Though, my travels were not usually DIY as I prefer to explore the place on my own pace without compromising safety while I can move around with ease. Lucky enough that I also have friends who loves to explore and wander certain destination with comfort but of course, within a budget. My observation was, you can still find cheaper alternatives if you plan your trip ahead. Meanwhile, started the month of October with a bang, my friends and I went to Balabac, Palawan – dubbed as the last of the last frontier. Balabac is an isolated a barely touched paradise in the farthermost and south-westernmost tip of the province of Palawan where island beaches are surrounded with turquoise water that looks like a huge swimming pool at the bird’s eye view.
The municipality of Balabac is composed of various islands located at the Balabac Strait, situated in the rich water of Sulu Sea. The strait is known for its shallow waters due to the presence of shoals and numerous sandbars. Balabac has the third and fourth longest sandbars in the Philippines. The third longest is Queen Helen Sandbar at the southern tip of Bugsuk and the fourth is the Angela Sandbar east of Mansalangan. The last of the last frontier, set in the congruity of the Molbog tribe and the local people.
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| Patongong Island, Balabac, Palawan |
The islands are notable for their uncommon indigenous plant and animal species, such as the nocturnal Philippine mouse-deer, also home to dugongs, saltwater crocodiles, sawfishes, and sea turtles. I couldn’t contain my excitement seeing sea turtles during our island hopping. Always at awe as we docked on each island during our 4 days of island hopping.
Undoubtedly, Palawan is a home of beautiful and untouched islands with different shades of blue water that shines like a diamond as the sun glisten.
We paid ~Php11,000.00 per person for 4 Days and 3 Nights in Balabac, Palawan, on which transportation from Puerto Princesa to Buliluyan Port and vice versa, a fan room accommodation, food – breakfast, lunch & dinner – entrance fees were already included on the packaged tour provided to us by Ate Helen Kuan of Kina Kuan Balabac Travel Tours.
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| Patawan Island, Balabac, Palawan |
Where to Stay in Balabac
Aside from the guesthouse where we stayed, you can also stay at the following lodging houses. Rate per person ranges from ~Php250.00-Php500.00.
- JD Lodging House (Sing and Swing Karaoke Bar)
- MLK Lodging House
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| Tangkahan Island, Balabac, Palawan |
Where/What to Eat & Drink in Balabac
Mi Goreng and Soto are known in Balabac. Don’t leave the island without trying these two. Regular Mi Goreng is sold at Php50.00 per serving while the special Mi Goreng is sold at Php65.00 per serving. Soto, a choice of Chicken or Beef is sold at Php65.00 per serving.
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| Patawan Island, Balabac, Palawan |
What to See & Do in Balabac
Islands, white & pink beaches, snorkeling. 80% of our time was spent on island hopping while the 20% was spent roaming around the town proper. People of Balabac says that it also has stunning waterfalls.
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| cheers! and my worst sunburn evaaaa |
Souvenirs / Pasalubong to buy in Balabac
Malaysian products are available in Balabac, Palawan as this is the nearest town, country, area to buy goods. No ref magnet yet during our visit but there are instant Mi Goreng, biscuits and chocolates made in Malaysia. They’re affordable and perfect of pasalubong.
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| buying pasalubong at the town proper |
Budget / Expenses
On top of the ~Php11,000.00 each; personally, I spent an additional of ~Php2,000.00 for pasalubong, soda, beer and chips.
Good to know when in Balabac
If you’re extra adventurous and have extra budget to splurge, you may go to Malaysia via boat with a travel time of 1 hour at Php3,500.00 per person, one way provided that you have your passport. Just ask your boatman as they will gladly assist you.
Don’t forget to bring sunblock, after sun gel and aloe vera. It’s a must!!! I had the worst sunburn despite of applying sunblock, aloe vera or after sun gel soothes your skin after sunbathing.
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| testing the DIY dome by Effie |
How to get to Balabac, Palawan
Balabac Island is very much applicable for DIY travelers but it takes longer travel time but I assure you, it’s worth it! I would recommend to take the early trip tho.
Puerto Princesa City to Rio Tuba Port (DIY)
a. From the airport, take a cab or tricycle going to San Jose Terminal.
b. From San Jose Terminal, Puerto Princesa City, take a van going to Bataraza Terminal. Fare is at ~Php 350.00 per person; Travel time is 4-5 hours. Some van operators travel directly from Puerto Princesa City to Rio Tuba. The trip takes five to six hours with the fare ranging from ~Php450.00 to ~Php500.00 per person. First trip usually starts at 4:00AM and last trip at 5:00PM but It depends on the volume of the passenger.
Puerto Princesa City to Buliluyan Port (Private Tour)
a. From Puerto Princesa City, take a van going to Bataraza. Fare is at Php 350.00 per person.
b. From Bataraza, transfer to another van going to Buliluyan Port. Travel time is at 1-2 hours; Fare is at Php 150.00 per person.
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| Candaraman Island, Balabac, Palawan |
4D/3N Itinerary
Day 1
- 4:00AM – Hotel pick-up in Puerto Princesa
- 10:00AM – Arrival in Buliluyan Port (with coffee and breakfast stop-over)
- 10:00AM – 3:00PM – Island Hopping (with lunch)
- Patongong Island
- Tangkahan Island
- Patawan Island
- 4:00PM – Checkin at the town proper
- 8:00PM – Dinner
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| island hopping in Balabac, Palawan |
Day 2
- 7:00AM – Breakfast
- 8:00AM – 3:00PM – Island Hopping (with lunch)
- Comiran Island
- Nasubata Island
- Sicsican Island
- 5:00PM – Back to town proper
- 8:00PM – Dinner
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| Comiran Island, Balabac, Palawan |
Day 3
- 7:00AM – Breakfast
- 8:00AM – 3:00PM – Island Hopping (with lunch)
- Candaraman Island
- Onok Island | Entrance Fee: Php1,500.00 per person – already included on the packaged.
- 5:00PM – Back to town proper
- 8:00PM – Dinner
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| Onok Island, Balabac, Palawan |
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| sunkissed. sunburnt. ☹ |
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| Onok Island, Balabac, Palawan |
Day 4
- 7:00AM – Breakfast
- 8:00AM – 1:00PM – Island Hopping (with lunch)
- Mansalangan Island
- Punta Sebaring Island
- 3:00PM – Arrival at Buliluyan Port
- 8:00PM – Arrival at Puerto Princesa
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| Mansalangan Island, Balabac, Palawan |
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| Punta Sebaring Island, Balabac, Island |
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