Honda Bay is a group of small islands lined with fine white sand beaches. From the city to the east, we traveled approximately 12 kilometers. Packed with imagination of pristine sands and Puerto Princesa’s Honda Bay islets which have been so popular in swimming and snorkeling destination captured our hearts.

After having our lunch at Badjao Seafront Restaurant, we headed directly to Barangay Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, this is the jump-off point for renting small pump boats to hop us over different islands.

Our tour guide advised us to bring in some snacks and water, he suggested to have a stop over in a nearby grocery store since the price at the wharf was a bit more expensive. He let us borrow his ice box to keep them cold. You can take your own food or buy the freshest catch from the local fishermen.

It was raining in Manila and we were glad to welcome the scorching heat of the sun. It was a fine afternoon. We should be done at least before 5 in the afternoon and be back in the wharf, so there off we went Hey! Honda Bay! There are some islands that require entrance fees, since some islands are protected and are privately owned that would require you have a permit to visit. The boat rental does not include the entrance fees, it’s okay and just minimal think of it as a donation while there are islands that you can go for free.

We were not able to stop in Pandan Island because it was a little crowded at that time our boat has no place to dock. The huts, cottages and hammocks are so inviting to see! Seems like the tourists all decided to spend the rest of their day in Pandan Island to relax and loosen up.

We decided to go to another Island since we do not have ample time to wait and stay. Next stop, Snake Island. Our boat guide encouraged us that the most beautiful island in Honda Bay is Snake Island. He asked us to get those breads ready out of our ice box and we’ll be feeding some fish. It was a close encounter with Nemo-big-wide-smile.

The long 2 kilometer stretch of sand bar was shaped liked a snake thus acquiring the name,  Snake Island. We wanted to walk, run and enjoy the sand to it’s end but it’s really long! We just decided to have some photographs of one of the caretakers of the island, Doggie he’s a great swimmer too!

If you decide to take your lunch in the island, you could buy some fresh fish and grill them in the cottage. Inform your guide so they could better assist you.

Time runs fast, we need to get to our next stop, Starfish Island. The fine white sands and the clear water are so luring. The island is privately owned as we were handed a receipt with Dos Palmas printed on it, entrance is Php 50 each. There were fascinating cute shells scattered in the island with starfish shapes, I am not sure if they once stayed in the stone-shells because there were holes at the center. You may notice the tiny lagoon in the island too, and love how it settled. After few minutes of staying in the Island our boatman called us to get in the boat as the wind started to blow, signaling it will rain hard and the waves would be strong. We traveled away from the gray clouds where it’s raining for sure and returned to the wharf. My dad who did not swim in the islands got wet because of the rain.  Haha! We were not able to have another stop in Pandan Island, but the glimpse of it made some stored memories clear.

Some other islets in Honda Bay: Bat Island, Cowrie Island, Lu-Li Island (from “lulubog-lilitaw”), Meara Marina, and Señorita Island.

Transportation:

Van Rental (from Pension house to Honda Bay boat terminal): Php 1500

Brgy. Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua Boat rental: Php 700

Terminal fee: Php 30 each

Snorkeling gears rental: Php 100 each

Click here for more photos.

Popularity: 32% [?]

No related posts.