Balabac Tours: 3 and 4-Day Island Expeditions from Puerto Princesa
We are a Balabac family. We run the boats, we cook the meals, and we camp with our neighbours at Punta Sebaring on Bugsuk Island. You book direct with the family that runs the trip.
What is a Balabac tour?
A Balabac tour is a multi-day island-hopping expedition from Puerto Princesa to Palawan’s southernmost islands, close to the Malaysian border. You travel by van to Buliluyan Port, then by boat to sandbars and reef islands such as Onok, Mansalangan and Patawan, camping on a beach at Punta Sebaring.
Our Balabac tour packages
Both trips are all-inclusive: van transfer from Puerto Princesa, private boat, all meals, camping equipment, entrance fees and crew. Each can run as a joiner departure or a private charter.
3-Day Essential Balabac
₱17,800 per person for a group of 4. Groups of 5 to 10 pay ₱17,500 per person.
A compact introduction to the southern islands. Camps at Punta Sebaring. Includes Onok Island.
4-Day Balabac Expedition
₱19,800 per person for a group of 4. Groups of 5 to 10 pay ₱17,500 per person.
Our full route, with more time for distant stops and weather adjustments. Camps at Punta Sebaring. Includes Onok Island.
Joiner departures share the boat and spread the fixed costs. A private charter reserves the whole boat and the campsite for your group only. Compare joiner and private.
How do you get to Balabac?
You fly to Puerto Princesa, then travel by van five to six hours south to Buliluyan Port, then by boat three to four hours to the islands. Plan on six to eight hours before you reach the first sandbar.
1. Fly to Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS). We meet you in the city.
2. Van to Buliluyan Port
Roughly 5 to 6 hours south through mainland Palawan. Included in your tour.
3. Boat to the islands
3 to 4 hours on our private roofed boat, sea conditions permitting.
What is included in a Balabac tour?
Included
- Round-trip van transfer from Puerto Princesa to Buliluyan Port
- A private roofed boat for the entire expedition
- Licensed boat captain and local guide
- All meals from Day 1 breakfast to your final-day breakfast
- Camping tent with mattress
- All island entrance and environmental fees
- Beachfront campsite at Punta Sebaring
- Shared toilets and fresh water
- Generator power from 6 PM to 10 PM
- Onok Island on every expedition
Not included
- Airfare to Puerto Princesa
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation in Puerto Princesa before or after the tour
- Snorkel mask and tube rental
- Drinks, beers and snacks
- Tips for the boat crew
- Towels and personal toiletries
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
- Bank or transfer fees
The islands on our Balabac tours
Balabac is a group of islands, not one place. These are the stops our routes are built around, and the final list on the day is set by sea conditions and Coast Guard clearance.
Onok Island
The lagoon island. Privately owned, and on every one of our expeditions.
What a Balabac tour is not
- Not a resort. You sleep in a tent with a mattress, on a beach.
- Not connected. There is no cell signal at the Punta Sebaring campsite. Download anything you need first.
- Not guaranteed. Sea conditions and Coast Guard advisories decide the final island list. A visit to Onok Island is the one commitment we make.
- Not cashless. There are no ATMs on the islands and not everywhere accepts cards. Bring Philippine pesos, and message us on WhatsApp for current cash guidance before you travel.
- No age limit. The trip is open to anyone who understands what Balabac asks of them: a long journey, basic beach camping, and sea conditions that can change the plan.
Who runs balabac.tours?
We are a Balabac family. We live in the local community here in Balabac, Palawan. We bring our guests to campsites owned by our neighbours, we run the boats, and we cook the meals. We are not a booking platform or a reseller.
We hold full Philippine Coast Guard clearance for every expedition, and our captains run every trip themselves. We camp with our neighbours at Punta Sebaring, a beachfront campsite owned by a local family on Bugsuk Island. Onok Island is on every itinerary because we have a direct relationship with the landowner.
When you book a Balabac tour with us, you are booking directly with the source.
Coming from France, the USA or Europe?
Languages. Our guides speak English. If you are not fluent in English, tell us your language before you book and we will communicate using a translator app.
Payment. We accept card and PayPal. Message us for the deposit amount and balance terms.
Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for every guest. Before you pay a deposit, confirm with your insurer in writing that your policy covers island hopping in this part of Palawan.
Travel advice. Some governments issue specific advice for the southern Philippines and the Sulu Sea. Check your own government’s travel advice and your embassy before booking. We would rather you arrived informed than surprised.
Reply times. We reply within 2 hours during Philippine daylight hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Balabac tour cost?
A 4-day, 3-night Balabac Expedition costs ₱19,800 per person for a group of 4, or ₱17,500 per person for groups of 5 to 10. The 3-day Essential Balabac is ₱17,800 per person for a group of 4. Rates vary by season and group size, so message us for an exact quote. Both are all-inclusive with no hidden charges. Message us for current joiner and private rates for your dates.
How do you get to Balabac from Puerto Princesa?
Fly to Puerto Princesa, take a van five to six hours south to Buliluyan Port, then a boat three to four hours to the islands. The whole journey is six to eight hours. We handle the van and boat transfers as part of your tour.
Is Balabac safe for tourists?
We travel with full Philippine Coast Guard clearance and follow its advisories without exception. We do not visit mainland Balabac, where crocodile sightings have occurred. We will not sail if conditions are unsafe. Our crew is trained in first aid and water safety. Check your own government’s travel advice before booking.
Is Onok Island included?
Yes. Onok Island is on every one of our tours. It is privately owned and some operators are not permitted to visit. We have a direct relationship with the landowner, which allows us to include this stop on every expedition.
Is there cell signal in Balabac?
No. There is no cell signal at our campsite on Punta Sebaring. This is one of the most remote areas of Palawan. Bring a power bank, and download anything you need before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Balabac?
The dry season runs roughly March to June, when seas are calmer and skies clearer. The wet season brings rougher seas and occasional cancellations under Coast Guard advisories. We operate year-round and recommend March to June for the best conditions.
What is the best tour operator for Balabac?
The best Balabac tour operator is one that is locally owned and operates its own boats and campsite. We are a family-based operator on Punta Sebaring, and we are on every trip ourselves. Unlike booking platforms that resell tours, we run every aspect of the expedition ourselves.
Can you visit Onok Island on a Balabac tour?
Yes, Onok Island is on all of our tours. Onok Island is privately owned and some operators are not permitted to visit. We have a direct relationship with the landowner, which allows us to include this stop on every expedition.
What should I pack for a Balabac tour?
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a rash guard, flip-flops, a dry bag, a power bank, a flashlight, and insect repellent. There is no cell signal at the campsite, so download anything you need in advance. We provide tents, mattresses, and all meals.
How do I book a Balabac tour?
Message us directly on WhatsApp at 0956 751 0634, or email info@balabac.tours. We reply within 2 hours during Philippine daylight hours. Tell us your dates and how many people are travelling and we will confirm availability, the deposit and the payment options.
Check dates and prices
Tell us your dates and how many people are travelling, and we will confirm availability, the deposit amount and the payment options. We reply within 2 hours during Philippine daylight hours.
WhatsApp 0956 751 0634 · info@balabac.tours · Balabac, Palawan, Philippines