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Onok Island – All You Need To Know

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 Aerial View
Onok Island Aerial View

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?!

A clear day in Onok Island
A clear day in Onok Island

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. As of 2023, rumors run around the locals that a certain celebrity owns it now. Who knows? Even the caretaker (person who collects entrance fee) doesn’t know. But the new management it is still politically-affiliated.

Entrance Fees

Around 2015, one didn’t have to pay any entrance fee to set foot on Onok Island. However, one of the boatmen who offers tours to Balabac popularly named Kap Andong charged his guests Php 5,000 per person whenever he brought people to Onok, which the owner eventually found out through a blog that was published by a previous visitor. This caused the owner to ban Kap Andong (of Balabac Safari The Best) from bringing guests to Onok Island. This is why he doesn’t offer Onok Island; and it’s a story that you will only hear about when you are already frustrated for not being able to see Onok while you are in Balabac!

The owner also started to impose a Php 1,500/person entrance fee for a daytrip, no food nor transport included. The management used to allow overnight stay for Php 3,500/person, until recently when they prohibited staying for the night.

UPDATE: Since 2022, after change of management, all operators are now allowed to bring guests to Onok Island.

Tour Operators

Because of the private ownership of the island, one needs prior permission before going to this island, which a tour operator does for its guest. If you are visiting Balabac and don’t want to miss Onok (why would you?), make sure you have the right contacts.

Our team has healthy connections with the caretaker and owner of Onok Island, that is why we can certainly bring guests there, unless it is temporarily closed for maintenance.

UPDATE: After the pandemic, where a lot of people wanted to do “revenge travel,” a lot of new tour operators have also sprouted in Balabac. It’s now quote easier to find one to bring you to Balabac. We advise that you read this guide on how to choose a tour operator in Balabac before you book one.

How To Visit Onok

Our Balabac Private and Group Tours allow you to have a guaranteed and hassle-free visit to this paradise. Our van transport will pick you up from your lodge in Puerto Princesa. After 6 hours, you will reach the south port where a private boat will pick you up so you can start the island hopping to other islands in Balabac. Depending on your stay in Balabac (4 or 3 days), you will visit Onok the next day or the other.

On the contrary, other tour operators will have you commute from Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba Port, spend the night there so you can ride the passenger ferry to Mainland Balabac, where you will sleep in the town. The next day serves as your chance to visit Onok. This wastes 2 days just for travel time to Balabac.

However, as tourist activity in Balabac is growing, almost 100% of tour operators are now picking up and dropping off guests in Buliluyan port as well for convenience.

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.

Camping in Onok Island

You may find it strange that our team doesn’t offer overnight package in this island yet. One of the reasons is because of the inconvenience of not having fresh water. The toilets are also not maintained, so we are quite not confident yet to let guests who are willing to pay more to sleep here. Besides, while Onok may be the highlight of Balabac, our campsite Punta Sebaring boasts a finer white sand, longer beach and more convenient, while still basic, facilities like clean shared toilets with freshwater.

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!

6 Responses
  1. gregorio roxas

    PALAWAN-the last frontier.
    after visiting onok island in balabac,
    u’ll surely change d period with as many
    exclamation point ( ! ) as u wish 🙂

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Stay in Our Pick Up Locations In Puerto Princesa

Budget accommodation for backpackers:

Hostel Privado (with free luggage keeping service)

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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!