A guide to the most beautiful Islands in Balabac
Palawan is a top Philippine tourist destination due to its stunning beaches, clear waters, and tropical weather. However, selecting the best spots to visit can be daunting for first-timers. Popular hotspots like El Nido, Coron and Port Barton tend to get crowded. If you prefer a more secluded destination, Balabac municipality offers a variety of fantastic islands for some peace and quiet.
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Patongong Island
Patongong Island, also known as Patunggong Island, is a serene paradise, with its white sand beach completely surrounding the island. The crystal-clear turquoise waters offer the opportunity to explore a diverse range of marine life. The peaceful and tranquil beach is perfect for relaxing in the cottages or under the shade of the coconut trees, and the stunning backdrop is ideal for capturing the perfect selfie.
Located just an hour away by bangka boat from Buliluyan Port in Brookes Point, Patongong Island is easily accessible for visitors seeking a peaceful getaway.
Tangkahan Island
Tangkahan Island, just a 30-minute boat ride away from Patongong Island, boasts a longer shoreline and larger size. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, snorkel among the vibrant marine life, or take a leisurely stroll along the pristine beach and immerse yourself in the island’s unspoiled beauty.
Patawan Island
Patawan Island is a unique destination in Balabac, with its white sand beach that appears pinkish due to fragments of red corals. The water is crystal clear and the scenery is breathtaking. Shaped like a dolphin, this tiny island is only a 30-minute boat ride away from Patongong Island.
While swimming and snorkeling around Patawan Island, you can observe colorful marine life and even spot sea snakes. Although attacks on people are rare, it’s a daring experience for adventurous tourists.
Punta Sebaring
Punta Sebaring on Bugsuk Island is an excellent base for exploring nearby islands. The resort, made entirely of locally sourced materials such as wood, bamboo, and nipa palms, can accommodate up to 8 people. It’s also an excellent place to enjoy a grilled seafood lunch.
Punta Sebaring’s unique charm lies in its pristine white sand, which is the whitest among all of Palawan’s beaches. It’s perfect for a day spent lounging in the sun while gazing at the turquoise waters.
Punta Sebaring’s sandbar is the third-longest in the Philippines and is a must-visit destination.
Mansalangan Sandbar
The Balabac Strait is famous for its shallow waters and sandbars, and some of the most picturesque sandbars in the Philippines can be found here. One of these is the Mansalangan Sandbar in Canabungan Island, which offers a stunning backdrop for your Instagram photos.
However, keep in mind that the sandbar can only be visited during low tide, so plan accordingly to ensure you can fully enjoy this breathtaking spot.
Candaraman Island
Candaraman Island is a stunning destination boasting lush forests and pristine crystal-clear waters. Its long line of white powdery shore, dotted with hundreds of coconut trees, connects to a spectacular stretch of sandbar that is exposed during low tides. Here, you can witness colorful starfish and other marine creatures.
The shallow waters surrounding Candaraman Island are like a tranquil swimming pool.
Canibungan Island
Canibungan Island has a stunning beach lined with pine trees and white sand. The shallow waters surrounding the island are home to seagrass beds, providing a beautiful contrast of colors. The rich reef near the coastline is also home to colorful fish of varying sizes and corals.
Comiaran Island – Pink Island
Comiaran Island, also known as “Pink Island,” is a virgin island with pink sand due to a fine mix of crushed red and white corals. Despite the 2-hour boat ride, the breathtaking views are worth it. At sunset, the beach becomes a nesting site for endangered marine turtles, and lucky visitors may see baby turtles dashing for the ocean.
Braggy Island
Braggy Island, located in the barangay of Bugsuk Island, is known for its beautiful mangroves and crystal-clear waters. However, it’s also notorious for being a habitat of large saltwater crocodiles.
Onuk Island
Although each island in Balabac has its unique appeal, Onuk Island has distinct advantages over the others.
This privately owned island boasts unbelievably crystal clear waters and offers comfortable resort accommodation options in Balabac.
Onuk Island gained recent popularity after a photo by Filipino photographer George Tapan won an award in National Geographic. The photo highlighted a beautiful rainbow after the rain, showcasing the island’s natural beauty.