tourist spots in balabac palawan

12 Things to do in Balabac + Tourist Spots

If you’re looking for the best beaches & most vibrant waters in the Philippines, look nowhere else. Balabac is worth a spot at the VERY TOP of your bucketlist.

Balabac is the southernmost group of islands in Palawan. It is so far south that Sabah, in East Malaysia is nearer to Balabac than Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital of Palawan.

The main draw here are 31 gorgeous islands still vastly undiscovered by tourist crowds. These islands are surrounded by pristine, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. Yes, the sandy shores of many beaches here are a blinding white to off-white, many even have a blushed pink hue!

Here’s a list of beautiful places to visit in Balabac including top things to do & the best Balabac tourist spots.

To make your trip planning easy, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app. Seeing all your saved locations on the map will help you get started on planning your Balabac itinerary and know the best areas to stay, near places you want to go.

See also: Balabac Travel Guide Blog , Best Travel Apps .

View all travel tips on: Balabac .

1. Punta Sebaring Beach & Bugsuk Island

Location : Bugsuk Island, Balabac, Palawan province, MIMAROPA region, Philippines . Save on Google Maps .

See rates & book online

Balabac Tour B – Sandbars

Book your trip to Balabac

Before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip! Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Tours + discounts Flights

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Balabac Tour A – Islands

Balabac Tour C – Onok Island

For more travel inspiration,  follow Detourista on :

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2. Onok Island (Roughton Island)

Location : Balabac, Palawan . Save on Google Maps .

3. Patawan Island

4. Pink Island (Comiran/Camiaran Island)

5. Canibungan Island

6. Nasubata Reef & Pulau Bato

7. Mansalangan Sandbar

Location : Balabac, Palawan

8. Candaraman Island

9. Patongong Island

10. Cape Melville Lighthouse

11. Indalawan Falls & Indalawan Beach

12. Sicsican Island

Where to go near Balabac & beyond

Ursula Island, Bataraza

Location : near Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan . Save on Google Maps .

Tabon Caves National Park

Location : Quezon, Palawan . Save on Google Maps .

Puerto Princesa City

Location : Palawan Island . Save on Google Maps .

Puerto Princesa Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Top discounts

Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shuttle Transfers

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

See more : Puerto Princesa City travel tips

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Balabac that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Balabac

Balabac tourist spots, things to do in Balabac, where to go in Balabac & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa

Click below & search recommended Puerto Princesa hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

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Guide to Balabac Palawan: Breathtaking Secluded Islands in the Philippines

Best Time to Go to Balabac Palawan

Dry season | november to may, climate and weather, what to wear, how to go to balabac palawan.

• From Manila
• From Puerto Princesa

How to Get Around Balabac Palawan

Where to stay in balabac palawan.

• Homestays and Guesthouses

Resorts and Beach Camps

Top things to do and tourist spots in balabac palawan, relax in onok island, marvel at the views at camiaran island (pink island), enjoy the white sand at punta sebaring beach, chill at candaraman island and snorkel at starfish sandbar, see the dolphin-shaped sands of patawan island, stroll along mansalangan sandbar, gaze into the blue waters of tangkahan island, snorkel in the waters of sicsican island and pulau bato (nasubata reef), climb to see cape melville lighthouse, explore indalawan falls and indalawan beach from balabac town, balabac palawan sample itinerary, day 1: travel to puerto princesa and/or rio tuba, day 2: arrival in balabac + island hopping tour, day 3: balabac island-hopping tour 2, day 4: balabac island-hopping tour 3, day 5: departure from balabac, balabac palawan travel tips and faqs.

• Are there ATMs in Balabac, Palawan?
• Is it safe to go to Balabac, Palawan?
• Is there mobile or phone signal in Balabac, Palawan?

Are there any restrictions or permits required in Balabac?

What should i bring for my trip to balabac, is there anything else i should take note of when visiting balabac.

The Phillippines is a country known for its countless pristine beaches scattered across its 7,640-plus islands. One of the best places to explore the white sand beaches in the Philippines is Palawan . This province in the Luzon group of islands is famous for its tourist destinations like El Nido , Coron , and Puerto Princesa . In recent years, Port Barton and the rest of San Vicente have also gained popularity among tourists who want to see a quieter side of Palawan.

BEST DEAL: Click here to book a 4-Day Balabac Palawan tour package

But one of the underrated places in the Philippines that is well worth a visit is Balabac, the southernmost municipality in Palawan. Because of its location, it is actually nearer to Sabah in East Malaysia than Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan.

Balabac is slowly gaining popularity, thanks to its breathtaking beaches, unspoiled islands, and turquoise waters that rival those of other Palawan tourist spots . Some travelers even refer to it as the Maldives of the Philippines.

• Check out our list of Maldives-like resorts in the Philippines

If you’re planning to add the municipality to your Palawan itinerary , this Balabac travel guide will help you by giving you what you need to know to have a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

Planning when to go to Balabac is important, not only because most of the tourist spots and activities here can be found or are held outdoors, but also because you’ll need to ride a boat to reach Balabac’s islands. To ensure a safe and fuss-free transfer to the municipality, you’ll need to schedule your visit during the dry season. Generally, this is the best time to visit the Philippines .

The best months to go to Balabac, Palawan is March to May , as these are the hottest months in the municipality. Visiting at this time gives you a high chance of calmer seas, which means smoother boat rides. However, do note that this is also the summer months in the Philippines, and because Holy Week falls during these months, it is also considered peak season for travel in the country. 

You may also visit from November to February , which is still considered the dry season. It won’t be as warm as March to May, but you can expect a small chance of rain during this period.

You can expect the weather in Balabac to be warm and humid year-round. However, you can expect rain during the rainy season. The hottest month in Balabac is usually May, which averages a 31.73ºC (89.11ºF) temperature, while the coolest is February, which averages a  25.48ºC (77.86ºF) temperature. 

The wettest months are usually July to October, so avoid traveling to Balabac during this period. To ensure a stress-free trip, make sure to periodically check weather updates as your vacation comes nearer.

The weather in Balabac is usually warm, and since most of its tourist attractions are islands and beaches, it’s best to pack light and breathable clothes, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months. Also, remember to include in your packing list sunglasses, hats, and sunblock to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

From Manila 

There are no direct flights from Manila to Balabac. The nearest airport to Balabac is the Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), so you will have to check which Manila to Puerto Princesa flights will work best for your schedule.

After arriving in Puerto Princesa, you may head directly to the port and catch a boat to Balabac, Palawan. But if your flight isn’t early enough to catch the bus to your preferred port, you will need to stay at least one night before continuing your journey to Balabac, as it would be hard to catch the boat that will take you to your final destination on the same day.

To ensure your comfort before a long journey, it’s best to stay in Puerto Princesa hotels . You should also consider booking Puerto Princesa vacation packages , some of which come complete with flights, accommodations, and Puerto Princesa Airport transfers .

If you haven’t explored Puerto Princesa yet, it’s a good idea to spend a day or two here so you can see some of its tourist attractions via Puerto Princesa tours . It would be a shame to be near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Underground River and not visit it.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

Shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers, private puerto princesa airport palawan to or from any puerto princesa city hotel transfer service, palawan puerto princesa honda bay island hopping tour with lunch | starfish, luli, & cowrie islands, from puerto princesa .

Puerto Princesa is the main gateway to Balabac, but if you’re in other places in Palawan, you can arrange transfers to the capital city. Puerto Princesa transfers are usually available from destinations like El Nido and Port Barton in San Vincente.

Once you are in Puerto Princesa, ride a tricycle or a jeepney to the Irawan Bus Terminal. From here, you can ride a bus or a van. There are two ports that you can go to from Irawan Bus Terminal: Rio Tuba Pier or Buliluyan Port. Both can be found in the municipality of Bataraza.

Option 1: Rio Tuba Pier

From the Irawan Bus Terminal, take the bus to Rio Tuba. The 245.9-km journey will take around four to five hours. There are usually two trips scheduled for the day, one at 8:30 AM and one at 10:30 AM. From Rio Tuba, you can take a tricycle to the pier.

There is usually only one boat per day that ferries passengers from Rio Tuba Pier to Balabac. There is no fixed schedule, and the boat leaves between 9 AM and 2 PM, so it’s best to take the earlier bus. If you miss the ferry for the day, you’d need to book accommodations in Rio Tuba and head to the port early the next day to catch the boat. 

The boat trip from Rio Tuba Port to Balabac Island usually takes three to four hours. After arriving at Balabac, make sure to take note to familiarize yourself with the port, as you will need to head back here at least a day before your departure to reserve your seat for the ferry back to Rio Tuba. There is only one boat, which usually departs at about 6 AM. Even if you have reservations, make sure to arrive early, as latecomers may lose their seats to passengers on standby.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Transfers

Option 2: buliluyan port.

From the Irawan Bus Terminal, take the bus to Buliluyan Port. The journey of about 280.2km will take around five hours. There is usually only one scheduled bus trip that departs at 8:30 AM, so make sure you don’t miss it! This bus goes straight to the port.

There are no public ferries to Balabac from Buliliyan Port, but you can hire a boat to take you to one of Balabac’s islands. You can also check with your tour operator or accommodations in Balabac if they can hire a boat on your behalf. Depending on where in Balabac you are headed, the boat trip can take one to three hours.

While it is possible to arrange everything yourself and go on a DIY tour, because of the long travel time that involves multiple transfers and requires tricky scheduling, it is recommended to book a Balabac Palawan tour package inclusive of transfers, accommodations, and tours .

Within the bigger islands like Balabac, Bugsuk, and Bancalan Islands, you can hire tricycles to take you around as you explore. With some islands, you can also rent a motorcycle so you can ride around the area yourself. 

If you are staying in Balabac Town, the attractions are close enough to each other that you can usually just walk from one place to another. For a hassle-free experience, you may also book Balabac, Palawan tours.

See our popular Palawan Island Hopping Tours

While Balabac, Palawan has been gaining popularity recently, don’t expect a lot of options when it comes to accommodations. The municipality is remote, and there are only limited accommodations. To ensure that you will have a place to stay during your trip, book accommodations in advance, especially during the peak season. Also, note that these accommodations are basic, so don’t expect luxury.

See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages

Homestays and guesthouses .

These basic accommodations can mostly be found on the two big islands, Balabac Island and Bugsuk Island. In Balabac Island, you’ll find most guesthouses and homestays at Balabac Town Proper (Poblacion), while in Bugsuk Island, your best option is the barangay of Sebaring.

Some of these accommodations only offer fan rooms with a shared bathroom, so if you want added comfort, make sure to inquire if an air-conditioned room with a private bathroom is available.

Camping 

There are many islands in Balabac that you can camp in, but make sure to plan this in advance as some may require fees. Some islands where you can find camping grounds are Bugsuk Island, Onok (or Onuk) Island, Catamaran Island, and Camiaran Island. 

If you booked Palawan tour packages to Balabac with campsite accommodations, check the inclusions. Some of these packages already include camping gear, such as tents, so you don’t have to bring your own.

Also scattered throughout the islands are several resorts and beach camps. Again, these accommodations are not four- or five-star ones, but they may be able to provide you with more comfortable accommodations compared to the guesthouses and campsites.

Some beachfront resorts offer bungalow accommodations, cottages, and even rooms on stilts, while beach camps offer tent accommodations that are already set up and ready to sleep in. You can find some of these accommodations on Patawan Island, Balabac Island, and Onok Island.

The municipality is made up of several islands, so it’s no surprise that the majority of the Balabac, Palawan tourist spots and attractions are pristine beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Depending on the ownership of some islands, you may have to pay a fee or ask for permission to visit, but your tour operator can easily arrange this when you book Philippine island-hopping tours .

• Read about some of the most beautiful sandbars in the Philippines

Coron Island Hopping Tour to Kayangan Lake & Barracuda Lake | Palawan Super Ultimate Package

Private el nido palawan lio airport to or from any el nido town hotel transfer service.

This sandbar is connected to Byan Island, east of Matangule Island. This picturesque and snaking sandbar stretches as far as the eye can see, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll while enjoying the sea breeze.

Balabac has an abundance of stunning islands, and Tangkahan Island is one of them. This island boasts sandy beaches, towering palm trees, and surrounding waters that have different hues of blue.

While most of the islands and beaches in Balabac are great spots for snorkeling, if you really want to see lush marine life, head to either Sicscian Island or Nasubata Reef, which is also known as Pulao Bato. Sicsican Island is known for its flourishing coral garden, while Nasubata Reef is often found teeming with colorful fish.

On Balabac Island, you’ll find a Spanish-era lighthouse that began operating in 1892. Back then, it guided ships crossing the waters between Balabac and the northern islands of Sabah, Malaysia. While it is no longer used today, the 90-foot-tall lighthouse still looks impressive in the daylight, even as plants and trees are slowly reclaiming its structures. 

Since they are located on the same island, you can reach Barangay Indalawan from Balabac Town via land transportation. If you’re riding a motorcycle or a tricycle, expect a bumpy trip to Indalawan Falls and Indalawan Beach, as you may need to pass by dirt roads along the way. The trip will be well worth it, though, as these two untouched sites will give you the chance to reconnect with nature or just enjoy a peaceful and quiet exploration.

Because of the long travel to get here, it is best to allot at least five days for your Balabac trip. This will allow you to have three days to explore Balabac. If you have more time and want to explore more of the municipality, you may also extend your trip to seven or more days.

Flight to Puerto Princesa

Overnight at a hotel in Puerto Princesa or land travel to Rio Tuba and check-in at accommodations

Boat ride to Balabac from Rio Tuba Pier or Buliluyan Port

Island-hopping tour to Tangkahan Island, Patawan Island, and Punta Sebaring Beach

Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing

Lunch served picnic-style on one of the islands

Overnight camping at Punta Sebaring Beach

Enjoy breakfast 

Island-hopping tour to Mansalangan Sandbar, Canibungan Island, and Sicsican Island

Back to Balabac Town and check-in at accommodations

Island-hopping tour to Candaraman Sandbar and Onok Island, where you can swim with turtles and explore the giant clam area

Travel back to Balabac Island

Hike to Cape Melville Lighthouse and watch the sunset

Free time to relax, pack, and prepare for departure.

Dinner and overnight stay at accommodations

Breakfast and checkout from your accommodations

Depart from Balabac via ferry or boat to Rio Tuba Pier or Buliluyan Port

From Rio Tuba Pier or Buliluyan Port, travel back to Puerto Princesa by bus or van

Depart from Puerto Princesa International Airport to your next destination.

Balabac, Palawan is an amazing destination to visit, but thanks to its remote location, not a lot of people have had the chance to explore it, and many may have questions about this destination. Check out the following tips and frequently asked questions so you can have a smooth and fuss-free trip.

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

5-day nature & islands adventure package to puerto princesa and el nido palawan, 4-day fascinating culture & nature tour package to cebu & bohol with accommodations & transfers, scenic 1-week beaches & nature vacation package to cebu, puerto princesa & el nido palawan, are there atms in balabac, palawan .

Since it is a remote municipality, there are no ATMs in Balabac. It is best to bring all the cash that you would need for the entire trip. It’s best to withdraw Philippine currency either in Manila or Puerto Princesa. If you’re staying a night in Rio Tuba, you will also find some ATMs in the barangay.

Is it safe to go to Balabac, Palawan? 

Balabac is generally safe for all tourists, but as with any destination, travelers should always exercise the right amount of caution and be mindful of all the health and travel risks that come with the trip. It is also best to be informed about the local customs, traditions, and laws so that you don’t accidentally disrespect the locals or break the law. 

Is there mobile or phone signal in Balabac, Palawan? 

The weak mobile signal in Balabac, Palawan is not reliable, so if you need to update your friends and family or download important information, it is best to do so while you are in Puerto Princesa or other bigger cities and towns.

Since some islands in Balabac are privately owned, visiting them may require fees or permits. This can be arranged by your tour operator.

Palawan is the only place in the Philippines with malaria, and while the local government is taking steps to eradicate the disease in the province, it is best to take precautions and bring and use mosquito repellant.

Also, take note that because Balabac is remote and has limited infrastructure and access to modern amenities, you should bring your own creature comforts and necessities like drinking water, food, and medicine. Some areas also have no electricity so it is recommended to bring a power bank and charge it when possible.

As with any place you visit, do not litter. If you have trash with you but there are no garbage bins in sight, hold on to it until you find an environmentally friendly way to dispose of it.

Start planning your trip to Balabac, Palawan

The travel to Balabac, Palawan is not for the faint of heart, but after reaching this remote and untouched destination, you will instantly realize that the time and effort required to get there is worth it.

In fact, Balabac's isolation from the main island of Palawan adds to its charm. While there are no luxurious resorts and strong mobile signal here, it gives visitors the chance to go back to basics, reconnect with nature, and shut away the noise of the modern world. 

Give yourself the chance to be recentered when you explore the southernmost municipality of Palawan and arrange your trip to Balabac today.

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My emotions started to well up at the sight of the island but extreme happiness took over. My insides fluttered with joy – ah, euphoria. I drowned into a whirlpool of words. A million drifted through my open mind but none escaped from my very mouth. My lips turned into an upward curve instead that only God knows how long it was like that. I was just staring, lost in the reverie – grateful for the moment, amazed by the incomparably pure and unspoiled beauty. So this is Balabac.

I hankered to run barefoot and feel the fine sand on my feet, the salt and warm waters on my skin. I bathed in the sun that was shining bright into my whole being. Dazed, I turned and soaked myself in to the spectacular reality in front of me – a canvass painted with a vast and endless horizon of teal, cerulean to azure shades of the clear skies and the ocean. I stood there for a long time feeling the moment, wrapped in a sultry summer mood that I have always craved for. The wind and the little waves coming ashore were mellifluous. In the islands’ humble nipa cottages, await the care takers of the island and boatmen  with genuine smiles and untold stories. Balabac is a reality straight out of my daydreams and I wished it would never end.

About Balabac

How to get there

From manila to puerto princesa city, how to go to balabac from puerto princesa city, 1. puerto princesa city to rio tuba port (for diy travelers), 2. puerto princesa city to buliluyan port (for balabac joiner tours), exploring balabac, best things to do in balabac, where to stay, sample 4 days 3 nights balabac itinerary.

DAY 1: Arrival at Puerto Princesa Airport

Day 2: onuk island overnight stay, day 3: island hopping tour, day 4: sandbar and island hopping tour, estimated budget.

Tips in Traveling to Balabac

Protect the Last of the Last Frontier

I am very certain that my photos do not give justice to the real thing. A couple of times, I’ve taken a photo of a spot but it never looked the same way as what my eyes could see. It just saddens me that few trash are washed ashore in some of the islands from the nearby community. If you happen to see them, even not in Balabac, join me and a growing number of concerned travelers in the beach clean up . An hour or two wouldn’t hurt; not even a loss. Let’s all do it together for the greater good.

Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

Anne Elizabeth Gumiran, also known as Queenie, is a 20-something, full-time public school teacher, a part-time travel blogger and a freediver. She started putting her stories of adventures and misadventures into words and pictures in 2017 and continues to do so as she shares her advocacy, Sustainable Traveling.

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36 comments.

Hi, did you tavel alone? Will be in Balabac on June 12 to 16.

Balabac is calling me! <3

Hi thanks for this blog. I am planning to solo travel next year. Can I ask if your travel guide also took all of your pictures?

Hi! Since I went there solo, yes, I had to ask my guide to take my photos after framing them myself 🙂

Santiago Barcelona

Hello Question, after mag Overnight sa Onuk Island. San na po kayo nagstay sa Day 3 and 4?

Thank you. Will be there kasi this year, inaayos ko itinerary

Hi! I stayed in Candaraman Island 🙂

Ric Arevalo

Hi Quenn, Thanks a lot for all the info re Balabac travel.. It’s enough for me to decide and plan our trip this April…. Rgds

Yay! Enjoy 🙂

Hi thanks this super. Which company did you book through or use or did you join a tour at the port? Just to confirm this is more or less all inclusive eg food, acommmodation and island hoping? I think I will be there in three weeks! Thanks!

Hi! Search for Kamp Malaya on Instagram and Motet Sanson on Facebook 🙂 He offers Balabac tours with food and accommodation already. As of now, Balabac does not accept DIY travelers. Visitors should be joining an organized tour to get there 🙂

Angelica pimentel

Planning to go there Jan 2924 which do u think the easiest way is it from Manila to Puerto to balabac then cebu or the other way around

Hi, Angelica! The only way to get to Balabac is through flying to Puerto Princesa City from anywhere in the Philippines and a land trip from the city to Rio Tuba or Bataraza. If you wish to go to Cebu, you’d still need to go back to Puerto Princesa anyway 🙂

Imari Irish

Hello san island kaya may manta at dolphins?

We are planning to go freedive in Balabc very soon.

Vheng centeno

Hi! Thank you all the info needed are in detail its very helpful and inspiring to travel more ??Nice photos ?? Its also on my bucket list I was able to booked a trip with my family next year of sept, im thinking which place is better for us to travel to el nido or balabac since we are travelling with my youngest son (6yrs old)

More travel tips and adventure!! God bless and keep safe

Thank you for the kind words! ?El Nido I think is better for traveling for families especially with kids as it is more convenient, and they won’t have to endure a very long and tiring land and sea travel. As much as I want to recommend Balabac as you have 6 days to travel plus it just has the best beaches I’ve seen, the trip to and from might not be ideal for kids unless they’re used to such. Hope this comment helps!

is there internet service in balabac?

Signal is weak to none in most parts but there are islands with good reception especially at Balabac town and Candaraman.

How much po ang hotel pwede po b ilagy ang mga hotel at anong travel agency thanks

There are no hotels po in Balabac 🙂 there are only simple inns and basic accommodation in the island. Contact Motet Sanson of Kamp Malaya for tours po.

LO Soriente

Hi I enjoyed reading every details of your trip. I hope me and my family can visit the island before the year ends.

Is the sand in Balabac is finer as with Boracay?

Appreciate your reply. Regards.

Thank you so much! ?♥️

For me it’s finer and the islands are just so raw and pristine! You must see this place ??

Planning to go home in July and do Balabac.

July can be rainy?

I don’t really recommend visiting Balabac during these days as the waves can reaaaally really get rough especially on the wet season (which July is in) in the Philippines.

Hi! Thanks for the suggester itinerary! I have a few questions and hope you can answe ?

1.Did you join a tour or you DIYed everything? 2. If its gonna be 5days travel, which island do you think it is best to stay longer. 3. Which island has the best sunrise and sunset view? 4. Love your photos too! What camera did you use?

1. I commuted from PPS to Rio Tuba and then joined an island hopping tour by Kamp Malaya. 2. It’s best to stay in Candaraman and Onuk Island. 3. Onuk Island has the best sunrise and sunset, no doubt! It has both 🙂 4. I used my Sony a6000 in these photos.

Hope these answers help! 🙂

do you have contact person @ Onuk?

Hello, Jaz! I don’t have but Sir Motet Sanson, the owner of Kamp Malaya tour has. Maybe you can coordinate with him on this one 🙂

what group tour can you recommend and ts telephone number ill be going in November

Hello, Ina! You can check Kamp Malaya on Facebook 🙂

Maureen Melencion

Wow! What a great text with the details about Balabac and your tour around!! I will try to visit thoses places in mid september 2023. What do think about the weather, to rough? Do you think its a great idea to bring my paddel board? Do I have time to use my paddel board on the Islands or is it just hop on and hop of between the islands for pictures?

Regards fr Sweden

Hello, is there any travel agency here that provides group tours?

