When I first decided to travel from Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island, I didn’t fully understand how remote—and rewarding—this journey would be. I had seen images of long, powdery sandbars and turquoise waters that stretched to the horizon. I wanted to experience that paradise myself. What I didn’t realize was how much planning and patience it would take to get there.
Related Reads:Why You Need to See Balabac, Palawan At Least Once In Your Life
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Onuk Island Balabac Palawan: One of The Untouched Paradises of the Philippines
Now that I’ve done it, I can confidently walk you through the entire process—from the airport to the islands—with the kind of detail I couldn’t find when I was planning my own trip. This is your honest, updated guide to reaching one of the most beautiful and secluded island chains in the Philippines.
Here’s an actual map that shows you how long the landtrip to the jumpoff port is:
My Early-Morning Adventure: Van Ride Through Palawan
The adventure officially began at 4:30 AM when our van left Puerto Princesa for Port Buliluyan. I was half-asleep, clutching my travel pillow and my emergency snack stash, but the scenery woke me right up. Rolling mountains, rice paddies, and occasional small villages passed by as the driver navigated winding roads.
Now, here’s the honest part: there aren’t many places to stop along the way. We had one stop for a quick breakfast and a restroom break—just enough time to stretch, grab some coffee, and maybe eat a pastry while watching the sunrise.
But if you’re someone who really can’t hold it, let’s just say… I can’t fully recommend this trip unless you’re okay with creative solutions (or… wearing a travel diaper, which I did not).
Why this matters for first-timers:
- Bring snacks and water—you’ll need them before the stop.
- Pack a small travel pillow and power bank for the long ride.
- Mentally prepare for minimal bathroom access. It’s all part of the remote adventure experience!
Despite the bathroom reality, the van ride was magical in its own way. The dark calm roads, lush scenery, and sleepy villages gave a real sense of the remote life in southern Palawan. For digital nomads, it’s also a unique opportunity to tune out, catch up on offline work, or just watch the world slowly wake up.
How Do You Get to Balabac Island?
Getting from Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island requires multiple steps. There are no direct flights or ferries. You’ll need to combine air travel, a long van or car ride, and a sea crossing.
My route looked like this:
- Fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport
- Stay overnight in Puerto Princesa
- Take an early morning van to Port Buliluyan, located in the southern town of Bataraza
- From the port, take a boat to Balabac or the nearby islets
This may sound like a lot, and it is—but every part of it adds to the experience. The van ride through rural Palawan is scenic, the port feels untouched by mass tourism, and the boat ride is your first real taste of how remote Balabac is.
Port Buliluyan: The Calm Before the Sea Adventure
When we finally reached Port Buliluyan, I felt a mix of relief and excitement. This is the only active jump-off point for travelers heading to Balabac, and it’s nothing like the commercial ports you might be used to. Simple check-in counters, a few local vendors, and the smell of saltwater—pure Palawan charm.
Waiting for the boat is actually part of the adventure. I wandered along the shoreline, snapped some photos, and chatted with locals who were more curious about us than we were about them.
Tip for digital nomads and travelers: Keep cash handy for snacks or small purchases. Most of these ports don’t accept cards, and the atmosphere is very much offline—which is exactly why it feels magical.
Is There a Ferry from Palawan to Balabac?
There is no public ferry service that travels directly from Puerto Princesa to Balabac. This confused me at first too. Older travel blogs sometimes mention Port Rio Tuba, but that port is no longer used for passenger travel to Balabac.
Instead, all tour operators and local boatmen now use Port Buliluyan, which is located about an hour farther south of Rio Tuba. It’s a small, quiet port where island-bound travelers board traditional outrigger boats or speedboats, depending on the tour arrangement.
If you’re booking a tour package, the boat ride will be handled for you. Otherwise, you’ll need to coordinate with a local guide or hire a boat at the port—which can be unpredictable and harder to manage if you’re traveling on your own.
What Airport to Go to for Balabac, Palawan?
The closest airport to Balabac is Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). All travelers aiming for Balabac must first fly into Puerto Princesa. There are no airports in Balabac and no direct flights to the southern part of Palawan.
There are daily flights to Puerto Princesa from Manila, Cebu, and sometimes Davao. If you’re flying in internationally, expect to connect through Manila or Cebu first.
After landing, I spent the night in Puerto Princesa so I could rest and prepare for the early start the next day. Most vans heading to Buliluyan leave around 3:00 to 5:00 in the morning to reach the port by midday.
How Long Is the Boat Ride to Balabac?
Once you get to Port Buliluyan, you’ll board a boat to Balabac or one of the nearby islands used as a base for tours. The boat ride takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the weather, sea conditions, and which island you’re headed to first.
