Probably the most sought-after island in the Philippines, Onok Island is a tiny piece of paradise in the south of Palawan that features expansive shallow clear waters, giant clams, a sand bar appearing during low tide, wild sea turtles, a coral reef, and a stilt over-water walkway.
Onok Island at a glance (updated October 2026)
- Where: in the Balabac islands at the southern tip of Palawan, about 1.5 hours by boat from our campsite at Punta Sebaring
- Who can visit: anyone. The island is privately owned, and since 2022 every tour operator can bring guests
- Entrance fee: Php 1,500 per person, already included in our tour price
- Overnight: possible with advance booking only, because there are just a few shared rooms and toilets
- Facilities: overwater cottages and toilets, but no fresh water and no food, so bring your own
- Best time: high tide for the overwater cottages; at low tide a sandbank appears
Are you for Onok Island?
It’s not easy to experience Onok Island though. One must have a concrete desire to make it, a brave heart to dismiss the (mythical) threats, a willingness to embrace the (uncomfortable) island life, some time to spare for the journey, and money, of course. If you have a problem with any of the mentioned factors, then maybe Onok Island is not for you. Onok Island is not for those who are overcome by fear, nor those who can’t afford to take at least 5 days away from the convenience of the city. On the contrary, those who are up for an adventure are rewarded by Onok’s proverbial beauty.
Onok or Onuk Island?
But before anything else, let’s get this one straight. Many blogs write “Onuk” while some write “Onok.” So which one is correct? We learned through owner’s daughter that the spelling should really be Onok. So if you’re writing anything about this island, use the correct spelling, okay?!
Stories About Onok Island
Much about Onok Island is learned by talking with locals of Balabac, the municipality that covers Onok, especially the caretaker of Onok Island himself.
Ownership
Its discovery traces back in the 80’s when a mapping officer named Roughton discovered it and named it after himself, Roughton Island. Old topographical maps show Roughton Island instead of Onok Island. Eventually, an official of Balabac bought the island and held ownership until 2018, before it was acquired by another official. Today it is still privately owned, and since a change of management in 2022, every tour operator can bring guests.
Entrance Fees
Around 2015, there was no entrance fee to set foot on Onok Island. That changed after one boatman was found charging his guests Php 5,000 per person for Onok visits. The owner learned about it from a visitor’s blog post, banned that boatman from bringing guests, and started charging an entrance fee of Php 1,500 per person for day trips, with no food or transport included. For a while, overnight stays cost Php 3,500 per person, until they were stopped altogether.
Since a change of management in 2022, every tour operator can bring guests again, and overnight stays are possible with advance booking. Today (October 2026), the entrance fee is still Php 1,500 per person. On our tours, it is already included in your tour price.
Tour Operators
Because the island is private, operators arrange each visit with the island’s caretaker. Since 2022, every tour operator in Balabac can bring guests, so Onok is now on most itineraries. Before you book, check whether the Php 1,500 fee is included in the price or paid separately. This guide on how to choose a tour operator in Balabac can help.
How To Visit Onok
Our group and private tours pick you up from your hotel in Puerto Princesa. After about 6 hours by van, you reach Buliluyan Port, where your boat takes you island hopping and on to our beachfront campsite at Punta Sebaring. Onok is about 1.5 hours by boat from the campsite, and you visit it on day 2 or day 3 of your trip.
What to Do on Onok Island
– Swim in turquoise water that many of our guests compare to the Maldives
– Snorkel the coral reef just off the island
– Visit the giant clam farm
– Relax in the overwater cottages, best at high tide
– Walk the sandbank that appears at low tide
– Look out for sea turtles. They nest on Onok, and the coast guard cares for the hatchlings until they are big enough to be released. Some of our guests have been lucky enough to watch a release, though it can’t be planned.
Safety In Onok
If you are worried about safety in Balabac because you have heard about some threats such as crocodiles, malaria, and bandits, now is the time to have some peace of mind. None of this exists in Onok. The only threat is the waves that you will face since it is quite far. But so far, we have experienced no danger from all the tours we have conducted there.
You may read further about how Balabac is safe for tourists here.
Staying Overnight on Onok
Overnight stays on Onok are possible again, but you need to book in advance because there are only a few shared rooms and toilets. There is no fresh water and no food on the island, so overnight guests bring everything they need.
That is why our tours visit Onok as a day trip and spend the nights at our own beachfront campsite at Punta Sebaring. We are the only tour that stays there, so after dark the beach is just for our guests. The powder-white sand stretches for over 6 kilometers, and you wake up a few steps from the water to watch the sunrise from camp, weather permitting. The campsite has clean shared toilets with fresh water, meals cooked for you at camp, and a choice of a tent with mattress or a hut with a mattress, pillow, mosquito net and electric fan. A generator runs from 6 to 10 pm, then solar power keeps things running until morning or until the charge runs out.
Onok Island FAQ
Can you visit Onok Island?
Yes. Onok is privately owned, but since 2022 every tour operator can bring guests. The entrance fee is Php 1,500 per person, and it is already included in our Balabac tour price.
Can you stay overnight on Onok Island?
Yes, with advance booking. There are only a few shared rooms and toilets, and no fresh water or food, so overnight guests bring their own.
How do you get to Onok Island?
Fly to Puerto Princesa, travel about 6 hours by van to Buliluyan Port, then continue by boat. On our tours, Onok is about 1.5 hours by boat from our campsite.
When is the best time to visit Onok?
Trips run all year, weather permitting. Visit at high tide for the overwater cottages; at low tide, a sandbank appears.
What can you see on Onok Island?
Turquoise water that guests compare to the Maldives, a coral reef, a giant clam farm, overwater cottages and sea turtles. With luck, you may see baby turtles released by the coast guard.
Final Reminders
Onok Island, and including other islands in Balabac is really one of the last untouched paradises on Earth. We hope to keep it that way by sharing as much real information as we can, so that we only attract travelers who want to broaden their minds and stretch their comfort zone – not the mass tourists. If you’re the adventure-type, nature-loving kind of person, message us! If not, that’s also fine. The world is big enough for all of us!