Hello! Yes, there is! My top recommended tour organizer in Balabac is Kamp Malaya. You can send your queries and book your tours with them through their Facebook page 🙂

pwede bang mag take chance at sa buliluyan sumakay ng bangka papuntang balabac as a DIY traveller?

Hi, I’m afraid that would be impossible. Buliluyan port is usually the port for organized tours and DIY travels by the way is currently not allowed in Balabac.

Thanks for the info. DIY, I mean wala akong tour package from PPS.. pupunta lang ako ng Balabac, then form there hahanap ako ng package probably like what you mentioend (Kamp Malaya). I’ve already booked a flight and wala ako mahanap (sa ngayon) na tour schedule na match sa booking ko.

Hi, Mike! I suggest you contact Kamp Malaya first or other tour operators just so your long trip from PPS to Rio Tuba/ Bataraza won’t go to waste as they currently suspended the DIY trips in the area 🙂

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Balabac Travel Guide: Explore the Paradise in Southern Palawan

In summer of 2013, I ventured in the islands of Balabac with a sole intention to see the old lighthouse of Cape Melville . Never did I imagine that the place will move me so deeply. Today, the place has become one of the most sought after offbeat destinations in the Philippines! I came up with this guide to share what I have learned based on my experience and to make it easier for you to plan your visit to this side of Palawan. Provided in this Balabac travel guide are latest information on hot to get there, accommodation, activities, sample itinerary, budget and more.

About Balabac

Balabac is a secluded and raw paradise in the farthermost and south-westernmost tip of the province of Palawan. Where virgin island beaches and perfectly turquoise water are normal scenery, the chorus of rare birds and animals is the typical music!

Situated in the rich water of Sulu Sea, Balabac is a group of 31 islands and islets blessed with unspoiled fine sandy beaches, endemic flora and fauna and rich marine life. It is the last of the last frontier, set in the congruity of the Molbog tribe and the local people.

Balabac is one of, if not the most diverse and dense bio-diversities in the world. It is home to endemic mouse deer known locally as pilandok , countless species of endemic and migratory birds, rare plants and insects, 27 true and 34 associated species of mangrove, giant Sulu Sea Pearls and variety of marine species such as sharks, dolphins, tuna, whales, rays, sea turtles and a whole lot more!

Visit Bugsuk Island, bask on its wide stretch of fine white sandy shore and see its huge population of mouse deer; trek to the century old Spanish era lighthouse of Melville; see the old and forgotten fort of Balabac in Ulitan; find the hidden waterfalls in the mountains; immerse with the unique culture of Molbog tribe; dive the unbelievably vivid underwater world of Sulu Sea, Balabac Strait and West Philippine Sea.

Be mesmerized with the pink sand beach of Comiran Island; go island and beach hopping in Onuk, Candaraman, Matangala, Canabungan, Nasubata, Ramos, Bugsuk, Siksikan, Secam, Patongong, Lumbucan, Mangsee and other islands and sandbars that dot the archipelago; go firefly watching in Sebaring; for more daring adventure, see the crocodiles in the mangroves and rivers; choose your own adventure, explore on your own pace and discover the unexploited beauty of the place!

Live in the harmony of nature and culture, choose the road less traveled, follow the offbeat trail to Palawan’s best – Balabac Islands!

How to Get to Balabac

Balabac has two airstrips, one in Bugsuk Island and one in Candaraman Island. Both can accommodate small aircraft although no commercial airline flies to these airstrips today. A new airport in the main island of Balabac is planned under Public-Private Partnership program of the government and intended for commercial operation but there is no timeframe set for this project yet.

By Land and Sea

Rio Tuba in the town of Bataraza is the gateway to Balabac Islands. A public boat departs daily at around noon from Rio Tuba Port to mainland Balabac, travel time is approximately four (4) hours and fare is around P500 one-way. Take note that there is no fix schedule of boat departure as it depends on sea condition and passenger traffic. It is best to be there as early as 10AM. Alternatively, you can also proceed to Buliluyan Port, the southernmost village of Bataraza where you can charter a boat for at least P3000 to Balabac. Buliluyan Port is the nearest port of mainland Palawan to Balabac.

Rio Tuba is accessible by land from Puerto Princesa City. Buses and vans regularly depart from San Jose Terminal of Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba starting at 4AM up to 9PM daily. Fare is for as low as P300 for non-aircon bus and as high as P500 for aircon shuttle or bus, travel time is approximately five (5) to six (6) hours.

Puerto Princesa City is connected by air from Manila via Philippine Airlines, Ais Asia Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Air Swift and Sunlight Air; from Iloilo and Cebu via Philippine Airlines, AirAsia Philippines and Cebu Pacific Air; and from Busuanga, Cuyo, San Vicente, Sipalay and Taytay via Air Juan.

By ferry, 2Go Travel serves Manila to Puerto Princesa via Coron once a week. Meanwhile, Montenegro Shipping Lines and Milagrosa Shipping Lines have regular trips to Puerto Princesa from Iloilo via Cuyo.

Going Around and Away

The municipality of Balabac is an archipelago of 31 island and islets, the main mode of transport is by boat. There is no public boat that goes from island to island since most locals here own one for their use. For tourists aiming to go on island hopping, you may charter a boat from the locals but there is no standard tariff for boat rental, rate depends on boat capacity and distance of travel but it usually starts at P5000 per day for a boat that could fit a maximum of six passengers, meals not included.

If you want convenience and hassle free all inclusive tours around Balabac, various local organizers mount packaged tours. Contact Balabac Island Safare the Best of Kap Andong Noe at +639182482366 or Rombo Balabac of Sir Renato Principe at +639291403125 for schedule and rates.

In the main island of Balabac, habal-habal or motorbike is the main mode of transportation around the town.

Going out of Balabac, catch the daily boat to Rio Tuba that leaves at around noon. Like the Rio Tuba to Balabac boat, there is no fix schedule of departure for it depends on sea condition and passenger traffic.

Where to Stay in Balabac

There is no high end resort in town, only small time lodging houses that are located in Balabac Poblacion. To date, here are two places where tourists can stay in the mainland:

JD Lodging House (Sing and Swing Karaoke Bar) Poblacion, Balabac

MLK Lodging House Poblacion, Balabac

Meanwhile, if you plan to stay outside of mainland Balabac, expect only basic accommodation in the outlying islands.

Onuk Island has few rooms to accommodate guests. The island is privately owned by the family of the Mayor of Balabac and prior arrangement is necessary for tourists visiting or staying in the island. You may get in touch with local officials for the arrangement.

Another great place to stay is Punta Sebaring in Bugsuk Island. The place boasts of wide and long stretch of perfectly fine and white sand. One may pitch a tent or stay in the cottage owned by the family of Sir Renato Principe for a minimal fee.

There are other virgin islands and beaches in Balabac where you can pitch a tent, some are privately owned so it is advisable that a local guide accompanies you to these islands.

Things to Do in Balabac

• Visit the century-old Spanish lighthouse of Melville
• Bask in the wide and long stretch of fine and white sand in Punta Sebaring
• See the beautiful mangrove areas of Sebaring, Bugsuk, Melville and other coastal areas in town
• Enjoy the best view of sunrise and sunset
• Go snorkeling, free diving or scuba diving (bring your own equipment)
• Go island and beach hopping at Onuk (Roughton), Nasubata, Candaraman, Matangala, Canabungan, Ramos, Bugsuk, Bowen, Siksikan, Secam, Patongong, Pandanan, Lumbucan, Salingsingan, Mangsee and other islands, islets and sandbars that dot the archipelago
• Visit the pink sand beach of Comiran Island
• Dolphin watching
• See the endemic mouse deer, wild monkeys, crocodiles and other animals in the wild
• Bird-watching: Balabac is one of the best spots in the Philippines for bird watching as the archipelago is home to variety of migratory and even endemic birds like Grey Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pickeringii), Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), Blue-headed Racket-tai (Prioniturus platenae), Palawan Hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei) and Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), among others
• Go firefly watching at night
• Immerse with unique culture of Molbog tribe
• Trek Melville Peak, Italawon Peak and Malaking Ilog Peak
• See the hidden waterfalls in the mountains of Balabac
• Check out the Historical Marker in Ramos Island, the old Spanish Fort in Ulitan and the ruins of Spanish structure at the mouth of Larindon Bay (below the lighthouse of Melville)
• Shop for Malaysian products

Sample Balabac Itinerary

Day 0: 2100H: Departure from Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba (Bus)

Day 1: 0300H – 0330H: Arrival in Rio Tuba / Check-in at White Heaven Lodging 0330H – 1000H: Rest / Sleep 1000H – 1300H: Brunch / Assembly 1300H – 1600H: Rio Tuba to Punta Sebaring (Bugsuk Island) 1600H onwards: Free time at Punta Sebaring / explore the beach / sunset / dinner / lights off

Day 2: 0600H: Call time 0600H – 0800H: Breakfast / pack-up 0800H – 1700H: Island Hopping (Nasubata, Onuk, Comiran) / Melville Lighthouse Trek 1700H – 1830H: Melville to Balabac Poblacion 1830H – 2000H: Arrival in Balabac Poblacion / dinner / proceed to lodge 2000H onwards: Check-in at JD Lodge (Sing and Swing / rest

Day 3: 0600H: Call time 0600H – 0800H: Visit the old fort in Ulitan and the unique coconut tree with branching trunk at Katogokan 0800H – 0900H: Breakfast / pack-up 0900H – 1600H: Island Hopping: Candaraman, Siksikan, Ramos Island (see the historical marker), Canabungan 1600H onward: Arrival in Punta Sebaring / free time / dinner

Day 4: 0600H: Call time 0600H – 0800H: Sunrise / brekfast 0800H – 1100H: Sebaring to Rio Tuba 1100H – 1200H: Proceed to shuttle terminal 1200H – 1800H: Rio Tuba to Puerto Princesa

Estimated Budget: ~P12,000 each for 4D/3N ~P10,000 each for 3D/2N

• Entrance Fees: Onuk Island – P1,500 per person; Candaraman – P100 per person (Add P500 per group if overnight) Comiaran – P100 per person Canibungan – P150 er person (Add P500 per group if overnight) Sebaring – P100
• If you arrive early in Rio Tuba or you miss the boat to Balabac, there are lodging houses in Rio Tuba where you can spend the night. White Heaven Lodge near Rio Tuba bus terminal has P250/night for a very basic fan room with common CR. Other lodges in town are Corpuz Lodging, Duazo Lodging, Triple J Inn (the only one with wi-fi), Kharis Lucky Inn, Tagle Pensionne, RZ Lodge and Dolotte Lodge. Expect only basic accommodation from these lodges.
• The cheapest way to experience Balabac is to join the organized tours of various travel groups.
• Mobile signal of major networks are present in Poblacion Balabac and other parts of Bugsuk Island.
• No ATM in Balabac and no establishment accepts credit card, debit card or traveler’s checque. The nearest ATM is in the town of Rio Tuba in mainland Palawan.
• Electricity in Poblacion Balabac and neighboring towns runs only from 12 noon to 12 midnight. No electricity in the outlying islands.
• There are reported cases of Malaria and Filariasis in Balabac specially in the mountains and forest areas. Although rare now, take precautionary measures when visiting the town.
• Bring insect repellant for protection against mosquitos and sand flies (niknik)
• Foreigner are discouraged to visit the place due to security risks
• Best time to visit is during summer (March to June)

Updates: 07-May-2014; 18-Feb-2017; 31-Dec-2017; 10-Mar-2018; 21-Apr-2019; 27-Jan-2020; 10-Aug-2021; 10-Mar-2023

[…] For more information on Cape Melville Lighthouse and Balabac, check out Lakwatsero’s Balabac Travel Guide. […]

[…] I first learned of how beautiful Balabac is from a blog post of Angel a couple of years back, I’ve always wanted to go and stay there for a week or longer. For a […]

[…] away from civilisation. You’ll only find a handful of locals and plenty of wildlife. Check out Lakwatsero’s Balabac guide here for everything you need to know about getting to the islands and what to do when you’re […]

[…] in Balabac by Akrosdayunibers Balabac Series by BlissfulGuro Balabac Travel Guide by Detourista Balabac: Travel Guide by Lakwatsero Balabac, Palawan P6,935 to Paradise by Taralets Anywhere Balabac Island: Sandbar Hopping Paradise […]

Hi! My friend and I are planning to visit Balabac this March. More specifically, Onok Island is on the top of our list. However we were astounded to find out that they now charge 5000 pesos per head (entrance fee and meals included) just to visit this island. And that’s on top of the usual rate of 2000 per person per day Island hopping (3 islands per day). We tried to call diff boat operators and all have the same rates. Umm do you think it’s worth the price to still visit onok?

[…] situated on the southern tip of Bugsuk Island, one of the islands that comprise the Municipality of Balabac which also happens to be the southernmost town of Palawan Province, the last of the last […]

[…] For information on how to go to Balabac Island and Cape Melville Lighthouse, check out Lakwatsero’s Travel Guide to Balabac. […]

[…] For more information about the place, check out my Travel Guide to Balabac Islands. […]

How can tourist to go to Balabac island in Philippines and where can I stay there?

https://www.lakwatsero.com/destinations/travel-guide-balabac/ I think that blog will help you. I actually never heard of that island before you mentioned it.

Hi Lakwatsero,

What a great website and a great find for me!

I have a yacht currently in Myanmar but in the low season there, May to October I am planning to have her based in KK or Kudat (Sabah Malaysia) and using her for charter trips from Sabah out to Banggi Islands and also to the Balabac Islands and even onto Palawan.

Would really like to use some of your photos and written material on my website, obviously with full credit given.

Do you offer any services that you think might be useful to me?

My website is currently under construction but is online now http://www.dallinghoo.com

Best regards

Trevor Appleby

Thanks for this lakwatsero. We visited Balabac, Palawan, this summer and I’ve made a guide also with updated prices and contact details, in case anyone is looking for this information. 🙂

http://www.taraletsanywhere.com/balabac-palawan-itinerary/

Hi everyone, just would like to let you know that we are offering tours to Balabac, Palawan in partnership with Kap Andong Noe (the best boatman and tour guide of Balabac!). Those who are interested to visit the island group of Balabac may check our FB page for our year-long trips.

FB: http://www.facebook.com/kilometerzeroph IG / Twitter: @kilometerzeroph

Please share with your family and friends who’d like to explore the southernmost tip of the Palawan!

[…] For more information, check out Balabac Island Travel Guide. […]

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Balabac Island: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Palawan’s Last Frontier

Dubbed as the last of the last frontier of the Philippines, the Balabac Group of Islands is one of the most beautiful islands in Palawan that you could have ever visited. Home to unspoiled white-sand beaches, finest sand bars, brilliantly colored coral reefs, a wide range of marine life, and bountiful flora and fauna. If you are keen on exploring virgin beaches and secluded islands, this island paradise is a must-visit! 

Compared with the two popular island destinations in Palawan, El Nido and Coron are much more accessible than Balabac. It is a more remote island paradise that takes long hours of travel to get there. But once you get here, you can have the opportunity to have a full experience of island life – a one-of-a-kind lifetime experience! Much closer to nature with a more serene atmosphere and having a chance of getting completely disconnected from social media.

In this blog, you will learn more about Balabac, how to get there, things to do, what to see, and everything you need to know about this trip. This travel guide to Balabac, Palawan, will surely help you if you plan to visit the island soon.

Table of Contents

Travel Guidelines & Requirements (as of 2022)

Although Balabac is now open for tourists, there are still travel guidelines and requirements that you need to follow. In this case, here are some of the documents that you need to showcase at the airport from Manila.

• A negative result of Antigen (accomplished within the last 48 hours before arrival in Palawan)
• Vaccination card
• Approved S-Pass from the local government of Balabac
• Returned flight tickets

About Balabac, Palawan

Balabac Group of Islands is located in the southernmost part of Palawan and is known as the last of the last frontier of the Philippines. It has 36 islands where some are uninhabitat, while some of them are uninhabited and are still unexplored. 

Balabac is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Sabah, Malaysia, across Balabac Strait, which is just a few hours away. Don’t be surprised as most of the islands here are owned by the local politicians and some locals living in Balabac. This island is also home to some species, and one of them is the nocturnal Philippine mouse-deer ( or Pilandok in Tagalog ) which can only be found on the island. In addition, the island is also rich in marine species such as dugongs, sawfishes, sea turtles, and saltwater crocodiles.

How to get to Balabac, Palawan?

From manila to puerto princesa.

Since there is no direct flight to Balabac, you need to book a flight to Puerto Princesa instead. Airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia offer flights daily. You may opt to book a flight from any of these airline companies. Better yet, wait for their offered promos to score cheaper flights bound for Puerto Princesa .

From Puerto Princesa to Balabac

Take a van heading to Buliluyan Port. It takes 5-6 hours from the city to the port. Kindly note that your contact tour guide from Balabac will pick you up from the city. If you opt to travel by yourself, it is not highly recommended at the moment since it is mandatory to book a package tour to the island. Then from Buliluyan Port, you need to ride a boat heading to your base camp. It takes approximately 2 hours or more to get there. 

Exploring the islands of Balabac, Palawan

The Balabac Group of Islands consists of 36 islands in total. Some of them are inhabited, while some of them are not. These are some of the following islands that you can get a chance to see. 

• Canimeran Island

After long hours of traveling, we finally reached our first island destination, Canimeran Island. This was our first destination since it is the closest island to the port. We had our lunch here and took some time to take pictures. As we got down the boat, we were welcomed by the crystal clear water of the shore and its fine white sand. The island is filled with lush rows of coconuts. We were also able to see some peacocks and island dogs during our visit.

• Patawan Island

Our next island stop. The island has got its unique charm. Its pristine sand with a mild tint of pink and turquoise seawater is good for swimming. From its aerial point of view, the island looks like a dolphin, making the island more beautiful and appealing. 

• Sicsican Island

This is our base camp. This is where we stayed for four days and four nights. You could stay and sleep in a tent or nipa hut during your stay. In our case, my friends and I stayed in nipa huts. The room is good for four people. It is just amazing because the nut is facing the sunrise view, so once you get up, you can get a chance to catch the sunrise. Meanwhile, you can watch the sunset on the other side of the island! 

It also boasts fine white sand and crystal clear waters of the ocean. Coconut trees also surround the island. Sicsican Island is also a good spot for freediving. You will love what the island offers underwater if you are a freediver. Some of my freediver friends got a chance to explore underwater! (wishing I could go with them) *sobs*

Starfish Island

Known as the Starfish Island, it is a long sandbar that is just a few minutes away from the shores of Candaraman Island. This is where you can get to see many starfish and get a chance to swim with them. Fortunate are those who arrive at the island during the low tide because it is much more visible.

It was high tide when we got there, but we still had fun looking at the starfish underwater. Even from the boat, you can still glimpse the starfish due to its clearwater!

Onok Island (Roughton Island)

This is indeed the most sought-after island amongst the islands of Balabac, Palawan. The island features wide-ranging shallow turquoise waters, a sandbar, wild sea turtles, and coral reefs. Truly one of the most beautiful islands I have ever seen; getting to this place was all worth it! On the 2nd day of our trip, we went here for lunch and spent some time exploring this tiny island. I must say that this is the highlight of our trip.

Onok Island is such a paradise! In addition, it also boasts giant clams underwater, where you can get a chance to see through snorkeling or freediving. Not to mention its beautiful boardwalk and tiny houses built on stilts. It was an amazing, memorable day for us—a perfect island in perfect weather.

• Nasubata Reef

Nasubata Reef is just nearby Onok Island. This is the most popular spot for snorkeling and freediving. Explore and see the beauty of coral reefs and the wide range of aquatic species underwater.

Mansalangan Sandbar

One of the sandbars you can visit during your island hopping tours in Balabac. This is one of the longest islands in the Philippines! Also one of the most beautiful and one of my favorite spots we visited!

Punta Sebaring (Bugsuk Island)

I think this is the farthest island that we have ever visited. We took long hours to get here while facing the huge waves. Despite that, it was worth seeing the island. Although you have to be very careful with sand mines (locally known as niknik), it is still one of the best sandbars and beaches ever! As we docked our boat near the shore, I told myself that I wouldn’t go down to avoid getting bitten by the niknik. But our tour guide convinced me to get down to experience the beauty of the island that it offers. 

So I got off our boat and went to the shore, not minding the niknik bites that I might get after. As I stepped on the island’s sand, I just felt mesmerized by it! I could say that this island has got the powdery and finest sandbar I set foot on! It amazed me. One of the best island beaches I have ever seen so far! I enjoyed walking for a while; my feet sank into the sand. Thanks to our local tour guide, I got some stories about Punta Sebaring.

• Candaraman Island

The island also offers the finest white sandbar with a vast expense of clear water.

• Tangkahan Island

This is our final stop on the last day of our trip since we had to get back to Buliluyan Port and Puerto Princesa City. 

Sample Balabac, Palawan Itinerary for 4D3N

Here is the sample Balabac itinerary for four days and three nights. This gives you an idea of what you can expect from your entire trip. 

• Pick up from Puerto Princesa to Buliluyan Port. 
• Start of island hopping.

Destinations:

• Camp at Sicsican Island.

Island Hopping Tour.

• Starfish Sandbar
• Onok Island
• Back to base camp
• Mansalangan sandbar
• Bragi Island
• Punta Sebaring
• Back to base camp. 

Island Hopping in the morning.

Head back to the city. 

Destinations: 

• Canibungan Island

Budget and Expenses

My friends and I got our all-in package tour from Kamp Malaya for only Php 10,990 pesos per person. This includes the following: 

• Roundtrip AC Van transfer(shared) PPS to Buliluyan Port
• Roundtrip boat transfer
• full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• all entrance fees
• Accommodation (fan room)
• Tent (island camp)
• tour insurance
• local tour guide

Take note that the cost depends on how many people join the tour. In our case, we are a group of twelve. For the budget, it is safe to have at least Php 15,000 for the entire trip, excluding the airfare. 

Recommended Tour Guide

To experience the best Balabac Island Hopping tours, you may contact Kuya Motet Sason from Kamp Malaya through his personal Facebook page. He was our tour operator during our trip! He’s very kind and friendly! Apart from that, he offers the best service ever! Highly recommended! You may also contact him via Instagram (@kampmalaya) . 

Things to do on the island

• Go snorkeling.
• Go freediving.
• Catch the sunrise and the sunset.
• Connect with the locals.
• Have lots of seafood.
• Try some snacks from Malaysia. A little trivia about the island, our local guide said that 80% of their food comes from Malaysia.
• Go stargazing.
• Go camping.

Here are some of my photos taken by @the.christian.cee.

Where to stay

Suppose you are wondering where to stay on Balabac Island. In that case, you can stay at some beach camps such as Punta Sebaring, on the southern end of Bugsuk Island, Candaraman Island, and Sicsican Island (which was our base camp during our visit). You may also have an overnight stay on Onok Island but expect higher rates for this experience since this is a privately-owned island.

Things to Bring

• Insect repellent for mosquitoes and sand mines
• Extra batteries or power bank
• Snorkeling set and fins
• Extra food and snacks.
• Power Extension
• Your best outfit for the trip. (Of course, it shouldn’t be missed!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to go to Balabac Island?

Palawan is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in the Philippines. Though Balabac Island is located at the southernmost tip of Palawan, it is safe to go to the island. This is where you get to meet the country’s nicest and friendliest people.

When is the best time to visit Balabac?

The best time to visit Balabac Island is from March to May since this is the summertime in the Philippines. The sea is much calmer, and you can have the best weather during these months. 

