Balabac Island, Palawan : All You Need to know about this off-beaten travel destination in Palawan

What is Balabac known for?

(Patawan Island)

Balabac is known for it's wonderful lighthouse that was built during the Spanish era called The Cape Melville Lighthouse. The tower was made of granite and has a 90ft. (27.4) tall, located in Balabac island. It is one of the evidence of how rich Palawan is in historical sites that were built hundreds of years ago.

Aside from this historical sites, you’ll be glad to know that there are endemic species that lives in the area such as Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), Grey imperial pigeon (Ducula pickeringii), Blue headed racket tail (Prioniturus platenae), Palawan hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei), Philippine mouse-deer. The islands are also dugongs, saltwater crocodiles, sawfishes, and sea turtles.

Here are some of the islands you can Visit in Palawan other than the Cape Melville Lighthouse.

Onok Island

This island is one of the 36 islands in Balabac, it is a privately owned island by the Astami family. You have to make a formal letter and request for permission to enter the island. It was featured in National Geographic Channel in 2011 with the winning photo of George Tapan.

There, you can snorkel and look at the giant clams underwater.

If you are planning to visit soon, Lagum Adventure will take care of all things that you need to visit this island, all you have to do is enjoy the island.

Punta Sebaring

This is located at Bugsuk island. Your boat can only duck in this Barangay. Punta Sebaring has been known to have a sand-like area in Boracay often called by the tourists as the Orient Sea.

It is also one of the biggest and the longest sandbar in the country. There is a giant clam farm that is owned by a pearl shop in the Philippines. Inorder to visit and dive into the farm, you’ll have to ask the management for permission. You can stay overnight by using a hammock or tent if you want to stay there at night.

Candaraman Island

In this island, you’ll get to enjoy the white-sand bars and witness the Chocolate-tip starfish in these areas. It is also called Starfish Island because the population of the Chocolate tip starfish (Horned Sea stars) are abundant. No one can beat the relaxation and refreshment that a beach could offer.

These are other islands that can be visited during your stay. Your willingness and courage will be your strength for your island hopping. There are also other attractions in the inland that you must go and visit. Discover Barangay Indalawan that is located on the mainland in Balabac. You can explore the waterfalls and the rock formations. The waterfall was named after the barangay where it is situated ‘Indalawan Waterfalls”.

These are just some of the islands that you can enjoy, if you plan to visit this secluded part part of Palawan.

Is it Safe to Visit Balabac?

Terrorist/ Bandits ?

Balabac is safe destination to travel, for local and international travelers, although the proximity of the islands to sulu, where the bandits are or abu sayyaf, there were no reported of anything related to terrorism, and besides that, local government are stepping up its security and island accessibility due to the fact that, the island is now gaining so much attention on how beautiful the islands to visit.

Local Government and National Tourism Board are currently improving its structure to attract more local and international travellers in the future.

So, there is no terrorism or bandits activities in the area since the beginning.

Is true that there are crocodiles in one of the Islands?

Yes there are salt water crodocodile roaming around, and in the the mainland, and far away from the islands that travellers are allowed to visit or the island tours itinerary.

So basically you won't see any crocodile on your visit.

Is dengue thriving?

There were previously reported cases of dengue, but not in the uninhabitted islands which is part of the expedition itineraries of Lagum Adventure.

Although, Dengue fever is endemic to the region, and the risk of transmission is highest during and immediately following the rainy season, again not in the uninhabitted islands that the balabac expedition is going to visit.

A dengue fever vaccine is available in some countries. It is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in a country with high dengue fever burden.

Dengue fever spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated promptly.

For more information about Dengue, click below link,

Philippines Department of Health

What is the Best Time to Visit Balabac?

The best time to visit the island of Balabac in the Philippines is from February until December, when you will have a warm temperature and little till mediocre rainfall. The highest average temperature in on Balabac is 30°C in April and the lowest is 28°C in January.

Balabac has the tropical rainforest climate prevailing. If you want to know what the average temperature is in Balabac or when most precipitation (rain or snow) falls, you can find a quick overview below. This way, you are well prepared.

Average Balabac Weather by Month,