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Onok Island is the reason many travellers come to Balabac. A limestone island ringed by shallow reef and turquoise water, it is the one stop we commit to on every single tour.
Why every tour stops at Onok Island
Most operators list Onok Island as weather-dependent. We make it a commitment, and we plan the day around it. Our boats leave camp early so that we reach Onok before the day-trippers arrive from the mainland, while the water is still glass and the reef is quiet.
What you do there
- Snorkel the reef directly off the beach
- Swim in the shallow lagoon
- Photograph the limestone viewpoint
- Walk the white sand while the water is still flat
When we visit
On the 4-day Balabac Expedition, Onok is a morning stop on day two with breakfast at sunrise and the boat leaving camp at 8:00 AM. On the 3-day Essential Balabac it is the centrepiece of your full day on the water. Both tours include it.
The honest note
Onok Island is popular and it does get busy later in the morning. Arriving early is the whole point, and it is also why the day depends on sea conditions allowing the crossing. If the Coast Guard issues an advisory we will not put a boat into a swell, whatever the itinerary says.
Questions travellers ask
Is Onok Island included in every tour?
Yes. An Onok Island stop is included on both the 4-day Balabac Expedition and the 3-day Essential Balabac.
Can you snorkel at Onok Island?
Yes, the reef is close to shore and we carry snorkelling gear for the trip.
Why go early?
We arrive before the day-trippers from the mainland, when the water is calmest and the island is quiet.
See Onok Island
Tell us your dates and we will confirm availability on the next departures.