Picture this: a bonfire by the beach that echoes the warm tones of the setting sun. Then, when the glow of the sun fades from sight, dinner is served under a night sky illuminated by stars and the Blood Moon. That’s how my journey at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR) in Culion, Palawan began last March, full of picturesque horizons, the beauty of nature, and superb hospitality. It was just a wonderful taste of what I was about to experience on this charming little island—and I couldn’t wait for more.

The thing is, nobody needs a good reason to visit Palawan. With its name synonymous with crystal beaches, submerged wonderlands, and breathtaking limestone cliffs, it has long captured the imagination of travelers seeking both adventure and serenity. The challenge lies in finding what is often the hardest thing to achieve in a tourist hotspot like Palawan: exclusivity, silence, and a truly one-on-one experience with nature. That’s where SETIR has a clear advantage over its rivals: the peace it offers its guests during their stay.

Located on Naglayan Island in Culion, Palawan, SETIR is one of the resorts by the Sunlight Hotels and Resorts group. Apart from being home to the 18-hectare resort, the island boasts white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and landscapes one could easily lose themselves in. There’s a reason ecotourism is part of the resort’s identity. Its natural beauty alone is enough to draw anyone into staying.

SETIR currently offers a variety of villas: cluster, studio, one-bedroom, duplex, and two-bedroom. They are divided into two sections, Amihan and Habagat. I stayed in the latter, in a duplex villa with a queen-sized bed and a balcony that offered the most stunning sunset ocean view.

For a more luxurious stay, there are the Sirakan and Salepan villas. Located on the southern part of the island, Sirakan, with villas named after iconic global destinations, is perfect for couples seeking a quiet escape, complete with an outdoor jacuzzi. Salepan, on the northern side of the island, is designed for larger groups, accommodating four to six guests. It features a master bedroom, guest rooms, a jacuzzi pool, a roof deck, a dining area, and butler service. A standout feature of both Salepan and Sirakan villas is the resort’s signature glass flooring, offering a direct view of the vibrant marine life below without ever leaving your room.

Other discoveries on the island include its dining outlets. Guests can expect a global culinary experience at SETIR. The Island Garden restaurant highlights Asian cuisine, while the Poolside Patio is perfect for afternoon merienda. Dinners are best enjoyed at Hikari Teppanyaki and Xiang Hotpot and KBBQ, while nightcaps are ideal at Ric’s Place or Ocean Wave KTV. In the morning, breakfast with a view awaits at Mangrove.

There are also the Infinity and Kiddie pools, as well as the Sanctuary Spa, perfect for moments when relaxation and a more intentional kind of rest are needed.

There are three beaches to explore at SETIR. Beaches One and Two are located on the Habagat and Amihan sides, respectively, while Beach Three is near Mangrove and features the Kids Connection play area. One doesn’t need to sail far just to experience the beauty of Palawan. Beaches One and Two are rich in marine biodiversity. Just simply put on goggles and flippers, swim out, and marvel at the reefs and their colorful inhabitants.

But if venturing out is part of your itinerary, the resort offers private island-hopping tours exploring reefs and wrecks, island sandbars, and Busuanga Island, all led by the resort’s Bluebay Dive Shop. During our stay, we joined the Coron Island Tour A, discovering iconic destinations such as Twin Lagoon, Coral Garden, Kayangan Lake, and Twin Peaks.

Back on the island, there is more to discover beyond its marine wonders. The resort has built pathways perfect for walking or biking through its lush landscape. While buggies are available, nature walks are strongly encouraged. Mornings begin with a community run called the Sun Run, setting a refreshing and energizing tone for the day. One of my personal highlights is meditating at Mimi’s Butterfly Garden. It takes several flights of stairs to reach the zen garden, but it is absolutely worth it. Beyond its vantage point view, there is something almost magical about watching butterflies drift from one bloom to another. The best time to visit is between 8 to 10 a.m., perfect for a post-breakfast stroll and a quiet encounter with nature in motion.

With all the noise in the world, it is becoming harder to find places where silence feels genuine and unforced. That is why one of the emerging travel trends in 2026 is “hushpitality.” Defined as a style of tourism focused on quiet destinations and peaceful atmospheres, “hushpitality” treats silence as the ultimate luxury amenity.

During my stay at SETIR, I was told that the island is operating at nearly 60 percent capacity, yet guests seldom encounter one another due to its vastness. You only hear greetings from approaching staff, while most of the time your surroundings are filled with the chirping of Common greenshank and Bulbul birds, the gentle waves, and the rustling of trees as the ocean breeze flows through.

It is a kind of quiet that does not feel empty, but alive, layered with subtle sounds that remind you of nature’s presence. Here, in the absence of chaos, one can feel and become truly one with nature. And that is perhaps what I will miss most about the island, those moments of stillness as I watch the sunset from my balcony, listening to nature’s soothing symphony.