Balabac Palawan: Private 3-Day Island Expedition & Snorkeling

Summary

Balabac’s wild sandbars turquoise reefs & tent nights

You’ll hop between Balabac’s remote islands by private boat, snorkel over Nasubata Reef’s coral gardens, and sleep in tents right on quiet beaches. Meals are simple but fresh; guides share stories as you drift between sandbars and lagoons. If you want three days where time slows down and salt clings to your skin—in a good way—you’ll probably remember this trip for a while.

What’s the experience like?

We were already sticky with salt by the time our boat nudged up to Patawan Island, somewhere off the southern tip of Palawan. The sun was pretty fierce—my shirt was damp and I could smell sunscreen mixing with the ocean. Our guide, Kuya Ben, grinned as he jumped out first, pulling the boat closer. He kept pointing out little things: a crab scuttling sideways, a patch of seagrass where turtles sometimes feed (we didn’t see one, but I kept looking). I tried to say “maganda” about the water and he laughed—maybe my accent was hopeless.

The first night in our beachside tent on Canimeran Island felt both peaceful and kind of strange. There’s this hush that falls after dinner—just wind through palms and the distant slap of waves. I lay there listening to someone from another group softly singing in Tagalog nearby. In the morning, we set off again; Starfish Sandbar looked almost unreal at low tide, all pale gold underfoot and starfish everywhere (I nearly stepped on one—sorry, little guy). Snorkeling off Candaraman Island was my favorite bit: warm water, flashes of fish, and that weird tickle when you breathe through a mask for too long.

Onok Island was next—a place that really does look like those screensavers from old computers. But what stuck with me wasn’t just the color of the lagoon (which is wild), it was how quiet it gets when you float face-down above Nasubata Reef. Just your own bubbles and maybe a distant shout from someone who spotted something cool—a turtle or maybe just a big parrotfish. By then I’d stopped caring if my hair looked like seaweed or if my skin was getting too brown. There’s something about three days out here that makes you forget all that city stuff.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Patawan and Canimeran Islands

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

Day 2 — Visit Starfish Sandbar and Candaraman Island

• Explore Starfish Sandbar at low tide
• Swim and take photos at sandbar
• Visit Candaraman Island beach
• Snorkel at Candaraman Island reefs
• Visit Onok Island beach and lagoon
• Snorkel and swim at Onok Island
• Overnight in beach side tent

Day 3 — Snorkel Nasubata Reef and Return

• Snorkel at Nasubata Reef
• Return to Puerto Princesa city

Top questions

How do I get from Puerto Princesa to Balabac for this tour?

Your package includes shared van transfer from Puerto Princesa to Balabac as part of the expedition logistics.

Is this Balabac Palawan expedition suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Where do we sleep during the Balabac island hopping tour?

You’ll stay overnight in designated beachside tents on different islands during the 3-day trip.

Are meals included? What if I’m vegetarian?

Yes, meals are included throughout the expedition—and vegetarian options are available if you let them know in advance.

What kind of boat is used for island hopping?

A private island-hopping boat is provided exclusively for your group during the tour.

Will there be a local guide with us?

A local tour guide accompanies you throughout the journey across Balabac’s islands.

Can I bring children or infants on this trip?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transfers; check suitability based on family needs.

What wildlife can we expect to see while snorkeling?

You may spot starfish at Starfish Sandbar, colorful reef fish at Nasubata Reef, sea turtles, rays, and vibrant corals around various islands.

What’s included

Your journey covers shared van transfers from Puerto Princesa to Balabac and back, private island-hopping boat rides between Patawan, Canimeran, Candaraman, Onok Islands and more, overnight stays in beachside tents with meals (vegetarian available), life vests for safety while snorkeling or swimming, plus a friendly local guide who knows these waters inside out.