from showers and sinks runs into a natural garden filter composed of sand, gravel, soil and shrubs where it is recycled and cleaned naturally.
A garden composter is used for kitchen waste and then as plant fertilizer.
Do you have air conditioning?
No and we do not plan to. To stay true to our goal of being a truly ecological resort and limit carbon emissions, we have strived to use natural means of cooling, including thatched roofs, screens, fans and mosquito nets that breathe and allow fan cooled air. In most cases this is more than enough for a comfortable stay.
What about shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other detergents?
We ask that you please not use your own shampoo, conditioner or soaps unless they are natural and biodegradable. Each villa is supplied with ecological biodegradable shampoo, conditioner and soap for your use that ensures we do not harm the environment.
What about waste from plastic bottles?
Iris Island Resort, unlike most resorts in the world, has chosen not to sell or offer water in plastic bottles. The millions and millions of plastic bottles that pollute our oceans and lands have convinced us that this is not the way to go. Luckily on our neighboring island there is a natural flowing well where all our drinking water is from. In our opinion this water is pristine and probably the healthiest and cleanest you can find. For added protection we run this water through additional filters and offer water filters in every villa. Same goes for our restaurant. All other cans and waste materials are sent to recycling plants, as much as possible.
Spirituality
What does Iris Island Resort offer for spiritual activities?
We offer meditation sessions most evenings that are entirely voluntary and free to all our guests. Periodically we offer other spiritual seminars, lectures and activities in the evening. During peak months we offer individual morning yoga sessions. Mantra chanting and other spiritual rituals are often included in the meditation sessions.
Guests are free to use our common areas for meditation, relaxation, exercise or reading.
What if I do not want to partake in any spiritual activities?
All spiritual activities are entirely voluntary, but we sincerely hope that you open your mind and spirit to new ideas and possibilities that may change your life.
Is the resort open to only certain religions or denominations?
No, Iris Island Resort is open to anyone of all religions and denominations, even the non-religious . We incorporate spiritual practice and activities that are open to anyone, if they so desire. No one is ever forced into participating.
Spa
What services do you offer in the Spa?
The Shanti Spa offers our guests a variety of luxurious and healing spa treatments in our open Spa Villa
We offer:
- CLASSICAL MASSAGE
- FOOT MASSAGE
- BACK AND NECK MASSAGE
- NATIVE PHILIPPINES MASSAGE
- AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
- AYURVEDA MASSAGE
- LAVA TIGER SHELL MASSAGE
For up to date information, see our SPA section.
Natural Health Clinic
What services are offered by the Natural Health Clinic?
The Natural Health Clinic is located in the Shanti Spa Villa. During some times of the year it offers natural and non-invasive diagnostic procedures, consultations and natural treatments for any health problem.
Please ask at our reception for natural health services that are available.
Weather
When is the best time of year to make a reservation?
The ideal tourist season in terms of weather is the drier season from November to May. During the rainy season meaning the months of June, July, August, September and October, the resort is closed.
What weather can I expect?
During the tropical dry season, temperatures are in the range of 30 to 35 degrees C. going down at night to around 24 degrees C. Rains, if at all are infrequent and often last for a short time.
There are often winds during some months that are usually inviting and can be great for windsurfing.
Health Concerns
Is there any danger of malaria on Iris Island?
There has never been any case of malaria on our island. Minor risks of malaria may be found in other areas of the Philippines but not where we are situated. We do in any case offer mosquito nets in all our rooms. Common sense precautions are advised.
What if I have a medical emergency?
The island is a one hour boat ride from Culion Island Hospital and their medical staff is equipped to handle most medical emergencies. The island resort is also connected to the hospitals sea ambulance network which is on call 24/7.
The island resort is also equipped with some first aid supplies for minor emergencies.
What are other precautions one should take?
One should be aware of certain diseases that are possible in tropical Asian regions like the Philippines. Those include Dengue Fever, Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis B, Cholera and Malaria. Please consult with your medical health provider.
Travel Issues
What is the best way to get to the island?
You must first get to Manila and from Manila book a short one hour flight (Cebu Pacific, Philippines Airlines or Skyjet) to the airport in Busuanga / Coron (Francisco B. Reyes Airport). Once you arrive at the airport, find a van that is going to the Iris Island drop-off point near Concepcion and that will take about 45 minutes. At the drop-off point, there is a stairway that leads down to a small pier. Our Iris Island boat will pick you up from there and take you on a 20 minute boat ride to the island.
