Informations for BALABAC
Before booking your Balabac island hopping tour, make sure you're aware that you're traveling to some of the most remote islands in the Philippines. This is not a luxury tour—it offers an authentic island-life experience instead. Expect simple accommodations, limited facilities, and breathtaking natural beauty far from the crowds.
Where is Balabac?
Balabac is located at the southern tip of Palawan, Philippines, near the border of Malaysia. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and untouched islands, Balabac is one of the most beautiful and remote destinations in the Philippines. Our tours start from Puerto Princesa and take you to highlights such as Onok Island, Candaraman Sandbar, and other breathtaking islands of Balabac.
How to travel to Balabac?
All Balabac Island Tours start in Puerto Princesa, making it the easiest and most convenient gateway to the islands of Balabac.
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To maximize your time on the islands, our tours depart during the night. You will be picked up directly from your hotel in Puerto Princesa at approximately 3:00 AM. From there, you travel by comfortable air-conditioned van to Buliluyan Port, located at the southern tip of Palawan. The van journey takes around 5 hours.
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Upon arrival at Buliluyan Port, you board our boat for the final transfer to Balabac Beach Resort. The boat ride takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
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Because Balabac is a remote island destination, independent travel can be challenging. We do not recommend traveling to Buliluyan without a tour package, as there are no regular public boats operating between Buliluyan and the Balabac islands.
Joining an organized Balabac Island Hopping Tour ensures a smooth transfer, accommodation, meals, permits, and island-hopping activities are all arranged for you.
Best time to Visit Balabac?
The best time to visit Balabac is during the dry season from November to May, when the sea is generally calm, the skies are sunny, and island-hopping conditions are at their best. During these months, visitors can enjoy crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and excellent snorkeling around the beautiful islands of Balabac.
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Our Balabac Island Tours operate throughout the main travel season and offer the best chance to experience iconic destinations such as Onok Island, Candaraman Sandbar, and the remote islands of southern Palawan in perfect weather conditions.
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While tours are available year-round, the months between December and May are considered the most popular due to stable weather and calm seas.
As Balabac is a remote island destination, weather conditions can occasionally affect boat schedules, especially during the rainy season from June to October.
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For the best experience, we recommend booking your Balabac Island Hopping Tour during the dry season and reserving your tour in advance, especially during peak travel months.
Is Balabac Safe?
Yes, Balabac is considered a safe destination for travelers. Crime rates are very low, and the local communities are known for their hospitality and friendly attitude towards visitors. Most travelers describe Balabac as peaceful, relaxed, and far removed from the busy tourist hotspots of the Philippines.
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One of the reasons Balabac remains so special is that it is still largely untouched by mass tourism. Unlike destinations such as El Nido or Boracay, tourism in Balabac is still developing, and many local communities are only beginning to adapt to a growing number of visitors. We encourage all guests to travel responsibly, respect local customs, and be mindful when visiting villages and island communities.
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Because Balabac is a remote destination, we recommend joining an organized Balabac Island Tour. Transportation, boat transfers, accommodations, permits, and island-hopping activities are arranged for you, making the journey safe, comfortable, and stress-free.
By showing respect for the local people, their culture, and the pristine environment, visitors help preserve the authentic beauty that makes Balabac Island Tours such a unique experience.
Onok Island Guide
Onok Island is the highlight of every Balabac Island Tour and one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. Famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and vibrant marine life, Onok Island is the destination most travelers look forward to visiting.
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One of the island's biggest attractions is its sea turtles. We are so familiar with the area that we can confidently say: you will see turtles during your visit to Onok Island. Snorkeling alongside these gentle creatures in the shallow, crystal-clear waters is an unforgettable experience.
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Many guests ask about staying overnight on Onok Island. While an overnight stay on Onok Island is possible, accommodation standards are much more basic compared to Balabac Beach Resort. Guests stay in simple tents, and only a few basic sanitary facilities are available. For travelers looking for more comfort, private rooms, and better amenities, Balabac Beach Resort is the better choice.
