Balabac Group of Islands, Philippines: The Last of the Last Frontier
If you think the beaches in El Nido, Boracay, and Cebu are the most beautiful you’ve ever seen, it’s evident that you haven’t experienced the paradise which is Balabac.
Dubbed as Philippine’s Last of the Last Frontier, Balabac Group of Islands is located at the farthermost and south-westernmost tip of the province of Palawan in the Philippines, and just a few hours away from Sabbah, Malaysia.
Balabac is heaven to anyone who wants virgin white beaches, powdery white sand, and bountiful flora and fauna. The whole place is still very secluded and not commercialized– a taste of one of the most beautiful fruits of nature that you’ve never seen before.
In this article, I am going to give you a small glimpse of this paradise and some essential information you need to know before venturing in this little slice of heaven.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you’re not from Palawan, the journey to Balabac is quite a long way. But as they say, good things come to those who wait!
If you’re from Manila or Cebu, you first have to take a 1.5-hour plane ride to the province’s capital, Puerto Princesa City. From there, you can opt to stay the night and explore the city or go straight to the bus and van terminal in Brgy. San Jose via a tricycle ride so you can continue on your journey to paradise.
At the terminal, you can choose to ride a bus or van going to Rio Tuba, the last municipality closest to Balabac. The whole ride takes 4-5 hours, depending on how many stops your vehicle would make.
After an arduous yet scenic journey to Rio Tuba, you still have to take a boat ride going to Balabac island and spend another four hours on the sea. The whole ordeal can be very tiring, but just you wait what you have in store!
RESTAURANTS & ACCOMMODATION
Going to Balabac is a trip already in itself, so I suggest that you rest for the night once you get into town. Don’t be surprised that there aren’t a lot of lodging places you can choose from– and don’t expect any fancy beach resorts either. Balabac is still very secluded, far from modern, with a charming, old-town feel, and friendly locals.
As far as I know, there are only two available tourist accommodations within Poblacion, JD Lodging, and MLK Lodging. The former offers an aircon room while the latter doesn’t. If you’re thinking about finding an Airbnb, you won’t find any!
Don’t go looking for boujee restaurants as well. There are a couple of local eateries in the area that you can check out that are all reasonably within walking distance. The upside is you don’t have to spend so much money on food!
THINGS TO DO IN BALABAC
Now it’s time to do what you came here to do– to experience a once-in-a-lifetime paradise! Being that Balabac is composed of 31 islands and islets, there are so many things to do and see. Here are some of my recommendations:
1. Go adventure trekking
If your love for the beach is the same as your love for mountains and trekking, Balabac has a few trails you can venture to, such as Italawon Peak, Malaking Ilog Peak, and Melville Peak. You can also check out some historical ruins along the way like Larindon Bay and its Spanish ruins, Ramos Island, and the old Spanish Fort located in Ulitan.
2. Go snorkeling
Balabac beaches are known for their clear, turquoise waters, but there are a couple of islands such as Sicsican Island and Nasubata Reef that you can visit to enjoy their abundant marine life.
3. Go island hopping
To fully sate your Balabac appetite, get ready for the longest and most fun island hopping you’ll ever be in your life. Unlike in El Nido, where island-hopping tours only take a full day, you have to spend a night or two in between islands to complete your Balabac island hopping experience.
The reason for this is because the distance between each island and inlet takes mostly a few hours to get to. You may have to brave a long boat ride to each stop, but boy oh boy, is your patience rewarded.
Once you’re on tour, make sure to check if Onuk Island, Camiaran Pink Beach, and Punta Sebaring Beach are on the list. They are the best picks (in my opinion) out of the whole island hopping tour– some pure little slices of heaven!
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Already planning to book a trip? Can’t blame you! But before you search for flight prices just yet, here is a little FAQ, so you know what to expect on your Balabac trip!
1. Does Balabac have a stable internet connection?
Unfortunately, no. You can get a somewhat decent internet data from your mobile wifi or cell phone plan in the main Balabac town, but the islands have zero connection at all.
2. Does Balabac have its own airport so I can take a direct flight?
No. Palawan only has four public airports– Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente. To get to Balabac, everyone has to take the long trip I’ve mentioned above, but I promise it’s worth it!
3. Are there any accommodations on some islands where I have to spend some nights in?
No. All islands in Balabac are not yet commercialized, meaning there isn’t any infrastructure built on any one of them. Make sure to bring a tent or hammock, so you have something to sleep in!
4. How expensive can the whole trip be?
In my experience, the surest way to save money on your Balabc trip is to travel with a large group, like friends and family, so you have people that can share the cost. Island hopping is the most expensive part of the trip, as insurance, local tourist guides, transportation, and full-board meals are always included.
Here are some necessary costs you need to prepare for:
- Island hopping (₱8,000 for two days )
- Transportation (₱2,000 roundtrip)
- Accommodation (₱800-₱1500 per 2 pax)
- Food and Drinks (₱300-₱400 per day)
- Flight tickets
- Emergency fund (₱500 per day)
5. Other items I need to bring?
Since you are going to get sun-soaked most of the duration of your trip, make sure to bring enough sunscreen and insect repellent.
It’s also advisable to bring your own water bottle, enough changing towels, a jacket when it can get chilly out in the islands, and some over-the-counter meds for common travel discomfort such as diarrhea, acid reflux, allergies, motion sickness, and fever.
CONCLUSION
So what are you waiting for! Go get your family and friends and plan the most amazing trip you will ever have. If you’re looking for a sign to visit the Last of the Last Frontier in the Philippines, this is it!
