Onuk Island in Balabac, Palawan
Guides and Itineraries,  Philippines

Onuk Island: One of the most beautiful islands in Palawan

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You know, I’d been to a lot of islands in the Philippines and still nothing quite compares to Onuk Island in Balabac, Palawan. It’s out of this world. If you’re island hopping in Balabac, this is the one place you shouldn’t miss.

Onuk Island (also spelled as Onok Island) is a privately owned island in Balabac, about an hour away from the mainland. It was originally featured in the winning photo of George Tapan for the National Geographic Channel. Today, it’s one of the highlights when visiting Balabac.

P.S. Don’t forget to read our Travel Guide to Balabac and Island Hopping Guide to Balabac.

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My experience in Onuk Island

I first went to Balabac in 2016 with my boyfriend and a few other companions. During that time, Onuk Island still wasn’t open to the public and tourists could only visit after getting a permission from the owner (at that time, it was Mayor Shuaib). Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to visit. We even extended our stay for another day (in risk of missing our return flight to Manila) but was again denied.

I always knew that I’d go back here.

This 2019, I went on a tour with Gala PH. The itinerary includes a 3-day stay in Balabac including an overnight trip to Onuk Island. To say that I was excited is an understatement.

We arrived in Onuk Island at about 2PM in the afternoon, when it was low tide. Our boats couldn’t dock in the island so we had to transfer to a smaller boat. Even then, it was difficult for the boat to go through so, at one point, several of us had to go down and help push the boat.

Boat approaching Onuk Island, Balabac
Approaching Onuk Island.

From our position, we could already see the crystal-clear water surrounding Onuk Island. One of the tour coordinators said it was like a giant swimming pool.

Onuk Island/Onok Island in Balabac, Palawan
Onuk Island.

We finally arrived in the island. There were roofed structures on stilts and a camping ground on the forested area on the left. As it was low tide, the surrounding area was still a sandy beach.

Onuk Island/Onok Island in Balabac, Palawan
Walkway in Onuk Island.
Onuk Island/Onok Island in Balabac, Palawan
Kat in Onuk Island, Balabac

Later that day, everything would be filled with water. I love this detail, I love that during high tide you can come down the stairs directly to the sea.

Onuk Island during high tide
Onuk Island during high tide.

There are a few things you can do in the island: take a nap in a hammock, swim, snorkel.

Beach in Onuk Island
Beach in Onuk Island.
Beach in Onuk Island
Beach in Onuk Island, Balabac
Me enjoying the water.

We’d already snorkeled in the nearby reef called Roughton Reef, so we snorkeled right in front of the island next. There were few patches of corals and seaweeds where you can see fishes and giant clams.

Snorkeling in Roughton Reef
Corals in Roughton Reef.
Snorkeling in Onuk Island
Corals in Onuk Island.
Giant clam in Onuk Island
Giant clam in Onuk Island.

As the night came, we walked around the island and saw blue bioluminescent planktons in the sand. I’d already seen glowing planktons on my trip to Malalison Island and Isabela, but it was my first time to see blue ones in the sand. It was an amazing experience.

There are also sea turtles in Onuk Island, but you can only see them during high tide which is usually in the morning. The sea turtles come to feed on the sea grass. I was told the sea turtles are elusive to humans and it’s difficult to swim after them. However, during high tide, you can simply stay at the deck and wait for their heads to come up for water.

At night, we had a dinner of fish and crabs. Then everyone went to sleep in hammocks or tents. I didn’t bring anything, so I simply slept in the open cottage. Thankfully, it was windy so it was easy to sleep. I even had to use my cover since the temperature dropped in the early morning.

Onuk Island at night
At night.

We woke up early the next morning to see the sunrise. I would’ve wanted to stay here a little bit longer, but we had other islands to see so we packed up and went shortly after. Nonetheless, our quick overnight trip to Onuk Island is one of the best highlights of my trip in Balabac.

How to get to Onuk Island

Onuk Island in Balabac, Palawan
Drone shot of Onuk Island.

For detailed information on how to get to Balabac, read our Complete Guide to Balabac.

You can visit Onuk Island as part of the island hopping tour. In our experience, there are times when visitors are not allowed and sometimes the island is open to guests but only for a day visit (instead of overnight stay). Make sure to confirm this with your local guide ahead of booking your tour.

The island is surrounded by coral walls. It’s beset to get here before low tide so the boat can dock on the shores. Otherwise, you will need to take a long walk or transfer to a smaller boat to reach it.

Facilities

There are limited rooms in Onuk Island where you can stay overnight. You can also set up a hammock in the cottages or pitch a tent in the camping ground.

There is a common CR in the camping ground.

If you want a proper room, you can stay in mainland Balabac (1 hour away) where you can find casual resorts and inns.

Things to do in Onuk Island

Here are the things you can do in Onuk Island.

  • Beach bum. Relax in a hammock in the cottages while looking at the blue ocean. Nothing beats this experience.
  • Snorkel. There’s a snorkeling area in front of the island where you can see fishes and giant clams. You can also go to the nearby Roughton Reef. During high tide, you can also see sea turtles around the island. Make sure to bring your own snorkel and fins.
  • Watch out for bioluminescent planktons. You can see then among the sand at night.
  • Witness the Milky Way. As Onuk Island is a bit far from main towns, the Milky Way is visible here at night.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood. Seafood is aplenty and cheap in Balabac! If you’re on a packaged tour, these will likely be included in your meals.
Spicy crabs in Balabac, Palawan
Crabs in spicy coconut milk.

Things to know before you go

  • Onuk Island is a jaw-dropping destination in southern Palawan. It’s ideal for backpackers and nature lovers. If you’re used to hotel/resort comforts or can’t live without the internet, this isn’t for you.
  • There is no store in the island. Bring everything that you need when you visit.
  • There is electricity from 6PM to 6AM only. During this time, you can charge your gadgets and cameras.
  • There is limited freshwater stock for washing up. If there are rains prior to your visit, the water tanks may be full.
  • There is weak mobile signal in the island.

Book your tour to Onuk Island

I went on a packaged tour to Balabac via Gala PH. Gala PH offers joiner tours (scheduled dates) or exclusive tours (min 10 pax) to Balabac, Palawan.

Contact: Gala PH – Facebook

Has this feature on Onuk Island in Balabac, Palawan been helpful to you? If you have any comments or questions, let us know in the comment section below!

What to read next:

Visiting Palawan? Check out the rest of our guides in Palawan:

Puerto Princesa:

Coron:

El Nido:

Balabac:

Port Barton:

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3 Comments

  • Tres

    Thanks for your very informative and jaw-dropping blog about Balabac.

    I just have a question though —

    Is their a way for a solo traveller to go to the island without spending too much on a boat? Or is their any regular island hopping tour in Balabac where a solo traveller can join?

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