Is there a signal on the island?

The signal on every island is very limited and unstable most of the time. This is the perfect chance to escape from reality. Indeed a perfect place to detach yourself from the real world. 

How much is the budget for the trip?

The ideal budget would be around Php 15,000 to Php 17,000. Provide at least Php 2,000 for the airfare (promo price). Allot Php 11,000 for your entire Balabac Island tour (just take note that this budget was based on a group of twelve). Then, the remaining budget is for the extra expenses of your food, pasalubong, and accommodation in Puerto Princesa. You can find discounted rooms through Airbnb, Reddoorz, Agoda, and Zen Rooms. 

Is there electricity on the island?

The island has a limited source of electricity. The generator only runs at night from 6 PM to 6 AM, so make sure you get all your batteries charged within this time. 

How many islands are there in Balabac, Palawan?

The Balabac Group of Islands has 36 islands located in the Balabac Strait. 

How long is the travel time from Puerto Princesa to Balabac?

Travel time to Balabac from Puerto Princesa is approximately 5-6 hours. Make sure you bring your travel pillow and have a more comfortable seat in the van. 

Are there ATMs on the island?

No. So make sure you bring extra cash before heading to the island. 

Who to contact for Balabac Island Hopping Tours?

Kindly contact Kamp Malaya Tours or Kuya Motet on their Facebook page for more information. 

How many days should I spend staying in Balabac?

The ideal would be five days and four nights. It is highly recommended to arrive at Puerto Princesa the day before your trip to Balabac. It takes 5-6 hours to get to Buliluan Port, then hours to arrive at your first island destination. That being said, spend your first day in Puerto Princesa City. So make sure to book a flight the day before your trip to Balabac! 

If you are wondering where to stay in Palawan, you may consider Hillside Resort , one of my favorite places to stay in the city. If you still have extra time to spare, you can also explore nearby islands by booking Honda Bay Island Hopping Tours in Puerto Princesa.

Traveling to Balabac Island is not as affordable as it may seem. But you will never regret visiting this island paradise. If you are up for new adventures and discover a less touristic island destination yet one of the best, you must go to Balabac soon!

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A travel blogger in the Philippines and a K-pop enthusiast, Ara Patria (The Adventuress) pursues her passion and love for traveling. She’s been blogging for years, where she writes about her own travel experiences and promotes the wonders of the Philippines. Not only does she promote the beauty of her country, but she also focuses on promoting sustainable tourism. She dreams of traveling the world and inspiring other people through her own written works and captured moments with her camera.

The Adventuress is a travel blogger with a purpose. She aims to inspire other people through her personal experiences, stories, and lenses. Outside her blogging world, she is an education, an SEO specialist, and TEFL/TESOL certified.

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2 thoughts on “ Balabac Island: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Palawan’s Last Frontier ”

Thank you so much for all your informative travel itinerary to Balabac,Palawan especially your island hopping tours. I will definitely visit all these beautiful islands.You can be my travel buddy !!! Hope to meet you soon.Take care and stay safe. Best, Juliet

Thank you!!! Travel soon!

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Balabac Travel Guide 2024 – EVERYTHING You Need to Know

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December 14, 2023

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Balabac has by FAR the best beaches I’ve ever seen.

Nothing beats its extra fine white sand.

Pair with its stunning bright blue waters and the lack of tourists, and you get an absolute island paradise.

Unlike Boracay or other beautiful beaches, traveling Balabac isn’t so simple.

That’s why I’m putting together this complete Balabac travel guide, so you can plan your trip accordingly!

I’ll go over:

• What to expect in Balabac
• How to get there
• How to “DIY” Balabac (Hint: You can’t exactly DIY it)
• ALL The Balabac Islands
• Budget and Itinerary
• What to bring
• Tour Agencies

And a bunch of other frequently asked questions .

Let’s get into it!

3 Things You Need to Know About Balabac Before Visiting!

1. balabac is not a luxury destination.

If you’re looking for a nice, luxurious vacation by the beach, this isn’t it 😂

What makes Balabac truly special is its “untouched” natural beauty.

There are no hotels on these islands (yet!).

Instead, you’ll find that most tours include a mix of tent camping on beaches, or staying at simple lodges in Balabac town.

There aren’t any classy restaurants either aside from a few carenderias in the town.

Instead, everything is going to be cooked by your tour crew (but don’t worry, some of them are amazing cooks!)

I don’t mean to discourage you from coming.

I’m just setting your expectations.

Because you’ll find that this lack of luxuries is EXACTLY what makes Balabac special!

2. You Can’t DIY Balabac

It’s not one of those destinations where you can rent a motorbike and visit all the spots on your own!

Instead, you’ll need to join tours for 3 reasons:

1. Balabac is a set of islands, so you’ll need a tour boat to get around.

2. There are no regular ferries between islands – only 1 from Palawan mainland to Balabac town that leaves once a day. And

3. The coast guard is quite strict around here. The waves can get treacherous, and Balabac is also very close to Malaysia, hence the extra security measures.

The most DIY you can get is to ride the passenger boat to Balabac town (more on this later) , then find a boatman there and ask them to take you on a private tour.

But then again…

Why not contact someone ahead of time to organize a private tour for you? 

3. Yes. Balabac is Just Beaches. But…

My main concern before visiting was that it would feel repetitive.

I’ve been on many island hopping tours before, and only a handful were really enjoyable.

That’s why I was worried that visiting Balabac would be nothing but 4 days of the same thing:

Beaches, beaches, and more beaches. 

But while that was true, Balabac is really just beaches – they’re also the BEST beaches you’ll ever see. 

That’s why I didn’t get bored. 

And I don’t think you will either! 

Plus, in Onok, there are also turtles and giant clams – an absolute treat! 

4. Signal is Limited in Balabac – So Tell Your Family and Friends

If you’re the type of person to takes a lot of stories for social media, you might be slightly disappointed in Balabac! 

Most of the islands have very limited to no signal at all. 

In Balabac town, the signal is alright for Smart, but not Globe. 

I personally liked this fact. It felt like a real escape. 

However, before visiting, you may want to inform family or friends so they won’t think you’re missing! 

Note: Smart has much better reception in the Balabac islands than Globe. 

How to Get to Balabac

The easiest way to get to Balabac is to book a tour package in advance. You can fly into Puerto Princessa, spend one night there, then your tour will pick you up between 3-4 A.M. to take you to Balabac. 

From Puerto Princessa, it’ll take roughly 5-6 hours to get to Buliluyan Port on the southern tip of Palawan – with one stopover where you can have breakfast. 

At the port, your tour boat will pick you up and you can begin your island-hopping adventure right away! 

You can book flights directly to Puerto Princessa from Manila, Cebu, Ilo-Ilo, and even Taoyuan Airport in Taipei.

If you’re coming from somewhere else in Palawan, I’m going to publish a Palawan transportation guide soon so stay tuned!

How to Get to Balabac DIY

From Puerto Princessa City, take a tricycle (php400) or a jeepney (php30) to the Irawan Bus Terminal – NOT the San Jose Terminal (San Jose Terminal has closed down already). 

From there, you can take a van to Rio Tuba port, which costs around php550. 

(Note: it’s best to ask your accommodation for help in booking transportation. Chances are, they can get the van to come straight to your hotel rather than you having to ride public transport to the Irawan terminal.)

Trips start at 4 am, and I highly recommend you get on the first one if you want to make the passenger boat! There’s only one a day! 

In Rio Tuba, get on a tricycle to the pier (php50), and get on the boat bound for Balabac, which I’ve been told costs php350. 

You’ll want to do this as early as possible since there is no set schedule for the boat. The “official” departure time is 12 pm, but it can leave as early as 10 am, or as late as 2 pm! 

Travel time to Balabac is roughly 3 hours. 

Note: this is one of the reasons why going DIY is still not a great idea for Balabac. Getting there is pretty rough and there are no set schedules.

What to do in Balabac

Now for the fun part! 

When all the planning is done, it’s time to enjoy these amazing islands. 

Here’s what you can expect from them. 

Things to do in Balabac #1: Swim in the CLEAREST Waters You’ll Ever See

I promise you won’t find clearer water anywhere in the world than in Balabac! 

Balabac is still untouched by mass tourism, and you can see it. 

The water here is so clear, it’ll put any other popular beach destination to shame (yes, even you Maldives) .

Its vibrant blue is guaranteed to pull you right into it, and you’ll LOVE it! 

Now, I’m going to write about each of the islands individually below. But the great thing is that ALL of them have this feature. 

Things to do in Balabac #2: Chill in the Finest White Sand You’ll Ever See

I keep saying “You’ll ever see” because I mean it! 

Aside from the water, the sand in Balabac’s islands is also unmatched. 

It’s the kind of sand that’s so fine and soft, that you’ll have a pretty hard time walking on it! 

Pair that with the endless Philippine sunshine, and you have an absolute tropical paradise. 

If you like sunbathing, Balabac is the perfect place to lay a blanket down on the sand and just enjoy the heat. 

Things to do in Balabac #3: Get Close to Hundreds of Turtles! 

“More or less 100.” 

That’s what my guide told me when I asked how many turtles were on Onok Island. 

And I don’t doubt it at all. 

From the moment your boat enters the pristine waters surrounding Onok, you’ll see turtle after turtle after turtle swimming around. 

Back at shore, you might even see the hatchlings! 

Take note though that this is special to Onok Island. 

I’m sure there are other turtles swimming around the other Balabac islands, but you’ll have to be lucky to see them – unlike in Onok where they are everywhere. 

Things to do in Balabac #4: Enjoy the Other Wildlife

It’s not just turtles in Balabac! 

Balabac is also famous for the starfish lying around the islands. 

You can also see some giant clams. 

And, if you’re lucky, even some sting rays. 

Now if you’re unlucky, you might run into crocodiles in Balabac town! (Don’t worry though, sightings are rare and attacks on tourists are non-existent) . 

Things to do in Balabac #5: Experience the Slow Life of Balabac Town

Some tour packages spend all their nights beach camping – skipping Balabac town altogether. 

While beach camping is fun, I feel that a trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the actual Balabac island. 

In town, there isn’t too much to do. 

You can visit the market to see the Malaysian products they have for sale there (Balabac is so close to Malaysia, you’ll see Malaysian snacks, coke, and water bottles). 

You can take a short 15-minute walk up to the Balabac lighthouse, and enjoy a beautiful sunset as you watch the boats dock in the Balabac port. 

Other than that, there isn’t much to do around here. 

But it’s slow and cozy – something I appreciated a lot after 3 full days of non-stop action. 

Balabac Travel Map (All Balabac’s Islands)

Travel map coming soon! 

For now, here’s a rundown of the islands that you can visit! 

These are the islands listed in chronological order that I visited them! 

Tangkahan Island

Crystal clear water…

Powdery white sand…

What more could you ask for? 

As the first stop on our tour, I was instantly in love with this place. 

The great thing about this place is that it has a good mix of sand and shade. 

There’s a large sandy area stretching out to the sea. But once it gets too hot, you can retreat into the shade of the trees. 

As a lunch area, you’ll find several huts where you can enjoy a delicious meal prepped by your tour. 

You’ll also find hammocks where you can just chill while waiting for lunch. 

To be honest, Tangkahan is a great destination all by itself. 

But the crazy thing about Balabac is, EVERYTHING is so good, you’ll barely remember Tangkahan once you’ve visited everything, including…

Patawan Island

Patawan is another magical island. 

When we visited, we were given free complimentary coffee by the island’s residents, which was nice. 

Patawan is a little more developed than the other islands you’ll visit. 

There’s already a small resort there, and there was more construction going on when we visited. 

It’s still a very laid-back and chill place, but maybe not for long! 

In Patawan, there are a lot of beach chairs where you can relax while drinking your coffee or eating the snacks you bought at their sari-sari store. 

You can also go snorkeling.

The mini-reef isn’t great, but you can tell that this place is wild and untouched by the amount of fish they have in such a small reef! 

Punta Sebaring

A campsite! 

If you’re touring with the WanderWalkers , this is where you’ll be spending your nights. 

On my tour ( ATX travel ), we spent just one night here, but I loved it! 

You can sleep in a tent or a little hut with a mosquito net. 

The Punta Sebaring beach is facing east, so wake up early to experience one of the most magnificent sunrises you’ll ever see. 

Aside from that, it’s the same amazing blue water and white sand you get all over Balabac. 

There’s even a VERY long, uninterrupted stretch of sand on either side of the campsite. Sadly, we weren’t allowed to go there since it’s owned by a big corporation. 

Note: There are a lot of nik-niks (sandflies) in Punta Sebaring. Make sure to bring insect repellent to keep them away. 

Mansalagan Sandbar

Once you’ve been to Mansalagan Sandbar, you’ll have a hard time enjoying any other sandbar. 

This is the sandbar of sandbars. 

A super long stretch of powdery white sand, surrounded by nothing but the vibrant blue of the ocean. 

The water here is super refreshing, so aside from walking on the sand and getting pictures, make sure you swim around as well. 

You’ll also find plenty of starfish around here. 

All in all, this is currently my favorite sandbar in the Philippines! (And I’ve been to a lot too)

Caninbungan Island

“My gosh, walang pangit na isla dito!” (“my gosh, there are no ugly islands here!”)

That’s what one of our tour joiners exclaimed when he saw Caninbungan Island. 

And it’s true. 

You’d think a lunch spot island will just be ordinary. 

But in Balabac, even the lunch islands are extraordinary! 

Aside from the normal sand and sea, Caninungan is also full of coconut trees. 

You can ask your guide, and they’ll get some fresh coconuts for you to enjoy. 

Super good! 

Sicsican Island

Sicsican is one of the more developed islands. 

With a nice campsite and lots of available tents, some tour operators will let you spend your nights here. 

The island is a bit forested, but as always, it does have brilliant blue waters and powdery white sand (there is no island in Balabac without these).  

For us, Sicsican was a nice stopover before heading into Balabac town. 

There are some sari-sari stores here where you can buy snacks and coffee too. 

Also, this is also a turtle breeding site. 

Unfortunately, there weren’t any turtles when we visited. 

Balabac Island

The town! 

The town is a very small, slow one. 

We spent two nights in JD Lodge, one of the very few accommodations around here. 

If you’re going DIY, I highly recommend booking in advance since there aren’t many places to stay. 

Aside from that, there was the market and the lighthouse. 

All in all, a cozy town. 

It doesn’t have a spectacular beach as the other islands do, but I feel like this was a great addition to the itinerary! 

Candaraman Sandbar

I’m honestly running out of ways to describe these islands! 

Candaraman sandbar was another amazing stretch of sand surrounded by nothing but sea. 

I prefer Mansalagan over this one. 

But I’d say this comes as a close second in my list of best sandbars. 

There were also plenty of starfish here too! 

Onok Island

Saving the best for last.

All the islands already blew me away, but Onok was on a whole different level! 

Onok is quite far away from the rest of the islands, so getting there requires crossing a rough sea (even on a sunny day) , and it took over an hour to get here. 

But boy was it worth it! 

As you approach Onok, the water suddenly goes from a deep dark blue, into a bright, shining turquoise. 

The nearer you get, you’ll start to notice the turtles! 

There are hundreds of turtles swimming around here, it’s impossible not to see some. 

Then when you dock, you’ll once again be greeted by the whitest sand your feet will ever touch. 

Unlike some other islands, Onok has a very picturesque docking area, so be sure to grab some photos here. 

There are several huts where you can have lunch. 

Then after eating, you can swim with the turtles, or just relax the day away in this island paradise. 

After spending a few hours here, you can visit the nearby sandbar.

Or the giant clams area. 

Onok is the most popular island in Balabac, and I completely understand why. 

It’s not easy to beat all the other Balabac islands, but Onok is just THAT good! 

Balabac Budget and Itinerary

My total spending: php15,665 (airfare included)

• Airfare (CEB – PPS, PPS – CEB) – php2,400 (Cebu Pacific seat sale rate)
• Accommodation (1 night in PPS) – php300
• 4D3N Balabac tour by ATX Travel – php11,650
• Snacks/Water – php245
• Misc – php70
• Tip for the crew – php1,000

The tour package I got already included things like meals, boat transfers, entrance fees, environmental fees, and accommodation in Punta Sebaring and Balabac. 

I’d say if you crunch the numbers, you can save by going DIY as long as you have a group of at least four people. 

However, if you add in the hassle of traveling to a non-touristy area DIY, I’d say getting a group tour is worth the extra pesos. 

Balabac Itinerary

Here’s the itinerary I went on:

Day 0: 

• 9:00 pm – Arrive at PPS airport, check into accommodation

Day 1: 

• 3:30 am – Pickup from accommodation
• 5:00 am – Breakfast in Narra
• 9:00 am – Arrival in Buliluyan Port
• 10:00 am – Tour starts! 
• 10:30 am – Tangkahan Island / lunch
• 2:00 pm – Patawan Island / snacks
• 5:00 pm – Punta Sebaring / dinner / camping

Day 2: 

• 6:00 am – Call time / breakfast
• 8:00 am – Tour start! 
• 8:30 am – Mansalagan sandbar / starfishes
• 11:00 am – Caninbungan Island / lunch
• 2:30 pm – Sicsican Island
• 5:00 pm – Balabac Town / dinner / sleep

Day 3: 

• 8:00 am – Tour start!
• 9:00 am – Candaraman Sandbar
• 11:00 am – Onok Island! / lunch / swim with turtles
• 2:30 pm – Onok Island giant clam area
• 4:00 pm – Back in Balabac
• 5:00 pm – Hike to Balabac lighthouse / sunset

Day 4: 

• 4:00 am – Call time / light breakfast
• 6:00 am – Passenger boat to Buliluyan port
• 8:30 am – Arrive in Bulilyan port, van back to PPS
• 9:45 am – Stopover at Bataraza giant pineapple
• 11:00 am – Lunch in Brooke’s Point
• 3:00 pm – Arrive at PPS

You can ask your van driver to drop you off directly at the airport. Just make sure your flight isn’t earlier than 4 pm! 

Me, I spent another night in PPS, before heading to El Nid the next day. 

What to Bring to Balabac

Here are some things you should bring on your trip! 

• Insect Repellent – Balabac is rugged! There are nikniks and other insects on some islands, so you’ll want to have some repellent to keep them away! 
• Sunblock – Balabac is HOT. And you’ll visit at least two sandbars, maybe more depending on the tide. So make sure you have sunblock to protect your skin. 
• Some cash – Your tour package should be all-in, meaning that you don’t have to pay anything else. However, there are sari-sari stores on some islands, so you’ll want to have some loose change to buy some snacks! Also, there are no ATMs in Balabac, so it’s best to have some cash ready.
• Mask and Snorkel – If you have your own, bring it! When I visited, some of the joiners had to share masks because we didn’t have enough on our boat. Now, there aren’t too many snorkeling spots, but you’ll be glad you brought yours when you visit Onok. 
• Water Bottle – Your tour boat should have water readily available, but your own water tumbler is something that you’ll be glad you brought along. 
• First Aid Kit – Again, you’re going to be in the wild. That’s why having a first aid kit ready will be huge for you if you get hurt on the islands. Better safe than sorry! 
• (Optional) Your Own Tent – If your itinerary has tent camping, you may want to bring your own tent. 

As for things NOT to bring: 

• A LOT of Luggage – You’ll be sharing one boat with 10-14 people. It’s best to pack light, our guide recommended not more than 10kgs per passenger. I got away with slightly more than that, but that’s just because I was still going to El Nido and Port Barton after 😅
• Maarte (picky) Vibes – Remember! You’re going into the wild. Balabac isn’t developed like El Nido or Coron. Treat it a bit like how you would hiking – as a rugged adventure into the wild rather than a luxury beach escape. 

Balabac Tour Agencies

There are several tour providers in Balabac. 

If you’re unsure which one to pick, try to find one that is DOT accredited. 

ATX Travel and Tours

I went with ATX Travel and Tours, and I couldn’t be happier with the trip! 

The whole staff was very friendly and accommodating. 

Our tour guide Chris was very helpful and also friendly. And his helper, 13-year-old Junjun, also helped to make our even more unforgettable. 

For php11,650, this was a great package deal for me! 

I also loved how their itinerary included camping AND staying in town. 

WanderWalkers

Probably the most popular tour operator is the Wander Walkers, or just @balabacpalawan on Instagram. 

These guys get a lot of visitors, so make sure you book FAR in advance – at least two months (more if you’re traveling during peak season) . 

They are also more expensive than other tour operators. 

Whether they’re better than the rest or not, I can’t say. But I do feel like they are geared more towards foreigners.

We met their tour boat on some islands, and all their guests were foreigners. Whereas on our tour, we only had 2. 

I also know that they don’t stay in Balabac town. All their nights are spent in Punta Sebaring.

Punta Sebaring is a great campsite, no doubt, but I personally liked staying at Balabac town to see how life is on the islands. 

Other Tour Operators

If you search on Facebook, you’ll find that there are plenty of other tour operators available. 

Just shoot them a message! 

I sent out plenty of messages, but ATX was the fastest to reply, and also the most helpful, so I booked with them, which turned out to be a great decision. 

Also, be sure to check if they look legit. And try to read some customer reviews as well. 

I can personally vouch for ATX though. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Balabac

Still have questions?

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Balabac!

Do I Need a Tour to Visit Balabac?

Technically no, but practically yes. Balabac isn’t developed for tourism yet, which is why joining an organized tour will make your life so much easier! 

What Are Balabac’s Travel Requirements? 

There are no travel requirements to enter Balabac! 

The same goes for flying into Puerto Princessa airport. 

Are There Crocodiles in Balabac?

Yes, but you never have to worry about them. These crocodiles are only found around Balabac town itself, not the various islands you visit. In an organized tour, you will never run into them. 

Is Balabac Near El Nido?

NO! El Nido is on the northern tip of Palawan, while Balabac is on the southern tip. Balabac is around 14 hours away from El Nido in total! 

This includes a 5-6 hour van or bus from El Nido to Puerto Princessa, a 5-hour van trip from Puerto Princessa to Rio Tuba or Buliluyan port, and finally a 3-hour boat ride to Balabac. 

What is Balabac Known For?

Balabac is known for having some of the best beaches in the Philippines! Since it is a relatively new tourist spot, Balabac doesn’t have as big of a crowd as El Nido or Coron, giving it an “untouched” feel. 

Is it Safe to Travel to Balabac?

Yes! As long as you travel with a licensed tour operator, you shouldn’t have any problems while visiting Balabac. 

The main concerns some people have with traveling Balabac are crocodiles and militant groups. 

But there are no crocodiles on the tourist islands, and there is no history of militant groups in Balabac (plus, there is a strong coast guard presence in the area since it’s close to international waters). 

What is the Best Month to Visit Balabac?

The best months to visit Balabac are either March or April. These are the main summer months in the Philippines, and you can mostly expect amazing weather all around. 

November to May is also an okay season to travel. 

While June to October may get a bit rainy. 

However, it’s important to note that the weather in the Philippines is extremely unpredictable. 

So even if it isn’t high season, you may still want to come and visit, because chances are you’ll get lucky with lovely weather and ZERO crowds if you visit during low season! 

How Many Hours from Puerto Princessa to Balabac?

Traveling from Puerto Princessa to Buliluyan Port (where tours begin) takes roughly 5 hours. 

If you’re heading to Balabac town, it’ll take another 3 hours from Buliluyan Port, for a total travel time of roughly 8 hours from Puerto Princessa to Balabac town. 