What if I am coming from El Nido?
From El Nido, you can either fly to Manila and then take a flight to Busuanga or you can take a ferry boat from El Nido direct to Coron town in Busuanga. The ferry rides vary from the super-fast ferries (3.5 hours) to the regular ones (up to 8 hours). These ferry rides may at times be rough during periods of bad weather. Warning for those who are prone to sea sickness.
Fish and Wildlife
Are there any dangerous insects, sea creatures or wildlife on or around Iris Island Resort?
As for all the Philippines, there are common stinging insects such as centipedes, wasps as well as some marine species such as jellyfish, stonefish and sea urchins. Take the usual precautions and avoid touching any marine or land species. Wear footwear when wading along the ocean shores and when snorkeling.
Is there a minimum night stay?
For villa guests there is a minimum 2 night stay. For whole island rentals there is a minimum 7 nights stay.
When is the best time of year to make a reservation?
The ideal tourist season in terms of weather is the drier season from November to May. During the rainy season meaning the months of June, July, August, September and October, the resort is closed.
Are meals included in the accommodation price?
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included as well as free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and filtered water. Additional snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, shakes, coffee drinks and ice drinks are available but will be charged extra. Please note that lunch on your arrival and departure days is not included as checkin is 2pm and checkout is 12 noon.
Do your rates include transfers from the airport to the island?
Yes, but only if you book 3 or more nights. If you book 3 nights we offer free one-way pickup transfer from the airport in Coron/Busuanga or from Coron town. If you book 4 nights or more, both-way pickup and dropoff transfers are included in the rates. The trip involves a van ride of about 40 minutes and boat ride to the island of 20 minutes. If you require pickup or dropoff at other locations than Coron Airport or Coron town, additional rates may apply.
What activities are included in the accommodation price?
Free evening meditation sessions and free evening lectures and presentations (when available).
What about internet, cell phone signal and charging my devices?
The island is located in a remote area of the world, although there is a good cell phone signal and usually fairly good internet, it may vary during the day. The resort offers free WIFI only in the restaurant.
Low wattage devices such as tablets, mobile phones and digital cameras (no hair dryers) can be easily charged in your villa. Laptops can be charged in your villa or in the restaurant.
What services do you offer in the Spa?
The Shanti Spa offers our guests a variety of luxurious and healing spa treatments in our open Spa Villa
We offer:
- CLASSICAL MASSAGE
- FOOT MASSAGE
- BACK AND NECK MASSAGE
- NATIVE PHILIPPINES MASSAGE
- AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
- AYURVEDA MASSAGE
- LAVA TIGER SHELL MASSAGE
For more information, see our SPA section.
When is the best time of year to make a reservation?
The ideal tourist season in terms of weather is the drier season from November to May. During the rainy season meaning the months of June, July, August, September and October, the resort is closed.
What is the capacity of each villa?
Each villa is 35m2 / 375 square feet and has either a king size bed ideally suited for a couple or single beds that can accommodate up to 3 adults, and some include a bunk bed for children. An additional single bed (sofa bed) can be requested to accommodate an extra adult or child. Maximum capacity 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
What type of rooms are available in the resort?
The resort offers individual villas, all with sea views. We have four Standard Sea-View Villas, two Deluxe Sea-View Villas and two Superior Sea-View Villas.
Is smoking allowed inside the villas?
Sorry, all our villas are non-smoking so please refrain from smoking inside the villas. Also, as we want to keep our island pristine, we ask that you please not throw your cigarette butts anywhere on the island.
Are mosquito nets included in the rooms?
For most of the season, mosquitos are not a big problem on the island, other than at dusk and dawn. However all our poster beds are equipped with mosquito nets that breathe and allow for fans to cool through the material. All villas include screens on the windows and sliding glass doors.
Do your villas have air conditioning?
No and we do not plan to. To stay true to our goal of being a truly ecological resort and limit carbon emissions, we have strived to use natural means of cooling, including thatched roofs, screens, fans and mosquito nets that breathe and allow fan cooled air. In most cases this is more than enough for a comfortable stay.
Are there hot showers?
Yes, our villas include solar heated hot showers.
What about shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other detergents?
We ask that you please not use your own shampoo, conditioner or soaps unless they are natural and biodegradable. Each villa is supplied with ecological biodegradable shampoo, conditioner and soap for your use that ensures we do not harm the environment.
What about internet, cell phone signal and charging my devices?
The island is located in a remote area of the world, although there is a good cell phone signal and usually fairly good internet, it may vary during the day. The resort offers free WIFI only in the restaurant.
Low wattage devices such as tablets, mobile phones and digital cameras (no hair dryers) can be easily charged in your villa. Laptops can be charged in your villa or in the restaurant.
Universal plugs are used through the island which can accept various American, European and other plugs. Voltage is 220V.
What is included when you rent the entire island?
Booking the entire island resort includes:
- Accommodation for up to 16 guests in our 8 beach view and island view villas
- Staff of more than 15 employees at your service
- Mosquito nets
- Complementary in room water and water filter
- Free breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet daily
- Complimentary coffee and tea and water available all day in the restaurant (juices, shakes, cappuccino and coffee drinks, ice drinks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included but are available at a cost)
- Free WIFI in the restaurant plus free personal mobile Wi-Fi for each villa
- Free welcome drinks
- Free boat and van transfer from Coron airport to the island and back
- Free rental of mask, fins and snorkel
- Free morning yoga and evening meditation sessions
- 1 Complimentary massage per guest during your stay
- Boat available for Day trips for at a cost (see day trips)
- Free evening lectures and seminars (when available)
- Special custom programs and meals can be organized for your group
What if we have a group of more than 16 people and would like to rent the entire island?
The island currently has 8 villas that can accommodate 8 couples comfortably, however please contact us and we can try to make arrangements for additional beds in the rooms. Additional costs will apply.
Are meals included in the accommodation price?
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included as well as free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and filtered water. Additional snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, shakes, coffee drinks and ice drinks are available but will be charged extra. Please note that lunch on your arrival and departure days is not included as checkin is 2pm and checkout is 12 noon.
What if I am a vegetarian or have special meal requests?
Each meal buffet will always have some vegetarian dishes and our chef will try to accommodate you with any other special requests as much as is possible.
Is the restaurant available to visitors who are not guests?
Yes, the restaurant is open to visitors other than guests who can enjoy our daily breakfast, lunch or dinner buffets at a set price. Other refreshments like coffees, ice drinks, shakes, and light snacks are also available during the day. A public restroom is available in the restaurant.
What activities are included in the accommodation price?
Free evening meditation and lectures (when available)
What activites are there to do on the island?
We have one of the best coral reefs in the areas, so snorkeling is fantastic. Swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking meditation in the evenings, massage, day trips can be organized, scuba excursions can be organized, walks around the island etc. Please see under menu: Things to Do
Do you have a Dive center?
We not not have a dive center on the island but we can organize dive excursions with our partner dive shop that is only 15 minutes from the island. They can pick you up, take you diving and return you back to the island. Please advise us in advance your experience level, how many dives and dates so we can ensure availabilty.
Does the island have its own power supply?
The island buildings each have their own solar panel power supply and battery storage. The restaurant has 220 volt power while the villas have a combination of 5/ 12V and 220V for smaller appliances only. Solar path lights are used throughout the island. We do not use any generators for our buildings. Due to this we please ask our guests to be modest in their energy uses and to not waste energy during their stay.
What ecological methods do you use for cooking?
Cooking is done predominantly by solar ovens with some frying done by traditional methods. As solar technology advances and we learn more, we hope to be eventually free of using any fossil fuels for cooking.
What about waste disposal?
All toilets on the island are composting toilets that are waterless. In combination with enzymes and special natural composting material, liquid waste evaporates through an outlet tube and solid waste composts into an odorless and ecologically safe powder used as plant fertilizer.
All grey water from showers and sinks runs into a natural garden filter composed of sand, gravel, soil and shrubs where it is recycled and cleaned naturally.
A garden composter is used for kitchen waste and then as plant fertilizer.
Do you have air conditioning?
No and we do not plan to. To stay true to our goal of being a truly ecological resort and limit carbon emissions, we have strived to use natural means of cooling, including thatched roofs, screens, fans and mosquito nets that breathe and allow fan cooled air. In most cases this is more than enough for a comfortable stay.
What about shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other detergents?
We ask that you please not use your own shampoo, conditioner or soaps unless they are natural and biodegradable. Each villa is supplied with ecological biodegradable shampoo, conditioner and soap for your use that ensures we do not harm the environment.
