Published on Mar 21, 2025 5 min read

Beyond the Crowds: The Other Pamalican Island in Busuanga, Philippines

Something is mesmerizing about places untouched by crowds, where nature thrives undisturbed. In the vast archipelago of the Philippines, where travelers chase hidden beaches and unspoiled landscapes, one such paradise remains under the radar—the Other Pamalican Island in Busuanga, Palawan. Unlike its well-known namesake, this island isn't filled with luxury resorts or tourist infrastructure. Instead, it offers something far more precious—raw, untouched beauty.

This hidden island in the Philippines is one you don’t find in travel brochures. Locals speak of it in hushed tones, a secret worth keeping. With its pristine waters, white sandy shores, and absence of commercial tourism, it’s a true haven for solitude seekers and adventurers alike.

What Makes the Other Pamalican Island Special?

Unlike the popular Pamalican Island in Palawan's Cuyo Archipelago, the Other Pamalican Island in Busuanga is largely off the grid. There are no high-rise hotels, beachfront resorts, or people. Instead, visitors get an island that appears to be outside of time, its beauty defined by nature alone.

The shoreline blends powdery white sand with rugged outcrops, meeting crystal-clear turquoise waters. Just offshore, vibrant coral reefs thrive, home to darting fish, sea turtles, and graceful rays. The snorkeling and diving reputation that Busuanga holds here and the marine life flourishing in the untouched waters make this hidden paradise a dream for underwater explorers.

Besides its beautiful beach, the island also boasts dense vegetation, providing shelter under coconut palms and indigenous flora that grow profusely under its tropical conditions. Birds nest in the palm trees, and their chirps shatter the island's quiet stillness. It's a place where you can spend the whole day getting lost without running into another person.

Getting There: The Journey to Seclusion

Reaching the Other Pamalican Island requires some effort, but the journey itself is part of the experience. The most common way to get there is by boat from Busuanga, the main gateway to Northern Palawan. Busuanga Palawan is home to the more developed town of Coron, where most travelers stay before venturing off to hidden gems like this one.

Hiring a boat from Coron or nearby fishing villages is the best way to reach the island. The ride takes about an hour or two, depending on the weather and sea conditions. Along the way, you’ll pass by smaller islands, towering limestone cliffs, and endless stretches of deep blue water. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins swimming alongside your boat.

There are no scheduled tours or package trips to the Other Pamalican Island, which only adds to its charm. You have to seek it out, plan your trip with local boatmen, and be prepared to bring your supplies. It's not the easiest island to visit, but for those who do, the reward is an untouched paradise where nature is the only luxury you need.

What to Do on the Island?

The biggest appeal of the Other Pamalican Island is the chance to experience nature at its purest. There are no pre-planned activities or touristy gimmicks—just the island, the sea, and whatever adventure you choose to create.

For those who love snorkeling, the coral gardens here are worth the trip alone. With Busuanga Palawan being a top diving destination, it's no surprise that the marine life around this hidden island in the Philippines is thriving. Bring your snorkeling gear, and you'll find yourself swimming alongside colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional reef shark.

If you're a fan of kayaking or paddleboarding, the island's calm waters make for a perfect spot. Since there are no rentals available, you'll have to bring your gear, but the experience of gliding across the crystal-clear water, with the island's greenery reflecting in the sea, is well worth it.

For those who prefer to stay on land, the island is a dream for beachcombers and photographers. The changing hues of the sea, the dramatic rock formations, and the pure isolation make it an ideal spot to soak in nature’s beauty. If you arrive early in the morning or stay until sunset, the golden light paints the island in breathtaking colors, creating a scene straight out of a postcard.

Camping is another option, though you’ll need to bring all the essentials. Since there are no establishments on the island, staying overnight means embracing a true off-the-grid experience. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up to the first light of day on a deserted beach is a rare experience that few get to have.

Why Visit Before It Changes?

The Philippines has seen many of its once-secret islands turn into tourist hotspots over the years. What was once a quiet retreat often becomes a bustling destination as soon as word gets out. The Other Pamalican Island remains an exception—for now. But with Palawan’s increasing popularity and travelers constantly searching for new, untouched locations, it may not stay hidden forever.

Visiting now means experiencing the island as it is meant to be: raw, untouched, and entirely free from the distractions of modern tourism. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the world, leave behind the rush of daily life, and be surrounded only by the sounds of nature.

For those who crave real adventure, who don't mind the lack of luxury, and who seek something more than just another beach vacation, the Other Pamalican Island in Busuanga, Palawan, offers something truly special. It is proof that the best places are often the hardest to reach—but also the hardest to forget.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about places untouched by crowds, and the Other Pamalican Island in Busuanga, Palawan, is one of them. Unlike its famous namesake, this hidden island remains unspoiled, offering raw beauty instead of luxury. It’s the kind of place whispered about by local fishermen, a paradise of white sands and pristine waters, far from commercial tourism. If you seek solitude, adventure, and nature in its purest form, this hidden gem in the Philippines is waiting—undisturbed, breathtaking, and perfect for those who crave true escape.