Most travelers racing between Puerto Princesa and El Nido overlook Honda Bay entirely, which means they miss one of Palawan's most accessible and rewarding island-hopping experiences. The bay lies just 12 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa city, holds a cluster of small islands with white sand and clear water, and costs a fraction of the El Nido tours. For travelers who arrive in Puerto Princesa a day early or have a morning before their van north, Honda Bay is the perfect introduction to Palawan's island world.
The Islands of Honda Bay
Starfish Island (Pandan Island)
The most popular stop, famous for its starfish. The white sand beach here is beautiful in the way that Philippine beaches always manage to be beautiful, and the water is clear enough to snorkel over live coral. The island has a restaurant and basic facilities, making it the natural lunch stop on most tours.
Luli Island
Luli stands for Lulubog-Lilitaw, meaning "sinks and rises" - the island is a sandbar that disappears at high tide and reappears when the water recedes. The timing of your visit determines whether you get a beach or a shallow lagoon. Either way, the snorkeling around the surrounding reef is excellent.
Cowrie Island
A privately managed island with a resort facility. Day visitors pay an entrance fee but get access to a well-maintained beach and very good snorkeling. The coral here is some of the healthiest in the bay.
Meara Island
A quieter less-visited island that some tours include. Fewer facilities, more undeveloped - preferred by snorkelers who want to get in the water without crowds.
The Mangrove Forest
Honda Bay is framed by a significant mangrove forest, and some tours include a slow boat passage through the mangrove channels. Gliding through the channels in near-silence with roots arching overhead and small fish darting in the shallows is a genuinely peaceful experience.
How to Book Honda Bay Island Hopping
Tours depart from the Honda Bay wharf (Santa Lourdes Wharf) north of Puerto Princesa city. Shared bangka boats cost 200 to 400 pesos per person for the boat itself. Island entrance fees are paid separately at each stop (50 to 250 pesos per island). Most hotels in Puerto Princesa can arrange transportation to the wharf, or you can take a tricycle there and book directly. Expect to pay 800 to 1,500 pesos total for a half-day tour including transport, all fees, and lunch on Starfish Island.
Honda Bay vs El Nido: How Do They Compare?
El Nido is dramatically more spectacular in terms of scenery. The limestone towers, hidden lagoons, and scale of the Bacuit Archipelago are genuinely hard to match anywhere. Honda Bay is more modest - smaller islands, shallower drama, but more accessible and significantly cheaper. For travelers visiting both, Honda Bay works as a relaxed warm-up to the intensity of El Nido.
Practical Tips
- Depart by 9 AM to make the most of morning light and calm water
- Bring cash - entrance fees at each island are cash only
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a towel; facilities vary by island
- Wear water shoes - some island entries are rocky
- The tour is suitable for children and non-swimmers - most spots are shallow and calm
Combining Honda Bay with Puerto Princesa Highlights
Puerto Princesa is a full destination in its own right. The Underground River is the headline attraction and requires a full day including transport. Honda Bay fills a half-day beautifully. Together, a 2-night stay in Puerto Princesa before heading to El Nido makes for an outstanding beginning to a Palawan trip.