Balabac Travel Guide 2024 – EVERYTHING You Need to Know

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.

But!

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)
• What to do
• 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.

Oh no, no.

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: 

• 6:00 am – Call time / breakfast
• 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!

Conclusion

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!