Is There a Ferry From Puerto Princessa to Balabac?

No. The ferry from mainland Palawan to Balabac is found in Rio Tuba port, 4-5 hours away from Puerto Princessa. 

The ferry only leaves once a day, so if you’re planning to take it, make sure you leave Puerto Princessa as early as 4 am so that you’ll make it on time! 

Which is the Starfish Island in Balabac?

Candaraman Sandbar is known as Starfish Island in Balabac! 

Here you’ll find plenty of Chocolate Chip starfish chilling around. 

They’re great for photos. 

However, please avoid picking them up! This can be harmful to the animals. 

Aside from Candaraman, you’ll also find starfishes in Mansalagan sandbar, Patawan island, and a few other islands in Balabac. 

Which Language is Spoken in Balabac?

There are several languages spoken in Balabac such as Molbog, Kagayanen, Palawano, and Tagalog. 

For Pinoy visitors, pretty much everyone there understands Tagalog. 

For foreigners, you won’t have any problems either!

There are plenty of people in Balabac who are fluent in English – especially your tour guides! 

How Far is Balabac to Malaysia? 

Balabac is roughly 60 km away from Banggi Island in Malaysia. 

On a clear day, you can even see the Malaysian island on the horizon from Balabac town! 

Is There Cell Signal in Balabac? (Globe vs Smart)

Yes, but it’s quite weak on most of the islands. I also found that Smart has a much better reception than Globe on all the islands. 

Notably, Punta Sebaring (the campsite) has an almost non-existent signal, Smart or Globe. 

While in Balabac town, you’ll find that there is a strong Smart signal!

Balabac is by far one of the most beautiful destinations I’ve been to. 

I hope this guide I’ve put together either helps you make your plans – or even pushes you to go and visit! 

Because trust me…

You are NOT going to regret it! 

So go and book those flights to Puerto Princessa. 

And get in touch with a Balabac tour operator today! 

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About the author 

Manoling Martinez

Hi! I'm Manoling, a 24-year-old backpacker from Cebu City. I'm on a mission to visit ALL 82 provinces of the Philippines. You can follow my adventures on my Instagram, or plan your trips here on my website!

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Thank you for your amazing guide. I have a question. I'd like to to go Sabah, Malaysia by ferry after travelling Balabac. Is it possible? And is there a immigration office at Balabac? I need to report them before heading to Banggi island, Malaysia. Many thanks.

Hey Junghyun.

Hmmmmm, as far as I’m aware, there’s no public ferry from Balabac to Malaysia. I’m pretty sure there are cargo boats, but not passenger vessels.

The public ferries between Philippines and Malaysia are from Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi. The Zamboanga one is run by Aleson Shipping. I can’t find too much info about the Tawi-Tawi ferry.

Safe travels! Manoling

How to book accommodation in Balabac?

Hey Arsenia!

It’s quite difficult to DIY Balabac. There’s no online booking, and most of the lodges there don’t have an online presence. So you may just have to show up and inquire.

If you want to book ahead, your best bet is to contact a travel agency from Balabac. You can try ATX Travel, I did my tour with them.

That said, if you’re not going to DIY, just contact a tour operator, and they’ll take care of your accommodation for you. 🙂

Hi, its great to read your story. I am also from Cebu and is aiming to explore our beautiful country #82ProvincesPH. I've been to several places already and next month I am going first time to Puerto Princesa. I am planning to go either El Nido or Balabac.

Thanks for this input.

Let's not stop creating memories.

#livelovelaugh

That’s awesome!

Yes, Philippines is SO beautiful. And I definitely recommend visiting Balabac.

Goodluck on your PH82 journey! 🙂

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2024 Complete Balabac Palawan Travel Guide with Itinerary & Budget: Everything You Need to Know

In my journey of visiting all 82 provinces in my country, I have finally stumbled into my current BEST ISLAND in the Philippines — Onuk Island in Balabac Palawan . It has been a week since our visit to this majestic group of islands and up to this day I’m still stoked! So to all my readers asking for this awaited article, here is a Balabac Palawan travel guide with itinerary & budget for your future reference.

Balabac’s breathtaking and unspoiled beaches earned its nickname “ the last of the last frontier ” in the Philippines. Its stunning sandbars and crystal clear water will definitely guarantee tan lines as you marvel into its exquisite beauty.

Table of Contents

Understanding Balabac Palawan

To give you a bit of information, Balabac is a total of 31 islands located in the southern most part of Palawan and only about 50 kilometers North of Sabah, Malaysia. Most of its islands are privately owned by politicians and some are totally uninhabited.

The north of Palawan which are Coron and El Nico gives tourists a distinct characteristic through massive limestones and shipwrecks. Balabac islands on the other hand features more of tropical palm trees, pristine beaches, pink sand beach, powdery sand, vibrantly colored coral reef and marine life.

• The best season to visit Balabac Palawan is during the height of summer when the sun is up and the beach is at its clearest. Make sure to plan your trip during February – May for best chances of seeing the islands in its utmost majestic phase.
• Although the  predominant language   is Tagalog , Cuyonon is widely spoken and used all throughout Palawan, as well as Hiligaynon and other Visayan languages. Moreover, English is also widely spoken.
• Indigenous people: the  Molbog people  dominate the municipality of Balabac, as well as the municipality of Bataraza in the north.
• The currency used is Php and in terms of cash payments only. There are no ATM machines in Balabac so make sure to bring enough cash with you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Balabac DIY Trip

If you are planning to go to Balabac DIY way, below are few significant pre-travel guide tips you should know.

How to go to Balabac DIY way?

Step 1: Fly from Manila (MNL) to Puerto Princesa (PPS) . The nearest airport to Balabac will be Puerto Princesa so make sure to book your flight to PPS.

Step 2: Ride a van from PPS airport to Rio Tuba or Buliluyan Port in the municipality of Bataraza. The travel time is 5-7 hours and will depend on which port you will choose – Rio Tuba or Buliluyan Port. If you will come from Rio Tuba the sea travel to Balabac is about 4 hours. Alternatively, if you will come from Buliluyan Port the sea travel is less than an hour to Balabac.

Moreover, the most convenient way is to book van transfers from PPS airport to Buliluyan Port (Php800.00 per way), book here or contact Sir Motet Samson at 0939-363-7676.

Step 3: From Buliluyan Port you have to register at the tourism office which is just beside Buliluyan Port Terminal. Subsequently, rent a boat to Balabac and pay the necessary fees.

Boat rental usually costs Php1,500.00 per person and per day and this only includes 2-3 islands. The rate is also subject to change depending on how many passengers there are on the same date you will rent a boat for island hopping.

Where to stay?

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN

• CASAORO HOMESTAY – PHP470.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2

• GRANDMAS HOUSE HOMESTAY – PHP299.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2

If you have a budget on hotel rooms, I highly recommend Aziza Paradise Hotel. This is where I stayed for 4 nights, amenities includes a large lobby, swimming pool, wifi, bar and restaurant. It is also located about 2-3 minutes away from the Airport.

• AZIZA PARADISE HOTEL – PHP3,000.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2

• HUE HOTEL AND RESORT – PHP3,000.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2

Hue Hotel is also one of my recommended hotels around the City. Aside from it is located 2-3 minutes away from the airport, they have lots of room availabilities, amenities like swimming pool, bar, lounge, spa, restaurant and free airport transfers too. It is also walking distance from Robinsons Mall and other restaurants.

SICSICAN ISLAND, BALABAC – KAMP MALAYA

The base camp where you can stay is in Sicsican island, Balabac. There are A-type Kubo (fan room) available for Php500.00 per person and per night. Also, there are decent comfort rooms for guests. Contact Sir Motet Sanson for reservations: 0939-363-7676.

ONUK ISLAND, BALABAC

Overnight is also allowed in Onuk Island for a rate of Php3,500.00/pax which includes fan room and a mattress. Take note that advance reservation should be done. Day tour rate in Onuk Island is still Php1,500.00 per person.

A good reason why overnight in Onuk Island is so pricey is because Onuk Island is Balabac’s pride island. It’s the most majestic island you see online about Balabac.

Where to eat?

Food can be troublesome and might even get you spending more money for DIY travelers. Especially that these are secluded islands so you have to consider the fact that there are not much low budget eateries in the islands. You can opt for paluto or bring your own packed meals.

Where to book Balabac Island Tour?

Insider tip: save yourself from all the hassle and book a packaged tour instead!

Honestly there is not much difference in the budget if you plan to go to Balabac DIY way or booking a package tour. You can find preparing for your meals a bit troublesome and hassle in the island and buying cooked meals can be pricey too! So booking a package tour is more budget-wise if you ask me.

Book your tours with Balabac Island Tour-Kamp Malaya , below are the contact details:

• Sir Motet Sanson 0939-363-7676
• Email: [email protected]

TOUR COST : Php10,990.00 each for 4 Days & 3 Nights -Roundtrip AC van transfer (shared) from PPS-Buliluyan -Roundtrip boat transfers -Full board meals -All entrance fees -Onuk Island day tour (add Php500.00 for overnight in Onuk) -Accommodation (fan room/tent/kubo) add Php200.00/pax/night for AC room -Tour Insurance -Environmental fee -Life Vest -Local tour guide – NO HIDDEN FEES!

Helpful Tips From Joan’s Footprints

• Bring your snorkeling and/or diving gears . If you don’t have one, Kamp Malaya has available mask and snorkel for rent (Php150.00 per day).
• Signal and electricity varries from different islands. For instance, Buliluyan Port in Bataraza has no signal for both Smart and Globe users. The base camp in Sicsican Island in Balabac has good signal reception and electricity. You can upload and download images just fine using mobile data. In most islands like Onuk island, the signal is weak you can only send and receive text messages.
• There are no ATM machines so make sure to bring enough cash with you.
• I highly recommend availing a tour package if you’re planning to go to Balabac. Why? The expenses between DIY trip and tour package doesn’t differ much. Yeap ! You’ll just add a little extra and you’ll get a comfortable free of hassle trip to Balabac. Your meals, trip, accommodation, boat and land transfers are all arranged for you.
• Mosquito repellan t is must!
• Protect the colors of the reef! Use reef safe sunscreens for your skin protection! Purchase Magwai’s reef safe sunscreen and get a 10% discount by using my code JOANA10 .

Balabac Palawan Itinerary & Budget

We availed our 4 days and 3 nights Balabac Island tour with Balabac Island Tours-Kamp Malaya for Php10,990.00 each. It includes full board meals, accommodation, fees, tour guide, boat transfers and AC van transfer from PPS-Buliluyan. No hidden fees!

DAY 0: MNL-PPS

10:00PM Board a flight from MNL-PPS

Budget Tip: the tour starts at 2am on Day 1. Try to book the latest flight on Day 0 and wait at the airport (PPS) for your van transfer to Buliluyan Port. For example, I booked the 10PM flight from MNL-PPS and we arrived PPS at 11:30PM. We stayed at the lobby and waited for our van transfer, this way you can save 1 night in a hotel. But if you’re good with booking a hotel room for 1 night then you can opt for earlier flights.

DAY 1: Balabac Island Hopping

Places to visit: -Canimeran Island -Tangkahan Island -Patawan Island (dolphin-shaped sandbar) -Sicsican Island (base camp)

2:00AM Van transfer from PPS airport to Buliluyan Port 8:00AM ETA Buliluyan Port, register, meet with your your tour guide 9:00AM Start of tour 10:30AM ETA Canimeran Island 12:00NN Lunch at Tangkahan Island 2:00PM Patawan Island 5:00PM ETA Sicsican Island base camp overnight @ Kamp Malaya

Canimeran Island has a white sand beach with a touch of pink sand. Pink sand beaches are result of red corals and this also means a healthy reef!

Our next island to visit was Tangkahan Island , there are cottages in the island and it is also a good place for lunch. Tangkahan has a really beautiful front beach so we also went swimming and snorkeling in front if it.

After eating our lunch in Tangkahan Island, we went straight to Patawan Island which is popularly known for its dolphin-shape sandbar . Although our tour guide told us that the dolphin-shape sandbar would show up most likely during low tide.

Patawan Island is also a good place for snorkeling and swimming. It has crystal clear water, stunning sandbar and a white sand beach.

Lastly we went to Sicsican Island which is the base camp for Balabac island hopping. There are A-type kubo available for Php500.00/pax/night (fan-room). The island also has decent wash rooms ideal for few nights of stay in Balabac.

DAY 2: Balabac Island Hopping

Places to visit: -Starfish sandbar -Candaraman Island -Nasubata Reef (snorkeling) -Onuk Island overnight

7:00AM Breakfast 9:00AM Starfish Sandbar 10:00AM Candaraman Island 12:00NN Nasubata Reef snorkeling 1:00PM Onuk Island, swim with sea turtles, kayak, snorkeling 5:00PM Sunset watching 7:00PM Dinner, socials, overnight in Onuk Island

Starfish Island reminds me of Naked Island in Siargao or White Island in Camiguin. It doesn’t have trees, just a piece of sand in the ocean. This island earned its nickname because of the starfish inhabiting the stunning sandbar.

A friendly reminder to my fellow travelers, please do not pick up the starfish. Do not touch them in any way too.

Candaraman Island is a white sand beach and it is the island in front of Sicsican Island’s base camp. It is also located just beside Starfish sandbar.

Before heading to Onuk Island, we went snorkeling and skindiving in Nasubata Reef . If you don’t have snorkeling gears with you, the tour operator has gears for rental. (Php150.00 per day)

As our boat approaches what seem to be an exquisite beauty, the little piece of island from afar is slowly getting bigger and bigger. The water is slowly turning into turquoise blue making the sea turtles more visible in the naked eye. My heart started pounding so fast and I told myself “the dream destination is finally in front of me!”

Onuk Island is by far, the best island I’ve seen in the Philippines. In its own classy way, it won my heart. Truly it is the last of the last frontier!

So we arrived here at 1PM in the afternoon and had our lunch here too. After that our group quickly marveled into its stunning sandbar, went snorkeling with the sea turtles, i flew my drone too, went swimming and kayaking and took a lot of photos!

Just as we thought everything felt so magical, here comes Mr. Sun setting right in front of us! The sunset changed the mood of the island into light orange. It felt so peaceful and calm! The water was so still and quiet that it mirrored the sky.

DAY 3: Balabac Island Hopping

Places to visit: -Punta Sebaring island -Mansalangan Sandbar -Canibungan Island

7:00AM Breakfast at Onuk Island 11:30AM Punta Sebaring, lunch 2:30PM Canibungan Island 4:00PM Mansalangan Sandbar 5:30PM Back at Sicsican Island base camp overnight

In the morning, we went swimming and snorkeling before leaving Onuk Island. Also, the weather went gloomy from sunny since yesterday. Still, the island is so beautiful.

Punta Sebaring made quite an impression to me because of its distinct powdery sand. It made me feel like I was in Boracay.

Mansalangan sandbar looked like starfish sandbar too. Best time to go here is during low tide, in the afternoon the waves gets a little harsh and buries the sandbar.

DAY 4: PPS-MNL

6:00AM Light breakfast 7:00AM Last hoorah at Sicsican Island (snorkeling, swimming) 9:00AM Travel back to Buliluyan Port 1:00PM Van from Buliluyan to PPS 7:00PM Dinner at Kinabuch in PPS 11:00PM flight back to MNL

Sample 4 Days 3 nights Balabac Expenses

This is assuming that you are availing tour package for your Balabac Palawan trip.

• Airfare with Cebu Pacific: Php3,100.00 roundtrip
• 4 Days & 3 Nights Tour: Php10,990.00
• Additional Php500.00 for Onuk Island overnight

TOTAL EXPENSE: PHP14,590.00 / PAX

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This is such a help. Planning to go this April. Thank you.

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A Guide to Island Hopping in Balabac, Palawan

If you haven’t been to Balabac yet, you should really be planning a trip soon! In my opinion, Balabac has the best beaches in the country — fine, white sand and blue water. Here’s guide to island hopping in Balabac, Palawan!

P.S. For complete info about Balabac, read our  Travel Guide to Balabac, Palawan .

An overview of the islands

1. patunggong island, 2. patawan island, 3. tangkahan island, 4. onuk island/onok island, 5. camiaran island, 6. canabungan island, 7. punta sebaring, bugsuk island, 8. candaraman island, 9. sicsican island, 10. mansalangan sandbar, 11. melville lighthouse, balabac island, other islands you can visit in balabac, things you need to know, what to read next:.

You can find a total of 31 islands in Balabac. Many of these are home to local communities, and some are uninhabited but privately owned.

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In my opinion, the best islands to visit are : Camiaran Island, Onuk Island/Onok Island, Patawan Island, Candaraman Island, Mansalangan sandbar, Punta Sebaring and Tangkahan Island.

Take note that the islands in Balabac are mostly privately owned, so public access may change.

As of 2019 , visiting Melville Lighthouse in no longer allowed. Candaraman Island is also closed but it is still possible to visit the sandbar.

Patunggong Island (also spelled as Patonggong Island) is one of the first islands you will pass by via Buliluyan Port (along with Patawan Island and Tangkahan Island). The island has cottages so you can stay here for breakfast.

Patunggong Island has a decent beach. You can still see shells and pieces of corals among the sand — a testament that it’s still relatively untouched. Accordingly, this is a good snorkeling spot and it’s possible to see various fishes and even baby sharks here.

Patawan Island offers one of the best beaches in Balabac. To be honest, it’s difficult to describe it in words. It looks like a paradise in the Carribean, but really it’s just one of the islands you can visit here in the south of Palawan. It has alluring baby-blue water that will invite you to swim in.

There are also cottages here where you can leave your things at when you swim.

Tangkahan Island is the biggest island among Patunggong and Patawan islands. Its shore features different shades of blue water.

In my second visit in Balabac, we left this off as our last stop before going back to Buliluyan Port. There are cottages where you can have lunch and fresh coconut is available for P50 each.

There is an entrance fee of P50 per person.

Onuk Island (also spelled as Onok Island) is the most sought-after island in Balabac, Palawan. I daresay that it is also the best island you can find here.

It is privately owned and it officially opened to the public in 2017.

It’s easy to recognize Onuk Island thru photos: it has a distinctive light-blue cottage on stilt, set over a blue beach. During low tide, the surrounding area is a sandy beach; during high tide, going down the walkway stairs will lead you directly to the sea.

It is possible to stay overnight in Onuk Island. You can set up a hammock in on of the open cottages or pitch a tent in the camping ground.

Activities here include swimming, snorkeling and wildlife encounters. You can snorkel to see fishes and giant clams. The island is also beside Roughton Reef , which is a snorkeling area. During high tide, you can see sea turtles swimming around the island — unlike the sea turtles in places like Apo Island , the ones here are elusive and glide away when you approach. At night, you can also see light-blue bioluminiscent plankton by the beach.

Onuk Island is one of my favorite stops in Balabac. It is simply breath-taking, especially the way the water rises up over the walkway. I recommend staying here overnight if you can.

Read about our experience in Onuk Island in Balabac .

Camiaran Island is dubbed as Palawan’s Pink Beach. Similar to Sorsogon’s Subic Beach , the sand in this island turns a light shade of pink when wet due to crushed red corals sprinkled among the sand.

There used to be sea turtles living in the island. If you’re lucky, you might still be able to see one for yourself.

There used to be residents in the area, but now the island merely serves as a stop for regular fishermen. Camiaran Island is one of the farthest islands in mainland Balabac, so most island hopping tours skip it. However, as there are only a handful of pink beaches in the country, you may consider including it in your island hopping itinerary.

Like other islands in Balabac, Canabungan Island has white, soft sand and inviting blue color. It also has a sandbar.

There are cottages in Canabungan Island. As such, it’s often visited as a lunch stopover. The shore here is filled with seaweeds so it’s not ideal for swimming. However, you can snorkel here and see lots of starfishes underneath. There are only a few corals near the island.

When we visited here in 2016, the island wasn’t very clean and there was a lot of sandflies at night. However, on my second visit in 2019, things have improved. As per Ate Lorna, there is now a caretaker managing the island so it’s cleaner.

Punta Sebaring (also spelled as Punta Sibaring) is the long beach found in Bugsuk Island. It boasts the finest white sand in Balabac and it’s easily compared to the sands of Boracay.

The sand here is so soft that your feet will sink a foot in every step. In our first visit, we alao saw small starfishes hidden in the sand and katala birds resting on patches of sand.

You can find a resort with a sari-sari store in Punta Sebaring. It’s possible to stay here overnight in a cottage or tent. However, take note that Punta Sebaring is known for niknik (sand flies), so make sure that you bring an insect lotion or repellant when you visit here.

Punta Sebaring is about 2 hours away from mainland Balabac.

Candaraman Island is another favorite island hopping stop in Balabac. The beach is filled with seaweeds, but the sand is powdery soft.

Candaraman Island is usually visited for its sandbar, which is called Starfish Sandbar or Starfish Alley . During amihan season, the sandbar is dotted by numerous starfishes. For the rest of the year, you can still see starfishes but they are relatively few. Nonetheless, the sandbar is still a worthwhile place.

There is a resort in Candaraman Island, which also serves as camping ground for those who want to stay overnight.

Sicsican Island is located minutes away from Candaraman Island. You can stop here to snorkeling, though you have to be careful during low tide since there’s a lot of hard corals and sea urchins underneath.

In our first visit, we saw small groups of fishes, young jelly fishes called sperms (transparent in color and apparently immediately die when held) and sea urchins squeezed in between corals. Where we stayed, the water was only hips to chest high. We decided to swim without vests because the waves would pull us away and it was difficult to navigate in the water, lest we estep on rock-hard pieces of corals.

Mansalangan sandbar is one of the longest sandbars in the country. It’s also one of the highlights in an island hopping tour in Balabac.

Mansalangan sandbar reminded me of Kalanggaman Island , but whereas the latter has coarse sand, Mansalangan’s is pure and fine. It’s beautiful in photos and in person.

The lighthouse in Melville is an 1892 Spanish piece. It is declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

It is accessible by boat or habal-habal (2 hours). If you opt for the latter, you will also pass by 2 waterfalls on your way.

We visited this back in 2016 as part of our island hopping tour. From the shore, we trekked across a nice farm with towering coconuts and carabaos grazing in the field. We reached the caretaker’s house and registered our names and then bought fresh coconuts after the tiring walk. I flipped through the logbook and there were just several names listed over the last years. It’s interesting to think that few people have been here.

Melville Lighthouse is perhaps the most beautiful lighthouse I’ve seen. It looked as if it jumped right out of a fairy tale story.  Vines covered the exterior of the lighthouse, creating a whimsical effect. Up in the lighthouse, there’s an overview of the Balabac Island and beaches beyond. You can also see a portion of Sabbah, Malaysia.

This lighthouse is no longer functional. Instead, there’s a new lighthouse built beside it.

Update 2019 : Melville Lighthouse is no longer open to the public.

Here are other islands you can visit in Balabac:

• Bancalaan Island
• Matangule sandbar
• Ramos Island
• Nasubata Island
• Bobby’s Island
• Secam Island
• Cabcabun Island
• Timbayan Island (rock formation)
• It takes at least 2-3 days to explore these islands in Balabac.
• There are now packaged tours covering island hopping, meals and accommodation in Balabac. For updates, read about our Travel Guide to Balabac, Palawan .

Has this guide to island hopping in Balabac been helpful to you? Let us know in the comments below!

