Three decades on, Amanpulo continues to leave an indelible mark on the local island communities in the Philippines

From the powdery shores of Amanpulo, a tropical island resort by the Aman Group on Pamalican Island in the Philippines, I gaze across the shimmering waters toward Manamoc, its hilly terrain rising in the distance. It looks so close, almost within reach.

A mere 45-minute bangka boat ride separates the two islands, but in many ways, they are worlds apart. Amanpulo’s well-heeled guests arrive by private jet or shared charter on the resort’s private airstrip — a bucket-list pilgrimage for devoted Aman junkies. 

In contrast, Manamoc’s 3,000 residents can only make the crossing to Pamalican if the tides and currents permit. Alternatively, reaching Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, requires a 16-hour ferry ride. This isolation has shaped Manamoc’s way of life, but it has also allowed it to flourish unexpectedly, thanks mainly to its deep ties with Amanpulo.

Intergenerational impact

Before the resort opened in 1993, Pamalican was an uninhabited fishing and farming outpost for nearby islanders, while Manamoc’s small fishing community lived by the rhythms of the tides. When Amanpulo arrived, it brought not just luxury travellers but also economic opportunities, education, and infrastructure improvements that quietly transformed the lives of its neighbours.

One of the most visible signs of this connection is Amanpulo’s workforce — many from Manamoc. While much is made of Aman’s legendary service, true magic lies in its people. They bring an authenticity that no amount of luxury can replicate.

Take Amanpulo’s long-serving boat captain, Delio Zumarraga. He has been with the resort since day one and is a quiet bridge between the two worlds, ferrying guests not just between the islands but also to hidden snorkelling spots where sea turtles drift through crystal-clear waters.

Amanpulo’s impact extends beyond his career. “This job has allowed me to support my family and put my children through school,” he shares. Otherwise, he would have remained a fisherman and seaweed farmer. 

Joanne and Joressa, his two daughters, have also built their lives around the resort after graduating from college — one as the chief accountant and the other as the kitchen’s storekeeper. While their qualifications could have taken them to bigger cities, they chose to stay close to home, drawn by their deep ties to family and community.

Community service

To offer guests a glimpse into life on Manamoc and experience the simple joys of island living, Amanpulo also arranges short excursions to the island, with a portion of proceeds from the fare going back to the community. 

During our visit, however, rough seas prevented the crossing. Still, staff spoke warmly of the resort’s community initiatives. These range from thoughtful gestures, like bringing back Jollibee fried chicken from Manila for local children, to transformative efforts, such as subsidised flights for employees and their families, making the rest of the country more accessible.

Amanpulo also contributes to the Andres Soriano Foundation’s Small Islands Programme, which has helped provide potable water and electricity to families who would otherwise lack these basic necessities. But arguably, its most lasting impact is in education.

Today, Manamoc is home to Palawan’s only technical-vocational high school, designed to prepare students for careers in hospitality. Amanpulo has helped equip laboratories for engineering, culinary, housekeeping and F&B training, ensuring hands-on learning.

Every year, it also hosts senior high schoolers for immersive job training — so far, about 250 students have benefited.

Most of all, this deep-rooted connection has shaped the resort, where hospitality feels personal rather than transactional. The island’s four-bedroom villas (ideal for groups or intergenerational getaways) offer every imaginable luxury, from private pools to expansive living spaces.

It gets personal

Yet, what defines the experience is Amanpulo’s butlers. They remember the smallest preferences, like ensuring a steady supply of sparkling water and freshly sliced mango at breakfast, but also go beyond.

One evening, during the resort’s annual staff party, they refused to leave us unattended, stepping away only when we practically ordered them to take the night off.

The same warmth extends beneath the surface. My scuba diving excursion was led by a local instructor who knew the reefs like the back of his hand. Sensing my initial hesitation as a novice diver, he made the experience feel less like a technical skill to master and more like an invitation to explore an entirely new world.

With his expert guidance, I drifted through a kaleidoscope of coral, watching shape-shifting cuttlefish shimmer in the dappled sunlight while friendly sea turtles swam alongside us curiously. 

With an outpouring of heartfelt hospitality, it is natural that many guests feel compelled to give back — and the resort provides various opportunities to do so. 

For instance, the Aman Spa’s phenomenal 75-minute Pag-Asa massage features firm, flowing strokes and movements created by therapists from the islands based on local healing methods, reflecting their intuitive wisdom and care. Proceeds support Manamoc Island’s health centre in partnership with the Foundation, ensuring that the spirit of healing extends beyond the spa.

Of course, it is not an Aman stay without an experience that will sweep you off your feet and define your memory of the trip. 

To achieve that, our last evening was nothing short of magical. As the sun dipped below the horizon, our butler whisked us away for one more surprise. We arrived at the airstrip, now transformed into an intimate dining venue, twinkling with fairy lights under a star-filled sky. 

From impossibly crispy lechon skin to deliciously savoury sisig, course after course of Filipino delights cooked with love followed. What a fitting finale — impossibly luxurious, yet highly personal and imbued with a deep sense of place