I Heart Travels

Balabac 2024 - Day 5: Sun, Sand, and Seaside Bliss   Date: 04/16/2024   Greetings, fellow adventurers! Day 5 of our Balabac expedition beckoned us with promises of sun-kissed adventures and tranquil seaside bliss. With anticipation in the air, we started our day with an early breakfast on Sicsican Island, fueling up for the exciting journey ahead.   Our Island Tour began with a visit to the breathtaking Mansalangan Sandbar. Upon arrival, we were greeted by an expanse of pristine white sand that stretched into the shimmering turquoise horizon. With each step, a sense of serenity washed over us, allowing us to appreciate the untouched beauty of this natural paradise.   After immersing ourselves in the enchanting Mansalangan Sandbar, we continued our exploration, making our way to Punta Sebaring for a delightful lunch. Nourished by a delicious meal, we marveled at the picturesque coastal landscapes surrounding us.   To fully embrace Balabac's vibrant marine life, we dived into the cry

Onuk Island: Unlocking the Beauty of a Hidden Paradise   Onuk Island, a gem tucked away in the stunning province of Palawan, first captured my attention through an award-winning photograph by George Tapan featured in National Geographic. The image left me longing to set foot on this remarkable island, immersing myself in its beauty. Little did I know that my visit to Onuk Island would surpass all expectations and leave an indelible mark on my soul.   Having explored numerous beaches in the Philippines, I arrived at Onuk Island with a sense of anticipation mixed with a touch of weariness from nearly two days of island hopping. Expecting just another slice of sea, sand, and sky, I couldn't have been more mistaken. Time seemed to stand still as I tread upon the powdery white sands, and minute by minute, an inexplicable feeling washed over me—an unparalleled connection to a world beyond reality.   Describing the beauty of Onuk Island proves challenging, as it possesses a unique essence

Balabac 2024 - Day 4: Beach Bliss and Island Exploration   Date: 04/15/2024   Good morning, fellow adventurers! Day 4 of our Balabac expedition greeted us with excitement and the soothing promise of beach bliss. With the sun shining brightly, we started the day with an early breakfast at 7 am in Sicsican Island, savoring the tantalizing flavors that awaited us.   Our Island Tour kicked off in stunning fashion as we set sail for the mesmerizing Candaraman Starfish Island. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand welcomed us as we dipped our toes into paradise. The sight of vibrant starfish scattered along the shoreline was a true marvel of nature.   Continuing our island exploration, we made our way to the pristine and untouched Onuk Island. The untouched beauty captivated us as we wandered along the shore, marveling at the untouched beauty that surrounded us. As midday approached, we indulged in a delicious lunch, savoring the flavors while relishing the peaceful surro

Balabac Palawan 2024 - Day 3: Island Hopping Adventure Begins!   Date: 04/14/2024   Rise and shine, fellow adventurers! Day 3 of our Balabac Palawan expedition was set to be a day of island hopping bliss, and we started it with an early wake-up call at 2 am. Despite the early hour, our excitement propelled us as we prepared for what lay ahead.   At 2:30 am, we eagerly awaited the arrival of the VAN service that would escort us to Buliluyan Port in Balabac. The journey was filled with anticipation as we discussed the adventures to come.   Arriving at Narra canteen, we indulged in a super early breakfast, fueling ourselves for the day's adventures. Energized and ready to go, we reached Buliluyan Port around 7 am, where we registered at the tourism office and eagerly awaited the passenger boat that would transport us to Balabac.   After boarding the passenger boat, the excitement heightened as we transferred to a tourist boat amidst the vast ocean. The gentle sea breeze and the tranqu

Balabac 2024 Day 2: Exploring History, Culinary Delights, and Retail Therapy   Date: 04/13/2024   Welcome back, fellow adventurers! Day 2 of our Balabac journey was filled with excitement as we immersed ourselves in the rich history, indulged in delicious treats, and enjoyed a bit of retail therapy. Join me as we relive the highlights of this incredible day!   Plaza Cartel We kicked off our morning with a mouthwatering BangSiLog breakfast at Caloy, a local eatery known for its delectable Filipino dishes. Energized and ready to explore, we embarked on a city tour, starting with a visit to the magnificent Palawan Church. The awe-inspiring architecture and serene atmosphere made it a perfect place for quiet reflection.   Next on our itinerary was Plaza Cuartel, a historically significant site that holds stories of wartime resilience. As we walked through the plaza, we couldn't help but acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of those who came before us.   Our journey continued with a vi