Visiting Palawan? Check out the rest of our guides in Palawan:

• Ultimate Guide to Palawan
• Top Things to Do in Palawan
• Best Beaches in Palawan

Puerto Princesa :

• Guide to Puerto Princesa Underground River
• Island Hopping in Honda Bay
• Best Resorts and Hotels in Puerto Princesa
• Travel Guide to Coron
• Best Resorts in Coron Palawan
• Travel Guide to El Nido
• Best Resorts in El Nido Palawan
• Travel Guide to Balabac
• Island Hopping in Balabac
• Onuk Island

Port Barton :

• Travel Guide to Port Barton + 3 Days Itinerary
• Top Things to Do in Port Barton
• Island Hopping in Port Barton

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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

27 Comments

Hi! Where did you stay in Balabac proper? Do you have a list of places to stay in Balabac proper & their webpage? Thank you.

Katherine Cortes

Pls refer to our travel guide here – https://www.taraletsanywhere.com/balabac-palawan-itinerary/

Hi! How much it cost ur balabac expidition? Ty

Hello Katherine,

You’re blog helps a lot ! First of all the description and the details you give to get there are perfect ! I was just wondering if I could set a tent on one of those islands and fish there ?

Thanks for your answer 🙂

Yes and yes. For overnight stay, I’d still ask what locals/boatmen would say. In some islands, sand flies come out at night and insect repellent helps only a little.

Could you consider discussing about safety and any issues on your visit in that prestigous island? Do they have any cultural occasions during summer?

It’s generally safe but also watch out for travel advisories. Balabac has a local history of kidnapping and being a rebel hideout, along with other issues. I’m not aware of any cultural occasion but perhaps you can ask the tourism officer for confirmation.

Read more about safey and other details here: https://www.taraletsanywhere.com/balabac-palawan-itinerary/

T Island has the best rock formations and the perfect place to shoot landscape pictures. I roamed around the island and captured breathtaking pictures

Haven’t heard of that before, though we knew there were other islands for visiting. Thanks Montoya! 🙂

would it be safe to travel solo in the area? any accomodations nearby? thanks you!

I knew a lot of people who traveled there solo… I think so, yes. I actually posted a travel guide for this. The link is above. 🙂

Wow, photos look amazing but some of them really look like they were taken on Zanzibar. specially the Candaraman Island, identical to Prison Island.

Really? I’ll have to google those places. 🙂

Clair Kelly

I am ashamed to say that i have never heard of Balabac! But it looks amazing. I really liked the lighthouse and the pictures of the starfish! I would definitely consider going island hoping after reading your post.

Jon Espina - Jontotheworld

I have a friend who backpacked in Balabac and after seeing her photos, I was stunned and I felt the urge to visit the place soon.

And your post came just in time, this is very helpful when I plan my travel. Bookmarked!

Thanks, Corinne. I think you’re referring to the carabao. 🙂

curated1ifestudio

Punta Sebaring, Bugsuk Island looked absolutely incredible! I so much wish I joined you! (next time extend the invite? 😉

I also adored how you have written at the end of your article how to plan for a island hopping tour; it’s tips like this that lack from so many travel blogging websites! Well Done, I’m looking forward to more of your work! 🙂

yourlostsaint

OMG!!! Ang ganda!!! I’m just waiting for my plane ticket and I was so lucky to open this. We’ll be there on May 21-25. I am so exciteeeed to experience it, too! To see this majestic island and be able to promote Philippines.

Enjoy your vacation! There are other islands in Balabac that we haven’t explored yet, I hope you get to visit them. Nasubata Island, for instance, is a must-visit for those who want to see different species of birds. There’s also one called Mangsi Island, if I’m not mistaken, that our boatmen suggested but it’s too far from the usual Balabac island hopping route. Ask your boatmen which islands are best to visit na lang. 🙂

Oh wow! I’m so envious! Palawan is my ultimate local travel destination! I hope this island will remain as clean as it is in your pics when I visit!

I’ve been to Palawan twice but obviously there’s still much to explore including Balabac. I’ve never been there but one of my friends did and she’s really raving about it. I can see in your photos. My god it’s absolutely breath-taking!

What a beautiful place! There’s so many great places in PH to visit talaga. It’s quite alarming though that some of the islands were owned by politicians

I thought so, too. But then again I don’t know much about the background of the islands in Balabac so I can’t comment. Hopefully in the future these islands will still be available for tourists. 🙂

Me-An Clemente

Wow! I’ve never heard of the islands you’ve mentioned until now. Philippines is truly amazing! Anyway, I’m wondering how to go to Balabac. What commercial flight did you take to get there? Is mobile signal for major networks i.e. Globe and Smart available in that area?

And by the way, we envy you guys that you can travel without any chaperone We’re also couple bloggers not married yet, but we’re not allowed to travel alone. How we really wish… Hahaha! We’ll stay tuned for your other posts.

Hi Me-an, we took a flight to Puerto Princesa. I wrote directions on how to get to Balabac here, including expenses: https://www.taraletsanywhere.com/balabac-palawan-itinerary/

My network is Smart and I was having intermittent signal. Our friends with Globe sims didn’t seem to have any problem, if I remember correctly.

I guess I’m lucky with my parents that way. 🙂 Oh and I’m glad to have found another pair of couple bloggers! I only know of a few, seems couple blogging isn’t really that widespread eh.

Your post is very good for the tourism in the Philippines, as well as awareness. Until this post, I never knew about these southern Palawan. These are very beautiful beaches and seem to be untouched by too much commercialism that has soured Boracay.

I’m hoping to promote Balabac since I think it is also deserving of some tourism love and it’ll be of great help to the locals. As you said in a comment I hope that the local government will be able to keep commercialism at the minimum if the place is to be developed. 🙂

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Beach , Island , Travel

Balabac, Palawan: DIY Travel Guide, Itinerary, Budget & Expectations The Philippines Last Frontier

A rising destination located at the southernmost tip of Palawan, Balabac is now getting the attention of many because of its incomparable islands with superb clear waters, fine white sand beaches, impressive sandbars, rich underwater life and pristine islets.

We’ve been rooting to get to Balabac the first time we heard about it but going there is no easy task. It requires time, money, careful planning, patience and courage to face the unknown challenges. You need to allot time to consider the seemingly endless travel. Five days at least to get the best experience for this trip. Island hopping packages in Balabac are more expensive than usual. The rate is per head not per boat rental. Of course you need to do your research and read prior to the trip to get useful information, tips and contacts. You better have lots of patience because going to Balabac is not your usual comfortable voyage. Lastly, have that courage to endure the unforeseen events. Even if you planned everything rigorously, there may be cases that the outcome is different from what you imagined. But, to tell you honestly, all of your sacrifices will all be worth it when you get to Balabac.

Check out our videos!

Table of Contents

How To Get There

By Air Book a flight to Puerto Princesa from major airlines – Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Airasia and others. From Manila to Puerto Princesa, flight duration is more or less an hour.

By Land From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle (Php120 fixed rate) going to San Jose Terminal to catch the van heading to Rio Tuba. You can also take a jeep outside the airport then ask the driver to drop you off near San Jose Terminal (fare is around Php12-15). From here, regular van trips starts as early as 4am (PPS to Rio Tuba) until 5pm. Depending on volume of passengers, the van may leave as soon as they get their minimum number of passengers. Travel time from San Jose Terminal to Rio Tuba is 5 – 6 hours. There are also RORO buses but travel time may take longer.

Van Schedules: Puerto Princesa to Riotuba – 4am to 5pm Riotuba to Puerto Princesa – 4am to 3pm

If you are traveling in a group, best to rent the van for yourselves. You may contact Kuya Jun of Palshutex at 0920-5638338 in case you need one.

By Sea From Rio Tuba, there is one boat trip going to Balabac mainland which usually departs at 10am-11am. Be there as early as you can to secure your slot. Boat ride will take up to 3-4 hours depending on the weather. Buy your tickets from the assigned boat crew in Sitio Marabahay Pier for Php370 per person and fill-up the basic information – name, age, address and contact number.

NOTE: Plan your trips in advance carefully. It is best to book a flight to Puerto Princesa with expected arrival time of 1am-3am to estimate your arrival in Rio Tuba. If you miss the boat ride, you would need to spend the night there and catch the following day’s boat schedule. We read a number of articles of Balabac and usually, due to conflict of schedules of their flight (same with us), having an overnight stay in Rio Tuba is inevitable. But, if you can make the proper arrangement and planning, you can possibly make it to Balabac on your first day.

Here’s the summary of the average travel time from Puerto Princesa to Balabac mainland: Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba: 5-6 hours by van Rio Tuba to Balabac mainland: 3-4 hours by boat Total Hours: 10 hours

In the event that you need room(s), these are the budget-friendly accommodations you can check in Rio Tuba:

Pring Pension House – 090609493952 or 09265844805 Php300 (fan room) with common CR Php700 (AC room) w/o breakfast Php900 (AC room) w/ breakfast

White Haven Lodge Php250 (fan room)

Arrival in Balabac

The boat ride from Rio Tuba to Balabac can be smooth or rough depending on the season. Best to visit Balabac during summer from April to May where the sea is mostly calm and more likely to have the perfect weather. In a normal itinerary, you will arrive in Balabac at around 4pm-5pm. Make sure to arrange your accommodation in advance. To give you some help, check these pension and lodging houses where you can stay. There are no luxurious hotel in Balabac, most of the units are simple, small but decent. But hey! You’re not going to trap yourself in the bedroom right? A safe, accessible and enough space for you and your stuff should be ok.

JD Lodging (Sing and Swing) Php500 (fan room) with common CR Php1,000 (AC room)

MLK Lodging Php500 (fan room) with common CR

Mely Bechayda (Pension House) – 09264049171 Php500 (fan room) with common CR Php250/person for bigger rooms with own CR, kitchen

What to Consider in Balabac

Power Supply Electricity runs from 2pm to 6am daily which enables you to recharge your batteries, powerbanks, gadgets and use of electric fan, AC and lightings.

Water Supply & Other Goods Balabac is 3-4 hours away from the border of Malaysia which explains why its commonly have the Malaysian products. Practically, it is more convenient than getting the supplies from Puerto Princesa or other parts of Palawan. By trading of goods between Balabac-Malaysia, it helps the people of Balabac to open the gateway for accessible supplies of their additional potable water sources, purchases of common goods like soft drinks, noodles, coffees, canned goods and others. There’s no scarcity in water or food supplies. As tourist, we actually had generous supplies for drinking water and servings of our meals.

Bring Extra Food Buy your snacks, liquor (if you’re going to drink some) and other common picky food you want from Puerto Princesa. Prices of these stuff in Balabac are doubled or way higher. Be practical. But if you have the money to spend, this will not be an issue.

Security Issues During our stay in Balabac, there were no issues of any threat to our safety. Locals which are composed of Muslim and Christian Filipinos are friendly and approachable. They may have instances that people will glance at you, but that’s because you are a tourist which maybe fresh to their eyes. We didn’t see foreign tourists in the area compared to Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron but as per the locals, they had visitors from foreign countries from the previous months.

Malaria and Crocodile-infested Areas Malaria is present in some islands of Balabac previously but to make sure you avoid catching one, take anti-Malaria medication at least two weeks before your planned visit and bring strong anti-mosquito repellent spray/lotions and wear cover-ups.

There were news about the crocodiles in Balabac and the danger of these to community and visitors. According to the residents, you can see the crocodiles during low tide in  Lagdong  (located in mainland Balabac) .  This is the area where the mangroves and other animals like monkeys, different species of birds and snakes inhabited. The other side of Lagdong, a farther crocodile habitat, is where the wilder and aggressive crocs can be found. We didn’t have the chance to visit the place but for those who seek this kind of thrill, you may coordinate with your local tour operator or the Balabac tourism office. To mention, there were cases of crocodile attacks to residents and their pets (mostly dogs) but the stories were supported by some negative actions made by the victims prior to attacks like catching the eggs of the crocodiles, damaging the mangroves, direct attack on crocodiles and the like. They were saying that, crocodiles only harm those people who did wrong to them directly or indirectly. Fact or not, since there were cases of croc attacks, being vigilant is the key when near the waters of Balabac mainland.

The Island Hopping in Balabac

The islands in Balabac are scattered and apart from one another. This is the main reason why the island hopping could only reach three islands per day and getting to an island may take at least an hour or longer depending on the boat being used and wave/weather condition.

Patawan Island

This is a small island with powdery white sand circling the cluster of trees at the center. Normally, this is the first island stop among with Patunggong Island and Tangkahan Island.

Patunggong Island

Also known as Patongong Island. An oval-shaped island with cream to white sand shores. The best way to enjoy this place is thru snorkeling. They have rich corals with different species of fish. We’re lucky to get the glimpse of the baby sharks when we departed the island. Not sure what type of shark are they, but it’s good to see them here. An evidence that the waters of Balabac is still undisturbed.

Tangkahan Island

It seems the white sand feature of the islands in Balabac is normal, same with Tangkahan Island. This one is the biggest among the three islands with teeming coconut trees and bushes. To our surprise, we were welcomed by “niknik” or sand mites so we spent the time under the cottage and chatted with our bangkeros and the island’s owner whilst we drink the freshly picked “buko”. We also spotted two small thin snakes just creeping freely on the sand. They said those are venomous. Make sure to watch your steps when you visit the island. Entrance fee is Php50.

Comiran Island

Also known as Pink Island or Camiaran Island. Some portion of this beach has its noticeably pink sand feature. To be honest, we thought the whole island’s shore could be pinkish but sadly, it’s not. There is an entrance fee of Php100 per head being collected by the family owners. And since you’re already there, try to eat “Ranga-Ranga” from Kuya Sulayman. The flavor is comparable to the meat of squid being grilled/smoked.

• Onuk Island

Don’t miss your chance to visit Onuk Island. It is one of the most beautiful island we’ve seen so far. It has everything you would want to see, from sandbar to beautiful corals and underwater life, the clearest water, the numerous “pawikan” encounter, the relaxing cottages, the sunset and the wooden catwalk. Everything is beautiful! Day tour is Php1,500 and Php2,000 overnight if you are under a package tour. Normally, it is Php3,500 overnight. Settle in for a night here so you’ll get to experience the sunrise, sunset and the sand bar.

If you booked directly with the island’s caretaker (rate of Php3,500/night), they said you’ll get a feast of everything – lobsters, seafoods, drinks and others. To mention, Onuk is privately owned by Balabac’s Mayor and his family.

Punta Sebaring

The finest white sand! Yes, it’s Punta Sebaring’s trademark. The sand is pure and powdery. It is 2 hours away from Balabac mainland via pump boat. The sand bar here usually reveal itself late in the afternoon. If you want to witness them, you should consider spending the night in Punta Sebaring in their cottages and tents. You can also bring your own tent. Do not forget to experience its water. We get energized after the long boat ride. Punta Sebaring is part of Bugsuk Island.

Sand fleas are abundant in the island. DO NOT FORGET to apply strong insect-repellant all over your body to protect you from insect bites.

Mansalangan Sandbar

We opted to see Mansalangan sandbar instead of the one from Punta Sebaring. At 1pm, we headed to Mansalangan. It is advisable to leave Punta Sebaring before low tide unless you want to get trapped in the island.

Mansalangan sandbar is one of the widest and longest sand bar in the Philippines and going there is a must. During our trip, the water level decreases at around 2pm-3pm which is ideal time to go for swimming while waiting for the sandbar.  The clear azure water of Mansalangan will surely amaze you and when the sandbar finally reveals its full beauty, it is jaw-dropping! Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful sandbar we have witnessed.

Matangule Sandbar

Matangule sandbar is a bonus spot only offered by Lorna Mortega’s team, our boat operator. They usually let their guests visit this sandbar and even allow them to spend the night at their house in Matangule Island, just a few minutes away from this sandbar. Love sea stars? Matangule has lots of them!

• Candaraman Island

Well known as Star Fish Island. There are thousands of sea stars in this island scattered along the sandbar and its shore. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to witness them closely. Yes, there were sea stars around but not as many as we expected. When we checked the aerial shot, we noticed that hundreds of them were near the sandbar! We could’ve leveled the drone closer if we knew it then. But still, Candaraman island is one of the best island in Balabac with or without these sea stars.

Other Islands in Balabac

• Bancalan Island – common stop over of passenger boats from Riotuba-Balabac
• Sicsican Island – good site for snorkeling
• Nasubata Island – a small rocky island also known as Pulao Bato
• Canibungan Island – an island where you can also stay overnight near Candaraman Island
• Matangule Island
• Lumbucan Island
• Secam Island
• Mangsee Island

Balabac – Home of  Sandbars

Balabac is a haven of fascinating sandbars. The first time we experienced a place with numerous sandbars. Sandbars can be seen near Onuk, Bugsuk, Mansalangan, Candaraman and Matangule island. Likely, there could be more of them if you’ll get to visit all of the islands in Balabac.

The challenge is the perfect timing to visit them. Obviously, you won’t be able to see them all at once in one day. Our advice? Talk to your tour/boat operator first and plan your island hopping and overnight stay. From our experience, you can spend the night in Onuk Island. Commonly, you will be able to visit Comiran Island (Pink Island) with Onuk. See Comiran Island in the morning then proceed to Onuk before low tide. Onuk is surrounded by coral walls which is being considered by boat operators and to avoid hitting the corals, the boat should pass through them before low tide which is around 1pm-2pm during our visit. Another option is to have the overnight stay in Punta Sebaring (part of Bugsuk Island). Sandbar in Punta Sebaring will appear almost the same time with Mansalangan Sandbar (afternoon). You can stay in Punta Sebaring to see the sandbar and depart the next day to  Mansalangan sandbar, Matangule sandbar and Candaraman sandbar respectively. To be able to maximize your sandbar experience, better check the low and high tide times for the days of your visit so you can plan your schedule well.

Overnight Stay in the Island

If your plan is to spend the overnight in the islands, better plan it well because you need to consider these:

• Electricity – The power supply is not 24-hours in the island. Usually they may start at around 6pm and run until 6am the following day.
• Food – Full board meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) are covered in your island hopping tour. Make sure to coordinate your plans with your tour operator to prepare your food (day 1 & 2 or 3 if continuous)
• Stuff – Your bag and other belongings should be considered. If you’re going for an overnight stay in the island, where are you going to leave your stuff? In mainland Balabac, you might possibly have your first overnight stay, but are you going to spend another day/night just to leave your things? You can ask your tour operator. They can keep your things in their house but make sure to bring your important belongings (cash, gadgets, etc.) with you and other things (clothing, snacks, towel & bath, etc.) you need for two or three days.

The islands allowed for an overnight stay based from our conversation/experience with the locals are:

• Canibungan Island
• Punta Sebaring (in Bugsuk Island)

Boat Operators & Tour Packages

It is recommended to book your island hopping tour in advance before your planned visit and best to share your expenses with a group. Practically, you can join a group in an event or ask your contact person in Balabac. These are the local organizers or tour operators you can check:

Lorna Mortega Contact Number: 09066909547 & 09506123429

Lorna and her family have been one of the firsts who operate and offer tour packages in Balabac. Their tour rate is way lower than the others especially if the group members/joiners are more than ten persons. All island hopping tours includes 3 full board meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner), life vest, drinking water and the boat. They also offer the inclusion of Riotuba-Balabac boat pick-up. Reach out to Ate Lorna on the numbers above. She has a facebook account but unfortunately the internet network in Balabac is poor so better send her a message or call her to inquire or to book your tours.

By end of November 2018, they will have four pumpboats that can accommodate 30pax, 10pax, 15pax or lower.

We are thankful to Ate Lorna and her boat crews (her brothers and friends) for  accommodating us on our last day of island hopping tour – Punta Sebaring, Mansalangan Sandbar, Matangule Sandbar and Candaraman Island/Sandbar. We’ve had issues with the operator before them which will be discussed on the reviews below.

Other tour operators are:

• Balabac Island Safari of Kap Andong Noe
• Rombo Balabac of Sir Renato Principe

In-Land Tours in Balabac

Getting around the mainland of  Balabac is thru tricycle and habal-habal rides. Aside from the island hopping tours being offered, you can try to check their in-land tours. For  Php700 habal-habal fee, you can visit the old Melville Lighthouse  and two waterfalls along the trail. Going to the lighthouse will take at least 2 hours (one-way).

Balabac Tourism

The local tourism of Balabac has just started getting to prosper but has already attracted tourists from the previous years. This year during the peak of summer, many visitors have gone to Balabac including local and foreign bloggers and representatives from ABS-CBN and GMA. No doubt that one day, Balabac will be one of the top tourist destinations in Palawan or the whole Philippines. But we hope that along with its growth, the beauty and protection of the place will be maintained so the next sets of generation will be able to witness and experience Balabac.

Establishments and Hospital

No major establishments can be found in Balabac but they have money transfer shops like Palawan Express, Mlhuilier in case you need to send or ask for money to/from your families and friends. The police station, municipal office, schools, health centers are accessible but sadly they do not have hospitals to accommodate any major and emergency medical attention. There are no ATMs in Balabac, bring enough cash with you.

Additional Things to Consider

• Book your trip to Balabac during summer from April – May to expect the best weather
• Coordinate your island hopping tour in advance
• Reserve or book your hotel/rooms ahead
• Buy extra food in case of emergency
• Protect your belongings, waterproof them especially your cash, gadgets and other important items
• Plan your trips and prepare your itinerary, budget ahead of time
• Mobile network signal is poor on almost everywhere in Balabac but you can still send texts and call
• Always check the weather going in and out of Balabac
• Bring anti-mosquito/insect repellant, skin protection and cover-ups
• Diving, Free Diving sites can be found in the waters of Balabac. Bring your own snorkeling gears, googles and fins. There are no gears for rent in Balabac.
• Respect the locals and their culture
• Help preserve Balabac – do not leave your trash on the islands or its waters

Balabac Sample Expenses

Check this sample expenses guide for your 3D2N Balabac island hopping adventure + other expenses going to and out of Balabac.

