I lived on a remote paradise island with 80 people for free
One lucky lady has shared what her experience was like living on a tiny, remote island in Asia — and she highly recommends it.
UK-bred social media sales coordinator Brooke Megan recently scored the opportunity to call the Philippines’ itty-bitty Darocotan Island her temporary home, and her time there was a delight.
Moreover, the price was certainly right: The 20-year-old Brit enjoyed her two-week stay free of charge by volunteering with a program called Isla Experience, which advertises itself as the “ultimate remote island glamping experience.”
During her half-month trip, Megan slept on a mattress on the floor of a bamboo hut, washed her clothes in a well, climbed trees for coconuts, spent a good deal of time looking after pigs — and relaxed on the beach, lounging by bonfires while gazing at the sky.
“You can see so many stars. It’s amazing,” Megan said. “You appreciate just being in nature.”
The change of pace from her regular routine was refreshing, she added.
“It’s such a different way of life,” she reflected of her time on the “tiny” 80-person island, which can easily be traversed on foot or by kayak. “Everything is simple.”
Her volunteer work entailed greeting guests on boats that came by and offering social media assistance; in exchange “I didn’t pay for anything — just drinks,” SWNS reported.
As well, she recalled that she hardly wore shoes, ate meals sourced from fresh produce and learned how to do her own laundry from island residents.
“They wash clothes in a well and scrub with their bare hands for three hours,” she explained.
That, as well as having to take cold showers and dealing with limited internet, taught her to “live in the now,” and was an overall rewarding experience that made her more grateful.
“People appreciate so much,” she said. “It’s a beautiful place.”
