Detox Retreat

Home » Palawan » Services » Detox Retreat

Its-time-to-detox-retreatRehabilitate yourself on an island beach paradise, maximum 30 guests (10 of whom might be volunteers helping the place run better), about 15 local fishermen families half spread out on each side.

Drink fresh coconut water for less than half a buck, an excellent fasting regime. We also have local natural honey and local orange/lemons, for the perfect morning drink or to add to your juice fast throughout the day.

At the end of that you can do the liver cleanse, or go all out hardcore with my special fast (15 days parasite cleanse, 12 days only water, 1 day kidney cleanse with watermelon followed by the famous olive oil Epson salts liver cleanse. That followed by a slow reintroduction of veggie soup and bentonite clay and psyllium husk shakes to thoroughly flush out the intestines.)

I’ve been fasting every spring for at least a decade and have enjoyed developing my understanding of the science. Coconut water, especially fresh, is full of electrolytes and is great at charging up your body. It contains magnesium to help you process the sun and all sorts of other nutrients, from which you could practically survive. You can eat a few each day if you want to tone down your fast or if you are a first timer. Drinking water is from natural waterwell, so you can be sure to revitalise your body with living energy.

coconuts-detox-retreat

The place is very peaceful and I live here, so I consider it my home where I filter out guests who do not support the harmonic nature I aspire to. We all cook together and clean up, like a family. Mostly great vegetarian food with the occasional fish or squid caught by the locals.

Excellent snorkeling in the clearest waters in the world, for free only 100m off shore, learn how to fish or speargun, caves and Spanish fortress to explore, and beach volleyball and other sports if you’d prefer to sweat out your toxins.

At certain times this can even be combined with yoga lessons<, an excellent way to amplify the detoxification effects of fasting.

Detox your mind

Around the time I was writing these pages an interesting thing happened. I had been developing this retreat for almost two years, during which time I’ve had many volunteers helping me, and some paying guests passing through. Early on I came to the conclusion that the primary purpose of this venue will not be to maximise earnings but to maximise my enjoyment of the paradise and use it as a tool to wake up people to what is happening in the world and hopefully divert them towards a more meaningful direction.

mind-detox-retreat

I found certain qualities annoying, such as people who like to be served, are overly prissy about ants or other such nonsense, while many volunteers seemed asleep at the helm (facebook zombies I like to call them), breaking or losing my tools, doing nonsense work, and just wasting my time.

Over the years I had accumulated some negative experiences and it is these thoughts that seemed to forever linger in my mind. I would paint scenarios how I would plan to respond next time I met such a person. These negative thoughts would often consume my mind almost all day long, until I would develop a short fuse and if a guest or volunteer made a mistake, I might blow up disproportionately. Consumed with such a firestorm of negative scenarios and imaginary arguments, I think it was even making me sick!

Until I remembered a book I once translated on the power of positive thinking. About a Czech guy who was incredibly indebted due to failed enterprises, fat, stuttering, but managed to turn everything around through positive thinking. Now he is thin, still stutters, but gives inspirational speeches in spite of it (well paid for it), has a model for a wife and a leer jet somewhere in between.

positive-thinking-detox-retreat

But one thing which struck me now is how he kept repeating that around 25,000 thoughts pass through our heads each day, and if most or many of them are negative, they will decrease the quality of our life. And that the trick is to simply replace them with positive thoughts. It is easy or tempting to dwell on the negative, as if there is some vindictive satisfaction in it.

On this thought it occurred to me to replace all negative thoughts coming into my head with an appreciation of this paradise. After all, it seemed absurd to be living in heaven on earth but constantly filled with anger, thinking up conversations and guests who do not even exist, or perhaps who have passed through long time ago. Whenever such a negative thought sprung into my head, I would stop and focus on the paradise I lived in, simply appreciating it. And I must say that in almost an instance it has totally transformed me from someone who is agitated all day long, cursing at every problem thrown at me, to someone who is at peace and glowing with appreciation of the place. There are different ways we can detox.

detox-retreat-beautiful-sunsets-sunrises

End of our beach, one of our many beautiful sunrises and sunsets, more here.

