Balabac Islands
It’s still halfway but I can already say this trip is going to be a top contender this year. I’ve never lost so much blood in my life for carelessly hitting my knee on a coral while swimming to shore. Nonetheless, I get to bring home a remarkable scar as souvenir!
Have you even heard of Balabac? Most likely nah. It’s because unlike El Nido and Coron, it’s off the beaten path specially for tourists, well at least for now. It is off the southern end of Palawan Island. Getting there can be done through the town of Bataraza through a four-hour van or bus ride from Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan. From the port of Rio Tuba, in Bataraza, another three-hour boat ride will take you to the main island of Balabac where the town proper is located. To go to the other barangays in the municipality you will have to take boat rides with approximately an hour or so per trip. Palawan’s glass slippers consists of some 32 islands, the largest of which are Balabac, Bugsuk, Bancalan, Mantangule, Pandanan, and Ramos. The groupie are notable for its uncommon indigenous plant and animal species, such as the nocturnal Philippine mouse-deer but more than that is its very reach marine life! Chase the sunset on a motorcycle through the long stretch of white sand at Barangay Punta Sebaring in the island of Bugsuk!
Other than the challenging “getting there” part are the stories of folklores and witchcraft. Rumour has it that Balabac is the voodoo capital of Palawan. So much that we are even expressly forbidden by our lovely hosts from buying foods or drinking something not bottled and sealed because it might be contaminated with gayuma or potions. But, to make this officially in adventure tab is the possibility of being kidnapped by rebels. You know if you check the map, Balabac is surrounded by open bodies of water mainly China and Sulu Seas. Which makes it strategically located for such advent errr scary chances. It is also just a few hours away from Sabah Malaysia. Which also explains why most of their retail products, even bottled waters, are Malaysian. (P.S. Dibs on Sedaap instant noodles!) And before I forget all tourists are advised to check-in first to the town hall or make a courtesy visit to the mayor’s house to login and accountability in case you will go missing. hahaha
So as I am writing this now, only means I didn’t get in those troubles even if i secretly wished that at least one could have happened. Lol! But honestly would have been THE quentessential experience! To end this nonsense, I encourage everyone to try their luck and don’t think otherwise. This is the purest place I’ve been!
For in debt details on the “getting there” part just go to www.lakwatsero.com or google search other travel blogs. I’m Mr. Lazy.
P.S. No Copyright Intended. The awesome music belongs to its respectful owner – The World Is Yours by Adam Martin. All clips are taken using GoPro Hero4, compiled, and edited through iMovie by the uploader.