The sample expenses are based on the standard fare, island entrances, hotel rate and tour operator’s own rate. Your actual expenses may differ on this depending on your number of days stay in Balabac. To note, it excluded additional expenses for food, souvenirs and other personal spending. Use the above as guide only so you can plan and budget your trip to Balabac. It is very important to prepare extra cash in case of  unplanned expenses. We recommend you to book your island hopping tour with Lorna Mortega to get the cheapest rate. Contact her at  09066909547 or 09506123429 . It is cheaper if you are travelling in a group to share the expenses and island hopping tour packages will also be lower if you’re in a bigger group.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 (Travel Time) 06:15 NAIA to PPS 07:15 Arrival PPS 07:15-07:30 Tricycle to San Jose Terminal 07:30-13:30 San Jose Terminal to Rio Tuba (van) 13:30 Check-in Pring Pension House for overnight 13:30-22:00 Free Time to Lights Off

Day 2 (Travel then arrival in Balabac) 05:00 Wake up Call 05:00-06:00 Preparation, Check-out 06:00-06:15 Tricycle to Sitio Marabay Pier 06:15 Buy boat ticket in advance Rio Tuba to Balabac 06:15-10:00 Breakfast, Explore, Waiting 10:00-11:30 Boarding, Departure 11:30-15:30 Arrival in Balabac 15:30 Hotel Check-in 15:30-19:00 Explore, Arrange Island Hopping Itinerary with your tour operator, Dinner 19:00-21:00 Prepare things for Island Hopping, Free Time to Lights Off

Day 3 (Start of Island Hopping) 05:00 Wake up Call 05:00-08:00 Preparation, Breakfast 08:00 Start of Island Hopping (3 islands per day) 08:00-17:00 Island Hopping duration

Day 4 (2nd day Island Hopping) 05:00 Wake up Call 05:00-08:00 Preparation, Breakfast 08:00 Start of Island Hopping (3 islands per day) 08:00-17:00 Island Hopping duration 17:00 Overnight stay in an island (it could be Onuk Island, Candaraman Island, Punta Sebaring, Canibungan Island or Matangule Island) 17:00-21:00 Dinner, Free Time to Lights Off

Day 5 (3rd day Island Hopping) 05:00 Wake up Call 05:00-08:00 Preparation, Breakfast 08:00 Start of Island Hopping (3 islands per day) 08:00-17:00 Island Hopping duration 17:00-18:00 Sunset, Back to mainland Balabac 18:00-21:00 Dinner, Check-in, Rest, Free Time to Lights Off

Day 6 (Departure from Balabac) 04:00 Wake up Call 04:00-05:00 Preparation, Breakfast, Buy Boat Ticket to Rio Tuba 05:00-07:00 Boarding, waiting, departure 07:00-11:00 Arrival in Rio Tuba 11:00-15:00 Van to San Jose Terminal or Puerto Princesa town proper 15:00-? THIS COULD BE YOUR FLIGHT BACK TO MANILA/ELSEWHERE or EXTENSION TO EXPLORE PUERTO PRINCESA or other parts of Palawan

If you noticed, Balabac itinerary is way challenging from other tourist destinations you’ve been to. The main reasons for these are:

• Travel time from Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba is time consuming
• Boat ride from Rio Tuba to Balabac is ONCE DAILY which will impact your itinerary. You may need to spend the night in Rio Tuba if you miss the boat trip
• Island Hopping tour will start the next day after your arrival in Balabac mainland
• In short, you have 3 days for your island hopping tour + 2-3 days on travel time going in and out of Balabac

Now, if you really want to go to Balabac, reconsider all the points in this travel guide and read other blog entries to aid you with your plans, budget and itineraries. It could be challenging but, it’s exciting! Enjoy and safe travels wanderer!

Balabac is worth the long hours of travel. Yes, it can be exhausting and tedious but it is rewarding once you experience and witness its beautiful islands. We haven’t been to all the tourist destinations in the Philippines, but, among all the places we have been to, Balabac is definitely the best so far.

The Islands

Most of the islands of Balabac are unspoiled. We wish it will remain like this — untouched and peaceful.   We hope that the local government is prepared for the influx of tourists and that Balabac tourism will be managed effectively to preserve its beauty while helping the locals to find additional source of income and showcase their products.

We noticed from the islands of Patawan, Tangkahan and Comiran the presence of human trash. It was sad to see those plastic bottles, shoes, slippers, plastic bags and usual trash being littered by many. We’re not saying they were directly thrown/left in the islands but we assume those are washed ashore from the sea. Not all islands have caretakers or regular clean-up schedules, so it is up to the local residents of Balabac and tourists if they will take the initiative.

In Onuk Island, wastewater from washing the dishes goes directly to the sea which may damage the corals.   We’re hoping that they can do something about it.

The Tour Operators

We planned our Balabac June 2018 trip in advance and as early as March, we contacted our prospect tour operators. We chose Kina Kuan or Ms. Helen since she’s being mentioned and recommended by many who visited Balabac from facebook travel groups. She’s also featured in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) which convinced us more. We’ve been texting and calling Ms. Helen since then, and arranged our island hopping tour. She’s very accommodating and helped us with our inquiries. We even requested her if she can include us with other groups as joiners and yes, we asked for a discount. Everything went well with our communications and updates. Fortunately, we have two other joiners which made us all get the discount. Jumping to our arrival in Balabac, Ms. Helen greeted and welcomed us at the port and guided us to register in the coast guard and police station – mandatory process for tourists. After that, she accompanied us to JD Lodge (Sing and Swing). We had talks with Ms. Helen and her husband Kuya Nonoy and inquired about our itineraries for the coming days. They do not have a detailed itinerary. Ms. Helen said we’ll go to three islands per day and said “Bahala ang bangkero sa inyo.” Since, it was a little vague, we further asked the order of the islands to give us a better picture of the schedules. The next day after we had our breakfast at Ms. Helen’s house (breakfast and dinner are usually done here), we started our first island hopping tour for Patawan, Patunggong and Tangkahan Islands which went well with plenty of food and drinking water. The second day, we discussed with her our scheduled overnight stay in Onuk Island. The itinerary according to them will just be Onuk and Comiran because it was imperative that we get to Onuk before noon because of the low tide. Given that fact, we agreed on this setup but reminded them on the third day itinerary that we should be able to visit the remaining 2 islands (Sicsican & Nasubata not considered during the 2nd day) plus the 3 destinations – Punta Sebaring, Mansalangan sandbar and Candaraman. They acknowledged the setup and so it happened.

We successfully visited Comiran Island and headed to Onuk Island where we planned to spend the night. In that evening, the two joiners shared their sentiments with Kuya Nonoy regarding our late dinner. Kuya Nonoy and another set of guests were boarded in a separate boat where our dinner (ingredients and the like) was placed. This was when the unfortunate events occurred.   Kuya Nonoy did not take the sentiments well. We didn’t witness the actual scene, but as per these two joiners, Kuya Nonoy told them that they can get the full refund the following day and discontinue the island hopping tour (3rd & last day). They’re willing to continue the tour as long as Kuya Nonoy apologizes. Our boat captain served as a mediator for both parties telling them that Kuya Nonoy had high blood pressure during the argument and will talk to them in the morning. In that morning, we thought everything will be fine since we had a good start of breakfast. We had a quick chat with Kuya Nonoy regarding what happened the night before. We told him, “Kausapin niyo lang po, magiging okay din po yan”   He answered, “Sabi niyo yan ah” with a smile. Good thing they were able to talk things out and so our tour continued. As we’re about to depart for the island hopping, we discussed about the itinerary for that day (the agreed 5 islands that we need to cover). Kuya Nonoy and our bangkeros were telling us that we may not be able to visit all 5 since Onuk Island’s distance from them may take 4 hours more or less. He offered other sets of islands near Onuk but we refused since we had a prior agreement on the itineraries and we knew we can’t skip Punta Sebaring and Mansalangan sandbar as we heard they’re one of the highlights in Balabac. Kuya Nonoy checked his phone and somehow tried to reorganize things and look for a pump boat (a faster boat). When he returned, he told us we can’t continue our tour and they’re just going to give the full refund. We were shocked. He even told us “ngayon lang kami nagkaroon ng ganyang guests” and “hindi kayo welcome sa Balabac.” In that unexpected event, we agreed to return to mainland Balabac still in shock. But we have to move on. When we arrived at Ms. Helen’s house, we saw our bags outside. We greeted her calmly first and she then told us that we can get our things and leave. We told her about the refund mentioned by her husband (Kuya Nonoy) but she insisted she’s not going to give any refund because it was not her who promised the full refund but her husband. And that’s where we ended up in the police station to formalize the complaints. Both sides of the stories were heard by the police officers and let us decide (4 of us) if we are still going to file a case or make an amicable settlement that satisfies both parties. The two joiners decided to pursue the case but we decided to just get the refund for the remaining day of the tour.

It was a shocking and traumatic experience for us. We even thought of leaving Balabac right away and to never go back. But after thinking things through, we decided to stay.   This unfortunate event made us extend one more day to see the remaining islands.

The situation could’ve been handled differently. We hope that Ms. Helen and Kuya Nonoy will take this experience as a lesson to them to improve their service. We should take things professionally and be open to suggestions, recommendations and constructive criticism.

We’re grateful to Ms. Lorna Mortega and her crews for taking care of us after our ordeal with Ms. Helen and her husband. Thank you Ms. Lorna for taking care of our tour!

The beauty of Balabac far outweighed the not so good experiences we had during our trip so we would still consider going back and encourage everyone to experience Balabac for yourself!

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18 comments.

This article is overflowing with info, overwhelming! Thank you for sharing! Now, I need to update our itinerary to accomodate Balabac. Blessings!

Hi Christine! Thank you for the warm words, appreciate that. Safe travels and enjoy!

When did you go to balabac?

Hi Kristine.

Last week of June 2018.

Balabac is a very beautiful place but it looks like getting a good tour operator is a challenge. We went for Kapitan Andong Noe and the experience was also not that good. Very far from the experiences we had with the tour operators/boat men from Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa who are all very warm and kind.

Yes, meals were ok but he and his wife are very rude. You can’t get to really relax when they are around because they keep on shouting and cursing at their staff in front of the guests. You also have to endure listening to Kap Andong’s “amazing stories”. We, and the other guests are just trying to avoid him as much as possible whenever we are at the camp site. They are also not that pleasant in dealing with their guests.

We were not able to go to Onuk island because he is not in good terms with the owner. We were also not able to visit Candaraman and the other islands we wanted to visit because they insisted on us following their itinerary.

We wanted so much to be back but looking for a nice boat operator is a real challenge. It’s a good thing though that we learned that the boatman on our 2nd day of island hopping actually owns the boat. He is just being rented by Kap Andong for a very minimal amount (equivalent to the rate of 1 person, and there’s 7 of us in the boat). He is very kind. His name is Jeff and his contact number is 09104048817.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Sorry to hear that you had that challenges with your tour operator. Balabac is still a rising tourist destination and we see rooms for improvement. By sharing our experiences, these would help others to manage their expectations and thus contribute to the betterment of Balabac tourism.

Hopefully when you return to Balabac everything will be improved.

I would definitely love to visit this place, hope to find a group where i can join in exploring balabac.

There are a lot of travel groups in Facebook which you can check to join them in their Balabac tour. Check https://www.facebook.com/groups/diytravelphilippines/

Very informative post, we’re planning next year, March, 2020. Thanks

Thank you for reading our blog! 🙂

very nice place and recommended to visit

Your post and your pictures are truly inspiring, thank you so much. I have never heard of Balabac until recently. But from then on, I’ve been dreaming of going there, the last paradise in the Philippines’ last frontier.

Thank you for reading our blog. Go explore Balabac when you have the chance. The place will not disappoint you. 🙂

Wonderful ,thank you just the information I needed..reaching balabac mid Jan 2020 on a DIY If anyone is planning to be there Same time can catch up

Thank you! Pretty sure there are others planning to go to Balabac by 2020. Check travel groups to get some company. 😉

PLEASE, COME TO OUR ISLAND, TANGKAHAN ISLAND, IT’S WAS VERY BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, THE BEACH IS CELAN ANF MANY MORE, AND THE COMUNITY OVER THERE IS VERY KIND AND FRIENDLY, MEET US OVER THERE, AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY AND UNTOUCHABLE SCENERY, AT THIS BELOVED PARADISE ISLAND… THANK YOU..

nakakamiss sa Tangkahan! napakaganda po sa isla ninyo. hope to return soon.

I am excited to spend time in Palawan and Balabac in particular, hopefully for a month from mid November – mid December of this year (2021)>I know its better in summer, but I hope my experience in winter will be a good one as well. I will keep it simple with a small backpack, so that I’m flexible mid December – early January I will explore Cebu and Siargao, I am already vaccinated, so I hope it all works out

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Balabac Palawan: the ultimate adventure in the Philippines

Ever heard of Balabac Palawan in the Philippines? It’s like a hidden treasure waiting to be explored, and I’ve got the ultimate adventure for your bucket list!

Back in December 2019, during my big world trip, I took a 4-day island-hopping journey to the remote islands of Balabac Palawan. People used to avoid this place because of safety concerns, but it’s been declared safe for a while now, making it the perfect time to discover this untouched paradise.

I am super excited to share my experience in this article—tips on how to get there, where to stay, the best time to visit, my favourite islands in Balabac Palawan, and the best spots for Insta-worthy photos. Get ready to explore the real paradise of Balabac Palawan with me!

WARNING: This Balabac Palawan adventure is not your typical trip—it’s quite different from the TAO Expeditions between El Nido and Coron.

The Balabac Island Expedition: what to expect

When I first heard about Balabac Palawan, I really wanted to go see what it was all about. People usually suggested island expeditions in El Nido or Coron with Tao Expeditions, but when I learned that Balabac Island is one of the most remote places in the Philippines, I couldn’t help but want to see this paradise with my own eyes.

I camped on the beach in a simple tent, took bucket showers, and used a basic bucket-flush toilet. No WiFi or signal, lots of sand fly bites, and weathering a tropical sea storm. But you know what? Throughout this incredible Balabac Palawan adventure, I’ve never felt more connected to our beautiful planet!

I visited the most amazing white-sand beaches, mind-blowing sandbars, and swam in super clear waters. This Balabac island expedition was such an unforgettable experience, and honestly, I’d do it all over again!

Keen to hear more about it?

First things first: is Balabac Island safe?

For a while, tourists avoided Balabac Palawan due to piracy and kidnapping concerns, but it’s been declared safe for several years now. During our adventure (except for a crazy tropical sea storm), I felt completely secure. TripAdvisor has reviews from other travelers sharing their safe and fantastic experiences too.

Now, addressing a couple of misconceptions about Balabac that shouldn’t hold you back:

Malaria in Balabac Palawan

Sure, there were reported cases of Malaria in some parts of Palawan and Balabac in the past, but not on the islands you’ll visit with the Balabac Island Adventure Expedition by Wanderwalkers. They stick to the highlight islands where there are no recent cases.

Just a heads up: I didn’t take any antimalarial meds and I was totally fine. Bring good mosquito repellent and longer clothes for the evenings.

Saltwater crocodiles in Balabac Palawan

Reports of saltwater crocs are near the mainland of Balabac Island, not the islands I visited during the expedition . The Bugsuk Island campsite, where I stayed, is almost 4-5 hours away from the mainland, so no worries there!

Exploring Balabac Island: How to go to Balabac Palawan?

When I was planning this Balabac Palawan island expedition, figuring out how to get there was the toughest part.

Here’s the deal: The easiest way is to take a flight to Puerto Princesa, which is pretty straightforward from major airports in the Philippines like Manila (1h25min) or Cebu (1h40min). I booked a one-way flight from Manila to Coron for $105 per person and then hopped on a boat and mini-van to make it all the way to Puerto Princesa.

Check for flights to Puerto Princesa here

From Puerto Princesa to Balabac

When you touch down in Puerto Princesa, you’ll need to go to the port of Rio Tuba by mini-van or bus to arrange a boat that will take you to Balabac Island. A few buses and vans are departing daily from 4 am-9 pm to Rio Tuba, which takes around 4-5 hours but the easiest way is to book a private or group tour with transfers included as we did.

Not only you’ll save lots of time as you’ll drive straight to Buliluyan Port, but you’ll also have a boat the same day that will bring you to the islands of Balabac Palawan. This way you’ll start this amazing island-hopping adventure in the Philippines right away.

Island-hopping in the Philippines: the Balabac Island Expedition

I chose Wanderwalkers for this Balabac Island Expedition, and they truly lived up to my expectations. The booking process was so easy, and the crew was incredibly friendly. Among the limited tour companies offering trips to Balabac Island, Wanderwalkers stood out with the best reviews on TripAdvisor.

A quick tip: Before committing to a Balabac Island expedition, be aware that it’s a journey to the most remote islands of Palawan. This isn’t a luxurious trip, and planned activities may change based on weather conditions.

If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, love adventure, and immerse yourself in the authentic island life, then this trip is MADE FOR YOU. Keep reading for more details!

Read also:   Philippines in 3-4 weeks: travel route + tips

Balabac Island Expedition: private tour vs group tour

Exploring Balabac Island with Wanderwalkers offers two options: group tours or private tours. I opted for the private tour, perfect for couples, families, or a group of friends seeking the freedom to experience Balabac Island together.

During my private tour, I shared transfers from Puerto Princesa with another family and stayed at the same campsite. However, I had my own boat with boatmen, allowing me to have extra time on each island as long as I wanted. This meant more time for capturing all the stunning moments, soaking in the beauty, and almost having each island entirely to myself—an absolute highlight of the trip!

I paid 16.000 Philippine Peso (PHP) or 332 USD per person for the private 4 days/ 3 nights Balabac Island Expedition and had the following included:  

• Return transfers from Puerto Princesa – Buliluyan Port
• Private boat with the local boat crew
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• Entrance fees to visit the islands of Balabac
• Beachfront campsite with a tent and mattress  
• Use of a generator at night to charge your camera
• Travel insurance with medical coverage

Note: I could upgrade to a shared dorm beach hut with mattresses and mosquito nets but they were fully booked by the family where I shared the transfers with. Normally it would have been 500 PHP or 10 USD per person for the entire trip, which is definitely worth it if you don’t like sleeping in a tent.

How many days do you need to explore Balabac Palawan?

If you’re planning a trip around the Philippines and other islands, I suggest setting aside 4 days and 3 nights for Balabac Palawan. This timeframe gives you enough days to discover all the best parts of this adventure without feeling rushed. It’s a comfortable amount of time to enjoy each island fully and soak in the fantastic experiences waiting for you.

Best time to visit Balabac Island

There are two main seasons in the Philippines; the dry season (Nov – May) and the wet season (Jun-Oct). Although weather in Balabac Palawan is very different and unpredictable from the rest of the country>.

Balabac Island dry season: March – May Balabac Island wet season: June – February

The best time to visit Balabac Island is during summer, which is between March and May . During these months, you’ll have the most chance of sunny weather and fewer rains or tropical storms. I went in December, which is not the best time to go to Balabac Palawan, but I was very lucky I only had one heavy tropical storm during those 4 days.

The advantage of going to Balabac Island during the wet season is that you’ll have the islands to yourself but prepare for a mix of rain and sun + rough seas.

Balabac Island Expedition: our experience + day-to-day planning

Balabac Island: Day 1  

🚌 Puerto Princesa – Buliluyan Port (5-6h) ✔️ Patawan Island ⛺ Bugsuk Island 

On the initial day of my Balabac island adventure, I was picked up from my hotel in Puerto Princesa at 2:30 am. En route, we stopped at a local restaurant for breakfast, enjoying some rice with boiled vegetables. The journey involved 2 mini-vans, one of which accommodated a family also heading to Balabac Island.

After a 6-hour drive, we reached Buliluyan Port. Here, we waited for an hour before boarding a small traditional Filipino boat. Due to some boat issues, I joined the family on the first day to reach the island where I would spend the night.

En route to the campsite, the first stop was Patawan Island , boasting a gorgeous white beach surrounded by mesmerizing turquoise waters. Patawan Island proved to be an ideal spot for drone flights, photography, and a refreshing swim. Looking back on the entire Balabac Palawan expedition, Patawan Island stood out as one of my favourite photo spots.

The campsite I stayed at was on Bugsuk Island (Punta Sebaring), still undeveloped and wonderfully untouched. It’s the second-largest island in Balabac, hosting just one campsite right on the beach—no hotels, lodges, or big shops around, only a small local store (although don’t expect a variety of great food or drinks). The campsite is managed by a friendly local family who treated me like part of their own.

They have a tiny restaurant where they prepare your meals as part of the tour. For showering, there’s a large bucket filled with water, and there are 4 bucket-flush toilets to share with others.

Upon our arrival at 3 pm, I set up my tent, arranged bedding, and enjoyed some drinks on the beach. The family cooked some fresh veggies and rice for dinner, and I witnessed a breathtaking sunset.

Balabac Island: Day 2  

✔️ Mansalangan Sandbar ✔️ Starfish Island ✔️ Onok Island ⛺ Bugsuk Island 

Day 2 of this awesome adventure in the Philippines began with a stunning sunrise over the ocean, followed by a simple breakfast with my toes in the sand. Pure paradise! Once I finished breakfast, a new boat awaited me for another thrilling day of island-hopping around Balabac Palawan.

First stop of the day, was the gorgeous Mansalangan sandbar , where I had a blast flying the drone and indulging in a refreshing swim in the incredibly blue waters. Guys, this place is breathtaking!

After the sandbar, I stopped in the middle of the ocean at Starfish Island to swim with lots of starfishes. Definitely take your go pro or an underwater housing for your camera or phone to take some fun shots.

Onok Island was the last stop, where the boat got stuck at Roughton Reef right before we entered the island because of low tide. I felt so bad we hit the coral, but the locals here didn’t seem to care that much. The island sits on an atoll, which makes it difficult to find the entrance and it took more than one hour to get out of the coral.

Finally, on Onok Island we had lunch in one of the wooden houses on stilts and walked afterward around the island to catch some coconuts. I loved taking photos here and did some snorkelling at the reef.

Onok Island is one of the main highlights when visiting the islands of Balabac Palawan, and definitely one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines too! Getting to this island is hard, but so worth it.

When we got back to the campsite, we found ourselves in the middle of a massive tropical sea storm. Giant waves filled our boat, and I was so scared. The boatmen were stressed too, making me worry the whole time that we wouldn’t make it through.

A few hours later, completely soaked, we arrived back at the campsite. The family was watching news about the tropical typhoon Tisoy which had entered the Philippines and led to the evacuation of over 300,000 people. I felt incredibly relieved to be back on land and considered it just another part of the adventure, right!?

Balabac Palawan: Day 3  

✔️ Natural Infinity Pool ✔️ Bonbon Beach (Bugsuk Island) ✔️ Punta Sebaring sandbar (Bugsuk Island) ⛺ Bugsuk Island 

On day 3, I woke up at 6 am to catch the sunrise. The family prepared fruits and oats for breakfast and after that we explored three spots, all around Bugsuk Island.

The first stop was the Natural Infinity Pool , a large lagoon surrounded by a sandbank that created a natural pool. I swam in the turquoise blue ocean and completely forgot to fly the drone in the excitement. But trust me, this place is absolutely breathtaking.

After some swimming, we visited the white sandy beaches of Bonbon Beach on Bugsuk Island. Due to annoying sand flies, I asked the boatmen to take me to the next spot.

They brought me to Punta Sebaring sandba r, where I relaxed in crystal clear waters and soaked up the sun. It’s also on Bugsuk Island, not far from the campsite, and has the finest, powdery sands. The perfect spot to disconnect from everything and reconnect with our beautiful planet.

✔️ Patongong Island 🚌 Buliluyan Port – Puerto Princesa (5-6h)

On the final day of the Balabac island expedition, we visited Patongong Island, home to one of the most breathtaking beaches in Balabac Palawan. It’s a tiny island, and you can stroll around it in just 10 minutes. When I stepped onto Patongong Island, it reminded me of the Maldives – the only other place where I’ve seen this incredible array of 50 shades of blue.

With its powdery white sandy beaches, Patongong Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in the Balabac Islands.

After hanging out on Patangong Island for a few hours and a 4-hour boat ride, we safely made it to Buliluyan Port. My driver was there, ready to pick me up and take me back to Puerto Princesa.

Saying goodbye to the incredible islands of Balabac Palawan was hard. I hopped into the minivan, drove for 6 hours back to Puerto Princesa, and continued my journey around the Philippines.

Read also:  Best places to stay in the Philippines

Extra tips for your Balabac Palawan Island Expedition

• Take a sweater or blanket for the bus ride from Puerto Princesa; they love cranking up the air conditioning.
• Bring enough cash; there are no ATMs on the islands.
• Don’t forget insect repellent and sunscreen!
• Pack a small bag with essentials: flippers, a towel, snorkel equipment, bikinis, toiletries, and maybe a long trouser for nights to protect from mosquitoes/sand flies. Also, bring a book or headphones for long boat rides.
• If you’re plant-based/vegan, pack some extra healthy snacks.
• Lastly, leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and make memories for life!

