Balabac, Palawan
Balabac is a unique location in Palawan. It is considered to be the last frontier of Palawan.
Balabac is known for it’s peaceful, untouched beauty, very different from popular tourist destinations like El Nido and Coron. Balabac is by comparison, largely an undeveloped area.
For that reason, Balabac is popular with more adventurous travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Getting to Balabac: Getting there requires a longer trip than most sights on Palawan. You start in Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. The first step is to take a car, van or bus to Buliluyan Port in Bataraza. From there you take a boat to the Balabac islands.
While you can get to the area on your own, you should strongly consider using the services of an organized tour. That’s because in spite of the remote, undeveloped nature of the area, there are various permits and required registrations you need to have to go in certain areas.
Visitors typically enjoy the remote beauty of Balabac by island-hopping tour. Some of the most popular areas include Starfish Sandbar and Onok Island.
Where to Stay: Balabac is treasured for its unspoiled beauty, so it follows that accommodations can be fairly basic, like simple guesthouses to beach camps. Be aware that you will likely have no access to ATMs and possibly no cell service.
Location:
Balabac is located at the southernmost end of Palawan. It’s actually, closer to Sabah, Malaysia, than to Palawan’s capital city, Puerto Princesa.
Best Time to Visit Balabac: Dry season is November to May, the same as the rest of Palawan, and is the best time to visit to get the best chance to enjoy blue skies and maximize your outdoors time. Rainy season is around July to September and while it is indeed wetter, you will likely be able to find better deals, due to it being low season.
Balabac Attractions and Activities:
Quiet Beaches: If you’re into white sand and clear waters and want to enjoy those without crowds, Balabac is the place for you. The beaches are far more enjoyable in this remote area. This will give you the chance to see Palawan in its natural beauty and bask its tranquility.