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Balabac, Palawan: A Guide to the Hidden Paradise

  • Writer: Pinoy Vagabonds
    Pinoy Vagabonds
  • Mar 29
  • 5 min read

Updated: Mar 29

Tucked away in the southernmost part of Palawan, Balabac is a paradise of untouched islands, pristine sandbars, and endless shades of blue. It’s a dream destination for those who love raw, unspoiled beauty—but getting there isn’t easy. After visiting Balabac four times with different tour operators, we’ve learned a lot, and here’s everything you need to know before embarking on this adventure.


Onok Island | @thom.devilla
Onok Island | @thom.devilla

Why Join a Package Tour?


Balabac is not an easy place to reach. The transport logistics alone—van rides, boat transfers, and the remote island hopping—can be overwhelming. We highly recommend booking a package tour, as it includes: ✅ Roundtrip van transfer from Puerto Princesa to the jump-off point (Rio Tuba or Buliluyan Port)✅ Private boat transfers and island-hopping tours✅ Meals throughout the trip✅ Basic accommodations (usually huts or tents)

If you’re looking for upgraded accommodations, Balabac Eco Resort offers air-conditioned geodomes, a rare luxury in this remote paradise.


Recommended Tour Operators


Tour packages range from ₱13,000 – ₱17,000 for a 4D/3N itinerary. Here are the top tour operators we recommend:


Khaiyir Durant (Balabac Girl)


Khai offers package tours to Balabac, with a base camp at Canibungan Island.


DISCOUNT CODE:

PVAGABONDS500 – Get ₱500 off on tours (per pax).


📌 Social Media Handles:


Balabac Eco Resort


Offers both accommodation and package tours. Their glamping domes with AC are a great option for those looking for comfort.


DISCOUNT CODES:


PVAGABONDS10 – Get 10% off on accommodation.

PVAGABONDS500 – Get ₱500 off on tour packages to Balabac (per pax).


📌 Contact Balabac Eco Resort through:


👉 Just mention the discount codes when you book with them!


The Wander Walkers


We did the tour with Wander Walkers in 2022, and their base camp is Punta Sebaring.





How to Get to Balabac


Island of Palawan
Island of Palawan

✈ From Manila or Cebu, Cebu Pacific offers direct flights to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Since Balabac doesn’t have an airport, this is the fastest way to get there.


🚌 From Puerto Princesa to the Port

  • Rio Tuba Port: Take a 5-6 hour van ride from San Jose Terminal. There is only one boat departure per day to Balabac (around 9:00 AM), so it’s best to arrive the night before to secure your ticket.

  • Buliluyan Port: If you're with a group, you can rent a van for a more flexible trip. The boat ride from Buliluyan takes around 2 hours. Our group took this route with a private speedboat, making travel easier.


Again, I would highly suggest that you book a package tour for easier transportation to Balabac.



Our Sample Itinerary


Here’s a glimpse of our experience from our first two tours in Balabac:


Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Balabac

  • 11:00 AM: Arrive in Puerto Princesa, buy snacks and drinks (you won’t find stores on the islands!).

  • 1:00 PM: Depart for Buliluyan Port via private van (5-6 hours).

  • 7:00 PM: Arrive at Buliluyan Port, transfer to our boat. The 2-hour night ride was eerie yet magical, with glowing bioluminescent planktons lighting our way.

  • 9:00 PM: Arrive at Candaraman Island, our basecamp for the trip. We had a seafood feast prepared by our cook—who turned out to be a chef!

 


Candaraman Island
Candaraman Island

Note: Most operators now start their itinerary at 1:00AM where they pick you up in Puerto Princesa and will arrive in Buliluyan Port at 6:00AM.


Day 2: Island Hopping (Cloudy Weather Version!)

  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast (fried rice, eggs, and fish—classic island fare!).

  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Island hopping tour:

    • Comiran Island – Famous for its pink-sand beach, a mix of white sand and crushed red corals.


      Comiran Island
      Comiran Island

    • Onuk Island – The highlight! Despite the cloudy weather, the water was still an unreal shade of blue. We had another seafood lunch here.



    • Candaraman Sandbar – A starfish sanctuary! Even though the sandbar wasn’t fully visible during our visit, the crystal-clear water and countless starfish were mesmerizing.


      Candaraman Sandbar
      Candaraman Sandbar

  • 6:00 PM: Back to the campsite for sunset drinks. 🍹

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner (more seafood!).


Day 3: Island Hopping (Finally, a Sunny Day!)

  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast before setting off on a longer island-hopping adventure.

  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Island hopping under the full sun:

    • Punta Sebaring – Home to one of the longest sandbars in the Philippines. The crystal-clear water and fine white sand made this spot unforgettable.


      Punta Sebaring Sandbar
      Punta Sebaring Sandbar

    • Hidden Sandbar near Punta Sebaring – A surprise find with stunning turquoise waters.

      Found this beyond the sandbar of Punta Sebaring
      Found this beyond the sandbar of Punta Sebaring

    • Mansalangan Sandbar (Angela’s Sandbar) – The third-longest sandbar in the country, surrounded by mesmerizing blues.

      Mansalangan Sandbar
      Mansalangan Sandbar

    • Patawan Island – A small island with white and pinkish sand, perfect for a lunch break and nap under pandan trees.


      Patawan Island
      Patawan Island

    • Sicsican Island – Known for its snorkeling spot with corals so clear they seemed to float on air.

      Sicsican Island
      Sicsican Island

    • Candaraman Sandbar (Again!) – With the sun out, the colors were even more vibrant this time.


  • 6:00 PM: Back to the camp for another sunset and social night.



Day 4: Departure

  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast, pack up, and say goodbye to paradise.

  • 10:00 AM: Boat ride back to Buliluyan Port.

  • 3:00 PM: Arrive in Puerto Princesa.

  • 5:00 PM: Dinner—unlimited chicken wings before my flight! 🍗

  • 7:00 PM: Flight back to Manila. 😭

 



Other Areas to Visit in Balabac


Canimeran Island

A stunning island with powdery white sand and shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming. The beach is fringed with coconut trees, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and taking in the breathtaking views.


Canimeran Island
Canimeran Island

Canibugan Island

A less-visited gem in Balabac, Canabugan Island is a peaceful retreat surrounded by crystal-clear waters. The island is perfect for snorkeling, as it boasts vibrant marine life and healthy coral reefs.

Canibugan Island
Canibugan Island

Lumbucan Island

Accessible only when booking with Balabac Eco Resort, Lumbucan Island is known for its pristine beaches and rich biodiversity. It offers an exclusive and tranquil island-hopping experience, making it a great addition to any Balabac itinerary.


Lumbucan Island
Lumbucan Island

Travel Pro Tips

✔ Bring a dry bag – Your things will get wet during boat transfers.

✔ Pack reef-safe sunscreen – Protect your skin and the marine life.

✔ Bring cash – No ATMs or card payments in Balabac.

✔ Expect limited signal – Download offline maps and tell your family in advance.

✔ Respect the islands – Leave no trash behind and don’t take anything but pictures.



Final Thoughts

Balabac is hands down one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. The shades of blue here are like nowhere else. If you love untouched islands and raw adventure, this is the perfect place for you.


📍 Been to Balabac? Let me know your experience in the comments!

 
 
 
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