Balabac
Philippines · Asia
About Balabac
Balabac is a second-class municipality in the southern tip of Palawan consisting of 32 islands. Being the westernmost point of the country, it is closer to Sabah than the rest of the Philippines, with only the Sabah Strait separating the municipality from its neighboring country.
Balabac travel guide
Understand
Ferdinand Magellan's expedition made landfall in Balabac. It was one of the stopovers of the crew that first circumnavigated the world. Balabac had 42,500 residents as of 2020. In 2023, the tourism government cites that Balabac received only 1,700 recorded tourists compared to the 285,000 visitors El Nido accommodated.
Getting there
The nearest entry point to Balabac is Buliluyan Port, the southernmost part of Bataraza, a six-hour land ride from Puerto Princesa. From Buliluyan Port, small public boats pick up passengers at least once a day and take them to Balabac town, with a couple of stopover islands along the way. Sightseeing public can arrange a boat tour in Balabac to secure a boat that will take them around the islands at a more flexible schedule.
Getting around
By boat There is no public boat transit that connects the islands. Locals use private small boats to get from one island to another.
Sleep
Lodging There are no hotels in Balabac. Basic fan-rooms and AC accommodations are available in Balabac Mainland.
Camping Beach camping with basic facility is also available in beaches like Punta Sebaring, Patawan Island, and Candaraman Island.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.