I'm not too sure what to think of Neverland. Here and there I had the feeling they have a habit of making things seem prettier than they are in practice. So here's a long review because I think this mediocre rating deserves some explanation.
Being a family is part of their motto and advertising but you know, families have their issues and this family had moments of palpable tension. Also, I get a feeling that if you're not deemed fit to be a part than this is not a nice place to stay.
The woman handling the bookings has some very unfriendly vibes. When I explained to her their page on Agoda very clearly implies breakfast is included and was willing to show her she dismissed it with "Check your booking, sir" which indeed says no breakfast but that was not really the point anymore. Also part of their family are volunteers, one of which radiates bad vibes but seems to be totally unchecked and apparently is there for 4 months already. He also borrowed my snorkels on a tour, proceeded to lend it to someone else who lost a piece of it. I had to find my incomplete set myself after he was done with it, he responded with a vague semi explanation (in other words, he knew and hoped I wouldn't make a fuss) and the next morning I had to find him again for a replacement part which works but not as well as the original.
What you should know about their site is that there's a generator compound nearby which runs 24/7 to power the island. And you hear that. They provide earplugs though. Also some areas have a trashy, dead smell caused by the neighbouring slums. Unfortunately we woke up with that pungeant smell around the hut twice.
Photos imply the yoga takes place on the beach, but unfortunately it's in a dorm room.
Their tours are decent value. The huts are comfy enough. WiFi works well. Vegan breakfast is very, very tasty, buffet style and very diverse which is great, I loved it. Location near North beach is nice but it's a bit far from the main village, though a motorbike will get you there for 30 or 40 pesos.
Apparently they plan to actively contribute substantially to the community with income from Neverland, which is great and I hope they...
Read moreStayed here for 4 nights (dorm) and it was great! Richard is very helpful and has a bright personality. The staff are also very kind.
If you’re looking for a chill place, this is a good spot.
Below are some considerations you might have: generator isn’t heard inside dorm room because it has thick walls, not sure in private spaces some positions of bunk beds are not very nice, there’s one beside the AC (which is kinda noisy as you’re super close) and the other is right infront of the AC which is very cold. my dormmate who was sleeping infront of the ac kept turning it off at night which was hot for us but cold for him haha location is near the beach where you can chill, swim, freedive, cliff jump its far from the port and restaurants but you can always take a motorbike for 50php or walk for 30-40 mins you can use their kitchen to make your own food and they also serve food, a few restaurants nearby the beach but not as many as the ones in the south i went during slow season so they only serve food in the morning and lunch if there’s still food left from their carinderya (ulam costs 60-70 no rice yet You can make your own food, their kitchen is open to use, buy goods in cebu city and bring them in the island because it costs more in the isand
Richard also offered us a boat ride and a van ride going back to Cebu City, we—the people who were staying at the hostel got it and we paid the same amount as to how much it would cost if we did...
Read moreWanna feel home away from home? Then you're at the right place! Third time travelling around Asia but never found a place like this before. Stayed for 4 nights but was hard to leave so ended up to come back again!! The journey in here starts with a warm welcoming and a fresh coconut after a long trip. The huts (tipis :d) are perfect: sleeping under the amazing stars and waking up with fresh air. Love the showers, the possibility to join for the good vegan breakfast and dinner makes your day easy. The customer service is great!! Jonathan, the owner, is an amazing person!! I've never experienced a service in my travels like he provides to his guests! He helps you with whatever you ask/need no matter what time it is. I had one day left for diving so even late in the evening Jonathan (also a dive instructor) gave me a bike-ride to the south to find a dive center who had availability. He makes sure that you will have a pleasant and comfortable stay! Neverland is a wonderful place to meet and share experiences with other travellers, volunteers, locals and the amazing children. Good vibes all around, great location: 2 minutes walk away from the beautiful beaches and 5-10 minutes with the bike- taxi to the south where you can find the local food market. For me Neverland is a place that I would describe as the saying: "The little things? They aren't little." I'm so grateful to be back home! A big thumb for Neverland!!!
Ps. Try the Mango...
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