Travel Guide to Balet Island, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat @tourismPHL
Get ready to fall in love to one of the remarkable islands in the southern coast of Mindanao, Philippines. This beautiful island lies at the mouth of the Donaong River in Barangay Paril, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. It is the largest of the six stunning islets in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. Maguindanaons are the first inhabitants of this island, popularly known as Balot/Balut/Donaoang Island, Balet Island originated from Maguindanaon word “Balet’ which means an “island”.
Balet Island is a pristine and enchanting island renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. It has an incredible sanctuary with abounding wealth of the sea – turtles, clown fish, sea cucumbers, clams, and seashells. If you’re lucky enough you’ll catch a sight of blue whales and dolphins. These must be really on the where-to-go-list! Additionally, the exotic species of birds, plants, ivory white sand, super crystal clear water, and picturesque rock formations are truly the gems of this alluring island.
Its protected coral reef is an unbelievable grandeur which is considered as one of the best reef diving/snorkeling/kayaking sites in the Philippines. Out of 3,250 living species of Philippines Flora and Fauna, there are 32 species of Stony Corals found in Balet Island. Accordingly, only 2 stations were established during the study, on which it simply implies that there are more species thrived in the island.
The island is ideal for campers and backpackers, since most of the tourists here pitch their tents instead of renting lodges which are not yet available. No electricity, so it is a great opportunity to catch a better sight of the galaxies at night aside from witnessing the perfect golden sunset.
Touted as the sleeping crocodile of the Philippines, Balet Island is now ready to take its spot as one of the tourist destinations of our country!
How to get there:
Via plane – No flights available going to Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. The most convenient way to go from Manila is via Davao City, Cotabato City, or General Santos City.- Via Van – From Davao City (Bankerohan/SM Ecoland Terminal – P700); From Cotabato City (Tamontaka Terminal – P350);
- Via Bus – From General Santos City to Tacurong City, then from Tacurong City take a van heading to Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat – P350.
- Via Yatch – From Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat to Balet Island – P100 per head
- Via Pumpboat – From Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat to Balet Island – P1,500 (Max. 10 – 15 people)
- Travel Time from Davao City to Kalamansig – 7 Hours; Cotabato City/Tacurong City to Kalamansig – 3 Hours; Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat to Balet Island – 20 Minutes.
- No Entrance Fee
About the Writer
Red Sandayan – I started traveling on February 2015. I have been to 53 cities in 18 countries on 3 continents in a year. I am a solo traveler and usually love to customize my travels so as I could spent most of my time to my best and chosen countries. There is a famous Chinese saying that goes: “Walking 10,000 miles is more valuable than reading 10,000 books…” Indeed, I have gained a lot – living with people from other countries, being immersed in their cultures and customs, learning about their history and seeing life from their perspective. Traveling has widened my view of precious life, thus honed me to become open-minded and more appreciative in all aspects/beauty of life.
You are welcome to visit www.instagram.com/red_alegre , for my travel photos and updates.
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Hello. We are planning to go there this last week of October. Is the area around Balet Island a Marine Protected Sanctuary? We are going to try fishing there (Catch and Release) with my buddy.
Thank you for this detailed trip to kalamansig, exactly what im looking for. Planning to visit gensan, lake cebu, kalamansig. Still saving for the budget…
Transportations, fares, travel time- complete❤…
For sure, its safe to explore the whole place ?
thank you so much for all your beautiful comments. safety is never an issue in this secluded island. you may visit sandayan beach club, balot island, KSK facebook page for more photos and details of the location.
Whoah, 7 hours trip is a no joke! but if this is what we get out from traveling, well, I’d surely risk. Seeing the beautiful island of kamansig sultan kudarat, thought it’s new to me, I bet it is something worth it to visit indeed. Good thing you guys added the guide on how to go there. At least, for those who are trying to visit the place can definitely make their way there.
What a heavily place on earth! I wish I could be there for just a weekend. Time to reload my battery from the moving. Been doing so much at home; paining and decoration. This would be perfect to escape the Swedish snow and cold also. Although I love the winter and different seasons, the summer is still the best on a beach like that!
I would really like to visit Balet Island, it looks like a paradise for diving or snorkeling. I love all the underwater corals through which “Nemo” fish are hiding. The water is also so clear! It’s amazing that there is no electricity on the island, you can really connect with the nature and appreciate it better.
Im from Mindanao but haven’t been to Sultan Kudarat. Looking at this blog, it looks like a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. I like beaches which are not so crowded and Balet isalnd looks very peaceful. Do you recommend visiting the place amidst the news?
I’ve read a blog about Sultan Kudarat this past month. Honestly, I have no idea how beautiful the place is and you’re adding a new lovely island on the list. The place looks so virgin which is expected because it’s not really on the spotlight now. I know there are a lot of good places in Mindanao but I’ve always been scared to go.
Same here Bea, the willingness is there. But lack of proper information causes us to think twice. Only after we have done due diligence, safety comes first.
Balet Island looks worth visiting! I’ll ask an obvious question though when it comes to destinations in Mindanao… is it safe? I don’t know much about Sultan Kudarat and have only been to a few places in Mindanao, considering the safety and accessibility of its attractions but will gladly go there if these are not issues.
Amazing how you captured this place beautifully. I was wondering how you did the photos? They are so colorful! This island is very enchanting! I would love to visit it and marvel at the place with my special someone. It sure is romantic.. and its the perfect place to really relax and unplug from everything..
Never heard of this place before! This is a great review too. Places look beautiful and I’d love to see this place in person one day 😀
This is the first time I’ve heard of Balet and it looks beautiful especially the underwater photos. And how cute that it does look like a crocodile when viewed from above. I have never been to Mindanao and I wouldn’t mind including this in the itinerary when I finally go there.
Your pictures are amazing! It’s nice to learn about relatively untouched and undeveloped places in the Philippines. Makes me want to explore the country more. I must admit, i no nothing about sultan kudarat so it’s great to be able to explore a part of it through your pictures:) fingers crossed that i can visit one day!
I agree with you, Pia. There are a lot of places we have not visited, much less heard of. And so it is nice that technology has made it possible for blogs, which in turn is used to showcase destinations, among many other things… actually, everything. The only thing I am wary about with ‘exotic destinations’ is security, though.