Travel Reminders

Flexible Itinerary

There is no strict itinerary for this expedition. While we have a list of target islands to visit, the schedule will depend on tide and wave conditions.
Please do not expect a fixed or perfect itinerary. If the itinerary changes or some islands cannot be visited on the day of the tour, we will do our best to include these missed destinations in the following days, weather permitting.

What to Expect

Before booking, please ensure that you and your companions understand that this is an expedition to the most remote islands of Palawan.
This is not a luxury tour where everything is comfortable and itineraries are fixed.
If you are ready to rough out the island life, then this trip is for you!

Travel Recommendations

Take your flight a day before the scheduled tour for a joiner tour.
Your exit flight should be a day after the last day of the tour to avoid delays.

Tour Details

This is a joiners tour with transfers on a Seat-In-Coach (SIC) Basis.
Van and boat companions may differ. There is no assurance that your van companions will also be your boat companions as this will depend on the manifest and boat capacity.
Customized and private tour rates are available upon request.
All rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Island Visits

All islands to be visited are subject to weather conditions to ensure your safety.
Coastguard and tourism policies state that tourist boats are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers at Buliluyan Port (the gateway to Balabac). Guests must take a passenger boat from Buliluyan Port to Bancalaan Island, where coastguard clearances are processed.

Food and Dietary Restrictions

Inform us in advance if you have seafood allergies or any food restrictions (e.g., pork, crabs, shrimp).

Accommodation

For group and private tours, the default accommodation is tent camping, which includes a mat, pillow, and blanket.
Solo joiners will be provided with a single-person tent.
Couples will have their own tent.
There are huts available on the island; however, they cannot be reserved in advance. If there’s one available upon arrival just add Php 1,000.
Joiners who wish to stay on Balabac Mainland (with AC or fan rooms) will incur an additional fee.

Facilities and Utilities

There is no private bathroom at the campsite, only public bathrooms.
Electricity runs from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM via a generator. This is your only chance to charge devices, so please bring extra batteries or power banks.

Third Party Services

Transport services, such as Ferry and Van transfers, are provided by third-party operators. D’Palawan Travel and Tours only facilitates booking assistance and is not responsible for any incidents or unforeseen circumstances that may occur.

Things to Bring

Towel and toiletries
Sunblock/Sunscreen and insect repellents
Personal medicine (if needed)
Cash (No ATMs on the island)
Water tumblers
Dry bag
Power bank
Swimwear, rash guard, long sleeves, and pajamas
Sunglasses
First-aid kit
Extra food and water for personal consumption

Balabac Excursion

We provide food and water for the whole trip, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
Menu includes:
- 1 seafood or fish dish
- 1 pork or chicken dish
- 1 vegetable dish
- Fruits
- Mineral drinking water
Authentic Filipino Cuisine: Our menu depends on fresh ingredients from Brooke’s Point Public Market (3-4 hours from the island) and the local fishermen’s catch.
There’s no wet market in Balabac like in Coron or El Nido, and our boat doesn’t have grills for cooking. All meals are pre-cooked and brought from our campsite.
For Vegetarians/Vegans: We’re happy to accommodate you! However, expect rice + 1 vegetable dish per meal. Please book only if this works for you.
Food Allergies: After booking, you’ll fill out a form where you can indicate any allergies. However, we cannot cater to picky eaters, as food is prepared in big batches and ingredients like garlic, onions, or tomatoes cannot be removed individually.

Tips & Notes

1. Set Your Expectations – Balabac is an Adventure!
  - Accommodations & Electricity: Only Poblacion (where locals live) has electricity. Guest houses in Poblacion offer fan rooms and air-conditioned rooms. With our company, you get a true island experience – limited electricity, weak signal, and camping tents with sleeping gear (foam, blankets, pillows). Generator runs from 6 PM – 6 AM.
  - Nature Experiences: See bioluminescent planktons, stargaze, and even capture the Milky Way! (Bring a tripod if you’re into astrophotography).
  - Bathrooms: Basic toilets with bucket flush. Expect to share with fellow travelers. No flush – pour water using a pail/dipper. Freshwater from a deep well available for rinsing after island-hopping. Bring your own towel and toiletries.
  - Connectivity: Weak to no signal on most islands. SMART has a weak signal in some areas; Sicsican has stable SMART reception. GLOBE works best in the middle of the sea and Onok Island.
  - Tides & Weather: Sandbars may look different depending on the tide level. Listen to your guide’s instructions! Some areas may have stingrays or sea urchins.
2. Bugs & Insects
  - Since the islands are undeveloped, expect bugs, especially during the wet season. No malaria cases in the places you’ll visit.
  - Bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves to protect from sand fleas and mosquito bites.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
  - Sunburn? Aloe Vera Gel is your best friend! It soothes and heals sunburnt skin.
4. OOTD (Outfit-Of-The-Day)
  - On Day 1, island hopping starts right after pick-up from Buliluyan Port. Wear your swimsuit beforehand! There’s a changing room at the port, but it’s best to be ready.
5. Itinerary
  - The itinerary is flexible, and the boat captain’s discretion will be followed. Weather, waves, and wind may cause changes to the island tour schedule. Safety first!
6. Inter-Island Travel
  - Travel time varies from 45 mins to 2 hours per island. If waves are in our favor, it’s a faster trip. If going against waves, it’s slower and splashier.