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Crocodiles in Balabac

Travelers who are planning to visit Philippines’ last of the last frontier often hesitate when they hear that there are saltwater crocodiles in Balabac. We have written about it in passing on our previous posts “Is Balabac Safe? and Balabac Safety.” This one is a dedicated post about Balabac crocodiles hoping to provide light and peace of mind to those who will visit in the future.

The purpose of this post is not to scare you more, but to educate you so that you can be more careful. If you’re one of our future guests, this post is for you to have more peace of mind.

Areas with Saltwater Crocodile Sightings

So where can you find these saltwater crocodiles? Mostly in the mainland Balabac, but there are also sightings in island close to the mainland such as Ramos Island, Sicsican Island and Candaraman Island. Check the map below to see the proximity, and some posts that confirm the sightings or attacks.

Map of Balabac Crocodile Sigtings
Map of Balabac Crocodile Sigtings

However, confirmed sightings are not really everyday, every week or every month. It’s rare. In fact, in our four years of bringing guests to Balabac, we were unfortunate (or fortunate?) to see a single one. But that’s maybe because we don’t really bring our guests to the areas where there were confirmed sightings like the list below.

Balabac Mainland

Most of the sightings and attacks that you can see in the internet / that are in the news happened in the marshes and rivers of Mainland Balabac. Check this signage near the port. We don’t visit or bring guests in Mainland Balabac as part of the itinerary.

Crocodile warning sign in Balabac Poblacion
Crocodile warning sign in Balabac Poblacion
Ramos Island / Timbayan Rock Formation

Close to mainland Balabac is Ramos Island where crocodiles were also spotted. In my first visit to Balabac, we went here with my group. The boatmen kept saying be careful. In fact, they didn’t even get down from the boat. Since these are saltwater crocodiles, they are also sighted in Sicsican Island which is close by. So if you’re visiting here, be careful! We don’t also bring our guests to these areas.

Dead crocs spotted in Timbayan Rock near Ramos Island
Dead crocs spotted in Timbayan Rock near Ramos Island
Candaraman Island

We have no photo or written proof that there is a sighting here except for the word of the owner and caretakers. Candaraman Sandbar aka Starfish Island which is just on the other side of this island is one of the destinations of our tour. Being a highlight of Balabac, you can’t miss this the starfishes! Our boatmen are always on the lookout here while our guests are enjoying.

Candaraman Island Port
Candaraman Island Port
Bancalaan Island

One of the big islands of Balabac, Bancalaan has also sightings of crocodiles. Check the link below for the video of an actual sighting! We don’t also bring our guests here.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=294128025601812

Conclusion

Don’t let these sightings stop you from visiting Balabac now. As we confidently tell our guests, you’ll be actually really lucky to see one while doing the tour. It’s part of the “adventure!” Just be careful to stay away, much more camp, from the islands near the Mainland. Balabac is still safe to visit.

And again, resorts are already being built in the islands of Balabac. Probably in two years time, tourism will boom like in El Nido. So right now is really a good time to visit if you still wanna catch it in its raw nature state. Take care!

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EXCELLENT
232 reviews on
Darja V
Darja V
April 7, 2025
Verified
Balabac 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 !
Léa F
Léa F
April 4, 2025
Verified
Idyllic 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!
Karolina W
Karolina W
April 2, 2025
Verified
Perfect!!! 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.
cerfiana P
cerfiana P
March 31, 2025
Verified
Awesome 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 recommendable
Aby S
Aby S
March 22, 2025
Verified
Paradise 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.
Sophia
Sophia
March 20, 2025
Verified
Amazing 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. ❤️
Kasia G
Kasia G
March 17, 2025
Verified
It 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! 🌺🐚🌴
Julie M
Julie M
March 13, 2025
Verified
Different, 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 you
Nico R
Nico R
March 12, 2025
Verified
Paradise 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.