Luli Island (Luli Sandbar)
Luli Island's 'sinking and rising' sandbar offers a unique natural spectacle, perfect for photos and a quick dip in clear waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sandbar is most visible
Luli Island (Luli Sandbar)
Best Time
Sandbar is most visible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Luli Island's 'sinking and rising' sandbar offers a unique natural spectacle, perfect for photos and a quick dip in clear waters.
"It's a cool place to dive and clean surroundings."
👟 Wear Swimming Shoes
Protect your feet from sharp objects on the sandbar and beach. Essential for a comfortable visit.
🥥 Buko Coconut Treat
Enjoy a fresh buko (coconut) while swimming. A refreshing local delight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Sinking' Sandbar
Main sandbar area
Witness the unique sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide – a truly magical natural phenomenon.
Crystal Clear Waters
Beaches
Enjoy swimming and lounging in the calm, shallow waters surrounding the island. Perfect for a refreshing dip.
Diving Platform Fun
Diving area
For a bit of adventure, take a leap from the diving platform into deeper, inviting waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tide: Luli Island's Magic
Tread Lightly: Environmental Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Swimming Shoes
Protect your feet from sharp objects on the sandbar and beach. Essential for a comfortable visit.
🥥 Buko Coconut Treat
Enjoy a fresh buko (coconut) while swimming. A refreshing local delight!
1 and 1/2 day in Puerto Princesa, what's worth it besides the underground river?
Luli Island, Honda Bay, Palawan
📸 Capture the Sandbar
The 'sinking' sandbar is a prime photo opportunity, especially during low tide.
🧴 Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be intense. Load up on sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Swimming Shoes
Protect your feet from sharp objects on the sandbar and beach. Essential for a comfortable visit.
🥥 Buko Coconut Treat
Enjoy a fresh buko (coconut) while swimming. A refreshing local delight!
📸 Capture the Sandbar
The 'sinking' sandbar is a prime photo opportunity, especially during low tide.
🧴 Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be intense. Load up on sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Luli Island is a unique and photogenic stop on Honda Bay tours, celebrated for its sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide. Visitors enjoy the swimming and photo opportunities, though some note concerns about marine debris and crowded conditions during peak times. It's a worthwhile, quick experience that showcases a fascinating natural phenomenon.
"Luli Island is a unique stop in the Honda Bay island-hopping tour, known for its sandbar that “sinks and rises” with the tide — hence the name Lulubog, Lilitaw. It’s a cool natural feature and a fun photo spot, especially during low tide when the sandbar is fully visible.
The island is generally good for swimming, lounging, and quick stops, with shallow, calm waters and a few shaded areas to rest. There’s also a small diving platform for those who want to jump into deeper water.
However, the place clearly needs better maintenance. During our visit, there was noticeable floating marine debris along the shore, which took away from the otherwise beautiful scenery. While this might depend on tides or weather, more regular cleanup would definitely improve the experience. With increasing tourist traffic, upkeep is important to preserve the island’s appeal.
Snorkeling isn’t ideal here, as there’s not much marine life, and the island can feel crowded when multiple tour groups arrive at the same time. Facilities are basic, and there’s not much to do beyond swimming and taking pictures.
Pros:
• Unique sandbar that appears/disappears with the tide
• Good for swimming and photos
• Quick, convenient stop during Honda Bay tour
Cons:
• Floating marine debris; area needs better upkeep
• Crowded during peak hours
• Limited activities and marine life
Overall:
Luli Island is an interesting and photogenic spot, but it would benefit greatly from more consistent maintenance and environmental care. A worthwhile part of the Honda Bay tour — just don’t expect to spend too long here."
Dennis L
"It was part of the Honda Bay Island hopping tour. It's such a cute Island. At high tides, it's barely there. Getting a buko coconut there is a must. Drink it when bathing in the sea then carve out the coconut to eat it."
meltem kogelbauer
"Second stop on our island hopping adventure of Honda Bay. Cool place to dive and clean surroundings."
Jhune Mallari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Luli Island is exclusively accessible via island-hopping tours from Puerto Princesa, typically as part of the Honda Bay tour. Book a tour with a reputable operator in the city.
The Honda Bay tour is a popular day trip from Puerto Princesa that visits several islands, including Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island.
No, direct boat services are not available. Luli Island is only visited as part of organized island-hopping tours.
