They say hitting the road with a travel buddy or group of friends can make or break your adventure. But what if you’re traveling alone? Well, I guess my first solo trip to Puerto Princesa had this idea put into test. I only had two days to chase natural wonders in the capital city of Palawan, and I thought there’s no better way to maximize my stay than to join a group tour. As though the stars were aligned, Estanghero Travel & Tours granted my wish by making this hassle-free and exciting trip possible. See end of post for bookings.
Of all the things Puerto Princesa, Palawan is known for (aside from being the gateway to the Underground River, El Nido, and Balabac), snorkeling and island hopping are among the top in travelers’ to-do list. Well good thing Puerto Princesa has Honda Bay that can cater both. Framing the coastline of Puerto Princesa, Honda Bay is dotted with islands offering cool activities and natural attractions for every sun-worshiper to experience. As the nearest port city, Honda Bay is popular among tourist who’d like to loaf in the beach without getting too far from the metro. And you can enjoy it too even with the company of strangers!
And so, here’s my personal take of not-so-solo escapade in the stunning islets of Honda Bay, the Island Hopping Capital of Puerto Princesa.
Starfish Island
I joined a group tour composed of 5 different travel squads – family, couple, workmates, friends and even another solo traveler. We were all fetched in our respective hotels by Estranghero Travel & Tours van as part of the tour package. We traveled less than an hour to the wharf where we rented a boat for a whole-day island hopping along Honda Bay. The group was enthusiastic, albeit generally silent, going to our first destination – Starfish Island.
So we started in the farthest among the three islets we visited that day. It took us around 45 minutes to get to Starfish Island but we already saw beautiful landscapes surrounded by aquamarine water along the way. In Starfish Island, there are lots of creative gimmicks for tourists to try such as having their photos taken with the golden sand castle, giant wooden frames, and optical illusions using coconut, clam shells and even beer bottle as props.
What seems like a boring beach at first glance is a popular location for snorkeling. Yes, you’ve read that right. The real thrill starts below the sea.
Channel your inner Aquaman underwater and swim like there’s no tomorrow. But never dive into the waters without wearing proper snorkeling gears. Don’t worry, you can rent some aqua gears in Coby’s Seaworld just along the highway or even at the wharf’s stalls for a minimal cost before heading to the island.
Encounter beautiful types of fishes and sea creatures underwater as you go deeper into the snorkeling area. You’ll find lots of colorful living things dancing through the liquid peaceful world they live in, but make sure to take precautionary measures and exercise responsible tourism.
Meet Jason, a Korean-American whom I get to befriend with during the trip. He’s an IT professional working in a US-based health care service provider. He’s also traveling solo, the reason we bonded right away. We did some silly things together like showcasing our “expectation vs reality” summer bodies. LOL! And oh, did I mention that we were also on the same trip to the Underground River less than twenty four hours ago? See our experience here: Puerto Princesa Underground River: Palawan’s Top Subterranean Wonder
We headed back to our rented cottages to have our lunch. It was one of those moments where small talks and exchange of personal stories with these ladies ensued. We then took a spontaneous groufie much to everyone’s favorable response.
Lunch is already part of the package so free yourself from the hassle of preparing or buying your food. When lunch was finally served, we feasted on every mouth-watering food on the table and took us two to three rounds of refilling our plates with delicious meals. I could say it was one of the best highlights of the island hopping activity and you should trust me on this! =)
Luli Island
Luli Island was named by the owners themselves – Mr. and Mrs. Jun and Cely Marcelo. Luli Island was called such due to its physical features wherein it is the only island in Honda Bay that sinks and rises with the tide. LuLi means “Lulubog, Lilitaw.” during high tide, you will only be seeing the structures built on it, which would seem like they are floating. Likewise, everything would surfaced during low tide.
You can find a structure with a diving board in the corner of the island. Face your fear of heights or deep waters by trying this adrenaline-pumping jaunt by the sea. I say it’s one of the must-try activities at Luli Island.
Not far from the diving spot is a floating cottage wherein you can view different kinds of fishes. You’ll enjoy school watching using your aqua gears for sure.
Look how fast we’ve become so close on this trip. Here’s another groufie with them sexy ladies before going to our next island-destination.
Cowrie Island
Our last, but definitely not the least, destination is Cowrie Island. The reason we visited this island last because it is the nearest island to the wharf. Meaning, it would only take our boat trip going home for about 15 to 20 minutes travel time. What I find interesting about this island is that it is very photogenic. I particularly love the golden sand, the calm and inviting waters and the beach activities it offers.
If you feel athletic, you can play beach volleyball with your friends or with another group. It’s for free so just have fun under the sun! And of course, you can quench your thirst by drinking a buko juice or two. Halo-halo is also available in the area.
If you’d like to spend quality time with your friends or loved ones, try kayaking. Banana boat and speed boat are also available.
Or just loaf in the beach and take some groufie with your travel companions and new-found friends.
We spent an hour or so in Cowrie Island. When the time came to leave the island, I couldn’t help but look back to what has transpired in each gorgeous island. Honda Bay island hopping was lit, to say the least. If you have extra time, you may opt to have a day tour in other equally stunning and notable islands – Dos Palmas Island, Pandan Island and Snake Island – and swim in its respective beautiful beaches. Guess I have more reasons to go back to Honda Bay soon.
Indeed, travel is a unifying bond that turns strangers into lifelong friends because of fun and connection you’ve shared with each other. It’s such a cool experience knowing that we started the trip as strangers and ended up being friends. Yes, we are now connected in our respective social media accounts and I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend my not-so-solo escapade in Honda Bay, the Island Hopping Capital of Puerto Princesa. I look forward to traveling with them again very soon!
For your next Palawan adventure, pre-book your trips in Estranghero Travel & Tours (sample itinerary and contact information below):
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival, City Tour
Day 2 – Underground River Tour
Day 3 – Honda Bay Island Hopping
Restriction: Flight must be 5pm onwards
Contact Details
Fidel Pacia, Jr.
DOT-Licensed Tour Guide
Tour Coordinator
Estranghero Travel & Tours/ Palawan Travel Solutions
Mobile/Viber: 09175558840/09985338646
Email: palawantravelsolutions@yahoo.com