Balabac Islands Guide: How To Visit Palawan’s Untouched Paradise Before It Gets Privatized

Balabac is that secret corner of Palawan you’ve probably seen on TikTok but never really believed was real. Clear blue waters, pink beaches, and white sand that feels like powder. It’s just as beautiful as Coron, only cheaper and quieter. No crowds, no overdeveloped hotels, no overpriced boat tours.

But this peaceful paradise might not stay that way for long.

Image credit: Metro Pacific Investments and San Miguel Corporation; Background from mariocolmenares | Instagram

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has confirmed its legal ownership of around 7,000 hectares of land on Bugsuk Island, part of the Balabac group of islands. The company said it acquired the land through firms that have held the titles since 1974, long before today’s land reform laws were made.

A local group called Sambilog-Balik Bugsuk Movement questioned this, but the Department of Agrarian Reform already ruled that the properties are not part of any agrarian reform distribution. That means they’re private property and can’t just be reclaimed by the government. SMC said it will hold talks with local communities, including the Molbog people, to address any concerns.

But for travellers, this might be the last call to see Balabac before big developers start changing the landscape.

Image credit: espo88

While Balabac remains untouched, the more famous tourist spots in Palawan—El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa—are facing serious water contamination problems.

According to the Environment Management Bureau (EMB), multiple sampling stations in El Nido and Coron have tested way above safe limits for fecal coliform, which is bacteria from human and animal waste.

Image credit: Asian Water Environment Partnership (WEPA), Palawan News, and Rappler

• In El Nido, contamination in Bacuit Bay reached up to 460,000 MPN/100mL, way beyond the safe limit of 100.

• In Coron, 10 out of 11 sites failed water quality tests. Some reached 3,500 MPN/100mL.

• Even Puerto Princesa’s popular beaches were tested unsafe for swimming.

• Tourists have reported stomach illnesses, rashes, and diarrhea after swimming or drinking water in these areas. Officials say untreated wastewater from hotels and homes is being dumped directly into the bay.

No wonder the rich are now looking south.

Also read: Balabac Island Travel Guide: Palawan’s Best-Kept Secret

Image credit: deleonkingjake and jmczrtiu | Instagram

Reaching Balabac requires some planning, as it’s one of the most remote parts of Palawan.

• Fly to Puerto Princesa City. From Manila or Cebu, book a flight to Puerto Princesa International Airport.

• Travel by land to southern Palawan. From the Irawan Bus Terminal, ride a van or bus to either Rio Tuba Pier (4–5 hours) or Buliluyan Port (5 hours).

• Ride a boat to Balabac. From these ports, take a ferry or private boat to the Balabac Islands. The boat ride usually takes 3–4 hours depending on sea conditions.
  Because of limited boat schedules, travellers often stay overnight in Rio Tuba or Bataraza before the trip.

To avoid complicated transfers, many travellers book Balabac tour packages that already include roundtrip transfers, accommodations, and local guides.

Also read: Boracay, Palawan, Siargao Named Among Asia’s Top Islands in 2025

Image credit: explorer_doc | Instagram

The best time to visit Balabac is during the dry season from December to May when the sea is calm and the weather is sunny.

• March to May (Peak Season): Ideal for clear skies and calm seas, but expect more visitors.

• June to November (Rainy Season): Fewer tourists and lower costs, but boat trips may be delayed due to weather.

Balabac is for travellers who prefer rustic and authentic island life. Accommodations range from simple guesthouses and homestays to beach camps and cottages on remote islands. There are no luxury hotels yet, but that’s part of its charm. Expect basic facilities, limited signal, and no ATMs, so bring enough cash and essentials.

Image credit: ka_rutkowska | Instagram

Island-hopping is the highlight of any Balabac trip. Some of the most famous stops include:

• Onok Island – A private island surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant coral reefs.

• Mansalangan Sandbar – A long, powdery stretch of white sand perfect for swimming and photos.

• Pink Island (Comiran Island) – Known for its pinkish sand made of crushed red corals.

• Bugsuk Island – Vast and largely undeveloped, known for its long coastline and untouched forest.

Most tour packages already include visits to these islands.

Balabac is remote, so pack smartly:

• Light and breathable clothing

• Swimwear and aqua shoes

• Reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a hat

• Power bank, dry bags, and enough cash (no ATMs)

• Drinking water and snacks for boat rides

Also read: One Visayas Circuit: What It Is and How to Get It

Image credit: lboulardon | Instagram

With SMC confirming its ownership and government roads already being improved, development could start soon. That means private resorts, new tourism rules, and higher prices.

Balabac may soon follow the path of Coron and El Nido, which were once quiet, now crowded, gentrified, and expensive.

If you’ve ever wanted to see Palawan’s real paradise before it changes, this is the time.

Balabac is the kind of place you’ll want to brag about before everyone else discovers it. But with big names like San Miguel now owning land there, the island’s untouched charm may not last.

Balabac is the last unspoiled paradise left in Palawan. It’s far, yes, but that’s part of its magic. It takes effort to reach, but once you arrive, you’ll understand why it’s worth every peso.

Go now, while it’s still raw, quiet, and real. Before it becomes the next big thing.

Featured image credit: lboulardon | Instagram