...
FOR BOOKINGS, MESSAGE US AT Instagram @balabacpalawan FB Messenger

Best Time To Visit Balabac

When is the best time to visit Balabac? This is another tricky question we get asked a lot next to Is Balabac safe?. Simply, the best time to visit Balabac is the summer months of March, April, and May as these months receive the least amount of rainfall. During this time, expect to see more people in the islands, although it  will not compare to the crowds you will see in other popular islands during Summer. So, sorry because there is a low chance to be the only people on the island you will visit!

Not all people can go to Balabac during these months so this post will also discuss what to expect during other months of the year, especially considering the monsoons. However, these are the months when you have a higher possibility to enjoy the islands on your own!

Before we start, be aware that climate change is as real in Balabac as in other places in the world. While we discuss weather patterns here, they are not strictly what is actually experienced due to the effects of climate change. Be well-informed when you plan: consider the data provided below. But be flexible when you actually go, as you may experience rains even on summer.

man on the sea
Summer is the best time to visit Balabac.

Weather Patterns in Balabac

Balabac is in the southwestern-most tip of the Philippines, and it is actually closer to Sabah Malaysia than to any other parts of the Philippines! This being said, you cannot generally apply to Balabac the weather that is happening to the rest of the country, which means that even if there’s Low Pressure area in north/central Philippines, Balabac will probably have better weather.

There are countless times when the Philippines (specifically the northern/central part) is in rainy turmoil while Balabac is enjoying a good dose of sunshine. So how do you know what to expect when you are visiting Balabac outside the summer months? The key is to check the prevailing wind pattern! There are is another factor that will affect your visit in Balabac which is the tide level but that would be for another post.

Monsoons in the Philippines

There are two wind patterns that blow through the Philippines: Habagat and Amihan. Traveling to Balabac is okay even with these monsoons, but both these are strengthened whenever a typhoon hits the country, and this is what affects Balabac Palawan.
Monsoon (wind) only = okay to travel
Typhoon/Tropical Depression (rain) + Monsoon (wind) = expect a rainy and windy trip in Balabac

Habagat

Habagat is the wind pattern originating from Southwest of the Philippines which is characterized by warm and humid air. This blows from mid-June to mid-Sept. June is also the start of the wet/rainy season in the whole country, ie, forecast for tropical depression, low-pressure area, and typhoons are expected in different parts of the country. However, you can still visit Balabac at this time and get sunny days like it’s summer! Just pray that a typhoon or tropical depression will not visit the country with you.

Around October, a weakening Habagat and a starting Amihan play around the country.

Amihan

Amihan is the cold dry air that blows through the Philippines from the northeast which is dominant from November to February. December to February is the coolest time of the year in our country because of this wind. It strikes the eastern side of the Philippines and affects Balabac as well when it is strengthened by a typhoon/tropical depression. Like during the Habagat season, you can still visit Balabac in general but cancellation is a risk when there’s a typhoon during your visit.

group of people on the sea
February 2019 Group from Philippines, France, Greece
people jumping on the sea
May 9-12 Group from PH, UK, Spain, Canada and USA

Best Time To Visit Balabac

To answer from a different perspective, any time of the year CAN be a good time to visit Balabac given that there is no typhoon or tropical depression which strengthens the winds in Balabac. So if you can, arrange your trip for Summer! But if not, you can still visit Balabac, just don’t bring some badluck. 🙂

Leave a Reply

Upcoming Group Tours You Can Join

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)
Sep 7-10 (Sat-Tue)
Sep 8-11 (Sun-Wed)
Sep 12-15 (Thu-Sun)
Sep 14-17 (Sat-Tue)
Sep 15-18 (Sun-Wed)
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)
Nov 7-10 (Thu-Sun)
Nov 9-12 (Sat-Tue)
Nov 10-13 (Sun-Wed)
Nov 14-17 (Thu-Sun)
Nov 16-19 (Sat-Tue)
Nov 17-20 (Sun-Wed)
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)
Dec 8-11 (Sun-Wed)
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)

Stay in Our Pick Up Locations In Puerto Princesa

Budget accommodation for backpackers:

Hostel Privado (with free luggage keeping service)

Mid-range accommodation:

Booking.com
EXCELLENT
190 reviews on
Gab T
Gab T
July 5, 2024
Verified
Best 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!
Wanderer47495896397
Wanderer47495896397
June 5, 2024
Verified
Fantastic! 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.
Julie L
Julie L
June 2, 2024
Verified
Absolutely 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%!!
Emmanuel B
Emmanuel B
May 28, 2024
Verified
Best 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.
Keren D
Keren D
May 27, 2024
Verified
One 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.
Juls V
Juls V
May 27, 2024
Verified
Trip 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 you
SarahM199192
SarahM199192
May 24, 2024
Verified
Amazing 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!