Welcome to our little island
Riverback Sanctuary is our home — a small island tucked between a river and magical trees in Liw Liwa, San Felipe, Zambales. We’re Bibe & Sam, a Filipino-French couple, and we live here full-time with our happy family of dogs, cats and other friendly residents.
How it began
We brought this dream to life during the COVID-19 lockdown. Piece by piece, we built our home with our own hands, using natural materials that reflect our deep respect for the environment — crossing the bamboo bridges every day with tools, plants and ideas.
Riverback Sanctuary is not just a home; it’s an expression of our passions. We’re deeply connected to nature, art, handcraft, music, and surfing, and all of it inspires the life we’ve created here. Every corner reflects our love for handmade things, the rhythm of music, and the thrill of catching waves.
Why we call it a sanctuary
We call it a sanctuary because we’re dedicated to caring for life on this island — from the plants and vegetables in our garden to the insects, birds and fish all around us — while doing our best to reduce our impact. We’re solar-powered, our water comes from our own deep well, and we grow food to cook for our guests.
We opened our doors to travellers who share this love for the natural world and the arts. As our guest, we simply ask that you respect and care for this special place, and embrace the spirit of creativity, tranquility and adventure that defines Riverback.
Come say hi
We can’t wait to welcome you to our little paradise. Bring your best energy, pack light for the bamboo bridges, and get ready to slow down. 🌴
— Bibe & Sam