Balabac Palawan Private Expedition 4 Days and 3 Nights
3.5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

Balabac Palawan Private Expedition 4 Days and 3 Nights

By Lagum Adventure Philippines Puerto Princesa Palawan
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Dive into Balabac's pristine archipelago, Palawan's best-kept secret! Experience untouched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and starlit nights. Highlights: Untamed Beauty: From powdery sands to captivating sunsets. Marine Wonderland: Snorkel amidst vibrant coral gardens and marine life. Local Culture: Immerse in the traditions of the indigenous Molbog community. Sustainable Adventure: Limited slots for an eco-friendly, intimate experience. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to nature's untouched wonder. Join the Balabac Expedition now!
Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation

Ages 0-99
Duration: 4 days
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Private Roundtrip Van Transfer PPC-Buliluyan-PPC
  • Round Trip Boat Transfer
  • All Island Entrance Fees including Candaraman Campsite
  • Accommodation (Tents)
  • Tour Insurance
  • Life Vest
  • Local Tour Guide
  • Boat - Onuk to Buliluyan
  • Entry/Admission - Palawan Island
  • Entry/Admission - Palawan Island
  • Entry/Admission - Palawan Island
What's not included
  • Breakfast on Day 1/ Lunch and Dinner on Day 4 (Can eat along the way stop over)
  • Not mention above

Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • ò Please wait at the lobby of the hotel ò We will keep in touch through whatsapp days before the trip
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        • Service animals allowed
        • Near public transportation
        • Infants must sit on laps
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 382029P14

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
        • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
        • Most travelers can participate
        • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
        • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 382029P14

        From
        ₱42,511.93
        per adult (price varies by group size)
        Select date and travelers

        Similar experiences

        Itinerary
        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Lagum Adventure Philippines Puerto Princesa Palawan
          89
          Philippines
          Joined in September 2016
        • H7088HFannac
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Private Tour A at El Nido, amazing!
          We chose a private tour A at El Nido. Even though the tour is quite expensive, the service is great and allows you to go at your own pace. The crew was amazing, supporting us in all activities. Jo, our tour guide, was great!
          Written February 11, 2025
        • 93mariachristinah
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Unforgettable Underground River Tour!
          The Underground River was absolutely stunning! The cave's rock formations were mesmerizing, and the guided tour was both informative and fun. The peaceful boat ride made it even more magical. Everything was well-organized, and the staff were fantastic. A must-see in Palawan! 🛶✨
          Written January 19, 2025
        See all 89 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


        3.5
        3.5 of 5 bubbles89 reviews
        Excellent
        48
        Very good
        3
        Average
        7
        Poor
        9
        Terrible
        22

        These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
        This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

        petrakd
        Ljubljana7 contributions
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2024 • Couples
        We booked the Balabac trip with Lagum. Unfortunately, the weather did not allow us to go and see Balabac which was unfortunate but nothing that Lagum could change. Safety is always the first priority and we have no issues with that. We were disappointed but oh well.

        However, the management and organization of the entire trip were horrible. After booking months in advance we heard absolutely nothing from them until one day before the trip. The whatsapp group was created the morning before the pick up day. We all knew the weather forecast was not the best. A friend who booked with a different company had their trip cancelled days in advance. Us and others in the group asked Lagum about this, and about the plans we only got a short response that the trip is going ahead as planned.
        Many of us travelled for hours (8+) from various places only to be in PP on time for the pick up. We asked Lagum many many times in the chat if they can confirm the trip before we all make the journey. I understand the coastal guard needs to give a clearance however there has to be some sort of cut of time to let people know before they spend hours in transport. How did other companies know in advance??
        Anyhow, they said the trip goes as planned, so we got in the car and drove 8 hours to puerto princessa. By 9pm we had no information on the pick up time, nor anything else. We knew pick up time is around 3am next morning. At 9:30pm they sent a screenshot of a letter issued by the coastguard saying that all trips are cancelled. In the letter is was mentioned that this was based on the weather forecast issued at 5pm. Again, how did other companies know days in advance?
        So, since we had nothing to do in south Palawan, we had to make the 8h journey back north the next morning. We missed the chance to see Balabac..fine. But due to all the time lost we also didn't have the option to do other trips which were our plan B.

