Onuk Island

                  It has been a trend nowadays that people save money to travel. And if you are one of those people who are not yet sure where to go to, you may want to try to go to Onuk Island, it is located in the island municipality of Balabac. 

               This island will surely make your jaw drop because of its beautiful sand bars and clear sky blue water.  And if you are lucky enough, you may spot a marine turtle around. It is indeed a sight to behold. According to sources, more and more tourists are now going to Onuk.

                   Back in 2011, a Filipino photographer's "Into the Green Zone" won the National Geographic contest. Said photo was taken in Onuk Island.

How to get there?

1. Go to the terminal in New Market in Bgy. San Jose. Once you reach the terminal, ride a shuttle van that travels to Rio Tuba, Bataraza (I suggest that you take the first trip, which is 4:00 AM). The travel time is 4-5 hours because it will also stop at one point so that the passengers may eat, and the fare is P350.00.

2. When you arrive at Rio Tuba terminal, ride a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to the port going to Balabac. This is more or less 5-10 minute travel. The fare is P10.00 each.

3. Upon arrival at the port, ask where is the passenger boat that will  travel to Balabac. The boatman will ask you to write your name in the manifesto. Travel time is 4-5 hours and the fare is P350.00 as well.

           There is only one passenger boat that travels to Balabac in a day, it usually leaves at 10:00-11:00 in the morning. But if the boat is already full, it will already leave even if it is only 9:00, that is the reason I suggested that you take the first trip, so that you will arrive early.

            You will arrive in Balabac around 3:00-5:00 PM. You can no longer go to Onuk Island as it is already late, so you may want to spend the night in mainland Balabac.  There are several lodging houses that provide accommodation to tourists. And go to Onuk the next day.

4. From mainland Balabac, Onuk Island is a 30-minute travel by boat.

            There is no passenger boat that travels to Onuk, so when going there you must hire one. There are some locals who rents their boats to tourist (the rent varies as to the capacity, from what I know, there is one for P2500 for 8 pax ). Also, before you can go to Onuk, you must secure permission from the mayor, as their family owns it. 

Other places that you may visit while in Balabac.

1. Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church

             

               The church is located in the mainland of Balabac.

2. Lighthouse in Cape Melville

Photo not mine. Taken from http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7662/1454/1600/Cabo-Melville-1.jpg

    If you have a sense of history, you should visit this one. It was built in 1982 and considered as one of the oldest lighthouses. The lighthouse is located in Melville, which is an hour motorcycle ride from the mainland. The fare is P250.00 per pax (from what I know).

     These are all from what I know as a local. If you have questions, just comment. Ciao. :))