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The good news is that during our Balabac Island Hopping Tours, you already spend plenty of time exploring and enjoying Onok Island. Whether you choose to stay overnight or return to the resort in the evening is entirely up to you. Both options allow you to fully experience the beauty of this tropical paradise.
Balabac in case of bad weather
Of course, Balabac is at its most beautiful under sunny skies. During the dry season from November to May, weather conditions are generally very good, with only occasional tropical rain showers that usually pass quickly.
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Our Balabac Island Tours operate as scheduled whenever conditions allow. However, safety always comes first. If the Philippine Coast Guard issues an official boat travel ban due to strong winds or rough seas, tours cannot depart. In such cases, tours may be rescheduled depending on availability. If a tour cannot take place because of an official Coast Guard restriction, our travel team will contact affected guests and provide the available options. Refunds are handled according to the policies of the respective camps.
One big advantages of staying at Balabac Beach Resort becomes clear during bad weather. While guests at many other camps often have little to do and may spend the entire day waiting for conditions to improve, Balabac Beach Resort is the only resort in the area that offers guided tuk-tuk land tours. These tours allow guests to visit the local village, meet the residents, explore the school, learn about traditional handicrafts, and discover a nearby cave.
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In addition, the resort offers facilities that are unique in Balabac, including a pool table, table tennis, and a bar. This means that even during rainy or windy days, guests can still enjoy a memorable and enjoyable stay while experiencing the local culture and island life beyond the beaches.
Food and Drinks in Balabac
During our Balabac Island Tours, guests enjoy freshly prepared meals every day, featuring a mix of local Filipino cuisine, seafood, meat, vegetables, rice, and tropical fruits. Meals are designed to provide plenty of energy for a full day of island hopping and exploring the beautiful islands of Balabac.
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Breakfast and dinner are served at the camp, where guests can relax and enjoy their meals in a peaceful island setting. Lunch is typically served during the island-hopping tour, either at a scenic beach location, on a sandbar, or directly on the boat while exploring the islands.
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A special advantage of Balabac Beach Resort is its modern new kitchen, which was built to meet high hygiene and food safety standards. Fresh ingredients are prepared daily, ensuring both quality and cleanliness throughout your stay.
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When you book a Balabac Island Hopping Package, all meals are included throughout your tour. This allows you to fully relax and enjoy your island adventure without having to worry about food arrangements during your stay.
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Whether you are enjoying a beachfront breakfast, a freshly prepared lunch during the tour, or dinner after a day of adventure, great food is an important part of the Balabac experience.
Things to bring to Balabac
Luggage
We recommend leaving your large luggage at your hotel in Puerto Princesa and bringing only a small bag for your Balabac adventure. This makes traveling much easier, especially during boat transfers and island hopping activities.
Cash & Payments
There are no ATMs in Balabac, so make sure to bring enough cash for personal expenses. Guests staying at Balabac Beach Resort can also pay online using apps such as Revolut or Wise.
Clothing & Swimwear
Pack light and bring comfortable clothes suitable for a tropical island environment. Swimwear, lightweight clothing, sandals, and sun protection are essential. In the evenings, the atmosphere in the camps is relaxed and casual, so there is no need for formal clothing.
Dry Bag
A dry bag is highly recommended for every Balabac Island Hopping Tour. It helps protect your phone, camera, and valuables from water during boat transfers and island activities. If needed, dry bags are also available for purchase at the souvenir shop in Balabac Beach Resort.
Snorkeling Equipment
Not all camps provide snorkeling equipment. Guests staying at Balabac Beach Resort receive snorkeling gear free of charge during their stay. Please note that fins are not provided, so guests who prefer using fins should bring their own.
Other Essentials
We also recommend bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a hat, and any personal medications you may need during your stay.
With the right preparation, your Balabac Island Tour will be comfortable, enjoyable, and stress-free. NO Sandflies at Balabac Beach Resort!