Balabac
Remote islands at the very end of Palawan, with sandbars, turquoise water and wildlife found almost nowhere else.
Quick answer
- Where: the southernmost island group of Palawan, facing the Balabac Strait and Borneo.
- Highlights: sandbars like Candaraman, Onuk Island's clear water, and pink-tinged Comiran beach.
- Wildlife: the Philippine mouse deer (pilandok), found only on a few islands here.
- History: the Cape Melville Lighthouse, first lit in 1892.
- Getting there: a day by road from Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba, then a boat of several hours.
Why it is a wonder
At the far southern end of Palawan, where the map runs out towards Borneo, lie the Balabac islands. Getting here takes effort, and the reward is some of the clearest water in the country: long white sandbars, the glassy shallows of Onuk Island, and the pink-tinged sand of Comiran.
The islands are also a refuge for rare wildlife, above all the tiny Philippine mouse deer, or pilandok, which lives on only a few islands here. On Balabac Island stands the Cape Melville Lighthouse, built by the Spanish and first lit in 1892 to guide ships through the dangerous Balabac Strait.
Beat the crowds
There are no crowds. The challenge is logistics, so plan with a local tour operator.
Getting there
From Puerto Princesa, take a bus or van to Rio Tuba in Bataraza, about five to six hours. A public boat leaves for Balabac once a day, depending on weather, and takes several hours; tours usually arrange private boats. Allow at least four or five days in all. See our Palawan guide.
A perfect day
- Island hop at dawn, before the wind picks up.
- Walk a sandbar at low tide.
- Swim and snorkel off Onuk.
- Watch the sunset from your island camp or homestay.
Through the seasons
- About February to May: calmest seas and the best time to visit.
- June to October: southwest monsoon; boats often can’t sail.
Respect the place
This is a fragile, little-developed area. Take all rubbish out, never disturb wildlife, and follow the rules set by local communities and island owners.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Balabac?
Travel overland from Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba in Bataraza, about five to six hours, then take a public boat or a hired boat. Most visitors join an organised tour.
Can I visit the Melville Lighthouse?
Access has been restricted in recent years. Ask local guides about current rules before you go.
Is there an ATM or good signal?
No ATM and patchy signal. Bring cash from Rio Tuba or Puerto Princesa.
Is Balabac safe?
Check your government's travel advice for southern Palawan, and travel with registered local operators.
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A long arc of powdery white sand on a Pacific island with no roads and few buildings.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
