Home / Frequently asked questions
Everything we get asked most often about Balabac tours, answered in plain terms. If your question is not here, message us on WhatsApp and you will get a straight answer, usually within two hours during Philippine daylight.
Prices and what is included
How much does a Balabac tour cost?
Our 4-day 3-night Balabac Expedition costs PHP 19,800 per person for a group of 4, and the 3-day 2-night Essential Balabac costs PHP 17,800 per person for a group of 4. Groups of 5 to 10 pay PHP 17,500 per person. All rates are all-inclusive from Puerto Princesa.
What is included in the price?
Round-trip van transfer from Puerto Princesa to Buliluyan Port, a private roofed boat, a licensed captain and local guide, all meals from Day 1 breakfast to Day 4 breakfast, a camping tent with mattress, all island and environmental fees, a beachfront campsite run by a local family at Punta Sebaring, shared toilets and fresh water, generator power from 6 PM to 10 PM, and a stop at Onok Island.
What is not included?
Flights to Puerto Princesa, travel and medical insurance arranged in your own country (we do not provide it), personal snacks and drinks, and gratuities for the crew.
Do you offer joiner tours and private charters?
Yes, both. A joiner booking is a shared scheduled departure where you buy seats per person and travel with other travellers. A private booking means the whole boat and campsite are reserved for your group only. Message us on WhatsApp for a current joiner or private rate.
How much deposit do you need?
A deposit confirms your booking. Message us on WhatsApp for the deposit amount and the payment options, and we will hold your dates while you decide.
Booking, changes and refunds
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available for cancellations made more than 14 days before your tour date. A deposit is required to confirm your booking. Message us for the full terms.
Can I change my dates?
Tell us as early as you can. We will move your booking to another departure where availability allows.
What happens if the Coast Guard cancels the trip?
We follow Coast Guard advisories without exception. If a crossing is not permitted, we will adjust the itinerary or discuss rebooking and refunds with you directly.
Do I need to pay in full upfront?
No. A deposit confirms the booking, and we will agree the balance schedule with you when you book.
The tour itself
How many days do you need in Balabac?
Three days gives a compact introduction to the main islands. Four days covers every major island and sandbar at a more comfortable pace, with more room to absorb a weather change.
Where do you sleep?
In a tent with a mattress on the beach at a beachfront campsite run by a local family in Punta Sebaring, Bugsuk Island. A hut upgrade is available. This is camping, not glamping.
Is there mobile signal at camp?
No. There is no mobile signal at the campsite, so you will be offline for your stay on the islands.
Do you visit mainland Balabac?
No. We stay on the islands and sandbars. This is a deliberate safety decision, because there have been crocodile sightings around mainland Balabac.
Is Onok Island included on every tour?
Yes. Onok Island is included on our tours. We time our runs to arrive before the day-trippers, when the water is still glass.
Is the itinerary fixed?
No itinerary in Balabac is guaranteed. Sea conditions, tide and Coast Guard clearance decide the final island list on the day.
Getting there and preparing
How do I get to Balabac?
Fly into Puerto Princesa (PPS), then we collect you from your hotel. The included van transfer south to Buliluyan Port takes roughly six hours each way, and then the boat crossing begins.
When is the best time to visit Balabac?
The dry season, roughly March to June, gives the calmest seas and clearest water. We run tours year-round; the habagat monsoon from about July to October brings rougher seas and occasional Coast Guard cancellations.
What should I pack?
A dry bag for electronics, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, light long sleeves for the boat, cash and any personal medication. Pack light, because everything you bring travels on the boat.
Is this trip suitable for children or older travellers?
That depends on your group. It is a camping expedition with boats, sand and heat. Tell us the ages and any mobility or health concerns before booking and we will advise honestly.
Is Balabac safe?
Our tours run with a licensed captain, a private roofed boat and Coast Guard clearance on every trip, and we follow all advisories without exception. Read our safety page for the full picture.
Still have a question?
Message us on WhatsApp and you will be speaking directly to the family who runs the tours, not a call centre. We reply within 2 hours during Philippine daylight.
Paying safely
A deposit confirms your booking, and the balance is agreed with you in writing before departure. Pay by credit or debit card, or PayPal — both give you buyer protection and a transaction record you can dispute. Prefer lower fees? Wise works for the balance.
There are no card machines and no ATMs on the islands, so bring cash for personal extras. Our refund window is more than 14 days before your tour date — full terms on our Booking Terms page.