Meditation can be a form of detox as well. With meditation you basically flush out all thoughts from your mind, so it would have a similar effect. Because we are beings of energy, both the negative effects of too much acid in our diets or too much acid in our thoughts can lead to disharmony in our system, and illnesses.

Flush out your negative energy

So, by certain foods, such as raw veggies and other alkaline leaning foods, you can detox your physical body from all the crap you may have been pumping into it over the years and decades, such as: smoking, alcohol (think inTOXICation), car exhaust from the cities, ammonia and other chemicals in your burgers, meat pumped to the max with hormones and antibiotics, or all the chemicals they use in big agro-business. Or through meditation or yoga you can detox your mind, but one simple solution I found is to walk barefoot.

barefoot-detox-retreat

I have been walking barefoot for more than a decade and have often been stopped by people in cities, demanding some sort of explanation. Forced to produce reasons for them, I did some thinking and came up with the following:

  • feels good, leave me alone
  • I’m not a conformist. I am protesting against conformity.
  • free foot massage, should have positive effects on my organs.

But at one point I came across an interesting article which articulated my thoughts on the subject. Since we are beings of energy, they have calculated that we carry a certain frequency matching the earth’s electromagnetic frequency as it pulses between its surface and the ozone. They have done experiments and found that people who are taken deep below the earth for extended periods of time (where the frequency is quite different) have fallen ill.

You may live on the surface, but be exposed to other sources of frequency which could disrupt your natural condition. Such as mobile signal towers, wifi, electricity running through every wall, and stress of the city in general. And the worst thing you can do in such an environment is to wear thick rubber boots that prevent the transfer of the bottled up negative energy in your body to the “ground”. Yes, this is an electrical term whereby a positively charged object can be neutralised by attaching it to a negative connection, such as the ground (“negative” in this sense not to be confused with the “negative” energy in our bodies, which simply means “bad for it”). That is why lightning rods are planted firmly into the ground.

The best way to ground your bad energy is by bare feet straight onto mother earth. And with such a pristine and clean beach here, this seems second nature. Therefore, just spending any time here should improve your well being and inner peace. Combine that with a bit of live music around the campfire at night, you will be bubbling with endorphins, which alone can help in your healing, as the great doctor Patch Adams has proven (also a Robin Williams movie).

happy-healing-detox-retreat

Book a paradise spot with us.


