Right, so picture this: you’ve got your sun hat on. Sunscreen is slathered all over. You have a sense of adventure ready to take on a tropical paradise. That’s exactly how we felt when we set off for Balabac in the Philippines.
Now, Balabac is about as remote as it gets, so don’t expect tourist crowds and souvenir shops on every corner. But what you do get is the most unspoiled island experience, and trust me, it’s worth every ounce of effort. A bonus for us, we did have one local shop on the island which was selling the 7% Red Horse. Although this had sold out by the end of our trip…
Getting There: Not Your Average Journey
First things first: getting to Balabac is an adventure in itself. It’s not a place easily accessible by a direct flight from Heathrow.
First, you’ll fly into Puerto Princesa, a main city on Palawan. Then, brace yourself for the next leg. It’s a boat ride to Balabac.
The boat? Let’s just say it’s not exactly a luxury cruise. It’s more like a small bangka (traditional Filipino boat). The engine sputters every so often like it’s trying to make a point. The thrill of bobbing across the ocean is undeniable. You see palm trees dotting the horizon. You know you’re headed to somewhere truly off the beaten path, and it makes it all worth it. Plus, the boat ride only takes a couple of hours, so it’s just enough time to wonder if you’ve packed enough snacks.
Balabac: Nature’s Playground
When you finally arrive, it’s like stepping into a secret hideaway. White sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and no other tourists around for miles. It’s peaceful, quiet, and exactly what you need if you’re looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life. The most difficult decision you’ll have to make is whether to lounge on the beach, swim in the sea, or go exploring on the island. Spoiler alert: You’ll want to do all of the above.
The snorkeling here is top-notch. We were lucky enough to swim with sea turtles, and let me tell you, they don’t seem bothered by tourists at all. They just glide by, completely unfazed, like they’ve been doing it for centuries. We also caught glimpses of vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish darting past.
The Food: Fresh and Delicious
Now, let’s talk about the food. If you’re a fan of fresh seafood, you’re in for a treat. I’m talking fish so fresh it practically swims right onto your plate, and crab that tastes like they were caught just minutes ago. The locals here know how to grill a fish to perfection. Forget about fancy sauces or complicated recipes—just simple, fresh ingredients, a little seasoning, and a lot of Filipino power (or rice as you would call it).
Who we booked with: Lagum Adventures
We booked our Balabac adventure through Lagum Adventures, who made the whole experience smooth and stress-free from start to finish. Their team took care of all the logistics, from the boat rides to the island accommodation, so we could just focus on the excitement of exploring. We stayed on Cakisigan Island for the 4-day, 3-night expedition, and let me tell you, it was the perfect base to unwind and immerse ourselves in the stunning beauty of Balabac. The island itself was a paradise, with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an almost otherworldly tranquility. Lagum Adventures really nailed it with their choice of location and their attention to detail, making sure everything was well-organized so we could relax and enjoy every moment.
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem
Was it worth it? Absolutely. Every moment of the journey—from the boat ride across the turquoise waters to waking up on the quiet shores of Cakisigan Island—was nothing short of magical. The untouched beauty, the local hospitality, and the sense of adventure made it all worthwhile. Yes, the price was on the higher side, but considering the exclusive nature of the experience, the private island feel, and the seamless service provided by Lagum Adventures, it felt completely justified.
Would we do it again? We definitely think this could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If we were to go back, we might consider trying a different company just to switch up the base camp and experience a new island. That said, most companies offer similar itineraries, so we’d likely end up visiting many of the same stunning spots. Nothing wrong with that, but with so many more islands to explore in the region, it could be fun to see a different part of Balabac’s hidden paradise.
Tight Travellers 