Ligpo Island

Imagine your own private island inside a protected marine area, where world-class diving always awaits outside your front door. Just 75 miles south of the Philippines capital of Manila, Ligpo Island is a full acre surrounded by incredible sea life and corals, ready for you to explore whenever you like. It’s set in paradisiacal Anilao, known as the birthplace of Philippines diving, in the country’s Batangas Province.

The island’s house features four bedrooms, all en suite, so you and your guests can enjoy superb views of Balayan Bay from private covered verandahs. There’s a huge outdoor seawater swimming pool that’s easily filled and emptied. For the adventurous, the island even has two of its own medium-height diving platforms. Accommodations on the island have been carefully renovated, and there’s room for further construction if desired, including space for a helipad.

Ligpo Island uses power from the mainland, where just seven minutes away by boat, there’s a large car park area included. The island’s massive fresh water tanks use rain run-off to help keep the gardens lusciously green. About 10 minutes away are the fish, fruit and vegetable markets at Lemery. Even closer is the historic town of Taal, famed for its beautiful ancestral houses, as well as the gorgeous Taal Basilica, the largest church in Southeast Asia. Manila, the Philippines’ vivacious biggest city, is just two hours away by car, or 20 minutes by helicopter.

The island is offered on a 999-year lease from the owners, making it easily acquired by non-Filipinos, and the island’s current onsite caretaker can be retained if required. Shared ownership may be an option with your friends or you may just want your own totally private retreat – all surrounded by a magical underwater world.