You can book tours through your hotel in Puerto Princesa or directly with tour agencies along Rizal Avenue. Compare prices and inclusions.
The boat ride to Luli Island from the Honda Bay port typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the tour itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is usually an environmental or entrance fee for Luli Island, which is often included in the overall tour package price. Confirm with your tour operator.
You don't need to book tickets specifically for Luli Island, but you do need to book an island-hopping tour in advance, especially during peak season.
Luli Island is accessible during daylight hours as part of island-hopping tours. Tours typically run from morning until late afternoon.
While swimming and enjoying the sandbar are usually covered, some activities like kayaking might incur additional charges. Inquire with your tour provider.
No, independent visits are not possible. Luli Island is only accessible through organized Honda Bay island-hopping tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming, lounging on the sandbar, taking photos, and using the diving platform. Some tours may offer kayaking.
Snorkeling is generally not recommended as there's limited marine life visible. The focus is more on the unique sandbar and swimming.
Facilities are basic, typically including huts for food and drinks. Restrooms might be available but can be rudimentary.
Luli Island can get crowded when multiple tour boats arrive simultaneously, especially during peak hours.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, drinking water, and ideally, swimming shoes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are usually small huts on the island where you can purchase fresh coconuts, snacks, and simple meals.
Food is typically not included in standard Honda Bay tours, but you can purchase it on the islands. Some premium tours might offer lunch.
Expect local snacks, grilled seafood (if available), and refreshing drinks like buko juice.
Options might be limited. Fresh fruits and coconuts are usually available, but cooked meals may focus on seafood.
Prices are generally tourist-oriented. A buko coconut might cost around PHP 50-100, and other items vary.
📸 📸 Photography
The main sandbar during low tide, the diving platform, and the clear waters offer great photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon, during low tide, provides the best light and fewer crowds for photography.
Drone usage policies can vary and may be restricted. It's best to check with your tour operator or local authorities beforehand.
A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended for water activities. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the sandbar.
The 'sinking' sandbar itself is a unique photographic subject, showcasing the dynamic nature of the tides.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and plenty of water, as options on the island are limited and can be pricier. While snorkeling isn't the highlight here, the simple joy of swimming and exploring the sandbar will likely keep the little ones entertained for the duration of your visit. Ensure they wear water shoes for comfort and safety.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider packing your own snacks and water. The main cost will be the tour package itself. Focus on enjoying the natural beauty and the unique sandbar experience, which is the primary draw and doesn't require extra spending.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the sandbar and the surrounding seascape. A waterproof camera or phone case is essential for capturing shots in and around the water. Golden hour, if your tour schedule allows, can offer beautiful lighting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Lulubog, Lilitaw' Phenomenon
To truly appreciate this phenomenon, timing is key. Planning your visit to coincide with the lowest point of the tide will grant you the most expansive views of the sandbar, allowing for leisurely strolls and iconic photographs. The contrast between the exposed golden sand and the surrounding turquoise waters is particularly striking during these times.
While the sandbar is the main draw, remember that its visibility is entirely dependent on tidal patterns. Even when partially submerged, the shallow waters around Luli Island remain inviting for swimming and wading, offering a pleasant experience regardless of the tide's level.
Navigating the Honda Bay Tour
Booking a tour is straightforward. You can arrange one through your accommodation in Puerto Princesa or find various tour operators along Rizal Avenue. Prices can vary based on inclusions, group size, and the type of boat. Most tours provide lunch, snorkeling gear (though snorkeling at Luli is limited), and transportation to and from the Honda Bay port.
When embarking on the Honda Bay tour, be prepared for a dynamic day. The boat rides between islands offer scenic views of the coastline. While Luli Island is often a quick stop for its unique sandbar, other islands offer more in terms of relaxation, dining, and water activities.
Environmental Considerations and Visitor Experience
To enhance your experience and ensure safety, wearing swimming shoes is highly recommended. This protects your feet from any sharp objects that might be present on the sandbar or in the shallow waters. Additionally, ample sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, is crucial due to the tropical climate.
Despite these challenges, Luli Island remains a popular and worthwhile stop for its distinctive sandbar. By being mindful of the environment and taking practical precautions, visitors can still enjoy the unique charm of this 'sinking and rising' island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit