Home / Travel journal / Balabac packing list
Everything you bring to Balabac travels on a boat, gets covered in sand, and stays with you for the whole trip. There is no shop at camp and no ATM on the islands, so the packing list matters more than it does on a normal holiday.
Bring these
- A dry bag for your phone, camera and documents
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Light long sleeves and a rash vest for the boat
- Two swimsuits so one can dry
- Footwear you can walk on sand and rock in
- A headlamp or torch for the camp at night
- A power bank, charged before you leave Puerto Princesa
- Any personal medication, plus a small first aid kit
- Cash in Philippine pesos
Bring cash, not cards
There are no ATMs on the islands and no card payments at camp. Work out what you need before you leave Puerto Princesa, and remember the crew appreciate tips in cash.
Leave these behind
- Hard suitcases - soft bags are far easier to load on a boat
- Anything you would be heartbroken to get wet or sandy
- Excess clothing. You will wear the same two outfits all trip
- Single-use plastics where you can avoid them
Prepare for being offline
There is no mobile signal at camp. Download maps, music and anything else you want before you leave Puerto Princesa, and tell someone at home your itinerary so they are not worried. Read more in Balabac without signal.
Camp comforts worth knowing
- You sleep in a tent with a mattress on the beach, or a hut upgrade
- Toilets are shared and the shower is a bucket and a scoop
- Generator power runs from 6 PM to 10 PM - charge devices then
- Meals are home-cooked and included from Day 1 breakfast
Questions travellers ask
What should I not bring to Balabac?
Hard suitcases, things that cannot get wet, and far more clothing than you need. Soft bags are much easier on a boat.
Do I need to bring water?
Drinking water is provided. Bring a refillable bottle rather than buying plastic.
Can I charge my phone at camp?
Yes, during generator hours from 6 PM to 10 PM. Bring a power bank as a backup.
Anything else you should know?
Message us and we will tell you what is worth packing for your specific dates.