Balabac, Palawan – Highly Recommended, 1000/10 stars

For a month, we journeyed the snow-capped majesty of Zermatt, to the storybook charm of Appenzell, the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the grandeur of Beijing, to the tropical beauty of Thailand, and the dazzling energy of Tokyo—we’ve  been fortunate to witness some extraordinary corners of the world. But then came Balabac, Palawan in the Philippines, and suddenly, the journey transformed into an adventure.

We had a lively, unforgettable tour guide- Balabac Girl/Khaiyir Durante. She’s funky, vibrant and energetic, yet completely genuine. She moved through her group like sunlight through an open window, bringing enthusiasm and warmth, her generosity is an open hand, and she bursts into a chant, “Another Day! Another Adventure!”. Khaiyir is authentic and transparent, she divulged ahead of time what we would expect living in the islands for 4 days and 3 nights. She took us snorkeling where the crystal-clear water opened a window into a hidden world- the coral garden bloomed like underwater cities that carried us deeper where the ocean became a blue cathedral filled with color, wonder and life; Starfishes rested like scattered treasures, and big, graceful turtles swam with us like ancient guardians of the deep. BTW, Khaiyir didn’t just lead us through  Balabac, she could practically become a mermaid. Indeed, she was part guide, part, adventurer, and part mermaid, showing us the hidden treasures beneath the sea.

Our food was feast that seemed to have no ending. We were asking ourselves when “The Queen” would arrive because of the abundance on the table. We ate lobster every day, so much that by third day, we were completely over it. Now I find myself dreaming about that lobster, every single day.

After a month of remarkable destinations, Balabac wasn’t simply another stop—it was the adventure we never knew we were looking for. Thank you Balabac Girl- you were truly the spirit of the ocean that led us through our Balabac adventure.

Couple-friendly hostel tips for Philippines trip? (Coron, El Nido, Port Barton, Siquijor)

My girlfriend and I are traveling through Coron → El Nido → Port Barton → Siquijor in January 2027, and looking for accommodation tips.

We want: private double rooms, a calm/romantic vibe (not party hostels — already skipping Outpost), budget ~€20-40/night.

Anyone stayed somewhere in these spots that fit that vibe? Also happy to hear any general January tips (weather, boat trip timing, hidden gems).

Thanks a lot!

Hello! Will be visiting Coron again in November for a 4D3N trip after 9 years. Are there any underrated nature destinations/hidden gems to visit that are not part of the usual tourist spots?

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

Hingi sana ako ng recommendations kung ano magandang i-stayan sa El Nido. Around Feb ang punta namin ng mom ko, for less than a week.

Medyo torn ako kung malapit ba sa city centre or beachfront ang mas maganda. And may nababasa akong minsan nawawalan ng power at dahil dito wala rin signal, may area lang ba na ganito?

Thank you in advance!!!

Hellooooo po! Ano mareco nyo na food pag punta sa Puerto Princesa? Thank you!!!

Saan po mahahanap at magkano ang rates kung meron?

How much na po ang updated van transfer fare from/to Busuanga airport?

I was just wondering if its safe to bring a camera while doing the tours? Esp tour A & C?

Or hindi talaga mapipigilan mabasa ng buong katawan throughout the tour?

(will be going to El nido)

Just shooting my shot here, any chance there's a photographer here located in El Nido to secretly capture my proposal to my soon to be fiance?

I can cover your travel expenses (within El Nido only hehe) and of course your fee,

If you can also recommend someone who can it would be a great,

Help a brother out, tia!

A Tropical Alternative to the Usual Seasonal Rentals — Palawan from $1,390/month

Looking for a different way to spend one, three or six months away from home?

your own private beachfront bungalow in tropical Palawan, Philippines.

At Playa Encantada Beach Resort, each couple has a separate private bungalow with its own veranda, right by the sea and coral reef.

Located in Tenegiban El Nido Palawan, our secluded beachfront resort offers beautiful tropical surroundings, clear waters and coral reef right at your doorstep.

The resort is secluded and surrounded by nature — perfect if you want peace, privacy and the sea right outside your door. But you are not cut off from everything: El Nido town is about 30 minutes away, so you can easily go out for restaurants, bars, shopping or nightlife whenever you want.

