Onuk island, Balabac Archipelago, Palawan

Onuk island, the last frontier of the Philippines?

If you are like me, constantly searching for the pristine, unexploited and off the beaten track, then this can be something for you. But beware, it’s a little bit tricky to find your way out to Onuk island and there is no infrastructure for tourists whatsoever. But that’s part of the adventure right? 

And by the way: Onuk Island (can also be spelled as Onok Island)

And hey! Don’t miss to watch the video clip at end!

How about the safety?

The short answer is yes, it’s safe to go to Onuk island. But consider the long answer as well. Remember before you travel to Balabac it’s always good to listen around regarding the concerns below since things can change.
Malaria​
There have been Malaria outbreaks in the mountainous Mainland Balabac but for now it’s considered safe to be out in the Balabac archipelago. But bring mosquito repellants because there will be tons mosquitos hunting for your blood after sunset.
Crocodiles
A minor concern are the saltwater crocodiles but they are only present in the Mainland Balabac. Which means out in the archipelago it’s safe from crocodiles.
Weather
The weather can be unpredictable. The dry seasons of April and May are the best times to visit the Balabac archipelago since the sea is perfectly calm on most days during these months. You may also visit Balabac during the months of December to February where it is fairly good. However, these months can the waves be particularly rough on the beaches.
Bandits
But hey! Balabac islands are located in the Sulu sea. Hmm wasn’t that the place where the Philippine army battle bandits? Yes, that’s right. But that’s on the other side of the Sulu sea at Jolo. There are no bandits in the Balabac archipelago.  

On our way to Rio Tuba we passed by beautiful landscapes of Palawan

Sometimes you must eat right? The bus made one stop for lunch.

We arrived late after sunset in Rio Tuba. We were lucky the Pring Pension House had an available room for us. It’s just very near the terminal by the way.

Early morning at Pring. We paid 1200 PHP for a small Aircon rom without breakfast. Breakfast was available for 100 PHP.

Facts about how to get to Onuk island

• Public bus from San Jose Terminal (Puerto Princesa) going to Rio Tuba. Fare 350 PHP per person with Aircon bus. The trip takes around 7 hours so better start early in the morning. Expect to stay overnight in Rio Tuba. In Rio Tuba there are a limited selection of restaurants. But Sizzling Republic is recommendable, click the link to see the review.
• Ferry from Rio Tuba to Balabac Island. (Mainland Balabac) You need probably to take a tricycle to the port 100 PHP. Be there around 7 am to buy tickets. The trip takes 4-5 hours depending on the weather. Fare 450 PHP. At Balabac island you have to take a tricycle from the pier to Balabac town 60 PHP. Expect to stay there overnight. In Balabac town it’s even more limited when it comes to restaurants and shops. There are Sari Sari stores where you can buy the the essential and the best two eateries are located next to each other opposite of the police station.
• Ask around and rent a boat for going on island hopping. The price would be around 2000 PHP per person for the boat with lunch included. For Onuk island there will be an additional entrance fee of 1500 PHP per person. At Onuk island there are no shops so be sure to bring everything you need.
• For the time being it’s not possible to stay overnight at Onuk island. But things can change so ask around if you are interested to do that.
• If you for some reason need to extend your visa you can do it in Balabac town. There happen to be an immigration field office there.

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The port in Rio Tuba. Here you must report to the coast guard that you are going with the ferry

Our ferry which will take us to Balabac island

Safety first. Before departure the coast guard inspects the boat and that everyone wear a life vest.

Sometimes you get sleepy of all traveling

My fellow traveler had brought two hamsters with him to give to his family for Christmas

Now it begins to look nice. A short stop at Bancalan island

Finally the pier at Balabac island

Balabac port

Balabac port and from here you take a tricycle going in to town

We stayed at MLK Lodging house. A basic room with fan. No breakfast available. 600 PHP night.

Yes there are saltwater crocodiles here at Balabac island (Mainland Balabac)

A nice sunset at the main road in Balabac town

There are no Starbucks here. But it’s still possible to get your cake and coffee with some slight modifications though. But if you don’t want 3 in 1, which for me is too sweet, bring coffee stick and creamer with you. Here at one of the two eateries located opposite the police station.

Finally on our way out to Onuk island. 1-2 hours boat trip depending on the weather. The sound from the engine was totally deafening so a friendly advice is to bring some kind of ear protection.

Before it was possible to stay overnight at Onuk island. It was just recently they changed their policy. The accommodation was very basic in those sheds. Nevertheless I was very disappointed not to be able to experience a 24 hours stay here.

The water was crystal clear and the sand white and soft. You couldn’t hear a single sound except from the waves and the sea breeze. So relaxing for a stressful mind.

The total silence together with the endless sea resulted in a magic ambience of timelessness which had a great impact on me...

The beach was very clean and surprisingly not full of plastic waste which sorry to say is common these days.

Low tide at this moment

Snorkeling

Be sure to bring your snorkeling gears and you can enjoy the crystal clear water under the surface as well. There were some coral reef surrounding the island. Sorry to say much of the coral was already dead. But beautiful sea turtles were grazing sea grass from the sea floor but ever how hard I tried I couldn’t catch up with them. There were some amazing giant clams which were easier to spot since they didn’t swim away from me. 

The final thought

If you are too comfy this trip is nothing for you. But if you are more adventurous and don’t mind to put in a bit effort to experience the beauty of Mother Nature I can recommend to explore this part of Palawan. It’s totally worth it all days in the week! Other post which is related to Palawan click here