Isla Del Antoño

The room was cozy and lovely, and the staff were friendly and ready to help whenever we needed anything. I did find it hard to change in there because the bunk beds took up so much space. The peaceful water and nature views make this a great spot if you want somewhere quiet. One surprise: we only realized we had to take a speedboat to get there when we were nearly at the area, even though the booking app mentioned it. Definitely read the details carefully before confirming! 😅

We went to Isla del Antonio in February 2025, and even with the rain my sister and I had a lovely visit. The lake surrounds the place, and it felt wonderfully quiet and refreshing, especially since we were the only guests. It has that uncrowded provincial feel, with fresh air and a real break from city noise. You can kayak, too, and Tim the dog greets you as soon as you arrive. He’s adorable, clever, and so friendly. Joseph and his brother were kind caretakers, and the service was great. Kuya Joseph’s cooking was really good, so ordering a meal is a nice option if you didn’t bring food. There aren’t any stores nearby, though, so bring your essentials before taking the boat. You can ask Kuya Joseph to pick things up, but he has to travel by boat to town. Our room lock was broken. The place still felt safe, but I hope they repair it. I’d also like to see curtains added for more privacy. The private restroom is outside and was fine. There’s a private kitchen with basic utensils, though it could use a pot holder. Basic toiletries are complimentary, including toothpaste, a toothbrush, soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Bath towels can be rented, but I can’t remember the price. We took a boat over since we were commuting, so I don’t know whether parking is available for guests with cars. Phone reception is weak, especially in the rain, and the generator runs only from 5 PM to midnight. A power bank is a good idea. I loved the stay and hope to return with my husband and child. 🩷

There’s a little sari-sari store with rice, canned goods, eggs, and toiletries, and you can kayak for free. Just keep in mind you pay for parking and the boat. To reach the island, search Google Maps for "private car parking garage". Searching "Isla del antonio" on Maps or Waze sends you somewhere else. The boat trip from the parking area takes around 7-8 minutes. The cottage has a kitchen and gas stove, but using the stove costs extra. There’s no rice cooker or electric kettle. The toilet is outside in an outhouse, with no flush, so you pour water after using it. Washing is done with a bucket, and you need to bring your own towels. Power comes from a generator, available only from 6pm to 1am. There’s no air conditioning, though there’s usually a breeze and it gets cooler at night. Expect mosquitoes, ants, and other bugs, so pack repellent. Rechargeable fans and lights, plus power banks, are useful. Signal is poor for Smart and Globe, but Dito worked surprisingly well.

I came to paddleboard, and the calm water and fresh air were just right for it. There’s natural beauty everywhere, with lovely people, gorgeous views, and sunrises and sunsets. A peaceful getaway from the madness of Gotham city, I mean Manila. 😆