DANICA BARREDO
ON-PAGE SEO SPECIALIST
2023
TRAVEL. LIFESTYLE. BEAUTY
Icka the Explorer
Palawan Escapade: Balabac Islands
ANOTHER REASON TO VISIT PALAWAN ISLAND AGAIN!
BALABAC ISLANDS INTRODUCTION:
Balabac is a group of 31 islands, many of which are totally unpopulated. You will find pink-sand beaches, colorful corals, and a wide range of marine life, endemic mouse deer, and welcoming locals. But what you won’t find are many other tourists. This means that the island paradise will be all yours to enjoy!
WHAT ARE THE TRAVEL BASICS?
SIX THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE VISITING THE ISLAND:
1.Philippines is
composed of over
7,000 islands.
There are
hundreds of
beautiful places
to visit, but many
of them are far
and may take up time and patience
to get to.
2. Manage your expectations as you will be sleeping in a tent so make sure to prepare yourself with either a mosquito net or insect repellants. The Shower will be just a normal bucket of water as there are no hotels or resorts in the area yet.
3. Any purchases on the Island are very limited. Make sure to bring snacks, drinking water, any medications, and toiletries you may need.
4. Don’t expect to have any signal once you are on the Island.
5. Bring enough cash to pay for your tour and to tip your guides if necessary as there is no near access to any ATM Machines.
6. Pack out what you pack in. Exercise CLAYGO (Clean as you go)!
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS ?
YOU NEED TO PACK:
During day time you will most likely be cruising in a boat to the various islands around Balabac in the scorching sun.
Be sure to pack the following:
swimsuit
beach towel
scarf to cover your shoulders
hat to cover your face
plenty of sunscreen
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS ?
YOU NEED TO PACK:
At night time make sure to cover your arms, legs, and feet due to sandflies, mosquitos or, any other insects at night. Bring lightweight and breathable pants, a comfortable long-sleeve top, insect repellant, and a rechargeable fan for additional comfort.
Other essentials you may need:
body soap
toothbrush
tissue
shampoo
lotion
flash light
Your tour guide may or may not have a generator. You can ask them ahead of time and if they don’t have one, be sure to pack a battery to secure that you never run out of juice. And if you plan to
bring any gadgets bring a dry bag to keep everything dry.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BALABAC ISLANDS?
Visit the south islands of Palawan from March
through May. It is the summer period in the
Philippines. The weather is sunny and pleasant, there will be no frequent rain, and the water is
calmer.
Visiting from June to November might be the
rainy season. You will not enjoy the islands as you
may encounter rough waves or Typhoons.
HOW TO GE TO THE BALABAC ISLANDS?
The only international airport in Palawan is in
Puerto Princesa. TRIVIA: Puerto Princesa is the
capital and most city-like area in Palawan.
You have to take a van ride from Puerto Princesa
to Rio Tuba. The van leaves at 4 am and will have
it's first stop over for your breakfast. The price
for the van ride is 500PHP per person.
The van will drop you off at the Petron gas station at Rio Tuba in the town center and you have to take a tricycle ride to the Pier. There will be
plenty of boat choices that you can take. Prices differ and range from 100PHP to 400PHP
TRIVIA: The indigenous people living in Palawan are called the Molbogs.
HOW TO GE TO THE BALABAC ISLANDS?
ARRIVED!!
FIAT
Before boarding the boat, you have to sign the manifest and buy a ticket for your boat.
The schedule of the boat availability is daily
unless the weather will not permits any boat
rides. The boat will depart the Pier if it reaches
the max capacity and depart any time between
10:30 am-12 pm. To ensure boat seating, it will be
best to be at the Pier at exactly 10am so you
wouldn’t get left behind.
ACCOMODATIONS IN THE ISLANDS
The Balabac Islands are still underdeveloped. Do not expect to find extravagant accommodations. Hire a Tour Guide for an easy way to explore the islands. Your Tour Price will include some kind of tent, hammock, or mattress to sleep on. Since there will be no room accommodation on the Island, don’t expect to have air conditioning or a fan to keep you cool after dark.
If you are looking for Room Accommodation,
there are two lodgings available in the city of
Poblacion on Balacbac Islands. Room rates are
400PHP for 2 people.
BALABAC ISLANDS
Bugsuk Island: Punta Sebaring
The Punta Sebaring is a public beach located on Bugsuk Island. This beach offers white sand and a sand bar. It is a perfect place to relax, sunbathe, or swim and snorkel. But be careful as you walk in the sandbar you will experience that you will sink up to your knee in the fine, white sand.
ISLAND HOPPING
Onuk Island
TRIVIA: Did you know that Onuk Island is formerly known as Roughton Island? They said that the Island is a great place for relaxation having calm water that makes it a great place to swim.
Onuk Island is a privately-owned island. The Island is owned by Mayor Shuaib Astami of Balacbac Island. Still, the Island is open to the public. The Island also offers a few accommodation rooms.
