By now, we’ve fully surrendered to island time. Alarm clocks are a distant memory. We’re rising with the sun, eating with the tide, and forgetting what day it is—which, frankly, feels like a sign of a successful escape.
After another ‘hearty’ breakfast on Cakisigan Island, we set off for some more of Balabac’s hidden gems.
First up, Mansalangan Sandbar—a long, curving stretch of white sand that appears in the middle of the sea like someone just forgot to finish building an island. It was absolutely surreal. The kind of place you run around barefoot while shouting, “Is this even real?” There were so many starfish!
Next stop, Punta Sebaring. Picture a long stretch of white beach, crystal clear water.
The only downside – sand flies, and one poor excuse for a toilet. Even with bug spray, the bites were endless. And as for the toilet, let’s just say that having an upset stomach on a remote island is not a fun experience.
Lunch was a beach picnic cooked by our boat crew—grilled fish, eggplant salad, and steamed crabs that were as fresh as they come. Eating with your hands, with sand between your toes and the sea in front of you, is something we could definitely get used to.
The late afternoon brought one of those spontaneous “wow” moments you don’t see coming: we anchored near a quiet stretch of water between two small islets and our guide casually said, “Want to swim here before sunset?” Minutes later we were floating in complete silence, the sea glowing orange and pink around us as the sun slipped behind the horizon. No boats. No buildings. No noise—just the gentle sound of water and the occasional splash of a fish saying hello.
Back on Cakisigan that night, we sat around the dinner table with sandy feet, messy hair, and huge smiles. There’s something about eating under the stars after a day like that that makes you feel completely content—and just a little sad knowing we are travelling back to Puerto Princessa tomorrow.
I won’t bore you with the next travel day. Let’s just say it was a long journey back that was spent reliving the last 3 days in our heads.
Tight Travellers 