        Additionally, with an exception of one inquiry, any other questions I had for then before the trip were not answered. I tried their dutch and philippino numbers. They read my message and ignored it.
        I asked for a refund, the message was ignored.

        And Lagum, before you reply to my review with you long thank you for your feedback, we will grow from it, bla bla bla responses, think about the impact you have on people's experiences. It takes very very little effort to be responsive, kind and helpful. of course you don't have an impact on weather, but you do have an impact on your organization and management.
        Written January 15, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        bessi a
        12 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        First of all you have to take into account that to get to Balabac, there is a considerable transport time. From Puerto Princessa it takes five hours by van to arrive at the port, three hours transfer to the island camp. despite all this, even if one might think that it is discouraging…. This experience is incredible!!
        We were supposed to do this excursion privately and met three French people who had the Recursion delayed due to bad weather. So we decided to share the expedition as a group. … one of our most beautiful holiday memories, the exceptional campsite with breathtaking views and an unusual place!!! REN’Z OUR GUIDE listened to what we preferred or not… I really recommend this expedition to these paradise islands!!!

        Strong points the setting the places fresh, local food varied…
        Negative points distance and time to get there + discomfort, which may bother some people (even if it is part of the experience) + Salty breakfast exclusively…
        Google
        Written December 7, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Hedda B
        7 contributions
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        May 2024 • Solo
        First off, the places u visit is incredible! And it seems like they try to match people that would go good together. The campsite is also good. Was impressed by fans inside the tent (not everyone has it).

        The food is very poor.. With the amount u pay they can do better. And the tourguide is ok, but also not the best in english and should probably work a little on bringing people together and so on. And did u know, he only get paid 500php each day, he should get paid more since u pay 15000php and additional service fee when u pay..

        When that said, i would go again just because of how beautiful the place is! Most beautiful place i’ve ever seen. Just don’t expect any comfort and it will be fine.

        Oh and it’s actually 3days tour, the 4th day is waking up at 05 and transfer to puerta princesa.
        Written May 12, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Alba M
        Premia de Mar, Spain68 contributions
        2.0 of 5 bubbles
        Little organization, they don't explain anything at all, very very little food, we are very hungry EVERY day.

        Furthermore, some days did not comply with the schedule and we did not visit the islands that were theoretically included in the tour without any excuse, since the weather was perfect, such as, for example, on the third day, we were supposed to go to 4 islands and only We went to 2, but they do not refund the entrance fees that they are saving by not taking you to said islands, everything looks very dark.

        On the other hand, we noticed that our guide was wearing a t-shirt that said “Kamp Malaya”, not “Laguum Adventure”, so I understand that Laguum subcontracted to the other company, which seems very bad to me, since the price was more low and I did not want to contract with them because I had read bad opinions.

        Honestly, the places where they take you are very nice, but for example on the first day, they only took us 40 minutes to the first island and about 2 hours to the second, during which we were eating for 1 hour, and at 4:00 p.m. they had already taken us to the campsite, meaning that it practically did not give you time to really enjoy the places you want to see and the reason why you are hiring said tour, which is why I do not feel that my money was well invested, but rather that I feel cheated.

        Furthermore, one day before the start of the tour they asked us for full payment in advance by PayPal (even though we had already paid the deposit when making the reservation), charging us a 5% commission, we asked them if we could pay it in cash directly at the beginning of the tour and they told us no, so we had to pay more than 1,500 pesos in commission alone plus the difference in the exchange rate, which was not exactly good for paying by PayPal (that is, in the end we ended up paying €30-€40 more of what the tour was really worth), and when we were on the first day of the tour there were people who were making the cash payment there directly to the guide... you can't say one thing and then do another, since it looks ugly.
        Google
        Written June 5, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Sarah B
        2 contributions
        2.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2024 • Couples
        I am not usually writing long reviews but as I had expectations and was really excited by this trip, I want to share my honest opinion and disappointment on this expedition. We booked with Lagum Adventures agency, the reviews were mixed now I understand why. Although the destination has recently become a tourist destination, the teams don't give a damn about your comfort or your safety!!

