"The Last Frontier"

Honda Bay island, Palawan

Honda Bay

Honda Bay is comprised of several islets with shallow reefs bordering wonderful beaches which have become the much loved swimming, snorkeling, and diving destinations of local residents and tourists. The best recognized islands of Honda Bay are Cowrie and Bat named because of the large fruit bats coming out of their holes at sundown for their evening feed. Another is Snake island, of curvaceous tongue shape like asnake and with a white sand beach noted for large and lovely shells. Other interesting islands are Canon, Pandan, Starfish, Lu-Ii Island (derived from the word ""lulubog-lilitaw"", meaning floating and sinking island, is visible only during low tide), Señorita Island (the breeding site of lapu-lapu fish). and Meara Marina. Starfish Island, with coral reefs breaking crystal clear water onto empty, fine white sand beaches and clear water that teems with starfish. Arreceffi Island contains the luxury Dos Palmas Beach Resort, while lesser accommodation can be found on other islands, or stay at Puerto Princesa Beach resort and take a half hour boat trip to your much loved deserted beach. Lodging facilities are available for overnight stays in the islands of Meara Marina and Starfish (Sandbar Resort). Palawan also offers the Philippines' best dive spot at the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, a World inheritance Site. Dive boats operate from March to May and can be arranged at Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital. The city also offers all kinds of jungle eco-hikes and an 8.2 km underground river trip. Best is between December to May. A possible heavy rain is between June to November, but not necessarily.

Honda Bay

Welcome

The bay is situated in Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City. About 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City is Sta. Lourdes wharf where pump boats could be hired to take tourists to the island of their choice. Some islands require an entrance fee; others are privately owned, thus, authorization from the owners is required. Sta. Lourdes wharf is 25 minutes away by hired tricycle or jeepney. A pump boat ride from the wharf to the different islands is from 15 to 50 minutes.

The fastest way to reach Honda Bay is via Barrio Tagburos is a mercury slag heap; one should not eat fish there. A dozen small islets with wonderful beaches and good sites for diving lie along the bay. Boats to the islands can be rented in Tagburos.

Just thirty minutes north of the City proper, hop into a boat and Go Island hopping at Honda Bay. Take your pick from dozens of white sands beaches. Pull on your mask and snorkel and glance into the rich marine life underwater. Dive sites abound here, as the entire area is studded with patches of coral and sand. Submerged reefs may be found close to the surface down to 24 meters, small reef fish and aquarium fish are found here. The area may soon be transformed into a marine life park and dive camp.