Our third day in Puerto Princesa was reserved for the Honda Bay Islands tour. Located on the eastern coast of Palawan, Honda Bay offers crystal-clear waters, fine beaches, and colorful marine life. It is a favorite destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in Palawan.
Before heading to the pier, our van drove past small roadside shops. These stores rented out snorkel gear, swimming fins, diving masks, and even underwater camera cases. Bread for fish feeding was also available in packs. If you plan to visit, it’s cheaper to buy your gear in advance. Rental prices were higher compared to Manila. We decided to rent only two snorkel sets at ₱150 each, plus an underwater camera case for ₱250. To complete the experience, we also bought bread recommended by our tour guide.
While waiting for our boat at the pier, our guide Kuya Eli noticed a coast guard nearby. The officer carried a TAR-21 rifle, catching our attention immediately. Ate Mei, excited for a rare photo opportunity, asked for a picture with the friendly officer. It was a light and unexpected moment before the day’s island hopping began.
Pinambato Reef: A Floating Snorkeling Spot
Our first destination was Pinambato Reef, a unique stop because it isn’t an actual island. Instead, it is a snorkeling spot surrounded by calm waters. A floating cottage with a turtle-shaped roof greeted us, serving as our base while waiting for our turn. With life vests on, we followed our bangkero into the water. He guided us to the best coral spots, where schools of fish darted around. Striped fish swam in groups, and colorful corals spread across the seabed like a garden. Seeing the marine life up close made me appreciate Palawan’s efforts in protecting their reefs.
Luli Island: The Disappearing Island
From the reef, our boat took us to Luli Island, which has a very interesting name. “Luli” comes from the Filipino words lulubog (sink) and lilitaw (appear). During high tide, parts of the island sink below water, and at low tide, they reappear.
We arrived around noon, just in time for lunch included in our tour package. Wooden cottages provided shade while we enjoyed grilled seafood and rice. Afterward, we went swimming and fed the fishes using the bread we bought earlier. The underwater camera case became useful as we captured shots of playful fish swimming close to our hands. Luli Island felt quiet and laid-back, a good place to pause before moving on.
Pandan Island: Comfort and Fun Activities
By one in the afternoon, our group headed to Pandan Island, the last stop of the Honda Bay Islands tour. Unlike the previous destinations, Pandan Island was more developed. Our tour guide mentioned that it was also the most popular stop.
Facilities such as showers, comfort rooms, and small food stalls were already available. You could even rent kayaks for ₱200 per hour or get a henna tattoo starting at ₱50. Families relaxed under nipa huts, while children played by the shore. The sand here was powdery and clean, perfect for barefoot walks.
I spent some time swimming again, but also enjoyed simply lounging by the beach. Compared to the earlier stops, Pandan Island had a livelier atmosphere, with music and more tourists enjoying the day. Still, it never felt overcrowded. The mix of comfort and natural beauty made it a good finale for the day’s trip.
By three in the afternoon, we boarded our boat back to the mainland. The sun was still high, but we felt pleasantly tired from swimming, snorkeling, and walking on the sand.
What stood out most from the Honda Bay Islands experience wasn’t just the scenery. It was how the tourism model here benefited the local community. From the boatmen to the cottage keepers, the earnings directly supported Puerto Princesa residents.
That sense of community-based tourism added meaning to the entire experience. Honda Bay wasn’t just about beaches and marine life. It was also about locals sharing their home with travelers like us. By the time we returned to the hotel, I realized the day had given us more than memories—it gave us a deeper appreciation of Puerto Princesa and its people.