        First, the main issue is there’s no communication!! You never know when and where you are going and the "guides" aren’t giving any explanation or information about the spots. Also, we woke up early but left the camp 1 hour late minimum each day (again without any explanation from the crew) which made us miss some spots
        We didn’t stay much at each destination (around 40min), I’d say that we spent 2/3 of the time on the boat. However, most of the spots were nice especially Onuk Island whose water is breathtaking!!

        Having done other boat tours before in the Philippines, the organisation and safety of this one was catastrophic. We were dropped in the middle of the sea from the speedboat, which we had to jump out of when there was a lot of wind and current. A lot of people had trouble getting back to the boat, but the crew didn't seem any more worried than that and no one was prepared to go into the water to rescue anyone. We all found it really dangerous!

        Regarding the camp, it wasn’t very well maintained and we had no choice but to take tents. It's also worth noting that you're sharing the camp with 40/50 other people and there are only 3 toilets and showers... In addition, the teams don't offer any evening entertainment or even any kind of exchange.

        About the food, it was ok but portions were small, no water on the boat and no snacks

        In conclusion, the experience is truly unique, you have the impression of being alone in the world on these islands, the landscapes are incredible but for the price I advise you to choose another agency, the organisation of this one spoiled a lot of moments.
        Written March 23, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Ninja
        14 contributions
        1.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2024 • Couples
        Apart from the beautiful islands and the nature, which has also suffered in part from tourism, I can't say anything good about this tour. The staff on site were very nice, but there was no sign of English anywhere, let alone a personal, English-speaking guide.
        Of course, food preferences, which are asked about in advance, were not taken into account. The people on site didn't know anything about them. So on several days I had to forgo consecutive meals because I'm not vegetarian. You could fill your stomach with biscuits and chips from the kiosk. As previously reported by others, we only went to 4 out of 10 spots. Also because of the bad weather, which is not predictable in detail, but you could have cancelled as a precaution. We weren't out all day as described, and usually returned to camp at 1 p.m. The boat was in such a bad condition that you couldn't hear yourself. Despite contacting Lagum several times, nothing was done. We took longer than the other boats and had less time at the few moorings. On top of that, the engine was constantly having problems, which cost even more time. We only got a ladder on the third day after asking several times. As a result, we also injured ourselves on corals and the boat when getting in. It was also annoying that clothes and equipment on the boat were smeared with engine oil because the open containers were lying around everywhere. There was no box to stow things in.
        The promised program that you would be looked after by a guide is simply not true. In the morning there was breakfast, then it continued with a let's go. There were no answers to questions about what was planned for the day.
        There are many other things that could be mentioned, but hopefully the topics mentioned are helpful for now. Finally, on the communication, it was simply bad. If there was an answer, it was brief and to the point or they referred us to the camp.
        We were really looking forward to the tour and were a bit disappointed that we couldn't see everything. The organization itself is absolutely unacceptable.
        Google
        Written March 2, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Discover255615
        Fribourg, Switzerland1 contribution
        2.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2023 • Friends
        Photos of you published on social networks without any prior consent! Extremely poor communication and exorbitant price compared to the local cost of living.

        The agency responds very quickly until you have confirmed your reservation and paid the deposit, then the situation deteriorates until it no longer has an answer to your questions in the last days before departure. They send you questions but don't answer yours...

        The excursion is supposed to last 3 days but what actually awaits you is:
        - day 1 travel all day to arrive at camp
        - day 2 visit to 1 island and 2 sandbanks
        - day 3 departure from the camp at 5 a.m. and arrival in Puerto Princessa and end of the package at noon.

        We sell you paradise islands but half of them are actually covered in plastic waste! Sad !