When we went, we traveled to a farther island on the tour route, so our trip lasted almost 3.5 hours. The boat was a traditional bangka with a canvas shade overhead and just enough room for the group’s bags and gear. It wasn’t luxurious, but it worked—and the water was so clear it felt like we were floating in the sky.
My First Glimpse of Balabac: A Boat Ride Like No Other
Boarding the boat was a moment I’ll never forget. It was a traditional bangka with a canvas shade and room just enough for our bags. No luxury, no Wi-Fi, no distractions—just the endless turquoise water stretching to the horizon.
The ride itself took around 3.5 hours for us, and I spent most of it staring at the water, occasionally dipping my hand in, and laughing at how clear it was. I felt like we were floating in the sky rather than on the sea.
Tips for first-time travelers:
- Bring motion sickness pills if you’re prone to seasickness.
- Pack a small waterproof bag for electronics and important documents.
- Enjoy the journey—this is part of the Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island story.
Why You Can’t Do a Day Trip (and Why That’s Perfect)
This was a question I kept seeing online: Can you do a day trip from Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island? The answer is simple: No, not realistically.
The overland trip to Port Buliluyan takes around 6 hours. The boat ride adds another 3 hours, at least. That’s 9 hours one way—without including waiting time, weather delays, or registration at the port.
Even if you left Puerto Princesa at 4:00 AM, you wouldn’t reach the islands until mid-afternoon. By then, you’d barely have time to explore before having to head back.
From the early morning van ride to Port Buliluyan, the waiting time at the port, and the boat ride, you’re looking at 8–12 hours one way. That’s not counting the time you actually want to spend exploring the islands.
Honestly, that’s part of the charm. Balabac isn’t meant for quick trips. It’s remote, quiet, and untouched. The journey forces you to slow down, unplug, and truly savor the islands – and it rewards travelers who take their time.
Does Balabac Have an Airport?
No, there is no airport in Balabac Island that serves commercial flights. There are small, private airstrips on some islands (used mostly for emergency or government travel), but tourists cannot book flights into Balabac.
That’s why the only way to reach the islands is to fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport and continue overland and by boat.
How Long Is the Travel from Puerto Princesa to Balabac?
From door to island, traveling from Puerto Princesa to the main Balabac Island took us under 11 hours.
We left Puerto Princesa at 4:30 AM, arrived at Buliluyan Port around 10:30 AM, waited an hour at the port, and then boarded our boat. The ride to the islands (lunch and island hopping) included took another 3 hours. By the time we reached our island base, it was close to 3:00 PM.
You’ll need to set aside an entire day just for the journey—and be flexible. Weather, sea conditions, and group logistics can all affect timing.
Puerto Princesa to Balabac: How Many Hours?
Total travel time is 8 to 12 hours, depending on conditions.
- Van travel: 5 to 6 hours
- Waiting/Registration at port: 1 to 2 hours
- Boat transfer: 2 to 4 hours
This is why tours start very early in the morning and why it’s best to arrive in Puerto Princesa the night before your departure.
Puerto Princesa to Balabac Distance
The total distance from Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island is around 250 to 270 kilometers, depending on which island you’re visiting.
- The land route to Buliluyan Port covers roughly 200 kilometers.
- The sea crossing adds another 50 to 70 kilometers, depending on the island stop.
It’s not the farthest destination in the Philippines, but due to the remote location, the trip takes longer than you might expect.
Puerto Princesa to Balabac by Car
Yes, you can drive yourself from Puerto Princesa to Port Buliluyan by private car. The road is mostly paved, and the drive takes about 5 to 6 hours.
However, there are a few things to consider:
- There is no secure long-term parking at the port.
- You’ll be away for several days, and leaving your car unattended isn’t ideal.
- Driving back after a multi-day tour can be exhausting.
Unless you’re a local or have someone to watch your car, it’s best to join a van transfer since you can’t really use the car after Port Buliluyan.
El Nido to Balabac Travel Time
El Nido and Balabac are on opposite ends of Palawan. If you’re coming from El Nido, your best route is:
- Take a 5 to 6-hour van from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
- Stay overnight
- Begin your journey to Balabac the next day
In total, you’ll need at least two full travel days to go from El Nido to Balabac Island, with Puerto Princesa as your middle stop.
Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba
Rio Tuba is no longer the jump-off point for Balabac-bound travelers. That’s outdated information.
The current and correct port is Port Buliluyan, about an hour farther south of Rio Tuba. This is where all licensed tour operators arrange boat transfers to the islands.
Make sure your transport goes all the way to Buliluyan—not just Rio Tuba—or you’ll miss your boat and delay your entire trip.
Buliluyan Port to Balabac
Buliluyan Port is a small, quiet beachside port located in Bataraza, southern Palawan. It’s the only active jump-off point for tours going to Balabac Island.
At the port, you’ll check in with your tour operator, register your group, and board the boat to begin the island leg of your journey.
There are no large structures or commercial terminals here—just simple facilities and calm sea views. Boarding usually happens directly from the shore, so be ready to wade through shallow water.
Island Hopping and Personal Highlights
Once we reached the islands, every stop felt like stepping into a postcard. On Onuk Island, the sand was so fine it felt like walking on powdered sugar. On another, a tiny village greeted us with smiles and waves—kids thinking we were celebrities for a few minutes!
Each island had its own personality, and I quickly learned that flexibility is key. Some of my favorite moments were unplanned: wandering off a trail, discovering hidden lagoons, and chatting with the locals about life on these remote islands.
Advice for travelers : Use this time to unplug. No Wi-Fi, no emails, just inspiration. It’s amazing what a few days of solitude and nature can do for your creativity and mental reset.
Practical Tips for Traveling from Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island
- Book a tour package: The easiest way to travel from Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island is with a tour operator. They handle vans, boats, and permits.
- Pack smart: Essentials include sunscreen, hat, snacks, waterproof bags, and cash.
- Be flexible: Weather, seas, or schedules may change. Embrace it—it’s part of the adventure.
- Rest in Puerto Princesa: Stay a night before your trip. It makes the early morning start much easier.
- Download offline maps: Cell signal is minimal once you leave the mainland.
Puerto Princesa to Balabac Tour Package
I can’t emphasize this enough: Booking a Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island tour package is the best way to go. Trying to plan each part yourself—van, boat, permits, accommodations—will be difficult unless you know the area or speak the local language.
Our tour with Kamp Malaya was seamless. The operator picked us up from our hotel, managed the whole schedule, provided all meals, and made sure we had permits for islands like Onuk (which are privately owned and require prior approval).
Most tour packages include 3D2N or 4D3N options, but some operators also offer 5D4N trips for those who want to explore more.
Tips for First-Timers and Remote Workers
Traveling from Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island can feel intimidating at first—trust me, I get it. When I first planned this trip, I had no idea what to expect. The combination of early mornings, long van rides, and hours on a boat can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in a remote area like Balabac.
Here’s what I learned along the way:
1. Plan Your Travel Days Wisely
The journey from Puerto Princesa to Balabac takes roughly 8–12 hours, including van rides, port registration, and the boat transfer. I stayed overnight in Puerto Princesa before the trip—it made waking up at 4:00 AM slightly less brutal. First-timers, do yourself a favor: rest well before starting the journey.
2. Prepare for Minimal Facilities
There’s only one quick stop along the van route for breakfast and a restroom break. To be honest, I can’t recommend this trip for anyone who struggles to hold their pee—unless you’re okay with creative solutions or, let’s just say… adult diapers. It’s part of the adventure, but definitely not for everyone!
3. Bring the Right Gear
- Snacks and water (you’ll thank me later)
- Power bank for your devices
- Travel pillow for those van or boat naps
- Waterproof bags for electronics, especially during island hopping
4. Embrace Offline Life (Perfect for Digital Nomads!)
Here’s the silver lining for remote workers: signal is nearly nonexistent once you leave the mainland. No emails, no calls, no notifications. I actually laughed at myself checking my phone every few minutes on the boat before realizing I had to just… unplug.
Take advantage of this forced offline time:
- Journal your thoughts or sketch the scenery
- Brainstorm your next project
- Catch up on reading or planning
5. Be Flexible and Patient
Weather, sea conditions, and group logistics can all affect timing. I quickly learned that stressing about schedules is pointless—the islands don’t move faster just because you’re in a hurry. First-timers, take a deep breath and embrace the slow pace.
6. Enjoy the Journey as Much as the Destination
Balabac isn’t about speed; it’s about immersion. Every van ride, every wave-cradled boat trip, and every quiet island moment adds to the adventure. As a digital nomad, this is the perfect reminder that inspiration often comes when we step away from our screens.
Trust me—once you finally step onto the pristine sand and see the turquoise water, you’ll forget all the early mornings, long rides, and bathroom anxieties. It’s that magical.
Reflections: Why Balabac Was Worth Every Hour
Traveling from Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island isn’t easy, but that’s part of what makes it so special. You won’t find massive resorts or loud beach bars here. What you will find is silence, solitude, and the kind of natural beauty that leaves you speechless.
The long hours on the road and the time spent on a rocking boat are small prices to pay for what you get in return—clear lagoons, powdery beaches, and a rare feeling of peace.
After almost 11 hours of travel, stepping onto the sand in Balabac felt surreal. The long van rides, early mornings, and bumpy boat ride all melted away as I looked at the untouched beaches and turquoise waters.
This isn’t a place for quick trips. It’s a place to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the quiet moments. Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for inspiration or a first-time traveler craving adventure, the journey from Puerto Princesa to Balabac Island is unforgettable.
Take your time, go with a good tour provider, and savor every part of the journey.