BALABAC ISLANDS
ISLAND HOPPING
Comiran Island (Pink Sand Island)
Comiran Island, the pink beach of Balabac. This island is small. It is only a few meters wide and is surrounded by a large area with coral reefs. If you love snorkeling, this is a must-visit Island.
TRIVIA: Did you know why the sand in Comiran Island is colored pink? A microscopic organism called foraminifera or pink algae is present on the Island.
The portion of the Candaraman island is privately owned by a family. Despite being privately owned, they open it to the public. There is a plenty of leaning palm trees for climbing. There are areas that have shade where you can enjoy lunch and a very nice sandy beach for lounging.
Candamaran island
OTHER INCLUSION TO YOUR TOUR PACKAGE?
FREE MEALS
If you avail of their complete tour package, it
includes meals, coffee, snacks, and bottled
water. If you decide to tour other Tourist
destinations in Palawan, there are Tour
Packages where you can also choose included
meals, etc. Usual food in these Packages are
Rice, sea foods, fruits and drinks.
GOING BACK TO THE BUSTLING CITY
OF PUERTO PRINSESA
BOATS DEPART FROM BALABAC ISLANDS DAILY. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ALSO RESERVE YOUR SEATS AHEAD OF TIME. THE BOAT LEAVES AT 6 AM-6:30 AM.
ONCE YOU ARRIVED AT THE RIO TUBA PIER, YOU CAN EITHER HOP ON A BUS GOING TO PUERTO PRINSESA OR RIDE A TRICYCLE BACK TO PETRON STATION WHERE THERE ARE VAN SHUTTLES THAT LEAVES EVERY FEW HOURS BACK TO PUERTO PRINCESA.
FIAT
ARRIVED!!
PLANNING TO STAY A LITTLE LONGER IN PALAWAN?
HERE ARE THE PLACES YOU MUST VISIT WHILE STAYING IN PUERTO PRINSESA:
PALAWAN WILD LIFE RESCUE AND CONSERVATION:
SOUTH ROAD, PUERTO PRINSESA, PALAWAN
ALSO KNOWN AS THE CROCODILE CONSERVATION CENTRE, IS HOME TO MANY SPECIES OF ENDANGERED ANIMALS THAT ARE PROTECTED HERE. THE CENTER IS HOME TO MANY SPECIES OF NEWLY HATCHED AND FULL-GROWN CROCODILES.
THE WILD LIFE RESCUE AND CONSERVATION IS OPEN DAILY FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM, EXCEPT TUESDAY WHEN THEY CLOSE AT 3 PM.
HERE ARE THE PLACES YOU MUST VISIT WHILE STAYING IN PUERTO PRINSESA:
PUERTO PRINSESA’S UNDERGROUND RIVER:
THE UNDERGROUND RIVER STRETCHES UP TO 24 KM LONG. ASIDE FROM THE RIVER ITSELF, THERE IS A VARIETY OF SPECIES IN THE CAVES, INCLUDING FISH, CRABS, GIANT SPIDERS, BATS, SWALLOWS, AND SNAKES. AN ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHT FOR THE TOURISTS IS THE NUMEROUS STALACTITE AND STALAGMITE FORMATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN NATURALLY FORMED INSIDE THE CAVE AS YEARS PASSED.
NATIONAL PARK
TRIVIA: Did you know that the Underground River of Puerto Prinsesa was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999?
HERE ARE THE PLACES YOU MUST VISIT WHILE STAYING IN PUERTO PRINSESA:
BAKER'S HILL:
BAKER’S HILL IS LOCATED ON A HILL IN BARANGAY SANTA
MONICA, IT IS PRIVATELY OWNED BUT EVENTUALLY DEVELOPED
INTO A SCENIC PARK. THE BAKERY IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS
HOPIA. BUT OTHER THAN THEIR POPULAR HOPIA, THEY ALSO
SELL OTHER BAKED GOODS AND PIZZA.
THERE ARE RESTAURANTS AND SNACK BARS IN THE PARK AS
WELL. THEY ALSO SELL A FAMOUS EXOTIC FILIPINO FOOD
CALLED “TAMILOK”.
MITRA RD, PUERTO
PRINSESA, PALAWAN
TRIVIA: Did you know that Tamilok is not a worm? It is a shell- less saltwater clam that digs holes into the woods.
HERE ARE THE PLACES YOU MUST VISIT WHILE STAYING IN PUERTO PRINSESA:
MITRA'S RANCH:
THE MITRA RANCH IS A PROPERTY OWNED BY THE FAMILY OF THE LATE SENATOR RAMON MITRA, THE POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATION THAT OFFERS A PICTURESQUE VIEW OF PUERTO PRINSESA CITY.
YOU CAN ALSO TOUR THE HOUSE AND TAKE PICTURES. THERE IS ALSO A VIEW DECK WHERE YOU CAN SIT AND RELAX.
