Panglao: Seastar Abandoned Mansion & Art Exhibit

Exploring the Seastar Mansion on Panglao Island offers a glimpse into an eccentric world of architecture, art, and personal vision. Located in Doljo, this abandoned mansion is a fascinating spot for those interested in unusual homes, artistic expression, and stories of private dreams turned into concrete forms. For just $9 per person, a 60-minute guided tour takes you through the sprawling property, revealing its water features, murals, statues, and the stories behind its creation.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll love the quirky architecture and the way it integrates water features and sculptures, creating a surreal atmosphere. Second, you’ll appreciate the insights from a knowledgeable guide who can share the mansion’s history and the owner’s artistic inspiration, from Kafka to Gaudi. However, be prepared for areas still in various stages of completion, which might seem a bit chaotic to some. This tour suits adventurous travelers with a taste for the unconventional, art lovers, or anyone curious about personal projects that have grown into architectural marvels.

Key Points

• Unique Architecture: The mansion’s design is unlike anything else, blending water, statues, murals, and eclectic structures.
• Art Inspired by Famous Figures: The art draws from Kafka, Gaudi, religious themes, and personal visions, making it a playground for creative minds.
• Insightful Guides: Tour guides are knowledgeable and often share stories from the owner’s widow, adding depth to your visit.
• Flexible Booking & Good Value: At $9, the tour offers a memorable, imaginative experience that’s worth the modest price.
• Various States of Completion: The mansion is a work in progress, which adds an element of unpredictability and charm.
• Accessible for Most: While not suitable for children under 18, it’s perfect for those interested in architecture, art, and quirky stories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Setting and First Impressions

The tour begins at a modest meeting point, a quaint English pub called Cobadonga, near McDonald’s—easy to find and a nice place to gather before the adventure begins. From there, you’ll be led to the mansion, a sprawling complex that looks like a creative explosion frozen in time. Its unconventional design teases what you’re about to see: an eclectic mix of structures, water features, and sculptures that seem to have been built with wild enthusiasm and no concern for traditional aesthetics.

We loved the way the mansion’s architecture invites you to look closer—each corner offers something new, whether a mural inspired by European religious art, a statue with a mysterious expression, or an unexpected water fountain that adds whimsy to the scene. The property’s ongoing construction makes it feel alive, as if the owner’s imagination is still at work.

What to Expect from the Tour

The guided tour, lasting about 60 minutes, is a walk through the mansion’s key areas: the gate, courtyard, entrance, and various living sections. Your guide, who’s well-versed in the property’s history, narrates stories about the owner’s vision, the inspiration behind the art, and the mansion’s evolution over the years.

One of the highlights is discovering how the art is inspired by figures like Kafka, Gaudi, and religious themes. The mansion is filled with murals, statues, and sculptures—some finished, some still in progress—that reflect a wild mix of ideas and cultural influences. We also learned that the mansion was a work in progress until 2021, which explains why some areas feel more complete than others. This ongoing process adds a touch of unpredictability, making each visit a little different.

Visitors often remark on the eccentricity and the personal touch that comes through in every corner. For example, a reviewer mentioned, “I loved the way the owner’s personality shone through—every statue and mural seemed to tell a story.” Another added that the water features created a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere amid the chaos.

The Owner’s Vision and Stories from the Widow

If lucky, you might have the opportunity to meet the widow of the owner, who sometimes joins the tour. She offers valuable insights that deepen your understanding of the property’s background and the personal story behind each piece of art. Hearing her anecdotes makes the experience richer, as you realize this isn’t just a building but a labor of love and personal expression.

Practical Details and Value

The tour is priced at only $9 per person, making it a surprisingly affordable way to spend an hour exploring something truly different. The fee includes the guided narration and the chance to wander through the property at your own pace afterward, soaking in the creative chaos. Transportation can be arranged for a small fee if needed, which is helpful given the somewhat rural location.

The tour is not suitable for children under 18, mainly because of the uncompleted structures and the possibly uneven terrain. The experience is in English and Spanish, so language is generally accessible for most travelers.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?

This experience is perfect if you’re drawn to quirky architecture, personal stories, and art with a wild, unpredictable charm. It appeals to those curious about how personal visions can take physical form and to anyone who enjoys seeing the results of creative passion.

While it might not appeal if you prefer polished, finished spaces or are looking for traditional sightseeing, the Seastar Mansion offers something much more heartfelt and unusual. It’s a chance to see a truly personal project that continues to evolve—a kind of living work of art.

Visiting the Seastar Mansion on Panglao is a refreshing departure from typical island tours. It offers a peek into the mind of someone who built their dreams into a sprawling, water-laden, mural-covered wonderland. The guided tour, led by a knowledgeable guide and sometimes the owner’s widow, brings stories to life and helps you appreciate the quirky beauty of this unfinished masterpiece. For travelers who love exploring creative spaces with a story behind every sculpture or mural, this tour is a genuine find.

It’s also a fantastic option for those wanting an affordable, informal experience that adds a layer of personal history and artistic expression to their trip. Remember, it’s more about the journey and the stories than polished perfection—so keep an open mind and enjoy the wild ride of imagination.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 are not recommended, mainly because of the uneven structures and ongoing construction areas.

How long is the tour?
The guided tour lasts approximately 60 minutes, giving enough time to see the main areas and hear stories from your guide.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at a small English pub called Cobadonga, near McDonald’s, and finishes back at the same meeting point.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $9 per person, which includes narration by a knowledgeable guide and access to explore on your own afterward.

Can I book the tour in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, making it easy to keep your plans flexible.

Is transportation included?
Not automatically, but transportation can be arranged for a small fee if needed.

What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are offered in English and Spanish.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for uneven terrain are advisable; bring water and a camera to capture the art and structures.

Is the mansion fully completed?
No, it’s still a work in progress, which adds to its charm and unpredictability.

Can I meet the owner or her widow?
Sometimes, the owner’s widow joins the tour and shares stories, adding valuable personal insights.

This tour is a one-of-a-kind peek into creative madness turned into architecture. It’s ideal for curious travelers who enjoy stories of personal passion and aren’t afraid of a little unfinished charm. An adventure in imagination, it’s well worth the modest price for a memorable glimpse into one person’s dream world.

You can check availability for your dates here: