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.

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. 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!