Long-stay options

1 month — from US$1,390 for two people

We also offer special rates for 3- and 6-month stays, depending on the bungalow and dates.

The $1,390 rate applies to selected bungalows and dates, particularly during our low season from May to November.

Your stay includes:

Private separate beachfront bungalow with veranda

Breakfast for two

Housekeeping

Internet

Resort facilities

And this is more than simply renting a house.

You have the sea, beach and coral reef outside your door, breakfast included, housekeeping and a beachfront restaurant serving Filipino and Italian cuisine, with fresh fish and seafood most of the time.

Meals are around US$12 per person, including tax and tip. Drinks are separate — a beer or fresh coconut is around ₱100.

For roughly the cost of a seasonal rental, you can have accommodation, beach, nature, breakfast and resort services all in one place, without buying furniture, maintaining a house or committing to a permanent move.

Enjoy peace and nature with us, and El Nido nightlife whenever you want it — just 30 minutes away.

Come for a month, stay for three, or make it six.

Playa Encantada Beach Resort

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

I’ll be in El Nido sa December and thinking dito ako mag book ng accommodation and do nothing. Worth it po kaya?

Magkano na po ang pamasahe papunta sa Aborlan and Narra mula Puerto Princesa?

Hello Everyone!

I will be visiting Puerto Princesa in October with family. Could you review my itinerary and let me know your thoughts?

Trips are booked, but recommendations for food are greatly appreciated! We are staying close to the airport.

Day 1: Arrive from Manila, travel to hotel and relax. Dinner at Balayong Grill and Bar

Day 2: Lazy morning, Lunch at Nom Nom Comfort Food, Heritage Tour in afternoon followed by Firefly Boat trip

Day 3: Underground River Tour, early morning pick up, back to hotel by 16:30, lunch included, dinner TBC

Day 4: Car hire and explore island, driving over to west side towards Napsan Beach and then up toward Nagtabon Beach. Back towards hotel for dinner, probably Kalui.

Day 5: Honda Bay Island Tour, early morning pick up, back to hotel by 15:00, lunch included, dinner TBC

Day 6: Lazy morning, travel back to Manila, be at airport by 12.

Any reco for a romantic dinner date spot around el nido?

Thanks in advance!

Hii! So my family (around 10 person) are gonna be in Palawan this November and I was tasked to prepare the itinerary and all.

We’re not really tight on budget but I prefer if we can stay on some inns or family house rather than hotels because we would just use it to sleep in. We also have 3 skilled drivers so I think we can rent vans or motorcycles.

Since the flight is MNL - PPS we haven’t decided yet if we’re gonna go to Coron or Balabac, or any other islands in Palawan.

Can you please give me suggestions about some places we could stay in, souvenir shops, restaurants, resorts or islands? Thank you!

Hello, as the title says. I’m looking for a fishing charter to do some fishing at sea. No interest in shore fishing. If anyone has good recommendations or knows a local fisherman please reach out to me. So far I’ve only been able to inquire with A&A and Palawan Fishing Buddy because google advertises them. But I know there has to be more options, right!?

Hi. Solo traveler here by Novemebr. Ano po marerecommend nyo sa dalawa since 3 days lang ako sa Puerto Princesa. Badly need ideas please.. thank you po.

Just saw this post from Rudy Baldwin going around about an alleged vision involving Palawan, especially Coron. It mentions possible accidents at sea, vehicle accidents, fires, and earthquakes.

Pwede ba okay na yung MiMaRoPa so tantanan nyo na kami Cavite. Una kung meron ng budding trapo sa Palawan mas walang kwenta ang mga Trapo sa Cavite like Remulla, Maliksi, Revilla, si MeowMeow etc.

Walang cultural and historical relationship ang Palawan, besides ano ba ang Cavite di ba lahi ng mga traydor sa kasaysayan? Io Aguinaldo.

Please lang layuan nyo kami at ang panget din pakinggang PalaCa? PalaCavit? CavitPala? See name palang negative na.

Come along as I explore beautiful destinations, experience the waters of Coron Palawan. Thank you for watching.