Riverback was never meant to be a resort placed on top of nature. From the beginning, our idea was simpler: to create comfortable cabins that follow the character of the island rather than trying to transform it.
Riverback is a small river island in Liwliwa, close to the sea and surrounded by trees, birds and river life. Bibe’s family has long been connected to this land. When we started building, we wanted to make a place where guests could experience the island without losing what makes it special.
Inspired by the Filipino kubo, designed for comfort
Our cabins take inspiration from the traditional Filipino kubo: raised structures, wide roofs, natural materials and spaces that allow air to move through.
But we also wanted them to feel comfortable for a modern stay. The cabins have proper beds, private spaces, work tables, WiFi and, in Acacia and Agoho, air-conditioning when it is needed.
Sam, a bioclimatic engineer, designed the cabins around a simple principle: use the climate intelligently before relying on machines. Their orientation, openings, roof shape and natural ventilation were carefully considered to make the cabins more comfortable in tropical heat and reduce the need for air-conditioning whenever possible.
Materials chosen for the place
We chose materials that felt appropriate for the island: wood, bamboo, thatch and other locally available elements.
This was partly practical. Materials had to be carried in carefully and built with respect for the place. But it was also a choice about aesthetics and impact. We did not want to build something that looked disconnected from Liwliwa.
The result is not a luxury hotel designed to shut nature out. It is a collection of cabins that feel warm, simple and connected to their surroundings.
Letting the island lead the design
One of our most important decisions was to work around the existing trees. We chose not to cut any established trees to make space for the cabins.
Instead, the island itself helped determine where things could go. We kept distance between each cabin for privacy, preserved shaded areas and allowed paths, plants and structures to follow the natural lines of the land.
This approach means Riverback has developed slowly and organically. There is no perfect master plan imposed on the island. We keep observing, adapting and making choices that feel right for the landscape.
A lighter visual impact
We care about reducing both our environmental impact and our visual impact.
That is why we have avoided large concrete structures, bright resort-style development and tightly packed cabins. We prefer an organic look: cabins among trees, bamboo bridges, shaded paths, gardens and open spaces where nature still feels present.
We are not claiming to be perfect or entirely impact-free. Building and welcoming guests always has an impact. But we try to make thoughtful choices, improve over time and show that tourism in Liwliwa can grow without erasing the character of the place.
Living with the island, not against it
Solar panels and battery storage help power the island and keep essential services running during brownouts. We also use our own deep well for water and provide drinking water for guests.
Our goal is not only to offer a comfortable stay. It is to build a way of living and hosting that uses resources more carefully and remains connected to the realities of island life.
Still learning, still building
Riverback is a work in progress. We maintain, repair, plant, adjust and learn from the island every day.
For us, eco-tourism is not a label or a finished project. It is an ongoing commitment: to build thoughtfully, respect the trees and land around us, support a slower kind of travel and create a place where people can reconnect with nature.