To get to Balut Island from the mainland, you either have to grab a boat from General Santos City (8 hours of travel) or travel to Barrio Bukid (3 hours) and hire a motor boat to bring you to Balut Island (1 hour). You also have to time it properly because the current and waves are tricky in the area. Lacking any regulations because of its remoteness, the passengers will not be provided with any floater or life vest. You either have to know how to swim or bring one yourself. This is the practically normal for the people living here. They are adept in reading the waves and weather. High waves do not deter them either. For a community that relies on fishing, the sea is both their ally and nemesis.