MITRA RD, PUERTO PRINSESA
HERE ARE THE PLACES YOU MUST VISIT WHILE STAYING IN PUERTO PRINSESA:
PUERTO PRINSESA’S CITY BAYWALK PARK:
SANDOVAL ST., PUERTO PRINSESA
PUERTO PRINSESA BAYWALK IS SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TO THE BAY WALK IN MANILA BAY. IT IS A BIT SMALLER BUT THE AIR IS MUCH CLEANER. THE PUERTO PRINCESA BAYWALK IS A POPULAR HANGOUT SPOT FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS.
HERE ARE THE PLACES YOU MUST VISIT WHILE STAYING IN PUERTO PRINSESA:
PLAZA CUARTEL:
THE PLAZA CUARTEL IS BUILT BY THE SPANIARDS IN THE 1880S. THE PLACE IS WHERE THE INFAMOUS PALAWAN MASSACRE TAKES PLACE. THEY KEPT A 150 AMERICAN PRISONERS IN THE TUNNELS DURING WORLD WAR II. ON DECEMBER 14, 1944, THE JAPANESE DECIDED TO ERADICATE THEM BY BURNING THEM ALIVE. MANY DIED IN THE EVENT, BUT ELEVEN PRISONERS WERE ABLE TO ESCAPE THE MASS EXECUTION.
TAFT ST, PUERTO PRINSESA, PALAWAN
HERE ARE THE PLACES YOU MUST VISIT WHILE STAYING IN PUERTO PRINSESA:
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL:
58 RIZAL AVENUE, PUERTO PRINSESA
THE SITE OF THE PRESENT CATHEDRAL IS WHERE THE FIRST MASS IN PALAWAN WAS HELD ON MARCH 10, 1872, SIX DAYS AFTER THE SPANISH VOYAGE IN THE AREA.
THE PARISH WITNESSED THE PALAWAN MASSACRE DURING WORLD WAR II ON DECEMBER 14, 1944, IN THE NEIGHBORING PLAZA CUARTEL. WHERE ALMOST 150 AMERICAN SOLDIERS WERE BURNED BY THE IMPERIAL JAPANESE.
HERE ARE THE PLACES YOU MUST VISIT WHILE STAYING IN PUERTO PRINSESA:
PALAWAN BUTTERFLY ECOLOGICAL GARDEN AND TRIBAL VILLAGE :
THE PALAWAN BUTTERFLY ECOLOGICAL GARDEN AND TRIBAL
VILLAGE MIRRORS THE ENTHRALLING BEAUTY OF PALAWAN
ISLAND OR ALSO AS KNOWN AS THE "LAST FRONTIER OF THE
PHILIPPINES. THE BUTTERFLIES ARE FLYING FREELY SURROUNDED
BY LIVE EXHIBITS OF SCORPIONS, GREEN LIZARDS, STICK INSECTS,
AND, MANTISES WHICH ARE THEIR NATURAL PREDATORS. AN
ADDITIONAL ATTRACTION IS THE RESCUED ENDEMIC WILDLIFE OF
PALAWAN.
PUERTO PRINSESA
BEST PLACE TO BUY PASALUBONG IN PUERTO PRINSESA?
DELMA PEARL AND SOUVENIR SHOP:
BRGY. SAN MIGUEL
DELMA PEARL AND SOUVENIR SHOP IS THE HOME OF OUTSTANDING PEARLS, FROM FRESHWATER ONES TO LAVISH AND VALUABLE SOUTH SEA PEARLS. OTHER THAN THEPEARLS, YOU CAN ALSO FIND HANDMADE CRAFTS LIKE BAGS AND FANS IN THIS STORE.
THEY ALSO SELLS DELICACIES LIKE, KASOY OR CASHEW NUTS YOU CAN PICK FROM A SALTED, FRIED, TOASTED, BRITTLE, CARAMELIZED, AND CHOCOLATE-COATED. HONEYS, POLVORON, DRIED BABANA CHIPS, DILIS OR DRIED ANCHOVIES SPICY OR SWEET. DAING OR DRIED FISH, IS A FISH THAT IS SALTED, AND THEN DRIED UNDER THE SUN.
THEY ALSO SELLS SOUVENIRS LIKE T-SHIRTS, KEYCHAINS, AND TRIBAL CRAFTS.
WE HOPE THIS TRAVEL BLOG HAS INSPIRED YOU TO PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE. WHETHER YOU'RE SEEKING ADVENTURE, RELAXATION, OR A BIT OF BOTH, THERE'S A DESTINATION OUT THERE FOR EVERYONE. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS TRAVEL SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY, AND TO TAKE TIME TO ENJOY YOURSELF IN THE CULTURE. HAPPY TRAVELS! – ICKA THE EXPLORER
YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT:
danicabarredo@gmail.com
