The Ultimate Island-hopping Guide to Honda Bay, Palawan
Honda Bay is a small community on the western side of Palawan Island. Getting there from Puerto Princesa City takes around 30 minutes. The islands of Honda Bay are well-loved by both locals and newcomers, one of the most visited is Dos Palmas Island which is managed by Arreceffi Island Resort Inc.
Other favorites are Pandan and Snake Island frequented for snorkeling and picnicking day tours. There are no hostels on the smaller islands here, while the larger islands like Dos Palmas host high-end hotels and recreational facilities.
HOW TO GET THERE
- You can travel to Puerto Princesa, Palawan by boat or by plane. For convenience, the better and quicker option is by plane. Many local airlines offer flights to Palawan.
- From Puerto Princesa Airport you can hire a tricycle or taxi to your hotel.
- From your hotel you can hire a tricycle, cab, or rent a tour van to take you to Honda Bay wharf. It takes 30 minutes to get there from the city.
- Upon arriving at the wharf proceed to the kiosk. Port and environmental fees are collected, then you’ll be assigned to the next boat on queue. You may rent snorkeling gear at the wharf.
Sunset at Honda Bay
SIGHTS-TIPS-COSTS
- Tricycle, Van Rental
- Island Hopping Fees
Start Early – It’s advisable to leave the city early in the morning so that you’d have more time to explore the islands. Do note that traveling from one island to another may take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.
Pandan Island
Snorkel at Pandan Island – Pandan Island has a vast and beautiful coral reef not far from the shore. There are beach huts which you may use for a fee.
Admission Fee – Most islands here are now run by hotel corporations. If you’re not a guest of the hotel, you may still visit, an admission fee is charged as the islands have been privatized. Some facilities and equipment may also be rented.
Dos Palmas Day Trip – Dos Palmas is known for its exquisite beaches The resort is high end, but welcomes budget travelers with its offering of day tour packages. These tours include land transfers to and from the wharf, boat transfers to and from the island, a buffet lunch and usage of some recreational facilities and equipment.
Check out these Palawan travel guides for more info on the coolest attractions and things to do in the province
-
Snake Island, Palawan
- To book a Dos Palmas Day Tour look for the resort’s office beside NCCC Mall at Puerto Princesa City. Tourists have to book their trip at least 1 day in advance. Departure from the mall to the wharf is at 8am and departure from Dos Palmas Island back to the city is around 3pm.
Luli Island, Palawan
The Islands of Honda Bay include:
Pandan Island – Managed by the Legend Hotel in Puerto Princesa City. The island is ideal for snorkeling with its vibrant coral reef. It is ideal for picnics as there are spacious beach huts built along the shore.
Snake Island – The island is not infested with snakes but slightly resembles the slender body of a snake if viewed from the air. It’s also great for picnics, snorkeling and just hanging out by the sea.
Luli Island – is a tiny island with beautiful sand bars. The name of the island comes from the Tagalog words, “lulubog and lilitaw.” During high tide the island is partially submerged “lulubog” meaning it sinks. Whilst during low tide it rises “lilitaw,” meaning it resurfaces.
Starfish and Cowrie Isand – These two small islands are known to have a large community of starfishes and bats.
Dos Palmas Island – The most popular resort in Honda Bay, glamorous and pricey.
Check out these Palawan travel guides for more info on the coolest attractions and things to do in the province
Pandan Island
">
Oh I loved Palawan but I never made it to Honda Bay. Looks like this gives me a good excuse to go back 🙂
Hi James, Yes, I am sure you will love Honda Bay, it sure is worth another trip to Palawan and since summer is in the air the beach calls.. Go ahead and book that flight. Have fun!
I am going to add Honda Bay after reading this page. I have 8 days on Palawan. How would you recommend me organizing my time? I am flying on seaplane into El Nido and out of Puerto Princesa.
Hi Liz, that’s great. I recommend spending 3 to 4 days at El Nido. Then, on your way to Puerto Princesa you might want to check out San Vicente Beach or Port Barton and spend a day or two there. These are two very beautiful sites in Palawan, but not very developed so to get there you might need to rent a private van. At Puerto Princesa, you can spend 1 day on a city tour, 1 day island hopping at Honda Bay and 1 day tour of Dos Palmas. Enjoy your trip. Cheers
what beach resort in honda bay where it is nice to enjoy the beach (nice white sand and the like) the for an an overnight stay with affordable accommodation.
Hi madam iza..gusto ko day tour lang sa honda bay…pano at magkano
Hello, sorry for the late reply. Take a tricycle lang po from Puerto Princesa town proper pahatid po kayo sa port (30 minutes). Rent po ng bangka for whole day tour P1,200 a few years ago po so baka mas mataas na ngayon, around P1,500 maybe. Whole day tour na po yun. Most islands may admission fee P100 per person kasi na privatize na halos lahat. Baon po kayo food and drinks and picnic/lunch on the islands, I suggest Pandan Island. Best snorkeling in Pandan and Snake Island. Remember na magpasundo din po sa tricycle driver pag balik sa port. Exchange numbers with your driver. Hope that helps. Good luck!
how much po ang tryk from puerto town proper to honda bay wharf?thank u hope someone will reply 😞😌😊
Sad to say it is the worst tour ive had..people working there are so rude they dont respect tourist they should be train well in goodmanners not to embarass tourist.. not like in el nido i prefer el nido than honda bay…el nido people are much kind and always smiling… i will not come back to honda bay but i definitely come back to el nido.
Hi how to go ilocos from manila? We want to go in pagudpod island.
hi. hows the waves during island hopping in honda bay? because my son is afraid of rough waves. thanks