If you’re looking for a Balabac Island tour package, you’re probably not searching for convenience.
You’re searching for something untouched.
Balabac sits at the southern edge of Palawan — closer to Malaysia than Manila — and it still feels like the Philippines before resorts, before crowds, before the word “developed” became synonymous with “beautiful.”
But here’s the reality: getting there is not simple.
That’s exactly why choosing the right tour operator — and booking properly — makes all the difference.
We’ve done this trip twice. With the same operator. And if we go again, we’ll likely do it the same way.
Let’s break down everything — pricing, itinerary, inclusions, accommodation, and why booking directly (and early) matters more than most people realize.
Updated 4D3N Balabac Island Tour Package (₱13,799 Per Head)
The current 4 Days & 3 Nights joiner rate from Balabac Island Tours – Kamp Malaya is:
₱13,799 per person (Joiners Rate – 2026)
For a remote marine destination requiring multi-day logistics, this package is comprehensive.
Inclusions
- Shared air-conditioned van transfers :(Puerto Princesa ⇄ Buliluyan Port | approx. 5–6 hrs land travel)
- Shared tourist boat transfers: (Buliluyan Port ⇄ Balabac Islands)
- Full board meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner — except where specified)
- Onok Island day tour
- All entrance fees
- Environmental fee
- Tent/ Hut accommodation at Sicsican Island (complete bedding)
- Life vest
- Local tour guide
Not included:
- Airfare
- Hotel in Puerto Princesa
- Day 1 breakfast
- Day 4 lunch/dinner
- Personal expenses
Why Booking Directly With Kamp Malaya Is Already a Good Deal
Here’s something important: Kamp Malaya isn’t a reseller.
They are a locally owned operation directly connected to Sicsican Island — the basecamp island itself is managed by their ownership.
That means:
- No added agency markups
- Direct coordination between camp and boat crew
- Faster communication
- Better clarity on accommodation requests
We’ve personally booked with them twice.
Both times, coordination was smooth — especially with transport timing and island permits.
When you book directly with a local operator who actually runs the island camp, you remove unnecessary layers. In remote destinations like Balabac, that operational control makes a noticeable difference.
Want a Hut Instead of a Tent? Book Months Ahead.
This is where many travelers miss out.
The standard joiner setup includes tents. They’re comfortable enough — complete bedding, protected, functional.
But if you want a native hut like the image above, instead of a tent, you need to:
- Book months in advance.
- Clearly communicate your request.
- Confirm availability directly with them.
We secured a hut on both of our trips because we booked early and discussed it clearly.
The huts come with:
- A proper bed
- Mosquito net
- Fan
- Electrical outlet
- More privacy
- Easier rest after long island days
They are limited. Once peak season approaches, they’re usually reserved.
If you’re serious about comfort, early booking is the strategy.
The 4-Day Itinerary (What You’ll Actually Experience)
Day 1 – The Commitment
Pickup from Puerto Princesa begins around 2:30–3:00 AM.
It’s early. No way around that.
You’ll travel 5–6 hours by van to Buliluyan Port, then board a passenger boat to meet your island guide.
Island hopping begins the same day, typically visiting:
- Tangkahan Island
- Patawan Island
- Sicsican Island (basecamp)
By late afternoon, you settle into camp.
Dinner feels better than expected after that long journey.
Day 2 – Onok & Marine Life
Breakfast at camp.
Stops often include:
- Starfish Sandbar
- Onuk Island
(Turtle sightings, giant clams, expansive shallows) - Nasubata Reef (Snorkeling site)
Onok is usually the highlight.
The shallows stretch far enough that even hesitant swimmers feel safe. Marine life is visible without diving deep. It’s quiet — almost surreal.
Return to Sicsican before sunset.
Day 3 – Sandbars & Coral Gardens
Destinations typically include:
- Mansalangan Sandbar
- Punta Sebaring
- Rufos Coral Garden
By Day 3, something shifts.
Phones are barely checked. Time feels slower. The sun feels softer, even if it’s just your mindset changing.
Dinner that night always carries a slight heaviness — you know departure is near.
Day 4 – Travel Back
Light breakfast.
Early boat transfer back to Buliluyan Port.
Van ride north.
Arrival in Puerto Princesa around 2:00–3:00 PM.
Pro tip: Schedule your departure flight the following day. Weather and road timing are unpredictable.
Camp Conditions: Honest Expectations
This is structured island camping.
Expect:
- Shared bathroom facilities
- Electricity during limited hours (evening to early morning)
- Communal dining
- Basic but organized setup
Optional overnight at Onok Island is available with additional fee.
It’s not luxury.
It’s immersion.
Important Reminders Before You Go
Bring:
- Toiletries
- Light towel
- Sunscreen
- Personal medication
- Enough cash (no ATM on the islands)
Inform the operator early if you have seafood allergies or dietary restrictions.
Deposit: ₱1,000 per head (non-refundable if you cancel).
Weather-related cancellations before tour start may allow refund or reschedule.
If the tour is cut short after starting, no refund applies.
Remote operations operate differently — flexibility is part of the contract.
Is This Balabac Island Tour Package Worth ₱13,799?
Consider what you’re paying for:
- 10–12 hours of land transfers
- Multi-day boat fuel
- Crew operations
- Protected island access
- Marine sanctuary fees
- Full meals for 4 days
- Camp infrastructure
Balabac isn’t priced for luxury — it’s priced for logistics.
And when you book directly with a local operator like Balabac Island Tours – Kamp Malaya, who is directly tied to Sicsican Island ownership, you’re not paying extra layers of commission.
You’re dealing with the source.
Final Thoughts
Forget everything you know about island hopping if you’re thinking of going to Balabac.
Balabac is raw. It’s the grit of the road and the glitch of a dead signal. But on the other side of that effort is a luxury you won’t find in a resort: Space.
After two trips, we know the truth: this place isn’t manufactured for tourists; it’s preserved for travelers.
Plan early. Speak directly. See it before the rest of the world catches on.