Final Thoughts on the Balabac Palawan Island Expedition

If you’re someone who adores secluded beaches, diving into the most mesmerizing blue waters, craving adventure in the Philippines, and seeking a place to unwind and connect with nature, do consider adding Balabac Island in Palawan to your bucket list!

Despite the lengthy travel times, especially compared to TAO expeditions in El Nido or Coron, it’s absolutely worth every second! The islands of Balabac Palawan boast some of the best beaches in the entire Philippines, if not the world. Plus, during the off-peak season, you’ll practically have this paradise all to yourself.

I hope my experience has sparked your interest in visiting this untouched gem. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them below or connect with me on Instagram . I’d love to share more about this stunning destination.

Plan your Balabac Palawan Island Expedition with these valuable travel resources

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We love your blog! Such great, helpful content and you’ve clearly put in a lot of effort with graphics, photos, and writing. So well done.

Hi! Thank you so much for your comment, really appreciate your kind words! Love, Valerie

I’ve never been here but reading the blog makes me want to go and also the place looks so peaceful and very clean. Hoping to have a chance to see this wonderful island!!

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How to spend 4 dreamy days in Balabac, Philippines

Set foot on the powdery white sand of Sicsican Island. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

--> BY Cathlyn Mae Botor

Last updated . 22 February 2024

Get lost in an endless expanse of translucent blues in Balabac, the southernmost tip of Palawan, the Philippines’ last frontier.

I’ll let you in on a secret. Who would’ve thought that the world’s most desirable island, Palawan , had more to offer beyond El Nido and Coron’s dramatic landscapes? Skip the tourist-filled shores and embark on an exhilarating but rather fulfilling beach-packed adventure to the barely touched islands of Balabac.

Here’s your ultimate four-day trip guide to one of the archipelago’s most treasured gems .

Day 1: Onok Island

Balabac’s remote and remarkable charm does not look like quite anything you’ve seen anywhere else in the Philippines. It is situated further south of Palawan and just three hours away from Sabah, Malaysia. On a clear day, Mount Kinabalu is visible from the islands.

The shallow waters are as clear as day. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Set foot on the wooden stilted walkway of Onok Island and stare in awe at its turquoise waters comparable to the Maldives. Get your eyes peeled for egrets, sea turtles, stingrays and tiny fishes hopping gracefully in the shallow clear waters.

Traverse the wooden stilted walkway at Onok Island. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Lounge on the vanishing sandbar

There are abundant reefs and sandbars dotting the Balabac Strait. Onok Island has the widest vanishing sandbar with the whitest and purest sand in Balabac. The shifting tides reveal a sight to behold come mid-afternoon. Feel the soft sand beneath your toes as the aquamarine waters gently sway to the shore.

Walk barefoot on the soft and fine white sandbar at Onok Island. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Chase the sunset

The long and winding journey to Balabac is worth every second of your time. Find yourself swooning over the sunset views at Onok Island. Gaze at the blazing hues as the tides slowly rise and progress to the submerged walkway on stilts.

The vanishing sandbar opens up during low tide. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

At night, your local boatmen will prepare your early dinner, which consists of mostly seafood dishes with sliced fruits on the side. Don’t forget to charge your phones as electricity only lasts until 10 pm at the Onok campsite. Set up your tent facing the beach, where you’ll sleep underneath the shade of tall palm trees. Rest up so you’ll be the first to witness the sunrise.

Wake up to breathtaking sunrise views. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Day 2: Starfish Island, Canibungan Island and Mansilungan Sandbar

Island-hopping tours in Balabac begin early in the morning. Refuel with a hearty breakfast meal. If you’re an early riser, you’ll get more chances to explore the islands longer than planned.

Clear blue waters reveal the Mansilungan Sandbar. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Balabac comprises 31 islands, and each is approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour apart. Don’t expect to visit them all at once because most of the islands depend on the shifting tides. Unpredictable wind directions and weather conditions could also change your island itinerary for the day.

Several chocolate chip starfishes are dotting the Balabac seascape. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Go stargazing underneath the sapphire waters

Starfish Island is the dreamiest spot perfectly laid out on the edge of the blissful seascape. Dotting the tranquil blue waters are countless sea stars, primarily Chocolate Chip Starfish. If you get lucky, you’ll see quite a lot of them depending on the shifting tides.

Spot a star on the shore. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Lunch at Canibungan Island

Have your lunch served on day two of your Balabac tour at Canibungan Island, a powdery white-sand beach fringed with pine trees. There are hammocks tied to coconut trees, where you can lounge and admire the panoramic scenery in front of you. Then, cool off at the crystal emerald waters verdantly landscaped with abundant seagrass beddings.

Canibungan Island is fringed with lush pine trees. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Snorkel at Mansilungan Sandbar

End the day snorkelling around the calm, shallow waters of Mansilungan Sandbar. It’s a sight to behold that emerges from the translucent waters at midday. The pearl-white sand feels like talcum powder the minute you set foot on the soft, smooth shoal.

Patches of white, green and blue are evenly spread out in Balabac Strait. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Day 3: Sicsican Island, Cabon-Cabon Island and Timbayan Rock Formations

Often overlooked as a croc-dominated island, Balabac is evidently as safe and serene as the rest of the coastal towns in Palawan. Besides countless white-sand beaches and vanishing sandbars, the islands are dotted with jagged rock formations on its outback coastlines.

Timbayan Rock Formations has a natural runway leading to the palm-fringed shore. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Admire the hat-shaped Cabon-Cabon Island

The morning boat ride to Cabon-Cabon Island is surprisingly still and calm. When I asked our boatman, he said we were passing by a stream in the middle of the sea. Just a few metres from where we were heading, we spotted dense, thick mangroves where saltwater crocodiles were believed to be slumbering.

Cabon-Cabon Island is perhaps the smallest among the Balabac group of islands. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Cabon-Cabon Island is among the smallest islands in Balabac. Not too far ahead is a white-sand beach with shallow waters that glow blissfully. The rocky islet offers sweeping views of the West Philippine Sea. Don’t forget to wear your aqua shoes before posing for the gram on the beach rock units.

The island features a mix of rock and sand. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Hop your way around Timbayan Rock Formations

When the barreling waves were back, we stopped by what the locals call Timbayan Rock Formations. Be prepared to hike up a small hill that overlooks a natural runway on top of overhanging huge boulders and granite rocks. You can ask your boatmen to set up lunch on the island before heading to your next stop.

Hike up the Timbayan Rock Formations. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Take a short nap on the sun loungers at Sicsican Island

One of the picturesque palm-fringed islands in Balabac is the Sicsican Island. Its calm, pristine waters make it perfect for a swim. But if you’re too exhausted from your boat ride for hours on end, just laze on the beach or in a hammock and sun loungers while sipping fresh coconut juice in hand.

Fronting the beach are A-frame houses that serve as a campsite for backpackers. A portion of the island is reminiscent of Siargao, one of the best islands in the Philippines  famed for its laid-back beaches and vast coconut woodlands.

Strike a pose behind the tall coconut trees as your backdrop. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Day 4: Patawan Island, Tangkahan Island and Canimeran Island

Not known to many, the Philippines is the centre of the world’s biodiversity. The last of its last frontier also prides itself as a biodiversity hotspot. Aside from being the nesting spot for pawikans  or sea turtles, Balabac is also home to endemic wildlife species like Pilandok  or the Philippine mouse deer.

Pawikans or sea turtles lay their eggs in nests on the beach. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Step into the pink-hued sand at Patawan Island

Organ pipe corals (Tubipora musica) are abundantly growing on pink beaches, particularly in the islands of Patawan and Comiran. The shifting tides reveal a dolphin-shaped island at Patawan with steady waves perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Patawan Island’s white sand is mixed with pulverized pinkish corals. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Laze in a hammock at Tangkahan Island

Time suddenly stops and picks up again when you’re stuck in paradise. Make the most of your fourth and last day in Balabac by admiring the laid-back beach of Tangkahan Island. Swim to your heart’s content before heading to your last stop for lunch at Canimeran Island.

Laze on the soft white sand at Tangkahan Beach. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Make a final pitstop at Canimeran Island

Head in for a seafood lunch to refuel and recharge before routing back to Buliluyan port. Amid lush greenery are large huts where you can set up your packed lunch on the picnic tables. The sand at Canimeran Island is also tinged with crushed red corals, making it look pinkish. Cap off your last day in Balabac with a refreshing dip which you’ll surely miss when you get back home.

Stop for lunch at Canimeran Island. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

A traveller’s checklist

Check out the tourist map of Palawan for your guide. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Getting there

Fly from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila to Puerto Princesa, which takes 1 hour and 25 minutes of flight time. From there, it’s roughly a five-hour drive by van to Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, the nearest jump-off point from the mainland. Then, you’ll hop on a speed boat that will take you to Balabac town proper, which is about two hours of travel time.

Explore Balabac Islands aboard a traditional sailboat. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Staying there

There are no luxury resorts or hotels on the islands, just yet. But there are lodging options and camping sites with A-frame or tipi houses and tents. Let the softly caressing waves lull you to sleep and wake up to rewarding sunrise views on the beach.

Stay in an A-frame house on Sicsican Island. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Eating there

Feast on freshly cooked seafood dishes like crabs, lobsters, Lapu-Lapu, Tuna and Tanigue prepared or captured at sea by your kind-hearted boatmen en route to or from the islands.

Savour freshly cooked lobsters and fried calamari for lunch. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Good-to-know tips

• Balabac has limited campsites for your trip. It’s best if you book private tours that already include food, accommodation and transport. You can check out Balabac Expedition by Fidel  or Kamp Malaya  for joiner packages.
• Bring extra money, snacks and drinking water to stay hydrated. There are no ATM machines or currency exchange centres on the islands.
• Make sure to bring your power bank especially if you camp overnight on one of the islands. There is limited electricity supply so it’s better to charge your phones while the generator runs on the campsite of your choice.
• Pack light. The whole trip involves countless boat transfers and the waves may leave you soaking wet.
• Expect to go rough backpacking. Some areas have a limited supply of water.

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Balabac Palawan

Discover balabac, palawan: your ultimate guide to an island paradise.

Nestled in the southern tip of the Palawan archipelago, Balabac is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers and nature enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems, Balabac, Palawan, offers an escape into a world of unparalleled natural beauty. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your journey to this secluded paradise, from booking your flight to choosing the perfect accommodation.

Journey to Balabac: Booking and Travel Tips

Your adventure starts with booking a flight to Palawan. Several airlines offer flights to this destination, with various promos and special deals available to make your travel more affordable. Keep an eye out for discounts and cheap airfare options by comparing different airlines. Securing your plane ticket early can help ensure you get the best deal possible.

Once in Palawan, the journey to Balabac requires additional planning due to its remote location. Travelers are advised to book a tour package that includes both island hopping and accommodation. These packages often come with discounts and special deals, making the trip more budget-friendly. DIY travel to Balabac can be challenging, so working with a reputable travel agency can save you time and effort in organizing your trip.

Choosing Your Accommodation in Balabac

Balabac’s accommodations range from budget-friendly lodging houses and tourist inns to luxury resorts and bed and breakfast options. Most establishments cater to budget or solo travelers, reflecting the island’s unspoiled charm. To find the best place to stay, using a booking aggregator is highly recommended. These platforms allow you to compare rates, accommodations, and availabilities from various companies, ensuring you find a deal that suits your preferences and budget.

Booking through an aggregator not only helps you save money but also offers a convenient way to explore a wide range of accommodations, from hotels and resorts to motels and bed and breakfast establishments. Whether you’re looking for a high-end resort or a cozy bed and breakfast, you’ll find options that cater to every taste and budget.

Experiencing Balabac: Activities and Adventures

Balabac is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers. The islands offer a plethora of activities, from snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to exploring untouched beaches and encountering rare wildlife. Island hopping is a must-do activity, allowing you to discover the unique beauty of each island, including the famous pink sands of Comiran Island and the enchanting waters around Onuk Island.

Travelers are encouraged to embrace the adventure that Balabac offers, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the islands. Booking a tour package in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless and enriching experience, complete with accommodations and guided tours.

Balabac, Palawan, is a destination that promises an unforgettable adventure in one of the Philippines’ most secluded paradises. With its stunning landscapes, rich marine life, and serene atmosphere, Balabac is the perfect getaway for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Remember to book your accommodation using a reputable online aggregator to compare rates and availabilities, making your trip to Balabac, Palawan, an experience to remember.

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Balabac: All You Need To Know

What to expect in balabac.

Before booking a trip to Balabac, please make sure you and your companions understand that this is an expedition to the most remote islands of Palawan.

This trip is NOT A LUXURY TOUR where everything is comfortable and itineraries are fixed!

If you are ready to ROUGH OUT THE ISLAND LIFE, THEN THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU 🙂

PAGE CONTENT

About balabac.

• 1. Where is Balabac?
• 2. Island Life
• 3. Travel time
• 4. Itinerary
• 6. Is it safe?

What We Provide

• 1. Convenience
• 2. Security
• 3. Food and Drinks
• 4. Our Campsite
• 5. Local Crew

Where is Balabac?

Balabac is Philippines’ last paradise found in the southernmost part of Palawan, the same province that brings you Coron and El Nido; but unlike the latter, it has not been discovered by many tourists yet. Sometimes we even enjoy the islands to ourselves. However, due to its pristine beauty, more travelers (including v/bloggers) are starting to reach it already, and began sharing it to the worldwide web.  The islands in Balabac are privately owned, some by politicians, and some by locals who have gain rights by living there for a long time. Owners who are starting to see the potential of Balabac are making moves to make their islands more accessible to more tourists. At the time of writing (2019), an airstrip is already being built in one of the larger islands, and ports are being developed for cruise docking.  Due to this, Balabac may start becoming crowded like El Nido and Coron, but for now you can still enjoy serenity and quiet life in the islands. 

EXPERIENCE BALABAC ISLAND LIFE

Disconnected.

Expect to be disconnected from the virtual world. SMS/call reception is unreliable, if existent. Tell your relatives you will be out of reach for a while before leaving Puerto Princesa.

Off-the-grid

There is no electricity in the campsite. A generator will run at night to give light; and this is your only chance to charge your devices. So bring extra batteries/power banks.

Basic Facility

Basic toilets with bucket flush, as well as clean freshwater coming from a deep well are available at the campsite. Bring your own toilet tissue, if you prefer. 

Because the islands are not developed, nature still has its way. Bugs come out most during the wet season but don’t worry about malaria, there are no cases in the places you will visit. Prepare your insect repellents and long sleeve clothing against itchy sand fleas and mosquito bites, though.

TRAVEL TIME

Arriving to balabac through our package.

• Step 1 : Book a flight to Puerto Princesa. We advise that you be at Puerto Princesa the day before your target start of tour (aka Day 0), especially for Joiner Tours. However, if that is not possible, you can also book a Private Tour, and customize your arrival to PPS at 6am or 7am of Day 1 at the latest.
• Step 2 : We will pick you up from your hotel in PPS at 4am of Day 1. You will be in a van for around 6 hours, including stop overs.
• Step 3 . Once you arrive at the port, our boat will pick you up and you will start island hopping on  your way to our campsite.

Inter-Island

Travel time between islands varies from 45 mins to 2 hours, depending on the condition of the waves and weather. If we’re going with the waves, it will be faster. If we are going against the waves, it will be slower and splashy. Bring a good book to read, or load up your playlist and bring a good headset.

There is no strict itinerary to be followed in this expedition. Although we have a list of target islands to visit, the itinerary will depend on tide and wave conditions. The boatman is the captain! You have to trust his discretion.

It is possible that you visit a sandbar during a high tide, so you will not actually see the sand base, but experience a shallow pool instead. It is possible that big waves will hinder you from visiting/enjoying the infinity pool. It’s possible that it will rain hard so you don’t get sunny photos.

Don’t expect a perfect itinerary.

WEATHER IN BALABAC

Weather in Balabac is very different and unpredictable from the rest of the country , even from the rest of Palawan mainland. It is highly affected by the two wind patterns in the Philippines. Prepare for sun and rain! Click here to read more about Best Time To Visit Balabac .

Visiting Balabac is a unique experience for many of our guests, which is why our tours run on all weather conditions, as long as the Coast Guard permits public access to the seaboards.

Mar-May (Summer, with weak Amihan monsoon winds) is the best time to visit since it will be mostly sunny. More people in the islands, though.

Jun-Nov (Weak to strong Habagat monsoon winds, Rainy season) will have mix of sun and rain, as well as calm to wavy sea depending on the weather. This period is still recommended to travel.

Dec-Feb (Weak to Strong Amihan winds, Rainy season) is windiest with chances of rain. Although it is not the best time to go at this season, it is still possible to travel to Balabac and have sun. The bonus is you can have the islands to yourself since few people travel here at this season.

Boat will adjust to wind and weather conditions. Don’t expect it to perform like a speedboat

Is it safe for locals and foreigners to visit Balabac?

Many people, both local and foreign, have a misconception about Balabac’s safety because of what’s already been published online by bloggers. This section aims to give you a peace of mind if you want to visit Balabac but afraid of the “threats.” If you want to read a more about safety in Balabac, you can read more here .

Bandits and Terrorists

Balabac, as well as Puerto Princesa, Tubbataha Reef and the rest of the east side of Palawan ( see map above ) is located in Sulu Sea. On the other far end of this sea is Mindanao where Philippine army continues to battle against bandits. Despite this, Balabac remains safe for tourists. Many local and foreign guests have visited us and no terrorist-related problem arose. The best way for you to know how others experienced safety in Balabac is by reading previous guest’s stories here . If you read reviews from previous guests, you will notice how they felt safe during the trip. The tour operator you will book also contributes to the security you will experience while in Balabac.

While there were past cases of Malaria in Balabac mainland because of the tropic mountains surrounding it, the rest of the smaller flat islands are safe from Malaria with no reported incidents. We only take you to the highlight islands of Balabac which are completely safe from the disease. So if you’ve been wondering if you should take Malaria shots prior to coming, then free yourself of the burden. However, if you are coming to other parts of the Philippines that has incidents of such, then it is your responsibility to research and take necessary shots.

Saltwater Crocodiles

The saltwater crocodiles were only spotted by locals in the swamps of Balabac Mainland which is not part of your itinerary. Our campsite ( Bugsuk Island ) is far from this so you should not worry about encountering these crocs while you are on a holiday. We even had guests who wanted to see crocodiles but unfortunately (or fortunately?), none of them ever saw one. 

WE PROVIDE CONVENIENCE

You save time.

If you have done some research, you will see that previous travelers to Balabac had to ride the passenger van to Rio Tuba, sleep there for a night, ride the passenger ferry the next morning for a 4-5 hour ride to Balabac mainland before you can start island hopping in the afternoon. 

You don’t have to do that with us. Our driver will pick you up from your Puerto Princesa lodge at 4am of Day 1 of your tour. You arrive in Buliluyan Port at 10-11am and start island hopping right away. The first island is only 45 mins from the port.

Enjoy a Roofed Boat

While many tour operators in Balabac provide small boats without roof  especially if you are a small group or a couple only (see first photo), all the boats we use are outrigger boats with tarp roof (see second photo) as shield from the sun while you do island hopping.

PS: During intense wind conditions (when there is typhoon or strong monsoon), the roof has to be removed so that the wind will not overturn the boat. 

Guaranteed Visit To the best Spots

All highlight islands in Balabac are private properties. Onok Island, the most beautiful and expensive of them  requires every visitor to be given oral permit first by the management before coming. There are some tour operators banned from visiting some islands, too. If Onok is not in their itinerary, that’s because they’re not allowed to visit. Our local team has developed a good relationship with these owners/managers that is why our guests were allowed to visit even when others are not.

We provide added Security

• We work in partnership with trusted locals in Balabac.
• We have a couple of Coastguard officers stationed in our campsite to monitor trips, and to ensure security.
• Our campsite is a private property near the local community. 
• It is safe to leave all your luggages/backpacks  in the campsite while you are island hopping.

We provide Food and Water

We’ve got your meals covered for the whole trip! From breakfast on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day, you can look forward to unlimited rice, 1 seafood or fish dish, 1 pork or chicken dish, 1 vegetable dish, and fruits plus mineral drinking water.

Please note that we’ll be serving delicious Filipino cuisine, and the specific menu will depend on what’s available from Brooke’s Point Public Market (which is about 3-4 hours away from the island) and the local fishermen’s catch.

Just a heads up, there’s no wet market here like in Coron or El Nido, and our boat doesn’t have grills to cook your food. But no worries, we’ll take care of lunch by bringing it pre-cooked from our campsite for you to enjoy on the island.

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, we’re happy to serve you! Just keep in mind that you’ll have rice and one vegetable dish each meal. Pls book us only if you are happy with this.

For guests with allergies, we’ve got you covered! After booking with us, we’ll ask you to fill out a form where you can indicate your allergies. However, we won’t be able to cater to picky eaters. Please note that food is prepared in a big batch for all guests each day, so we won’t be able to adjust the recipe for those who don’t like garlic, onions, or tomatoes.

Stay in our Balabac Campsite!

Fine Long of Stretch White Beach

Our campsite sits along the stretch of Punta Sebaring beach. Its sand? The kind of sand so white, fine and soft that beats Boracay’s. This long stretch of around 5 kilometer white beach is one of the longest in the country.

Widest White Sandbar in Balabac

A 30-minute stroll by the beach to the right of the campsite will let you experience the whitest, finest, softest sandbar which becomes so wide when lowtide. The sand base creates ripples and feels like marshmallow when you step on it. Punta Sebaring sandbar is also perfect for just taking a walk to watch the sunset.

Colorful Sunrise

Our beachfront faces the East giving you an everyday chance to wake up to the sun rising from the horizon while enjoying a cup of coffee. Bring your cameras to capture candy-colored clouds during dusk, weather-permitting.

Memorable Nights Under the Stars

Whether you are on a private tour or joining a group, expect to have nights to remember while camping in Balabac. Bring a portable tripod because a clear sky when the moon is out, the milky way is visible, perfect for photographers. Enjoy a drink or two on our designated bonfire, or simply lay flat on the beach to stargaze.

Tent Camping and Cottages

For group tours and private tours, the default accommodation is tent camping with a mat and pillow. If you are a solo joiner, we will provide a single person tent. If you are a couple, you will have your own tent.

Open cottages are also available for our guests for free. You can leave your big bags here securely, hang out during meals or hang your hammock.

Hut Upgrade

Use of our tent with mat and pillow is free in our packages so you don’t need to bring your own tent. We also have cottage upgrade options for travelers who want a more comfortable sleeping arrangement. All Kubo/Huts have mattress, pillow and mosquito net inside. These are limited so advanced booking is required!

Untouched and Undeveloped

• Our package lets you experience camping in the undeveloped powdery white sand beach of Punta Sebaring which is similar (if not more beautiful) than Boracay sand. There are no hotels in this beach yet, but a couple of big companies are already starting to develop resorts, and an airport is already underway.
• Because it is still untouched, nature still rules here, and that includes sand fleas that leaves itchy marks. So make sure you are equipped with insect repellent and long pants. Only a few guests don’t get bothered by them (maybe because of blood type), but it’s better to be prepared.

There’s no wifi, data, nor mobile signal here , which positively forces you to disconnect from the online world while you connect to nature, and your inner self.

• Basic facilities like bucket-flush toilets are available for free, and there is also freshwater coming from deep-well so you can rinse saltwater from your body after island-hopping.
• The campsite is situated in a tiny island village community where the local crews live.

