“Is it possible to stop at Onok Island?”  That was my major concern when I first contacted Kuya Fidel to inquire of his services for a Balabac island hopping tour.  After he gave me a positive answer, it was a done deal, no fuss whatsoever.  I even told Kuya Fidel that if my tour mates would not consider visiting the island, I would be willing to pay the price for a solo tour to the island.  But I did not have to do that because they have decided to go too and it saved me from spending too much. Thank you guys!  😊

Onok Island is privately owned and before anyone gets to visit it, one MUST get permission first from its owner(s) who happened to be the family of the former Mayor of Balabac.  Mind you, not all who contacted them were lucky enough to get a YES.  I know it first hand because I tried to communicate with the person in-charge of island visits according to all the guides that I have read, and I never got a response. It was so frustrating since I was very eager to visit it, but I guess they have all the right to do that because they own the freaking island.

Be that as it may, I did not lose hope that I will get to land my feet on one of the most sought-after islands (if not the most) in Balabac and that was when I decided to join a tour with Kuya Fidel.  Based on his previous tours, they were able to visit the island most of the time and that was a good sign.

Fast forward to our island hopping tour in Balabac…

The waves became more intense so instead of getting on the smaller and faster boat that we used to get to the reef, we had to board Queen Helen once more even though she was slow just to be on the safe side.  The moment we sailed out of Nasubata Island, the silhouette of this tiny paradise was already in sight from the horizon.  As we inch in closer and closer, all of us on the boat were on our feet with big smiles on our faces.

After we crossed the threshold of the ring-shaped atoll, the water became shallower and the corals were more visible.  The fierce swells that used to rock our boat suddenly faded away as if a wall blocked it from rolling further in to the reef. Our eyes began to feast at the vast, unruffled, glittering and super clear aquamarine waters encompassing the teensy-weensy island.  Exclamations and praises echoed as we cruise steadily towards the beach.  It was then followed by a wave of camera shots that were fired from different angles and various devices.  The sightings of pawikans (sea turtles) moving underwater made it even crazier aboard Queen Helen. It was such a wonderful welcome.

The mandatory picture taking at the bow of the boat

and another one…

Finally!

We immediately disembarked and ran off to the island’s different spots to get some more snapshots.  Just like in Punta Sebaring (but without the niknik or sandflies), the sand felt so soft under my feet and it was blinding white.  Although it was not as fine as the former, it really did not matter because it was just perfect as it was.  Again, we sighted a few pawikans close to the shore but it swam away very fast when someone from our group tried to get close to it. There are instances wherein these pawikans can be fully seen out of the water and peacefully resting on the sandy beach.

The wooden cottages on stilts served as an extension of the island.  There were three cottages constructed directly above the water.  A footpath made of wooden planks connect it all together.  One of the cottages is where the rooms are for those who want to spend a night or a few days on the island.  The other two cottages are for the kitchen and the mess hall.  It also has a roofed observation deck, more of like a lobby or a receiving area with a hammock perfect for spending that afternoon siesta.

Around the island in 15 minutes (or less)

While the rest of the group were modeling on the boardwalk, I asked our boat’s captain if I can go around the island and he said, “Yes, of course” and he even volunteered to join me on my walk.

The center of the island was filled with coconut trees just like the other islands in Balabac.  I noticed that they have built a concrete barricade along the shore.  I guess that it was to prevent the sand from being eaten away by the gentle waves.

The captain said that it was surprisingly spared from devastation when Typhoon Vinta hit Balabac.  Considering that it is situated out in the open sea, it was basically left unharmed with only a few of the trees taken down and a small portion of the concrete barrier destroyed.

Right around the bend going back to the cottages, we met four foreign guests chilling out under the shade of coconut trees.  A couple of them were sleeping, the other one was reading a book and the other had his headphones on staring blankly at the horizon.  Wow! What a way to unwind.

We greeted and welcomed them then we headed our way back to the mess hall.  My leisurely walk with the captain ended in about fifteen minutes or even less.  With just the sound of the gentle waves crashing to the beach and the soothing breeze blowing on my face, with no crowd, no noise and no pollution, it was one of the most scenic and calming walks that I have done.

Lunch Time!

We came back to the mess hall just in time for lunch and it was prepared by no less than the owner of the island himself, Sir Toto, who happened to be a good cook too.

We feasted on humongous crabs with grilled fish, deep fried fish and some fresh fruits.  Yummy!  I mentioned on my previous post that I am not a big fan of fish but this trip was an exception.  What was served to us was so fresh and sweet; it does not have that fishy taste that usually puts me off.

We were almost finished eating when the foreign guests arrived at the hall.  We still have not touched some of the giant crabs so we shared it with them along with the fresh watermelons and they were delighted.

I just wish that they could have a proper hand wash station at the mess hall or they can relocate it so that the soiled water would not go directly to the sea.

The Price of Paradise that is Onok Island

Prior to March 2017, no entrance fees were collected from anyone who was given permission to visit the island.  Today, a day trip will cost as much as 1,300 pesos ($26 USD per person) and 3,000 pesos to 5,000 pesos ($60 – $100 USD per person) for an overnight stay.  This is on top of the island hopping fee that the tour operators charge.  There are not too many activities to do on the island, but if their guests would want to go on hopping to the nearby islands and sandbars, they would have to pay for the speedboat’s fuel.

Fortunately, for us, with the right timing and attitude, we were able to get a discounted rate for our day trip.  Instead of paying 1,300 pesos, we only paid 1,000 pesos ($20 USD) each.  Thanks to Kuya Fidel for negotiating a deal with Sir Toto on our behalf.

Is it Worth the Visit? 

Save the best for last, that’s what they say and that’s what we did.  Speaking for myself, the highlight of our Balabac Island hopping tour was definitely Onok Island.  It was just incredible how an island so small with barely anything that you hold dear can be so perfect.  The amenities were very basic, it was very far and hard to reach and there was nothing much to do aside from enjoying the sun, sand, sky, crystal clear turquoise waters on an uncrowded beach.  From what I’ve seen and read before going to this trip, I was actually expecting a lot from this place and without doubt it lived up to my expectations and more.

However, what works for me might not work for you.  I can only try to influence you by sharing what I have experienced but you are the only one who can answer the question if it is worth the visit.  At the end of the day, we all have our own preferences and for me, it was worth it.

A Realized Vision

The island is a true tropical paradise; it is an island so raw with the waters so clear and a laidback vibe. I see clearly now why it is one of the most sought after islands in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines. Onok Island was formerly known as Roughton Island, it gained popularity after Filipino master photographer George Tapan won the National Geographic Photo Contest in 2011. The vision was to showcase the real beauty of the Philippines through the beaches of Palawan other than El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa.  With the attention that Onok Island and the rest of the islands in Balabac have been receiving now, I am certain that his vision was realized.

Fidel Villajos, Balabac Island Tour Guide
Contact Information
+63 999 561 4998
+63 918 257 1499
+63 995 933 3321
Kuya Fidel Facebook
Balabac Expedition by Fidel Facebook Page
  
Reminders:

• Bring enough cash, there are no ATMs in Balabac
• Waterproof your things
• Be a responsible traveler. Respect the places that you will visit. Leave no trace.

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