Balabac Palawan: 3-Day Private Island Hopping & Snorkeling

Three Days in Balabac: Islands Most Tourists Never Reach

You spend three days island-hopping between Balabac's remote islands with a private boat and local guide, snorkeling at Nasubata Reef and the Starfish Sandbar, sleeping in beachside tents, and eating meals included in the price. The van picks you up from Puerto Princesa, and you return on day three after the final reef visit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Patawan and Canimeran Islands

• Visit Patawan Island beach
• Snorkel at Patawan Island
• Relax on Canimeran Island
• Snorkel around Canimeran Island
• Visit Canibungan Island beach
• Snorkel at Canibungan Island
• Overnight in beach side tent

Day 2: Visit Starfish Sandbar and Candaraman Island

• Explore Starfish Sandbar
• Snorkel at Starfish Sandbar
• Visit Candaraman Island beach
• Snorkel around Candaraman Island
• Visit Onok Island beach
• Snorkel in Onok Island lagoon
• Overnight in beach side tent

Day 3: Snorkel Nasubata Reef and Return

• Snorkel at Nasubata Reef
• Return to Puerto Princesa

The experience

Most people fly into Palawan and end up at the same crowded beaches everyone else photographs. Balabac is different. It's three hours south by boat from Puerto Princesa, which is exactly why the islands here still feel untouched. This 3-day private expedition takes you to Canimeran Island first, where the white sand is soft enough to sink into and the water is so clear you can see the reef from the shore. Then Onok Island with its shallow turquoise lagoon, and the Starfish Sandbar that only appears at low tide. You're sleeping in a beachside tent each night, not a resort, which sounds rougher than it is. The setup is solid, and waking up to the sound of water instead of traffic changes how the whole trip feels.

Day two moves between Candaraman Island and the Starfish Sandbar, with time to snorkel the coral and swim in water so warm you don't want to leave it. Your local guide knows which reefs have the most fish and where the starfish cluster, so you're not just floating around hoping to see something. The third morning you head to Nasubata Reef before the boat takes you back to Puerto Princesa. This reef is the real deal, dense with coral formations and schools of tropical fish that move like a single organism. The whole thing is private, meaning it's just your group, your guide, and the islands. No tour buses, no scheduled stops where fifty people pile off at once.

The boat ride out takes a few hours, and the tent accommodation means you're trading air conditioning for the actual experience of being on an island. Meals are included, and vegetarian options are available if you need them. You get a life vest, all entry fees, and a shared van transfer from Puerto Princesa to the boat dock. It's the kind of trip where you come back with salt in your hair and no cell service for three days, which is either exactly what you want or not what you want. There's no middle ground.

What’s included

Your three days include beachside tent accommodation on the islands, a shared van transfer from Puerto Princesa to the boat dock, a private island-hopping boat for all travel between islands, a local tour guide, all park fees and taxes, meals, and a life vest for safety.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 03:30 and 04:00

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by El Nido Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the islands of Balabac without arranging your own boat or guide: the private setup and included transport mean you show up in Puerto Princesa and the rest is handled, which is what makes a three-day expedition to a remote area actually doable.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Balabac from Puerto Princesa?

About three hours by boat from Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan.

What islands do you visit?

Canimeran Island, Onok Island, Candaraman Island, the Starfish Sandbar, and Nasubata Reef for snorkeling.

Where do you sleep?

In designated beachside tents on the islands each night.

Is food included?

Yes, meals are included. Vegetarian options are available.

What's included in the price?

Accommodation, shared van transfer from Puerto Princesa, private island-hopping boat, local guide, all fees and taxes, and a life vest.

How many people go on this expedition?

It's a private expedition, so it's your group only: no large tour groups.

Is this suitable for beginners?

The trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it involves boat travel and time in the water.