What about waste from plastic bottles?
Iris Island Resort, unlike most resorts in the world, has chosen not to sell or offer water in plastic bottles. The millions and millions of plastic bottles that pollute our oceans and lands have convinced us that this is not the way to go. Luckily on our neighboring island there is a natural flowing well where all our drinking water is from. In our opinion this water is pristine and probably the healthiest and cleanest you can find. For added protection we run this water through additional filters and offer water filters in every villa. Same goes for our restaurant. All other cans and waste materials are sent to recycling plants, as much as possible.
What does Iris Island Resort offer for spiritual activities?
We offer meditation sessions most evenings that are entirely voluntary and free to all our guests. Periodically we offer other spiritual seminars, lectures and activities in the evening. During peak months we offer individual morning yoga sessions. Mantra chanting and other spiritual rituals are often included in the meditation sessions.
Guests are free to use our common areas for meditation, relaxation, exercise or reading.
What if I do not want to partake in any spiritual activities?
All spiritual activities are entirely voluntary, but we sincerely hope that you open your mind and spirit to new ideas and possibilities that may change your life.
Is the resort open to only certain religions or denominations?
No, Iris Island Resort is open to anyone of all religions and denominations, even the non-religious . We incorporate spiritual practice and activities that are open to anyone, if they so desire. No one is ever forced into participating.
What services do you offer in the Spa?
The Shanti Spa offers our guests a variety of luxurious and healing spa treatments in our open Spa Villa
We offer:
- CLASSICAL MASSAGE
- FOOT MASSAGE
- BACK AND NECK MASSAGE
- NATIVE PHILIPPINES MASSAGE
- AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
- AYURVEDA MASSAGE
- LAVA TIGER SHELL MASSAGE
For up to date information, see our SPA section.
What services are offered by the Natural Health Clinic?
The Natural Health Clinic is located in the Shanti Spa Villa. During some times of the year it offers natural and non-invasive diagnostic procedures, consultations and natural treatments for any health problem.
Please ask at our reception for natural health services that are available.
When is the best time of year to make a reservation?
The ideal tourist season in terms of weather is the drier season from November to May. During the rainy season meaning the months of June, July, August, September and October, the resort is closed.
What weather can I expect?
During the tropical dry season, temperatures are in the range of 30 to 35 degrees C. going down at night to around 24 degrees C. Rains, if at all are infrequent and often last for a short time.
There are often winds during some months that are usually inviting and can be great for windsurfing.
Is there any danger of malaria on Iris Island?
There has never been any case of malaria on our island. Minor risks of malaria may be found in other areas of the Philippines but not where we are situated. We do in any case offer mosquito nets in all our rooms. Common sense precautions are advised.
What if I have a medical emergency?
The island is a one hour boat ride from Culion Island Hospital and their medical staff is equipped to handle most medical emergencies. The island resort is also connected to the hospitals sea ambulance network which is on call 24/7.
The island resort is also equipped with some first aid supplies for minor emergencies.
What are other precautions one should take?
One should be aware of certain diseases that are possible in tropical Asian regions like the Philippines. Those include Dengue Fever, Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis B, Cholera and Malaria. Please consult with your medical health provider.
What is the best way to get to the island?
You must first get to Manila and from Manila book a short one hour flight (Cebu Pacific, Philippines Airlines or Skyjet) to the airport in Busuanga / Coron (Francisco B. Reyes Airport). Once you arrive at the airport, find a van that is going to the Iris Island drop-off point near Concepcion and that will take about 45 minutes. At the drop-off point, there is a stairway that leads down to a small pier. Our Iris Island boat will pick you up from there and take you on a 20 minute boat ride to the island.
What if I am coming from El Nido?
From El Nido, you can either fly to Manila and then take a flight to Busuanga or you can take a ferry boat from El Nido direct to Coron town in Busuanga. The ferry rides vary from the super-fast ferries (3.5 hours) to the regular ones (up to 8 hours). These ferry rides may at times be rough during periods of bad weather. Warning for those who are prone to sea sickness.
Are there any dangerous insects, sea creatures or wildlife on or around Iris Island Resort?
As for all the Philippines, there are common stinging insects such as centipedes, wasps as well as some marine species such as jellyfish, stonefish and sea urchins. Take the usual precautions and avoid touching any marine or land species. Wear footwear when wading along the ocean shores and when snorkeling.