Home » Palawan » Services » Detox Retreat

Chloe BlanchardChloe Blanchard
13:38 27 Mar 24
The most wonderful experience from booking to beach! Karel and Mel were so fast and responsive to my very last minute trip over the holidays. We booked a private boat for two and could not have been happier with our four day trip! We didn’t think about anything other than snorkeling the entire time. Linda, our captain, cooked wonderful meals and took us to totally empty beautiful beaches. We loved staying the night in Pical especially! Wonderful to experience the Philippines this way! Will come back again and would recommend to anyone!
hotel luci del farohotel luci del faro
08:13 31 Jan 24
We booked the 3 day 2 night expedition, from Coron to Sibaltan.First of all the booking part was really simple. I organized this trip to the Philippines last minute for my family (my parents and my uncles) but Karel answered all my questions very quickly and really made everything easier for me. It was an incredible experience. Albert, our tour leader, is a wonderful guy, always smiling and ready to help us. They assisted us in everything and really took care of making everything go smoothly. The accommodation on the islands is as spartan as you expect but the location of each hut alone is worth the trip. The wonder of nature was then added to the goodness of cuisine. It's really difficult to argue how you can cook all that goodness on a boat.If you are looking for an authentic experience, in contact with nature, off the beaten track, this company's private expedition is certainly for you.
Kate BrownKate Brown
00:22 27 Oct 23
What an unforgettable experience! We did a two night (3 day) island hopping tour from Sibaltan to Coron. Everything was so well organized and the boat crew were amazing and really made sure we had a great time. The accommodation was rustic, but added to the authentic experience of the Philippines. Karel always responded to any queries we had promptly. Our boatman, Albert, was the most amazing chef and we enjoyed every meal. The crew taught the kids how to fish with a line which was their highlight of the trip. They took us to the most unbelievable snorkelling spots along the way. Would highly recommend this trip.
Ian PascualIan Pascual
02:43 10 Aug 23
One of the most amazing, unforgettable things you can do in your life
Lou PrataliLou Pratali
11:04 25 Jul 23
This is a must to do!!Super ultimate tour is the best with Kayangan and barracuda lake, twin lagoons (my favorite), coral garden (blue fabulous coral) were the best. It’s really worth it to pay for private tour (3500 to 4000 PHP). You will also have to pay for entrance fees (150 to 200PHP by location) and eventually shopping at the market - must do (count 300 for 2 for fish, pork, fruits and vegetables, water).
Gérard BENOITGérard BENOIT
16:11 07 Feb 23
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the stunning Bacuit Gulf.Based on the comments, I contacted Mel.Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization.The on-board staff were very friendly and very helpful.And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel.In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I cannot recommend Mel and his team highly enough.A big thank-you.
Alyse TarbottonAlyse Tarbotton
23:48 30 Aug 22
This tour went well above all our expectations! I couldn't recommend this enough! The boat crew, captain and tour guide were nothing but amazing, everyone was so kind, helpful and friendly. The crew knew the best spots to visit that weren't overcrowded with tourists, 3 times we were lucky enough to have whole islands to ourselves! It was my partner's birthday while away and everything went above and beyond, bonfire, cake, birthday card, singing and celebrating with us.If you love camping this is definitely a tout you should do, it has been the highlight of our trip!!
Danish KayaniDanish Kayani
10:24 31 Oct 19
Coron is the best place i have ever seen.. picturesque. Beautiful. Peaceful
We booked a 4 days/3 nights private boat trip from Coron to Sibaltan. The organization went very well from the beginning, the owner answered to all my questions, and we were able to choose which islands to visit and where to sleep. The first night we slept in a bungalow in Banana Island, the second we camped in Araw beach and the last we slept in a seafront bungalow builded on a tree in Pical on Iloc Island.The islands in that area are the most beautiful islands I have ever seen, with clear water, lots of coral reef and fishes to see, white sand and almost deserted. The crew was very friendly and polite and they organize every single meal and for camping they give you a tent which was just perfect! This was our highlight in our 2 weeks in the Philippines and I wish I had booked a longer trip. A private trip gives you the freedom to decide where and when to go.
js_loader
Gérard Benoit
Gérard Benoit
2023-02-08
recommends
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the beautiful bay of Bacuit. Seeing the comments, I contacted Mel. Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization. The crew were very friendly and very helpful. And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel. In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I can recommend Mel and his team highly enough. A big thank-you.
André Mardoñal
André Mardoñal
2019-10-22
recommends
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The island world of Linapacan between Coron and El Nido with the clearest waters in the world is truly a dream for itself! Without a boat you won't be able to see it! But what this boat trips makes so amazing is the crew! Once you come on board they might be shy in the beginning but will make you feel welcome and home from the first moment. Not only that they are looking that you sit comfortable all the time, they will prepare fresh and delicious food what the buy from local markets. They know the best spots and most beautiful islands and will bring you to places where you get this "Robinson Cruisoe feeling". Every day you visit 3 to 5 spots for snorkeling, enjoying a beach or exploring a little island. The accommodation we had was good and simple. We slept in bungalows and tents right at the beach. Sheets and towels were always provided and sometimes towels. After a while you feel like a family on board. We loved living the boat life didn't wanna leave! If you doubt take a longer than shorter trip! For any questions please message me.
