Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping: An Honest Review

Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, is really one of those spots that pictures simply can’t quite capture. I mean, your kind of regular snapshot doesn’t come close to conveying just how clear the water is or, in some respects, the sheer variety of greens and blues you will actually see as you hop between the islands. As it turns out, this tour is usually rated as one of the must-do things when you’re hanging around Palawan, so it makes a lot of sense to look into what makes it very popular and how you can get the most bang for your travel buck. Now, ready for a bit of island sunshine?

What the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour Offers

Okay, that Honda Bay tour isn’t really just about seeing one shore; it’s about experiencing a handful of places, and each place really has its own character, its own distinct draw. Typically, a shared tour package brings you to something like three to four shores, though that could be a little dependent on the weather and also the tour operator. Let me provide the rundown of some of the usual stops:

Starfish Island: A Shore Packed With Starfish

First off, you have Starfish Shore, and its pretty self-explanatory title gives it away; this place is literally carpeted with starfish. I want you to be very careful where you step! Now, I will point out, that you shouldn’t actually take them out of the water for more than just a brief snapshot, just since prolonged exposure to air may actually harm them. Basically, Starfish Shore is almost ideal for little ones, too it’s also pretty good for, say, people who just appreciate the simple joy of observing marine life up really close.

Luli Island: Vanishing Sands and Fun Slides

Now, then there’s Luli Shore. The term “Luli” basically is that combination of “lulubog” (sinking) and “lilitaw” (surfacing) because this shore has a really quirky characteristic; that is, depending on the tide, it actually disappears and reappears! That’s kind of cool, isn’t it? Yet, that shore usually has sandbars, some small huts, and that diving platform. In a way, it’s just about the most fun location, so, it’s also perfect for photo opportunities.

Cowrie Island: Lunch Stop With All the Frills

Cowrie Shore often basically serves as the lunch stop, and that includes, a really nice beach area, a few water activities, plus spa services available, so, you can also pamper yourself a bit. They usually provide you with an included buffet lunch that typically offers grilled seafood, meat, and also a variety of side dishes. So, take advantage of this island as a kind of perfect way to recharge for the second half of the island hopping.

Pandan Island: Snorkeling Paradise

Pandan Shore actually provides clear waters ideal for snorkeling. Very few know it’s rather more secluded compared to others. Its coral formations and vibrant marine life actually provide an unforgettable underwater experience, though, arguably, you will want to check its inclusion in that day’s specific tour, first. The operator that I usually prefer usually hits it.

Arreceffi Island: Resort Retreat

Arreceffi Shore really hosts a beautiful resort where guests may actually book in to rest and enjoy activities. It is rather an option if you wanted to experience high-end tourism instead. Of course, there might also be additional fees that usually need to be shouldered.

What to Expect on a Shared Tour

What really goes on when you sign up for a shared tour? I mean, it isn’t actually like booking a shore exclusively for your group, but that is part of its charm. I feel. Basically, these tours often operate using motorized outrigger boats called “bangkas”, and usually you’re going to be riding with people from different parts of the globe, all who have come, basically to see that shore. Here’s really what you need to anticipate:

Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off out of your resort around Puerto Princesa really is usually included.
Boat Ride: Prepare for about a 30- to 45-minute boat ride between the islands.
Lunch: This may actually range from buffet-style to bento box options. It also varies by operator, though it is also pretty decent at most.
Snorkeling Gear: Most tours also include this, but if you have your own, I want you to take it along for the best fit.
Environmental Fees: There tend to be environmental or terminal fees, but these tend to be very small, usually being almost negligible.

Booking Your Tour: What to Look For

To actually guarantee that you enjoy this Honda Bay experience without a hitch, that involves thinking a little more about what to search for when really booking that tour. Basically, price isn’t everything, so, also think of these additional points:

Check Reviews: TripAdvisor or even local travel blogs can provide some insights to your quality in that tour operator. I mean, you want to check their credibility.
Inclusions: Know exactly what’s included from your package, that, means, from meals to equipment rentals. The last thing that you want really is to actually be surprised with charges.
Group Size: Tours usually operate at different sizes of group; that’s why it would really be nice to actually know just how many others that you will be with, though sometimes this just can’t quite be helped!
Safety Measures: Check out if they also have really life vests available and other really safety protocols in place. This should obviously be pretty important.

What to Bring: Your Essential Packing List

What is needed, when you pack? Think sun, water, and also adventure! Consider this list:

Sunscreen: Really go for the high-SPF, reef-safe variety. The sun up there could be pretty intense.
Swimsuit: Clearly that’s a given. You basically should go swimming!
Towel: Something lightweight is useful, too, it’s usually faster drying.
Sunglasses and Hat: For that sun. Obviously.
Water Shoes: In some respects, that sand can get pretty hot. Also, in the water, you’ll avoid cutting yourself with corals or being stung by sea urchins.
Waterproof Bag: Shield those gadgets!
Camera: Don’t actually forget a means to really capture the scenery and, potentially, even something to make underwater shots.
Cash: Small vendors only take physical money. Very few even have online transfers.

Things to Consider Before You Go

To have, something like, the smoothest, best Honda Bay experience, that is, consider these extra pointers, so, they can assist you!

Weather Check: Palawan usually has a wet and dry season. Typically the ideal months usually are those within the dry season (March to May).
Sea Conditions: Occasionally, tours are typically canceled because of really strong waves, and they’re something which the tour operators just can’t manage. Should you actually encounter such an instance, it’s almost always better just to be really flexible with scheduling.
Respect the Environment: Keep that shore sparkling actually by refraining from littering and actually not bothering marine life. This helps you really be sure these shores remain actually beautiful even in future generations.

Making the Most of Your Honda Bay Adventure

So, how exactly do you just take the tour away from something that’s merely OK up to something actually special? Let’s consider:

Arrive Early: Getting early gives you a leg up in that scrum that’s basically where passengers rush to get a decent spot in those boats and it actually guarantees the chance to just sit with your circle and also possibly make your way directly to the destination a bit before others also show up.
Interact With Locals: Engage in the stories with all the boatmen and even vendors because sometimes these will reveal the things in your destination not shown usually at sites or magazines.
Be Open to New Experiences: Say for example trying out a new seafood or perhaps testing out all water based activities is really the way for really creating such lasting memories.

Alternative Island Hopping Destinations in Puerto Princesa

Very few know, really aside from Honda Bay, that, Puerto Princesa really also offers some different other shore-hopping spots also providing similarly interesting adventures, too. These ones I list really should actually give people the sense if or not they have already gone on a tour in Honda Bay prior to and you want an all new scene, basically.

Secret Lagoon: More remote, even really more serene; this place provides something far from crowds actually with the reward even coming directly from going through rock formations!
Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa: Very few actually get there because the rate here does basically trend towards being a rather expensive stay as you can just hang loose along your coasts, that have snorkeling and diving areas!

The Verdict: Is Honda Bay Island Hopping Worth It?

The real deal: should you invest time and really money to get such an experience in Honda Bay? To my mind it is absolutely a yes. Really even despite Honda Bay usually becoming one tourist destination hotspot here are so many natural qualities available that the tour can actually suit any one budget travelers to ones willing, very, very, rather, to shell out additional in private coasts or boat. And you want something you wont see in your social accounts, you absolutely should try such adventure.

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