Balabac is a second-class municipality in the southern tip of Palawan consisting of 32 islands. Being the westernmost point of the country, it is closer to Sabah than the rest of the Philippines, with only the Sabah Strait separating the municipality from its neighboring country.

Understand

Ferdinand Magellan's expedition made landfall in Balabac. It was one of the stopovers of the crew that first circumnavigated the world.

Balabac had 42,500 residents as of 2020.

In 2023, the tourism government cites that Balabac received only 1,700 recorded tourists compared to the 285,000 visitors El Nido accommodated.

Get in

The nearest entry point to Balabac is Buliluyan Port, the southernmost part of Bataraza Palawan, a six-hour land ride from Puerto Princesa. From Buliluyan Port, small public boats pick up passengers at least once a day and take them to Balabac town, with a couple of stopover islands along the way. Sightseeing public can arrange a boat tour in Balabac to secure a boat that will take them around the islands at a more flexible schedule.

Get around

By boat

There is no public boat transit that connects the islands. Locals use private small boats to get from one island to another.

See and do

Boat Tour around Balabac Islands Main attractions of Balabac include Onok Island, Punta Sebaring Beach, Mansalangan Sandbar, Candaraman Sandbar and Patawan Island.

Snorkeling. While there is no diving activities in Balabac, its shallow waters are best for snorkeling corals and marine creatures.

Beach camping. Being an underdeveloped destination, camping in uncrowded beaches is one of the experience Balabac offers its visitors.

Sleep

Lodging

There are no hotels in Balabac. Basic fan-rooms and AC accommodations are available in Balabac Mainland.

Camping

Beach camping with basic facility is also available in beaches like Punta Sebaring, Patawan Island, and Candaraman Island.