[2] An unaccredited tour guide and a heartbroken tourist form a romantic bond as they explore the wilds of Philippine Islands.
Producer Kenneth Au wrote the original screenplay, but it was deemed too ambitious.
He hired director Adlawan to revise the storyline to fit a more modest budget.
Au stated that the title has a double meaning: 'ISLAND' presents the more than 7,000 islands of the Philippines and the character Zach, played by Alexis Petitprez heading to the island for personal reasons; 'DREAMS' represents Julie's ambition to become famous and that we all have dreams.
[4] Rito P. Asilo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer wrote, "The film is so adorable that it's easy to disregard its implausibilities [...] Moreover, Island Dreams will win you over with its infectious optimism and charming whimsy, anchored on the vibrant chemistry of Delos Reyes and Petitprez.