Honda Bay Palawan
Discover the pristine islands of Honda Bay, Palawan, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and relaxing beach escapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid peak crowds & heat
Honda Bay Palawan
Best Time
Avoid peak crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the pristine islands of Honda Bay, Palawan, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and relaxing beach escapes.
"Nice overall experience. Our tour guide Raquel was very knowledgeable, warm and attentive to all our needs."
DIY Island Hopping
Consider a DIY tour via tricycle from Puerto Princesa to Honda Bay for cost savings. :car:
Luggage Storage
If arriving early, inquire about luggage storage options at the port or your accommodation. :briefcase:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Starfish Island
Honda Bay
Famous for its abundance of starfish and delicious grilled seafood lunch options.
Cowrie Island
Honda Bay
The largest and arguably most beautiful island, boasting fine sand and crystal-clear blue waters.
Pambato Reef
Honda Bay
A unique floating cottage experience offering views of diverse corals and fish for snorkeling.
Luli Island
Honda Bay
Known for its 'lulubog-lilitaw' (sinking-emerging) sandbar, offering a unique tidal experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Island
Pack Smart for Sun & Sea
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
DIY Island Hopping
Consider a DIY tour via tricycle from Puerto Princesa to Honda Bay for cost savings. :car:
Luggage Storage
If arriving early, inquire about luggage storage options at the port or your accommodation. :briefcase:
Snorkeling Gear
Bring your own snorkel and mask for a better experience at Pambato Reef. :mask:
Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, as it can get very hot and prices may be higher on the islands. :droplet:
Puerto Princesa Honda Bay DIY Island Hopping
Tips
from all over the internet
DIY Island Hopping
Consider a DIY tour via tricycle from Puerto Princesa to Honda Bay for cost savings. :car:
Luggage Storage
If arriving early, inquire about luggage storage options at the port or your accommodation. :briefcase:
Snorkeling Gear
Bring your own snorkel and mask for a better experience at Pambato Reef. :mask:
Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, as it can get very hot and prices may be higher on the islands. :droplet:
Sun Protection
Generous application of sunblock and wearing hats are essential to prevent sunburn. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Honda Bay offers a relaxing island hopping experience with beautiful beaches and clear waters, particularly on Cowrie Island. Visitors enjoy the fresh seafood on Starfish Island and the unique sandbar of Luli Island. While some find the lunch buffets basic, the overall experience is considered a good family outing and a worthwhile day trip from Puerto Princesa, though it can get crowded.
"Simple yet very relaxing islands. Each island has its own beauty and uniqueness to offer. Swimming, snorkelling, or simply sitting down are all worth the time.
I would advice to go here early in the morning to get a tour during peak seasons. A lot of tourists are in this place."
Iam Riza
"A good day out with the family, lots of fun activities for the kids and beaches for parents to relax on. Not the best islands in Palawan because of the higher volume on tourists but still beautiful, don't expect reefs or colourful corals."
Zak “SnapZak” Henderson
"Nice overall experience. Our tour guide Raquel was very knowledgeable, warm and attentive to all our needs. As well as our van driver and Kuya bangkeros especially Patrick who helped us everytime with our bags. Lunch at Starfish Island was yummy with mostly grilled options, fish, shrimps and liempo. There's a small market for some seafood which they can actually cook for you. We had fruits for dessert with their local yellow sweet watermelon and pineapple. Bring a lot of sunblock, wide brimmed hats and your own cold water if possible as the heat can really be a beast especially at noon time. Cellphone signal can be intermittent. Luli island was our first stop, it had a small sandbar strip as it was high tide then. There were also floating cottages where you can chill if you choose not to swim. Overall a great experience especially seeing the crystal blue waters plus the fine sand of Cowrie island, the most beautiful and biggest of the 3."
Mabel Tuesday Manuel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can hire a tricycle from Puerto Princesa City to Honda Bay for around 600 pesos for a round trip. Alternatively, join a van tour for a more organized experience. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Yes, many travelers arrive early and head straight to Honda Bay before checking into their accommodation. You may need to arrange luggage storage.
Once at the Honda Bay port, you'll rent a boat for island hopping. The boat will take you to the different islands you choose to visit.
Private tours are available and recommended for a more personalized experience. Renting a boat typically costs around 1,300 pesos.
While not explicitly advertised, it's advisable to inquire at the port or with your tour operator about potential luggage storage options, especially if you're arriving early.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The primary cost is for the boat rental, which is around 1,300 pesos for a private boat that can accommodate up to 5 people. Entrance fees for individual islands are usually minimal or included in the tour package.
The tour typically includes boat rental and visits to 2-3 islands. Lunch is often available for purchase on Starfish Island or Cowrie Island.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred tour and avoid disappointment. Arriving early in the morning is also advised.
The port generally opens early in the morning, allowing for island hopping tours throughout the day. It's best to start your tour as early as possible.
While not always explicitly stated, there might be small environmental or terminal fees collected at the port. It's good to have some extra cash for these.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
The most popular islands are Starfish Island for its marine life and food, Cowrie Island for its beauty, and Luli Island for its unique sandbar. Pambato Reef is great for snorkeling.
Activities include swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful beaches. Some islands offer floating cottages for relaxation.
Yes, Pambato Reef is a floating cottage where you can see various corals and fish, making it a good spot for snorkeling.
Lunch is often available on the islands, particularly at Starfish Island, with grilled options like fish, shrimp, and liempo. Some islands have small markets for fresh seafood. However, some reviews mention the buffet lunch can be basic.
Absolutely! Honda Bay offers a good day out for families with fun activities for kids and relaxing beaches for parents.
📸 📸 Photography
The pristine beaches of Cowrie Island, the starfish on Starfish Island, and the unique sandbar of Luli Island offer fantastic photo opportunities. The clear blue waters are also very photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon generally provides softer light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and intense heat.
A waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended if you plan on snorkeling or participating in water activities to capture underwater shots.
While drone usage regulations can vary, the expansive views of the islands and turquoise waters could make for stunning aerial photography if permitted. Always check local drone rules.
TikTok videos often showcase the vibrant blue waters, the boat rides between islands, and the overall relaxing island vibe, sometimes with dramatic weather changes. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for tours that offer a good balance of activities and relaxation. Cowrie Island's fine sand is perfect for sandcastle building, while Luli Island's unique sandbar can be a fun discovery.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own lunch and plenty of water to avoid inflated prices on the islands. While Starfish Island offers good grilled options, bringing your own food can save a considerable amount.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget a waterproof camera or case to capture the underwater world at Pambato Reef, where you can photograph corals and marine life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Island Hopping Logistics
It's crucial to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your boat and avoid long waits.
Culinary Delights and Dining
However, it's worth noting that while the food can be tasty, some reviews suggest that the buffet lunch options, especially on other islands, might be basic and primarily serve to fill you up rather than offer a gourmet experience.
Environmental Considerations and What to Pack
Packing essentials include ample sunblock, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, as the sun can be very strong, especially around midday.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit