Beyond the Beaten Path
Exploring Busuanga’s West Coast
For travelers looking to delve deeper into Busuanga Island, the West Coast offers a captivating blend of serene beaches, authentic local life, and unique wildlife encounters. As you drive the Coron-Busuanga road westward, you’ll eventually reach the small town of New Busuanga, where the road diverges, opening up two distinct paths to adventure.
The Southern Route: Ocam Ocam & Black Island
Taking the left fork at New Busuanga leads you to Ocam Ocam and Buluang. Opting for the Ocam Ocam route rewards you with a truly beautiful beach that invites relaxation and lingering. Ocam Ocam itself is a charming village offering a selection of restaurants and accommodations, allowing you to experience genuine local life amidst stunning natural beauty.
From Ocam Ocam, you can reach Black Island in just 15 minutes by boat. This idyllic island boasts one of the most stunning beaches in the Philippines, perfect for a day of sun and sand. We highly recommend dedicating at least one day to island hopping from Ocam Ocam, with excursions to Ceys and Dibutunay Islands – here, you’ll discover some of Palawan’s most pristine white-sand beaches. For more detailed information on Ocam Ocam, please refer to [link to Ocam Ocam page].
Continuing north from Ocam Ocam, you’ll arrive at Buluang, a community deeply rooted in rice farming and fishing. The drive through this area is incredibly scenic, with the road winding through picturesque fields and rolling hills offering stunning vistas. Buluang is home to the well-known Buluang Fishpond Restaurant, celebrated for its fresh seafood and local fish dishes. Hidden within a forest here are also the Degtayan Falls. Please note that the surrounding land has been privately owned for the past two years, so it’s advisable to arrange access in advance if you plan to trek through the property.
The Northern Route: Gateway to Wildlife Encounters
Choosing the right fork at New Busuanga leads to Barangay Quezon, a small port. This road, however, can be challenging to navigate for long stretches. Despite the rugged journey, it’s the gateway to extraordinary wildlife experiences, including access to Calauit Island and the famous Dugong-watching tours. Along this path, you’ll also find Miley Lodging House, a well-managed hotel praised for its excellent views and exceptional hospitality.
Wildlife Wonders: Calauit Safari Park & Dugong Watching
From both Buluang and Ocam Ocam, you can arrange trips to Calauit Island to visit the Calauit Safari Park. This unique wildlife reserve, established in 1976 on the 3,700-hectare Calauit Island, was the first safari park in the Philippines. Today, it’s a remarkable sanctuary for a unique blend of African savannah animals and endemic Philippine wildlife. Visitors typically explore the park in an off-road vehicle driven by park rangers, allowing for an immersive safari experience reminiscent of Africa. You can find more detailed information in our [link to Calauit Safari Park article] article.
The North-West Coast is also a prime location for Dugong-watching tours. These gentle, herbivorous marine mammals, often called “sea cows” or “mermaids,” are an endangered species whose survival is closely tied to healthy seagrass meadows. A direct encounter with them is an unforgettable and moving experience. Boat tours from Ocam Ocam to the protected areas are strictly regulated for the animals’ welfare. Visitors can typically observe dugongs while snorkeling. When a dugong is spotted (they surface every 4-5 minutes to breathe), small groups (often a maximum of 4 people at a time) are allowed into the water to observe the animal while snorkeling, maintaining a respectful distance to ensure their well-being.
connected themes :
01
dugongs
Encounter Busuanga’s Gentle Giants,
learn about Marine Life and Support Conservation.
02
calauit
Explore this unique sanctuary
of African Wildlife and Endemic Species
on a Philippine Island.
Hotels, Guesthouses, rooms
and cottages.
Find what suits your needs and your budget
idyllic village nestled on the scenic west coast of Busuanga
