Many people dream of visiting Balabac, a remote paradise in Palawan, Philippines. If it weren't for my friend Ana, I wouldn't know that such a beautiful place exists in our country! From the photos, it looks like a less crowded version of Boracay. However, the actual group of islands we visited were a hundred times better than any beach I have visited!
We know that gorgeous destinations will most likely come with a big budget requirement. I knew that, as a financial advisor who travels mindfully, I would try my best not to go over budget. Thanks to my buddy Ana, who booked everything (I just had to pay!), I was able to save enough money for this trip.
Join me as I share six money-saving tips from my own journey and explore the must-visit destinations in this captivating corner of the Philippines.
6 Tips to Know to Save Money for a Trip to Balabac
1. Embrace “Joiners” Tours
One of the first decisions made to save money was to join a group tour. What is a "joiner's tour"? This is an organized trip headed by a travel agency where costs are shared among fellow travelers. Through this, we were able to significantly reduce expenses on boat rentals, accommodation, and transportation.
Joiner tours often offer competitive rates and provide the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, enhancing the overall travel experience while keeping costs down. I enjoyed the trip, even if I am an introvert! We were lucky that the group we joined was also very chill and welcoming!
2. Utilize Installment Savings for Trips
Saving for a trip to Balabac required careful financial planning. I did not use a credit card for this travel fund, but thankfully, the organizer offered tiered payment schemes that divided our payments into 3 to 4 installments.
I opted to utilize installment savings to be on time with the payments. I set aside a portion of my income regularly until I reached my target amount. You can look for organizers that offer installment options.
3. Keep Pasalubong simple:
While exploring Balabac, I resisted the temptation to splurge on souvenirs. There was a shop next to where we ate that sold Malaysian goodies. Instead, I opted for modest pasalubong items such as Malaysian noodles and chocolate, as well as refrigerator magnets. I stayed within my budget without sacrificing the tradition of "pasalubong.”.
4. Avoid Tourist-Trap Food Establishments:
Eating out can quickly drain your travel budget, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Throughout my journey in Balabac (and Palawan as a whole), I made a conscious effort to avoid tourist-trap food establishments and instead sought out local eateries favored by residents. Good thing our organizer booked local kitchens to serve our meals. I am not sure how much a la carte meals were in Balabac, as all meals were included in our package as well.
But let me put this out as well: you can still go to touristy restaurants as long as it won’t hurt your budget!
5. Bring just enough clothes to avoid over baggage
Packing light was essential for both convenience and cost-saving purposes. I carefully curated my clothing selection, bringing only the essentials to avoid excess baggage fees.
Tip: When going on a beach trip, make sure to air out your wet bikinis and clothes so they won’t be so heavy when you pack them later.
Balabac's tropical climate made it easy to pack light. By traveling with just enough clothes, I maximized space in my backpack (plus one beach tote) and minimized unnecessary expenses.
6. Secure Active Insurance Coverage:
For my journey to Balabac, keeping my insurance in force was non-negotiable. As a financial advisor, I advocate for protecting yourself and your wealth in worst-case scenarios (even if you are away from home). Having active insurance can give us peace of mind in situations like being hospitalized for a long time.
Where to go in Balabac, Palawan? Balabac Itinerary Sample
Now that we've talked about ways to save money, let's list the beautiful spots in the area! Here's an overview of where we went in the picture-perfect Balabac Islands:
If your organizer sent you an itinerary, the weather and tides may not always allow you to follow it exactly.
Day 0 and Day 1: Puerto Princesa to Buliluyan Port
We took a red-eye flight from the capital to Puerto Princesa. We were one of the first to arrive at our meet-up spot at a fast-food joint.
Then we traveled by van to Buliluyan Port, the gateway to Balabac. We registered at the tourism desk there and had breakfast at a nearby karinderya.
We transferred by boat to the Balabac Islands.
From our jump-off, we did not go straight to Balabac Town. We went to three islands.
The islands were: Canimeran Island, Tangkahan Island, Patawan Island, and then Balabac Town Proper, where we spent the night. Our lodging here is a dorm-type house with many rooms.
Day 2: Onuk Island, Candaraman Sandbar (Starfish Island)
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Onuk Island. This is like the Maldives of the Philippines. The water was beautiful and cool. There weren’t many people when we visited, so it was perfect! We had our lunch here, too!
We also got to relax and unwind at Candaraman Sandbar, also known as Starfish Island. The tide was kind of high when we went there, so it was a struggle going up the boat.
Day 3: Punta Sebaring, Mansalangan, and Kanibongan
Despite the rainy weather, we ventured to Punta Sebaring, Mansalangan, and Kanibongan to experience Balabac's natural wonders. Honestly, we did not spend so much time on these islands and sand bars, as the gloomy weather made it a little hassle for us to embark and disembark from the boat.
We enjoyed the various islands with the boat anchored nearby. Due to the chances of rain, I just swam near the boat.
Good thing the weather brightened up by late afternoon. We were able to settle on Candaraman Island for our overnight stay. We stayed in a bahay-kubo while some of our fellow joiners chose to stay in tents.
Day 4: Roadside Views en route to Puerto Princesa
We went back to Buliluyan Port the next morning and set our gears towards Puerto Princesa. We encountered a minor setback as one of our vans experienced trouble. But as big photo lovers, we could not resist the urge to take pictures from this road!
Take in the scenic views of trees lining the road from Brooke's Point to Puerto Princesa.
How much is a trip to Balabac?
This is the part that I like best: the breakdown of the budget for the 4D-3N trip we had:
Total Budget: PHP 18,400
All-inclusive 4D-3N package: PHP 17,300
This package covered airfare, van transfers, meals, and accommodation for the duration of the trip.
Pasalubong/Trinkets: PHP 600
Tips for guides, tricycle rides, and other miscellaneous expenses: PHP 500
Exploring Balabac on a budget is not only achievable but also immensely rewarding. By implementing smart money-saving strategies and prioritizing experiences over expenses, I was able to make the most of my journey through Palawan's last frontier.
I thank my friend Ana for taking me to a place I have never heard of but now truly love! From joining group tours and utilizing installment savings to embracing the Philippine sun, every decision contributed to an unforgettable adventure that didn't break the bank.
As a traveling financial advisor, I encourage fellow travelers to approach their adventures with financial mindfulness.
I'm seeking my next travel buddy! If you want to travel, make money while traveling the world, and advocate for financial wellness, look no further—our team has a job opening!
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