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.
Aug 17-20 (Sat-Tue)
Aug 18-21 (Sun-Wed)
Aug 22-25 (Thu-Sun)
Aug 24-27 (Sat-Tue) – FULL
Aug 25-28 (Sun-Wed) – FULL
Aug 29-Sep 1 (Thu-Sun)
Aug 31-Sep 3 (Sat-Tue)
Sep 1-4 (Sun-Wed)
Sep 5-8 (Thu-Sun)
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Sep 19-22 (Thu-Sun)
Sep 21-24 (Sat-Tue)
Sep 22-25 (Sun-Wed)
Sep 26-29 (Thu-Sun)
Sep 28-Oct 1 (Sat-Tue)
Sep 29-Oct 2 (Sun-Wed)
Oct 3-6 (Thu-Sun)
Oct 5-8 (Sat-Tue)
Oct 6-9 (Sun-Wed)
Oct 10-13 (Thu-Sun)
Oct 12-15 (Sat-Tue)
Oct 13-16 (Sun-Wed)
Oct 17-20 (Thu-Sun)
Oct 19-22 (Sat-Tue)
Oct 20-23 (Sun-Wed)
Oct 24-27 (Thu-Sun)
Oct 26-29 (Sat-Tue)
Oct 27-30 (Sun-Wed)
Oct 31-Nov 3 (Thu-Sun)
Nov 2-5 (Sat-Tue)
Nov 3-6 (Sun-Wed)
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Nov 9-12 (Sat-Tue)
Nov 10-13 (Sun-Wed)
Nov 14-17 (Thu-Sun)
Nov 16-19 (Sat-Tue)
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Nov 21-24 (Thu-Sun)
Nov 23-26 (Sat-Tue)
Nov 24-27 (Sun-Wed)
Nov 28-Dec 1 (Thu-Sun)
Nov 30-Dec 3 (Sat-Tue)
Dec 1-4 (Sun-Wed)
Dec 5-8 (Thu-Sun)
Dec 7-10 (Sat-Tue)
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Dec 12-15 (Thu-Sun)
Dec 14-17 (Sat-Tue)
Dec 15-18 (Sun-Wed)
Dec 19-22 (Thu-Sun)
Dec 20-23 (Fri-Mon)
Budget accommodation for backpackers:
Hostel Privado (with free luggage keeping service)
Mid-range accommodation:
EXCELLENT190 reviews onVerifiedGab TJuly 5, 2024Best unplugged adventure This trip is not for those who want luxury and comfort. But, this trip is perfect for those who would love reconnect with Mother Nature and make more meaningful connections with strangers from around the world. Our guide, Kuya Mark and the rest of the boat crew went over and beyond with the their service. Kuya Mark dove for a good 30mins to an hour just for us to have some sea urchins because we requested. The whole boat crew plus the kind and hospitable people also helped us by pushing the boat for about 700 meters from the shoreline because we got stuck in low tide in Onok Island. The crew made sure that we are able to go back to camp safely. The housekeeping did a good job of preparing our room. The rest of the island crew made sure that our stomachs are filled with mouth watering food. We requested for pineapples since they have the best ones in Bataraza. One of our friends in the group was craving mangoes, even though she did not request this, I believe the people in Punta Sebaring were kind enough to make an extra effort to prepare mangoes on our last night. I am used to Island Life since I grew up in one of the beautiful islands in the Philippines. But, the beauty of Balabac and its untouched beaches are on top of my list! The service for us is excellent as they always go an extra mile just to take care of their guests. Will definitely recommend this trip to my friends and family!VerifiedWanderer47495896397June 5, 2024Fantastic! One of the best if not the best tour I've ever done. Everything was fantastic, from the organizers, the people, not to mention the scenery. I highly recommend this experience.VerifiedJulie LJune 2, 2024Absolutely amazing! Everything was amazing, so worth the trip to get there!! Everything was very well organized, always on time, campsite was great and the boat crew was so nice. Especially Dong thank you so much for everything. The islands especially Onok was an absolute dream… we were alone all the time everywhere which made the trip absolutely incredible. I would recommend 100%!!VerifiedEmmanuel BMay 28, 2024Best Real Island Life Experience! This trip by The Wander Walkers was very organized and well coordinated! The tour guide and the boat crew were very accommodating throughout the duration of our island hopping activity. We were well taken care for our meals. They have generous meal servings that are included in the package. We enjoyed all of our time during our trip. I would also have to add that I found friends joining this tour. This was one of the best joiner tours I ever joined. On day one, everyone vibe with one another like we’ve known each other for years. I’am the only Fillipino but the international friends made me feel like I belong to the group! No awkwardness. We had a lot of fun. We really enjoyed our time! Coming from a busy city life, we had the best real island life experience. We were refreshed and recharged. The place is just beautiful like in a movie. The place is one of those that you will have to comeback over and over again. I will book my Balabac tour with The Wander Walkers again.VerifiedKeren DMay 27, 2024One of a kind trip My friends and I went here to escape our busy lives at the city. No signal, no thick bedding, no aircon; it was pure island life made easier by the staff, you’ll eventually fall in love with Balabac’s raw charm. Kuya Willie and the whole Punta Sebaring staff were super nice to us. Will try and come back as soon as possible.VerifiedJuls VMay 27, 2024Trip in Balabac We had so much fun in Balabac. Amazing view, and great experience. So far the best beach I've been to. The staffs and team were very helpful and driver always on time. Thank youVerifiedSarahM199192May 24, 2024Amazing and unique Well...this was probably the most Amazing of my trip in the Philippines (maybe of my life?) First of all, the communication with the team on Messenger was really smooth. Booking process easy and smooth as well. Then the trip started and every step was easy and very professional. The crew WE had on the boat was truly Amazing. Really nice guys, Always here to help us for everything, very professional (salamat po Marc and the other guys). The camp is really confortable with a very nice common area with water, coffee and tea. The tent on the beach was Amazing, you still with the sound of the waves which makes you forget about the heat in it. The food was Always tasty and there were a lot AT every meal! WE were 10 on a boat and it was not crowded AT all, WE had plenty of Space for everyone. Finally the spots were insanely gorgeous and clearly beyond my expectations. You Always have plenty of Time to enjoy because you go AT one place per day which makes the experience Amazing. I recommend 100% The Wander Walkers that made my Balabac trip awesome. I wish they would offer longer trip because I would have loves to stay 2 or 3 more days! Salamat Po to everyone!Load more
[…] 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 […]