u/illiam_140 — reddlx

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 7-day solo survival experience inspired by the "castaway" style content we all see on YouTube. I’m looking to do this in late June/early July, specifically in Indonesia (considering the dry season there).

I’ve looked into commercial options like Docastaway, but they are way out of my budget. I’ve also seen group survival courses, but I’m looking for a true solo experience.

My Plan: Fly into a remote hub (like Lombok or Palawan), find a local boat operator, and get dropped off on a truly uninhabited island for a week.

I need your advice on a few things:

Location: Which specific regions in Indonesia or the Philippines offer the best chance of finding a "legally" uninhabited island where I won't be bothered by locals or authorities?
Water: Since I can't carry 30L of water on my own, what’s the most reliable way to handle hydration? (I’ll have a LifeStraw/Sawyer, but I’m worried about finding a source on a small island).
Safety/Communication: How do you guys handle the "drop-off" logistics to ensure the boatman actually comes back? Is an InReach or satellite messenger a must-have for this?
Gear: What is the one piece of gear you’d recommend buying locally (like a Machete) vs. bringing from home?

I have some experience with camping and basic bushcraft, but this will be my first time in a tropical/island environment.

Appreciate any tips or warnings!