My Balabac, Palawan Experience
Balabac, Palawan’s Last Frontier
Located on the southernmost tip of Palawan, our trip to Balabac started with a 5-hour trip from Puerto Princesa to Buliluyan Port in Bataraza. Since it is my first time in Palawan, everything was an adventure for me.
I joined a “joiner tour” and there were at least 40 people in our group. This is also the place where I celebrated my birthday – particularly in Onok Island. That is why it is more memorable because I got to make new friends from this trip.
Read also: Balabac Palawan Travel Guide
I spent my 33rd birthday on Onok Island, one of the most picturesque islands in the municipality of Balabac. This tiny island is idyllic as its chill vibe gave me a hint of summer – laid back, warm people, and calming sea breeze. Not to mention, its 360-degree view of the ocean makes it more worthy for the gram.
What to do in Balabac, Palawan
Go Island Hopping!
The municipality is a series of large and small islands that vary in shapes and sizes. The most famous and well-known islands are Onok Island, Bugsuk Island (Punta Sebaring), Mansalangan Island, Nasubata Island and Reef (Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Spot), Candaraman Island (Starfish sightseeing), Canibungan Island, Sicsican Island, and Patawan Island.
When I visited Balabac, we spent two nights in Onok Island, ate lunch in Candaraman Island, and camped on our last night in Canibungan Island. Good thing, too, is that some of the islands offer free Wi-Fi (Starlink) so we can still be connected during my visit.
Do Water Activities
Starfish sightseeing in Candaraman Island
As Balabac is a group of islands, water activities are what keeps the ball rolling. The popular activities to do in the islands are: beach bumming, starfish and tortoise sightseeing, snorkeling, free diving, and scuba diving. The municipality is blessed with pristine islands which will give you that laid-back vibe and all you need to do is relax and enjoy the cool sea breeze.
Me and my friends spent most of our hours basking on the shores of the islands and we also chased the sunset as the tide rose.
What to expect in Balabac
Since Balabac is the southernmost municipality of Palawan, the islands are quite isolated and therefore, availability of some goods are limited. Cellular network signals in Balabac and Bataraza are quite weak (Globe = poor to none; Smart – fair to poor).
The main mode of transportation in between the islands are motor bancas and speedboats. Group Tours are also popular in the area as DIY travel is quite expensive especially when you are alone. Upon arrival in Buliluyan Port, you need to register as you enter the port and you will sign out in the same office once you depart. The payment of necessary fees (environmental fee, terminal fee, etc. will be taken care of by your tour operator when you join a group tour).
Balabac is such a paradise! It is a perfect escape when you want that right amount of peace and quiet from the busy city life!
Balabac Palawan Photos!
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