        The guide during the cruise does not give any information or explanations. They drop you off on the island saying we're leaving in so long. When we ask questions he seems to be at a loss and his response is always “I have to ask my manager” but ultimately never gives an answer or only if we ask again 3 times…

        Water is supposed to be included in the package but in reality don't expect to have more than a glass of water (hot because stored in a plastic tank in full sun) per meal.

        You are being mistaken for marketing. At each stop and each meal you are photographed with the operator's flag and the photo is then published on all social networks without even warning us!!!

        You will have understood, an experience not to be recommended to anyone! Not even his worst enemy!!!
        Google
        Written November 8, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Discover255615, We're truly sorry to read about your disappointing experience. It seems there may have been a mix-up, as the details mentioned don't align with our usual practices. Regardless, it's clear that your trip fell short of expectations, which is always concerning to hear. If this review was intended for another agency, we understand the frustration in needing to find the right platform to voice your concerns. If it was indeed our agency, we deeply apologize and would like to learn more to rectify the situation. Either way, your feedback is a valuable reminder of the importance of clear communication and quality service in the travel industry. Best regards, Lagum Adventure Philippines Customer Service Team
        Written November 9, 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Dimitry S
        Collingwood, Canada18 contributions
        2.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2024 • Family
        Tour was poorly organized. Lack of communication with the agency. Travel from Puerto Princessa to Buliluyan Port takes 5 hours. Very unsafe drivers. On the way back the van stopped at “gas station”, a small house where the sell gasoline in plastic bottles. Passengers in the car, engine is working, they fill gas and smoke! Boats that transport you from Buliluyan Port to the camp are seriously overloaded and unsafe. Food - rice 3 times a day. The campsite is nice. It doesn’t feel remote adventure. There are lots of tents and groups. It isn’t a backcountry adventure trip. Islands are nice. Coron and El Nido are much nicer. And provide more variety. There are no corals. Swimming with sea turtles was fun.
        Written May 15, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Paolo B
        Varese, Italy14 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2024 • Solo
        Amazing trip!! I would have given 5 stars for the experience in the Island and the boat tour. Disappointed by the disorganization of the transportation: waited long time at the harbour and the travellers have been dropped back in town in a single place, in some cases very far from the original accommodation. The customer pays the service to be picked up at the hotel and be dropped at the same once back, unless he specifically request another spot.
        Written April 1, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        tommy44420
        Piriac-sur-Mer, France21 contributions
        1.0 of 5 bubbles
        Tour to avoid by any means. the only good thing about the expedition was balabac. The rest was a disaster, the person who is supposed to be the guide does not fulfil his role, he doesn’t say anything or explain anything but simply sleeps on the boat. He Whistles at you to tell you to come for food but if by any chance you don’t hear it then you don’t get food as there isn’t enough food for everyone and anyway the food is more than disgusting, just rice with some meat for 4 days… even for breakfast. You don’t get vegetables if you’re not vegan or vegetarian so if you care about your nutrition … not the tour for you. No other drinks served apart from warm water. Coffee and tea would be nice to offer at lunch time as caffeine is required on the day trips! We asked to dispose plastic rubbish we collected from the beaches and were told by staff to leave it there as they don’t want to dispose of it! So yes beaches beautiful but squint to avoid the sight of plastic. The transport organisation is a disaster too. You’re waiting a long time between arriving by boat at the port and then waiting for the shuttle. There is no representative at the port waiting for you. We had to wait over an hour for a van to arrive of which we weren’t sure would even come. No wifi or service to have called the group organiser via WhatsApp either… so yes beautiful beaches and water, absolutely amazing islands. But choose another tour group to go through we’d say…
        Written May 2, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Showing results 1-10 of 89
        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Balabac Palawan Private Expedition 4 Days and 3 Nights provided by Lagum Adventure Philippines Puerto Princesa Palawan

        All Puerto Princesa HotelsPuerto Princesa Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Puerto Princesa
        All things to do in Puerto Princesa
        Amusement Parks in Puerto Princesa
        RestaurantsFlightsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars