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To answer quickly, yes, it is safe to visit Balabac. The coastguard is very active in monitoring the tours and the sea. We published previously a blogpost about safety in Balabac entitled “Is Balabac Safe?” to give the best explanation to people asking the question. Here’s some additional details.
Is Balabac still safe? We encounter more and more people ask this question since they saw news about children being eaten by crocodiles. The answer to your Balabac safety concerns lies with this question: where in Balabac are you going?
Balabac has 32 islands! Click here to see more about its location. The biggest one is mainland Balabac where the main town is. This is where most of the crocodile incidents are sited. So go look at google maps and see which destinations are around mainland: Melville Lighthouse and Timbayan Rock formation (a crocodile was spotted here according to one of the boatman locals). This is the very reason why we don’t bring our guests to mainland.
Meanwhile, other destinations close to the mainland (Ramos Island where you can find the rock formation), Sicsican Island and Candaraman Island) have only sightings but no attacks. We have brought hundreds of people and to be honest, even the most adventurous ones who wanted to see a crocodile saw none. But this does not disregard the fact that even the owners/caretakers of these islands have seen crocodiles.
Dengue mosquitoes (aedes aegypti mosquito) prefers to feed off of humans and thrives more around human settlements (towns and cities) than in unpopulated islands. They can only be carrying the virus if they bit a human with dengue already. The risk here is in the mainland where the population is.
While there is mosquito in other islands and in our campsite, we never had cases of dengue fever in the destinations where we are visiting. Just bring an insect repellent against itchy bites from mosquitoes and sand flies.
It was only in the past that Malaria was a problem in Balabac but only in the mainland, where the mountainous area is. There is no need to get Malaria shots when doing your tour with us.
There has never been an incident of kidnapping or tourist assault in Balabac, even years before when the Coast Guard was not active in patrolling Balabac. Starting 2022, the the Coast Guard has been roving in Balabac waters to make sure that safety is provided to both locals and guests.
So, you know how to answer the question.
If you are going to the mainland Balabac, there is higher risk. But if you are just visiting the undeveloped islands like Onok, Punta Sebaring and Candaraman and the sandbars, then you can ease your mind from the worry.
EXCELLENT232 reviews onVerified
Darja VApril 7, 2025Balabac trip Thank you the whole team for the incredible journey we had in Balabac. Everything was well organised. Views were breathtaking. The arrival to the destination takes some time but it worth it. Almost no tourists, which is really nice. Highly recommend !Verified
Léa FApril 4, 2025Idyllic place It was a great experience! We loved the Balabac, it is such a beautiful place to see it is paradise.We were on a private tour it was greatThe crew with Katherine, they were great super friendly and top food.We slept in a cabin on the beach, so yes the mattress is fine, the shower is done with the seal but it goes with the experience and it was great!Verified
Karolina WApril 2, 2025Perfect!!! I highly recommend a trip to Balabac. The company did a great job. Perfect organization, everything on time, very good contact before and during the trip. I was most afraid of the conditions in the camp but everything positively surprised me. The food was ok but the atmosphere and the people we met there were something I will never forget. And the views, water, islands, ehhh wonderful. Thank you and I recommend it to those who are hesitant.Verified
cerfiana PMarch 31, 2025Awesome experience The camp, the people and the islands we went are all amazing! It was such an experience you’d like to keep coming back! We were really taken cared of all throughout the trip. Definitely recommendableVerified
Aby SMarch 22, 2025Paradise Great sand, pristine waters and everything in between above and beyond! It is truly a paradise. Come peak summer April and May to enjoy the brightest heat of the sun.Verified
SophiaMarch 20, 2025Amazing experience, wish we could have stayed longer! We chose the 4D3N tour and booked it on Facebook. We always had every piece of information we needed (before and during the trip) and everything was organized in detail.We loved the crew. They were always very kind and always helped whenever there was an inconvenience. We were so lucky to have them with us on this journey.Our tour guide Jeremy was simply the best! He was always there for us, even in the evenings after the tour. He constantly checked in on us and made sure we were okay. He was very funny, always in a great mood and most importantly, highly professional. ❤️Verified
Kasia GMarch 17, 2025It was a great time with The Wanderwalkers! We chose a 4D3N Tour. Everything was perfectly organized. We always had all the information we needed, and everything happened on time. The whole trip was very well planned.Our guide, Jeremy, was fantastic 🫶. Very professional. He took care of every small detail to make sure everyone was happy. The rest of the crew was great too.The place at Punta Sebaring was a perfect choice. The cottages were comfortable, there were many hammocks, and just a few steps away were beautiful sunrises and a local village.The Balabac Islands are like paradise. We have seen many Philippine islands, but these are the best.One of the biggest highlights was Onuk Island. It made the greatest impression, and it was wonderful to be there ahead of crowded, spending lots of time exploring its beauty.Thanks again to the organizers, Jeremy, and the whole crew for a fantastic time. I would love to do it again! 🌺🐚🌴Verified
Julie MMarch 13, 2025Different, A change of scenery, meet great people, beautiful islands and turtles Our trip was amazing, it’s a experience to live. Everything was great, people, island, camp, food and also our guide Jeremy. It’s a thing to live once in a lifetime, we have unforgettable memories. Thanks youVerified
Nico RMarch 12, 2025Paradise in the South of Palawan This boat tour is a must-see for every traveler in the Philippines. Arriving to get to base camp is an adventure in itself. You can see from noon from the first day and the entire second and third day with one of the most beautiful places in the world. Abandoned islands, few/no tourists, starfish, turtles and crystal clear waters. Onok Island was the highlight and the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The group (consisting of Australians, French, Lithuanians and Germans) made the trip an unforgettable experience.
[…] is the best time to visit Balabac? This is another tricky question we get asked a lot next to “Is Balabac safe?”. Straight out, the answer is during the Summer months of March, April, and May. However, not all […]