Black Island
A hidden gem off the coast of Busuanga, Black Island captivates with its dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine white sands, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Beneath its mysterious caves lie natural pools and ancient fossils, inviting exploration and wonder. Perfect for day trips or yacht excursions, this untouched paradise offers a glimpse of Palawan’s wild beauty—raw, majestic, and utterly unforgettable. Discover Black Island, where adventure meets tranquility.
Description
About Black Island
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Tourist Density |
Very low |
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Make it Private |
Contact Us |
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Activities |
Beach, Snorkeling, Montain Trekking |
Discover Black Island: A Hidden Gem in North Palawan with LXV
Black Island, also known as Malajon Island, is one of the many islands that belong to the Calamian Islands group in Palawan, Philippines. Part of the municipality of Busuanga, this captivating destination is renowned as a premier tourist spot featuring dramatic caves and various shipwrecks from World War II. Its unique atmosphere, forged by towering black limestone cliffs that lend the island its evocative name, offers an enchanting blend of rugged mystique and tropical serenity. Pristine white-sand beaches and vibrant turquoise lagoons invite effortless swimming in crystal-clear waters, with average sea temperatures of 28-29°C year-round—perfectly warm for a luxurious dip, reaching up to 30°C in May and a refreshing 27°C during December’s cooler embrace.
Though Black Island attracts visitors with its undeniable allure and can feel lively during peak hours, LXV masterfully curates your journey by arriving before or after mass tourism waves, delivering high odds of serene solitude amid the island’s natural symphony. At LXV, we specialize in evading overtouristed locales, yet the sheer splendor of Black Island—its caves, shipwrecks, and ethereal vibe—earns it a coveted spot in our luxury travels and bespoke yacht charters, proving that true exclusivity elevates even shared treasures.
Why We Love Black Island
- Dramatic Limestone Caves & Hidden Pools: Explore shadowy caverns revealing cool freshwater pools for private swims, immersed in an adventurous, otherworldly ambiance unique to the Calamian Islands.
- WWII Shipwrecks & Historical Intrigue: Iconic wrecks scattered along the shores and shallows blend haunting history with stunning visuals—ideal for snorkeling and photography in Busuanga’s storied waters.
- Pristine Beaches & Vibrant Marine Life: Powdery sands meet thriving coral reefs teeming with fish, creating a snorkeler’s paradise in warm, gin-clear seas that embody Palawan’s untamed luxury.
For our most exclusive clients, LXV unlocks ultimate privacy: full island buyouts transform Black Island into your personal realm, complete with yacht mooring, bespoke gourmet setups, and dedicated concierge service for an unparalleled Calamian escape.
Top Attractions & Activities at Black Island
- Explore the Mystical Caves & Freshwater Pools Venture into the island’s signature limestone caverns—dark, cathedral-like chambers that open to hidden, emerald-green pools. Swim in cool, mineral-rich water under natural skylights. LXV Exclusive: Private guided cave treks with headlamps, chilled towels, and post-swim champagne.
- Snorkel the WWII Japanese Shipwrecks Just meters from shore, rusted hulls of sunken warships emerge from the sand like ancient relics. Snorkel among schools of sergeant majors and coral-encrusted debris. LXV Upgrade: Full-face snorkel masks, underwater scooters, and professional underwater photography.
- Relax on Pristine White-Sand Beaches Stretch out on powdery, palm-fringed shores with zero footprints in sight. The crescent beach faces west—perfect for golden-hour sunsets. LXV Touch: Beachfront cabanas, silk sarongs, and curated picnic spreads with chilled rosé.
- Dive the Outer Reef Drop-Off For certified divers, a short boat hop reveals a dramatic wall plunging to 30m, alive with barracuda, turtles, and macro critters. LXV Pro: Private dive master, nitrox, and post-dive decompression on the yacht sundeck with fresh ceviche.
- Kayak Through Hidden Lagoons Paddle transparent kayaks into secret coves accessible only at certain tides. Glide over shallow gardens of staghorn coral in complete silence. LXV Signature: Glass-bottom kayaks and floating breakfast delivered mid-paddle.
- Sunset Cliff Hike & Aerial Views A short, guided trail leads to a 60-meter limestone pinnacle offering 360° views of the Calamian archipelago. Watch the sky ignite over Coron Island. LXV Luxury: Helicopter transfer to the summit for a private sunset toast.
- Underwater Macro Photography (Night Dive Option) After dark, fluorescent critters glow—bobtail squid, ornate ghost pipefish, and nudibranchs. LXV Elite: Full camera rig rental, black-water night dive from the yacht, and onboard editing suite.
FAQ
For the ultimate luxury experience, we strongly recommend chartering a private luxury speedboat directly from a reputable operator in Coron Town or, even better, arranging a dedicated trip through your high-end resort in Busuanga (like Busuanga Bay Lodge, if available for this route). Opting for a private charter allows you to set your own departure time, control the pace, and bypass the standard Calauit Safari group itineraries, which often arrive mid-afternoon. We can coordinate a pre-dawn or late-morning exclusive departure for maximum tranquility on the island’s famous white sand beach.
Black Island itself is largely undeveloped, offering a truly secluded, back-to-nature experience—meaning there are no established luxury hotels or restaurants on the island. For high-end comfort, we advise securing a stay at an exclusive resort in Northern Busuanga (near the launching point) which can arrange a private, fully catered day trip. If an overnight experience is desired, we can arrange for a luxury glamping setup on the beach with private chef service, ensuring comfort without sacrificing the raw beauty of the location.
The journey involves a land transfer (approx. 2 hours) to the nearest port in Busuanga, followed by a boat ride (approx. 45 minutes to 1 hour). To maximize comfort, we arrange a private, executive van transfer directly from your Coron accommodation to the pier. For the sea transfer, choose a private speedboat over a shared bangka. This offers superior speed, better amenities (like shaded seating and modern navigation), and the ability to depart from or return to a more convenient, less crowded pier, minimizing time spent in transition.
The island is renowned for its dramatic black limestone karst formations and hidden caves. A key highlight is the main cave with a freshwater pool inside—perfect for a unique swim away from the sea. For water enthusiasts, the nearby WWII shipwreck offers a fascinating site for advanced snorkeling or freediving just off the shore. Your private guide will ensure you have the necessary high-quality gear and lead you to these spots when visibility is optimal, often before the day-trippers arrive.
As an undeveloped destination, bringing essentials is key to maintaining your comfort level. LXV Lifestyle PH handles the complex logistics:
- Dining – We arrange for private gourmet catering to be brought to the island—think chilled wines, bespoke picnic baskets, or a freshly grilled seafood lunch prepared by your boat crew.
- Essentials – We ensure your private boat is equipped with high-end coolers, ample fresh water, comfortable towels, and premium reef-safe sun protection.
- Privacy – By chartering a private boat and selecting off-peak hours, your experience will feel like having a private island sanctuary for the duration of your stay.
