CULION, PALAWAN — Once known as the world’s largest leper colony, Culion Island in Palawan has transformed into a place where history and hope walk hand in hand.
In the early 1900s, the island was grimly nicknamed the “Island of the Living Dead”. More than 16,000 Filipinos with leprosy were brought there, many forcibly separated from their families, living in isolation at a time when no cure existed.
For decades, Culion bore the weight of sorrow and suffering. But in 2006, a monumental moment arrived: the World Health Organization declared Culion leprosy-free, a milestone that reshaped the future of its community.
Today, the island tells a story of resilience, remembrance, and renewal. Visitors no longer come solely to witness its painful past—they come to honor it, to understand it, and to leave inspired.
Content creator Shayne Funcion shared why Culion’s heritage is what draws travelers in.
“When you visit Culion, first talaga pupunta ka doon because of the heritage sites. Kung sabihin mo na the Philippines is beyond beaches, Culion is really proof of that,” she said.
Walking tours take visitors through former treatment facilities, ruins, and historical remnants of the colony. Each stop tells a story of hardship, courage, and survival. The Culion Museum, established in 1997, documents the island’s past in vivid detail, preserving memories that the world must not forget.
Yet Culion is more than its history. The local government unit (LGU) is working to highlight its pristine beaches, calm shores, and untouched natural beauty, showing that the island is also a destination for relaxation and reflection.
“It’s not for everyone, but kung pupunta ka talaga and you will experience the tour, it’s a different travel experience. It’s a meaningful experience,” Shayne added.
From a place of isolation and despair, Culion has emerged as a symbol of hope, inviting visitors to witness its legacy, celebrate its survival, and enjoy its hidden treasures.