Sarah Uhan
Sarah Uhan
2019-01-31
recommends
All in all it was a really great experience. It's a once in a lifetime thing to do and you won't get more authentic and basic Philippino experiences anywhere else. We were not so lucky with the wind and waves so we couldn't do all the stops we wanted to unfortunately. So be aware that especially the months from January to May can be very rough on water. But we still saw some great places Benji took us. Benji and his family was very nice and they did everything they could. The food was amazing - always freshly made in authentic Philippino style and way too much for the 2 of us. Make sure to bring enough cash - many of the islands cost extra (entrance fee) and be aware that any kind of accommodation and food (200php per meal) is not included in the boat fee. Also the deposit and commission fee for the agency are a little over the top, especially since the crew does not get any of it. The costs all in all are rather high for phillipino circumstances especially given the basicness of it all. However if you think about that all 5 boat people (in our case) live off of the boat fee alone, you spent the money willingly. Be aware though that accommodation and sanataries are very basic if even existant. So you gotta have the right mindset. Bring tissue, sanatiszer and earplugs to get some better sleep. Another feedback I have concerning the size of the boat. I don't think it is sufficient for more than 4 people. If the weather is like it was these days, you always have to sit on top and it was already a little squeezy with us 2 and 5 boat people. So I guess 4 guests can be fine but more than that won't have the space. There is different boat sizes but make sure to talk about that with Karel in advance. Other than that it was really worth it and we got to see so many great beaches and reefs which we could have never been able to visit without the tour.
Eric Liu
Eric Liu
2018-03-15
recommends
It was scary to book a 5 day trip with no places to stay confirmed or a strong itinerary. And in the Philippines, communication is difficult. But that is part of changing mindsets to a rural island mindset. In the end, everything worked out. We had some tough moments with bugs. But we also had some amazingly beautiful secluded beaches, the best snorkeling in the world, relaxing on the beach, and freshly made food on the boat while docked at beautiful places (better than being on land). Note, we went with Benji. Recommendations: - you must get a local SIM when you arrive to make sure pickup and everything works out - some islands have bugs - use bug spray! Pros: - a fraction of the cost - away from the crowds - can customize what you want - just ask! - a truly local experience - saw a REAL rural town Cons: - locals aren't really polished tour guides - if you don't ask for it, you won't get it, need to be pretty proactive - pretty simple "activities" - no frills like bathrooms or kayaks etc.
Ángela Deand
Ángela Deand
2017-04-26
recommends
We can't be more grateful to have had the opportunity of experience the peace in Patoyo Kitesurfing Camping! Spending two weeks in Dimancal Island, gave us the chance to experiment the rural and traditional way of life, in touch with the nature and people. We have learnt how to cook with fire, how to open a coconut and how to survive in an environment where for a time we forget about unnecessary needs, just to focus on enjoy the small details and pleasures of life. Mentioning too the amazing snorkeling and beautiful islands around this place, which make it unique​ and special. It is a lovely option if you are running away from tourists and overcrowded places in the Philippines. You will find yourself in the middle of virgin beaches and nature, surrounding​ by charming people. We will definitely come back!
Caroline Danielle
Caroline Danielle
2017-02-13
recommends
We haven't done a Tao tour, but I would suspect that this is a cheaper version of the same thing. Our boat operator (Benji) and the entire crew were were fun, friendly and made an effort to ensure we had a good time. If you get a large group of people together it can be a really inexpensive alternative to other Coron-El Nino and vice versa island hopping tours. The food was good, but more expensive than as advertised by Karl. The price quote we got was 100 php a meal, but the boat charged us 200. Since the food was good we didn't mind the extra expense, but it is important to keep in mind if you're on a budget. Definitely plan for some incidental spending. Our boat did have some mechanical issues and as a result we ended up being stuck in the same place for longer than we wanted to be. That being said, little could have been done about it and the trip was fun nonetheless.
Hauk Are Fjeld
Hauk Are Fjeld
2017-01-01
recommends
If you believe that doing the touristic tours in El Nido and going to "The hidden beach" takes you off the beaten path, you are wrong. There are lots of beautiful places in Palawan, but few of these places are without any other tourists. If you want to spend some extra effort on getting away from the tourist places, and don't mind a little "primitive" living, Island Hopping in the Philippines is definitely something you should check out
Arnold Cabiguen
Arnold Cabiguen
2015-05-08
recommends
The snorkeling in this area is phenomenal. Clearest waters in the world. I guess it's because there is relatively such lower tourist traffic through here, and the locals really protect the reefs!
Karel Kosman
Karel Kosman
2015-05-08
recommends
Love it so much, just had to say it twice!

We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.

Leave a Comment