We Provide the Best Local Crew

Our trusted boatmen serve as the captains of the expedition. They have lived in Balabac their entire life and know when is best to go where. While we have an itinerary set, the captain’s discretion will be followed.

Our cook and assistants make the very good LOCAL food! She makes sure you start, go along, and end your adventures with a happy tummy.

CLICK HERE to meet our team!

Planning to visit Balabac?

Follow @balabacpalawan on instagram to stay updated, balabacpalawan.

⭐ Intimate Balabac Palawan Tour with powder white beach campsite by The Wanderwalkers 📨 DM NOW to book your Balabac Tour in Palawan Philippines

UPDATED BALABAC TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: DIY Budget, Itinerary, Travel Tips and More 

Balabac palawan trip guide and diy itinerary.

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2024 DIY Travel Guide  to Balabac Palawan 

Table of Contents

N estled at the southwestern and farthermost tip of Palawan is the Balabac group of islands. For those who don’t know, Balabac is a secluded area of raw paradise with turquoise waters, pristine white island beaches, beautiful flora and fauna, and a preserved culture among the locals. Read our Balabac Travel Guide below:

The remote municipality resting in the Sulu Sea is just a dot between Palawan and Sabah, Malaysia. With 31 islands and islets, Balabac is one of the places to visit if you want to experience one of the best beaches in the Philippines, particularly one in Palawan that could rival the beauty of El Nido and Coron .

This 2023 Travel Guide to Balabac Palawan Blog aims to provide helpful budget tips, DIY Travel tips, recommended hotels, places to visit, sample itineraries, places to eat, and more.

Best time to visit Balabac, Palawan

As a beach destination, summer is the best time to visit Balabac. The dry seasons of April and May are the best times to visit the island since the sea is perfectly calm on most days during these months.

You may also visit Balabac from December to February, which is pretty good. However, these months are also the amihan season in Palawan, making the waves particularly rough on the beaches. Of course, you should also consider the general weather updates whenever you want to schedule your trip.

How to get to Balabac (from Manila)

Balabac is far from Manila compared to other beach destinations in Palawan. There are no direct Balabac flights; the fastest way is via Puerto Princesa City.

• You have to travel at least 1.5 hours from Manila to Puerto Princesa International Airport by plane. Once there, you must spend at least 10 hours or a full day to get to Balabac.
• The first leg of your long Balabac journey is a trip from Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba. You must ride a tricycle from the airport to the terminal for your trip to Rio Tuba.
• You can ride a van or bus from the San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa for at least 4-5 hours to Rio Tuba.
• You must take a boat ride from Rio Tuba to Balabac Island and spend another four hours on the sea.

Getting around in Balabac

Since Balabac is still a remote area, you only have three transportation options to get to where you want to go: a tricycle, a bus, or a van.

The fastest transport option is a van since it has a few stopovers to make, and you usually ride one in a terminal. Of course, you must ride a boat if you want to go island hopping since the islands and islets in Balabac are spread far apart.

Places to stay in Balabac.

If you’re too tired, or it’s already too late to pursue your travel from Rio Tuba to Balabac, you can opt to swing by a few places to stay for the night. Be warned that most accommodations and facilities in Balabac are basic, so looking for fancy resorts or restaurants is out of the list.

Here are a few hotels that offer overnight stays with affordable fees that you can choose from:

Balabac Island Accommodation in Poblacion, Balabac

There are only two accommodations available so far in Poblacion.

JD Lodging (Sing and Swing Lodge) provides two options for lodging. You may go for their basic room with a fan or spend more when you go for a room with air conditioning priced at 1,000php.

Contact info: 0910-662-0073 Visit their FB Page

• 400php for 2pax
• 250php for 1pax

MLK Lodging

MLK Lodging provides a bare room with an electric fan and a comfortable room. Although the former has an air-conditioned room, this option is much cheaper than JD Lodging.

Contact info: 0939-517-6169

• 400 for 2pax

Balabac Island Accommodation in Rio Tuba

White Haven Lodge

White Haven Lodge also offers a bare room with a fan and a comfortable room for P300. The lodge is the best accommodation in Rio Tuba, given its proximity to the van terminal, and the front desk also knows the boat schedule from there to Balabac.

• 300php for 2pax

Dewelyn Lodging House

Address: Brgy. Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan Contact: 0999034854

Offers Fully airconditioned and Ordinary Fan Rooms. They are open 24 Hours with a round-the-clock power supply. The lodging-house also provides free WIFI.

Best places to eat in Balabac

Since Balabac remains a remote community of locals, fancy restaurants are not something you’d quickly find in the area. On the other hand, the island has plenty of eateries you can try that serve delicious rice meals and other dishes. The upside is that you can eat good meals cheaply and experience great local dishes.

Wi-fi and Internet access

You can bring your own mobile Wi-Fi to Balabac for internet access. However, the internet connection in Balabac is intermittent, so it’ll be hard to establish a decent connection most of the time. Call and text functions are also available, but most of the islands in Balabac don’t always have good signals.

Things to do and see in Balabac

Balabac has plenty to offer as an island paradise for the ultimate backpacker and tourists who wish to enjoy one of the best remote islands in Palawan. Here are some things to see and do in Balabac:

Visit Balabac’s own white sand beach on Bugsuk Island

Punta Sebaring Beach rivals the White Beach of Boracay for powdery, fine, and blinding white sand beaches. Not only that, Punta Sebaring is the Philippines’ longest white sand beach which is 3x longer than Boracay.

Go island hopping 

If you have enough cash to burn and want to experience the best of Balabac, you can go island hopping and visit exciting spots. Here is the list of must-visit islands in Balabac:

• Patawan Island
• Patonggong Island
• Bugsok/Sebaring Island
• Canibungan Island
• Candaraman Island (sand bar)
• Pulaw Bato Island (sightseeing)
• Camiaran Island (pink sand beach in Balabac)

Hop on a land tour

While the beaches of Balabac are a must-see, you shouldn’t miss out on the scenic views that the land of the islands has to offer as well. Climb the top of the Spanish-colonial Cape Melville Lighthouse and party to the treacherous strait between the Philippines and Malaysia.

Adventure Trek

If you enjoy mountains and trekking, there are a few trails you can go try, like Melville Peak, Malaking Ilog Peak, and Italawon Peak, to name a few. You may want to check out a few historical markers, like the old Spanish Fort in Ulitan, Ramos Island, and Larindon Bay, with its Spanish ruins.

Get the ultimate beach experience at Onuk Island.

If you’re a sucker for beaches, lounging in the sun, and swimming in crystal-clear waters, a visit to Onuk Island is definitely for you.

Visit the Pink Island of Camiaran

If you haven’t seen any pink sand beaches, the Pink beach of Camiaran will make you rethink the color pink in sand beaches. The small island has one of the finest pink sand beaches in the Philippines and is also well-known for its beautiful coral gardens, making it a nesting place for sea turtles.

Snorkel at Pulau Bato and Sicsican Island

If you’re one for adventure and beautiful underwater views, the Nasubata Reef and Sicsican Island are two places where you can go snorkeling and enjoy its rich marine life.

Shop for pasalubong at Marabon

Marabon is a floating village in Balabac. Due to its proximity to Sabah, Malaysia, many products being sold here are made in Malaysia. Instant Mee Goreng? Check! Malaysian Chocolates? Check! Pasalubong for Marites? Check!

Bird Watching

Balabac Island is home to various endemic species. It is the home of birds like the grey imperial pigeon (Ducula pickeringii), Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), blue-headed Racket-tail (Prioniturus platenae), and the Palawan hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei).

Sample Balabac Travel Itinerary and Trip Budget

To help you organize your trip, we created a sample Balabac Itinerary and travel budget:

5 days Balabac itinerary

• 8am — Arrival at Puerto Princesa Airport
• Transfer from Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal via tricycle
• Bus / Van Ride from San Jose Terminal to Rio Tuba
• Arrival in Rio Tuba and Hotel Checkin
• Overnight in Rio Tuba
• 7am — Tricycle to Rio Tuba pier
• Balabac island hopping
• (Tour B) Visit Patawan Island, Mansalangan Island, Punta Sebaring Beach in Bugsuk Island.
• You can also visit Patongong Island and Anjela Sandbar
• Back to Hotel
• 7am — Balabac island-hopping the Second Day
• (Tour A) Canabungan Island, Sicsican Island (Snorkeling site, Candaramann Island, and Sandbar.
• You can also visit Secam Island and Camiaran Pink Sand Island
• 7am — Balabac island Land tour on the third day
• (Tour C) Melville Lighthouse, Nasubata Reef / Pulau Bato, and Pink Island.
• Onuk Island, a.k.a Roughton Island
• Arrival in Poblacion, Balabac Island
• Check-in at Balacac accommodation
• Rest in Poblacion, Balabac Palawan
• Travel Back to Puerto Princesa

Balabac Budget and Expenses Breakdown

• Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal tricycle — PHP100
• Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba Fare per person – PHP450
• The boat ride from Balabac to Rio Tuba  (One Way)- PHP350

Money-saving tips for your Balabac trip

Going to Balabac on a budget is very much possible. To save on costs, it’s better to travel to Balabac with your friends or family or both. A group tour is much cheaper than when you just go at it alone since most of the things you’ll need to enjoy your stays – like tents/hammocks, transportation, full board meals, local guides, and even insurance – will be provided for in a packaged tour.

Of course, you can also do it DIY style, where you decide where you want to go and which places you want to visit. The island hopping is the most expensive part of going to Balabac, where you’d need to spend at least 8000php for two days. On the other hand, you don’t have to pay that much if you just visit nearby islands like Sicsican, Punta Sebaring, and Candaraman – which only cost about 2000php.

Balabac Travel Tips

• Get a tour package and join group tours with other travelers instead of renting your own boat or getting a private tour.
• Bring extra cash; there are no ATM machines in Balabac Town proper and Rio Tuba.
• Always bring an emergency kit and essential medicines.

Looking for Balabac Palawan Tour Packages? Here’s a list of boat rental and tour operators that you can contact:

• SHAFARAH’S TRAVEL & TOURS SMART# 0946-2640-988 / GLOBE# 0965-1976-744 / TEL # 433-0740
• Kilometer Zero PH by Kap Andong (+63) 920 421 4583 / (+63) 926 685 9095 | Boat rental and tour operator
• Kuya Mark Anthony +63 999 470 9484 | Boat rental and tour operator
• Rombo Balabac Adventure by Kuya Renato Principe +63 929 140 3125 | Boat and tour operator
• Balabac Expedition by Fidel ( FB Page ) (+63) 918 2571 499 / (+63) 999 561 4998 / (+63) 995 933 3321 | Boat rental and tour operator 

Source: Balabac Tourism

All in all, going to Balabac is a definite challenge for the ultimate backpacker and bakasyunista. Balabac may not be worth the time and effort for flashpackers,  considering the 10+ long hours of travel time, but it’s typical for experienced adventure seekers.

Still, if you’re a fan of beautiful beaches, pristine island views, uncrowded places, and a place to rest and relax, then Balabac is a worthy place to try.

Have you been to Balabac, Palawan? Help us improve this 2022 Travel Guide to Balabac Blog by sharing your personal Balabac travel tips and personal recommendations.

Looking for the Best Hotels and Resorts in Balabac, Palawan? Visit Agoda to save time and money on your hotel selection, with millions of reviews and options.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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People, Places, Ideas, and More

Balabac tourist spots, history, festival.

Balabac is a 2nd class coastal municipality of Palawan Province in Region IVB or Mimaropa, Philippines.

Profile of Balabac Municipality (Geography) Location –> Southern tip of Palawan island in the western part of the Philippines (See map below) Neighboring Towns –> Bataraza (north) Area –> 581.60 km2 Population –> 40,142 (2015 Census) Revenue (2016) –> 143,510,962.09 Barangays –> 20 Terrain –> Mountainous with coastal plains Industries –> Agriculture, Trading, Tourism Major Products –> Fish, Seaweed, Coconut, Rice, Corn, Vegetables, Poultry, Handicraft, Home-made Food Items People/Language –> Molbog, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, English Legislative District –> 2nd Government Officials Go here to see the elected municipal officials of Balabac.

History of Balabac

The town of Balabac was separated from Bataraza in 1957 to become an independent municipality.

Economy of Balabac

Balabac is an agricultural town where fish, seaweed, coconut, rice, and corn are the major products.

Tourist Spots in Balabac

Queen Helen Sandbar Angela Sandbar Bugsuk Island Beaches including Punta Sebaring Beach Candaraman Island (Starfish Island) Onok Island Canabungan Island Comiran/Camiaran Island A.K.A. Pink Island Patawan Island

Patongong Island Indalawan Falls Sibaring Island Sicsican Island Cape Melville Lighthouse Immaculate Conception Parish Church

Festival in Balabac

Balabac Town Fiesta

See also: Profile of Mayor Shuaib Astami , Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to go to Balabac Palawan

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If you’re looking for a tropical paradise to explore, Balabac Island Palawan should be at the top of your list.

With its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and diverse marine life, this island is a must-visit destination.

Related Reads :

Best Time to Visit Balabac and Things To Do On Your Trip

Why You Need to See Balabac, Palawan At Least Once In Your Life

But before you pack your bags, make sure you follow this step-by-step guide on how to go to Balabac Palawan to ensure a hassle-free travel experience and create unforgettable memories.

Check out our experience and a quick overview of a Balabac Tour .

Plan Your Itinerary and Budget.

I best recommend a one-day stay at Puerto Princesa before going to Balabac Island since most trips going to the port (for the boat/tours that will take you to Balabac) take 5-6 hours and are best traveled early in the morning.

Reminder: Have enough cash before traveling to Balabac since there are no atms at Balabac island and surrounding islets.

Planning Your Itinerary

• Research about Puerto Princesa and or the place you’re coming from before the Balabac Tour. Start by researching Puerto Princesa and its surrounding areas to familiarize yourself on any attractions or activities that you might want to do before going on the boat tour the next day. Look for information on popular tourist spots, off-the-beaten-path locations, and cultural experiences. There are a number of things you can do around Puerto Princesa like having a food trip, find goods to take home etc.,
• Determine your priorities. Allocate time for travel and relaxation. List your must-see attractions and must-do activities, then prioritize them based on your interests and time constraints. Be realistic about the amount of time you can spend exploring each day and factor in time for meals and relaxation. This will help you allocate your time wisely and ensure that you don’t miss out on any highlights.
• Consider guided tours or packages. Research tour operators and travel agencies that offer guided tours or packages for Balabac Island. As for us we booked a tour right after we booked our flight. Ideally we booked months ahead since we really wanted to have a room from Kamp Malaya (if no rooms, there are tents). It would be best to be clear about your accommodation, meals and other inclusions from your booked tour so you won’t have any frustrations or false expectations.
• Plan for contingencies and emergencies Research and prepare medications that you might need for any allergies you have or just fully prepare a little emergency kit for your adventure.

Budgeting for Your Trip

• Transportation. Calculate the costs of transportation to and from Balabac Island, including flights, buses, vans, boats, and local transportation in case you plan to DIY. As I remember Balabac DIY tour is not advised. As of 2023, more tour operators have been granted business permits, so best check and get deals from them or you can check out other tours from Klook. I personally recommend getting a tour operator previously booked by other people so that you won’t have to worry about the tedious transportation specifics on how to go to Balabac Palawan.
• Accommodations Usually, tours have their own recommended accommodation. Either accommodations at Port Buliluyan, at actual Balabac Island, or on the other islets.
• Activities and tours If you plan to participate in guided tours or packages, consider their all-inclusive prices.
• Food and beverages Most tours includes food in their packages but just in case, best check with them and/or then so plan your meal if it’s not included.
• Miscellaneous expenses Set aside a portion of your budget for miscellaneous expenses, such as souvenirs, tips, and unexpected costs. It’s always better to have extra money available in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

By carefully planning your itinerary and budget, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure to Balabac Island Palawan. With a clear idea of your priorities and expenses, you can focus on enjoying your trip and creating lasting memories.

Gist: Research the costs of transportation, accommodations, and tours to ensure that you have enough funds for your trip. It’s also a good idea to have some extra cash on hand for unexpected expenses. Once you have a clear idea of your itinerary and budget, you can start booking your travel arrangements.

The best way to experience Balabac is through guided tours, which provide transportation, accommodation, and access to the most beautiful spots.

As for our experience last time, we can say that Klook’s deals below are a total steal if you plan to just have a day tour.

You can also book tours and accommodations through Balabac’s licensed operators if you want to experience the overnight experience in Sicsican Island.

Book Your Flights and Accommodations.

The first step on how to go to Balabac Palawan is to book your flights and accommodations. The nearest airport to Balabac Island is the Puerto Princesa International Airport. From there, you can take a van or bus to Rio Tuba, then jump on another transpo to Port Buliluyan which is the jump-off point to Balabac Island. You can also hire a private van or car for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience if you don’t have it included in your Balabac tour. As for accommodations, I find it best to find them at Puerto Princesa then jsut take the transpo to Port Buliluyan. For accommodations in Balabac, as I mentioned before best to book months before with the tour operators (with permit) as they have contacts on where you can stay during your planned dates in Balabac.

Book a Tour or Island Hopping Adventure.

To make the most of your stay in Balabac Island, consider booking a tour or island hopping adventure. These tours usually include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and entrance fees to the different attractions.

You can also customize your tour based on your interests and preferences. Check out these islands and tourist spots when you’re on a Balabac Island Tour.

Get to Puerto Princesa City.

The next step and most important step on how to go to Balabac Palawan is to get to Puerto Princesa City.

You can fly directly to Puerto Princesa International Airport from major cities in the Philippines such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

There are also international flights that can take you to Palawan but you best check with your airlines. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a tricycle or taxi to your hotel or accommodation in the city center, or have it arranged from your accommodation. From there, communicate to your book operator for the Balabac tour.

Travel to Buliluyan Port.

After arriving in Puerto Princesa City, the next step is to travel to Port Buliluyan. Most Balabac tour operators already have prearranged transportation so best ask them about it. Well if not then you can go ask the locals about where the transportation going to Buliluyan is.

While you can drive, I suggest that you just take local transportation or have the one by your tour operator since it’s about 6 hours away without a sure parking space for your vehicle for days. Especially as you might be going to stay on the islands themselves. The map below shows the path from Puerto Princesa to Buliluyan Port

The travel time is approximately 6-7 hours from Puerto Princesa, so it’s best to leave early in the morning. Once you arrive at Buliluyan Port, you’ll then take a boat to Balabac Island. Boat schedules may vary, so it’s best to check with your accommodation or tour operator for the latest information. The boat ride can take up to 4 hours, but the stunning views of the sea and islands make it worth the journey. Typically, if you booked a Balabac tour, you only need to log your names in the small office there before heading to the assigned boat for your tour. I do recommend that you be on something that you can already swim with and be on your dry bags, hats and glasses already before they put your bags under the boat

Take a Boat to Balabac Island.

The best part of learning how to go to Balabac Palawan is actually this part where you take the boat! But that only happens once you arrive at Port Buliluyan, the next step is to take a boat to Balabac Island. There are several boats available, but it’s best to check with your tour operator for the latest information on schedules and prices. The boat ride to the different islands can take hours, but the stunning views of the sea and islands make it worth the journey. Make sure to bring enough food and water for the trip, as not all islands has stores. Also, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

Explore the Islands

Now that you have arrived at Balabac Island, it’s time to explore its natural beauty. Some of the must-visit spots on the island include:

• Onuk Island – A privately-owned island with crystal-clear waters, Onuk Island is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming with sea turtles. Make sure to secure permission and pay the entrance fee before visiting the island.
• Punta Sebaring/Bugsuk Island – A long pristine white sand beach that stretches for kilometers, Punta Sebaring is an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. It’s also home to a small fishing village, where you can interact with the locals and learn more about their culture.
• Candaraman Island – Known for its beautiful sandbar, Candaraman Island is a great place for beachcombing, swimming, and taking Instagram-worthy photos with lots of starfishes! Plus it has a sandbar near it. And amazingly, the island has its private airstrip! Way to own an island, right?
• Melville Lighthouse – Built during the American colonial period, the Melville Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Sulu Sea.

Ensure You Have Proper Documentation and Follow Safety Guidelines.

Before traveling to Balabac Island, make sure you have the necessary documents such as a valid passport, travel insurance, and any required visas. Additionally, follow safety guidelines provided by local authorities and your tour operator to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

• Pack Light and Bring Essential Items. Packing light is essential when traveling to Balabac Island, as you will need to carry your luggage during boat transfers. Make sure to bring essential items such as lightweight clothing, a swimsuit, a reusable water bottle, a waterproof bag, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
• Respect the Environment and Local Culture. When visiting Balabac Island, remember to respect the environment by minimizing your use of single-use plastics and disposing of waste properly. Also, be mindful of the local culture by dressing modestly, asking permission before taking photos of people or private property, and learning a few basic phrases in the local language. Showing respect for the environment and local customs will enhance your travel experience and leave a positive impact on the communities you visit.
• Stay Connected and Informed. While the internet connection on Balabac Island may not be as reliable as in urban areas, it’s still important to stay connected and informed.
• Check for updates on weather conditions, boat schedules, and any potential safety concerns. It’s also a good idea to inform your friends or family members about your travel plans and keep them updated on your whereabouts.

Prepare for Your Departure.

As every other trip aside from learning about how to go to Balabac Palawan, you also need to learn how to get back from it. So as your trip to Balabac Island comes to an end, ensure that you have all your belongings packed and ready for departure.

Double-check your travel itinerary, including boat schedules and transportation arrangements to Puerto Princesa City. Leave your accommodation in a clean and tidy state as a courtesy to the hosts.

Travel Back to Puerto Princesa City.

When it’s time to leave Balabac Island, take a boat back to Buliluyan Port. From there, catch a van or bus to Puerto Princesa City. Remember that the journey can take up to 6-7 hours, so be prepared with snacks, water, and entertainment for the trip.

Explore Puerto Princesa City or Head Home. Once you’re back in Puerto Princesa City, you can choose to explore the city’s attractions, such as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Honda Bay, and Baker’s Hill, or head straight to the airport for your flight home. Make sure to give yourself enough time to reach the airport and check in for your flight.

Reflect on Your Trip and Share Your Experience. After returning home from your Balabac Island adventure, take some time to reflect on your experiences and memories. Share your stories and photos with friends and family or on social media, inspiring others to visit this beautiful and off-the-beaten-path destination. By sharing your experiences, you’ll not only preserve your memories but also contribute to the growth of sustainable tourism in Balabac Island Palawan.

SUMMARY: How to Go to Balabac Palawan

• Book flight to Puerto Princesa
• Book a tour operator with permit for Balabac Tour
• Go to Puerto Princesa
• Take the transportation going to Buliluyan Port
• Get on a boat for the Balabac Tour

Before embarking on your journey to Balabac Island Palawan, it’s important to plan your itinerary and budget. Decide how many days you want to spend on the island and what activities you want to do.

By following this comprehensive step-by-step guide, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable trip to Balabac Island Palawan. Personally, I think the best way other than googling “how to go to Balabac Palawan” is actually booking legitimate tour operators that previous travelers have booked with. From planning your itinerary and budget to exploring the island’s natural wonders, you’ll have a hassle-free travel experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Louee Gonzales

Louee is Lasang Uulit’s SEO wizard and content creator with a psychology background. She is just one of the food bloggers based in the Philippines, with a passion for sharing the best of the local cuisine. Passionate about unearthing culinary treasures, she crafts mouthwatering stories, explores quirky recipes, and immerses herself in local food culture.