Honda Bay Island Hopping in Puerto Princesa: A Complete Guide for Families and First-Timers
Honda Bay island hopping in Puerto Princesa is one of the easiest and most family-friendly ways to experience Palawan’s white-sand beaches and island life. Over multiple visits—most memorably when we celebrated our daughter’s first birthday—I’ve seen how Honda Bay works for different kinds of travelers.
Whether you’re traveling as a family of three like us, bringing along extended family, or balancing work with rest as a remote worker, Honda Bay offers a simple, rewarding itinerary that never feels rushed or overwhelming.
For those of us who work remotely, trips like these aren’t just vacations; they’re resets. Honda Bay allows you to step away from screens, move your body, eat well, and still return to your hotel in time to check in on work.
This guide covers when to go, how to plan your Honda Bay island hopping tour, the best island stops, wellness-friendly tips, and where to stay in Puerto Princesa.
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Best Time to Visit Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa
The best time to go on a Honda Bay island hopping tour is from November to May, when seas are calmer and skies are generally clearer.
Peak Season (March to May)
- Sunny weather and calm waters, ideal for snorkeling and kayaking
- Busier islands due to summer break
- Best for travelers who prioritize weather over crowds
Shoulder Months (November to February)
- Cooler temperatures and fewer tourists
- Excellent for families with young children
- Ideal for remote workers who prefer a slower pace
Rainy Season (June to October)
- Island hopping is still possible, but tours may be canceled due to rough seas
- Not ideal if your schedule is tight or non‑flexible
Tip: If you want calmer mornings, fewer boats, and more space on the islands, aim for late November or early February.
How to Get to Honda Bay from Puerto Princesa
The jump‑off point for Honda Bay island hopping is Sta. Lourdes Wharf, located about 12–15 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City. Travel time from most hotels is 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Booking Options for Honda Bay Island Hopping
Joiner Tours
The most cost‑effective and stress‑free option, especially for families and first‑time visitors. Joiner tours typically include:
- Hotel pick‑up and drop‑off
- Boat rental and fuel
- Life jackets
- Licensed tour guide
- Buffet lunch (usually a Boodle Fight)
Private Boat Rental
Best if you want full control of your schedule. A private Honda Bay island hopping tour allows you to:
- Stay longer on islands you enjoy
- Skip crowded stops
- Travel at your own pace, especially with kids or seniors
Fees to Expect
- Environmental Fee: Around PHP 150 (valid for several days)
- Island Entrance Fees: PHP 50–100 per island (if not bundled)
Family tip: With kids, bags, and sun exposure to manage, guided joiner tours take a lot of logistical stress off your plate. Locals handle Coast Guard paperwork and timing, making the day much more relaxed.
The Island Itinerary
Most Honda Bay tours focus on three main islands, each offering a different experience.
1. Cowrie Island
Often the first or last stop, Cowrie Island is well-developed with cabanas and a large dining area.
- Experience: The water remains shallow for a long distance, making it very safe for toddlers and young children. This is where Juliah spent most of her time when she was one.
- Wellness Angle: Ideal for gentle swimming and walking in the water. You can swim laps parallel to shore for light cardio.
Tip: The sand is soft, but coral fragments are present—bring aqua shoes.
2. Luli Island
Named after Lulubog–Lilit (“to sink and rise”), this island’s sandbars disappear at high tide and reappear at low tide.
- Experience: Wooden huts on stilts give the island its signature look.
- Wellness Angle: Kayaking around mangroves and stilt houses is an excellent low-impact upper-body workout. There’s also a small diving board for those who enjoy short bursts of adrenaline.
Bonus: A small diving board offers short bursts of adrenaline for adventurous travelers.
3. Starfish Island
This island has the highest concentration of sea stars in Honda Bay.
- Experience: Clear water makes this the best snorkeling spot.
- Wellness Angle: Even non-swimmers can see marine life by wading. The long shoreline is perfect for brisk walks, mobility exercises, or stretching under the trees.
Island Dining: The Seafood Buffet
Island hopping tours in Honda Bay typically include a generous seafood buffet served beachside. In our experience, the spread featured freshly caught crabs, grilled fish, and other seafood, alongside local staples like steamed rice, grilled meats, and ripe bananas for dessert. Everything is simple, fresh, and prepared to highlight natural flavors rather than heavy seasoning.
Tip: If you’re joining an island tour, arrive hungry and be open to sharing. Bring reef-safe wipes or a small towel, choose seafood first while it’s hot, and take your time—this is one part of the experience worth savoring.
Smart, Healthy Choices
- Grilled Proteins: Stuffed squid (pusit), grilled fish, pork belly (liempo)
- Seaweed & Vegetables: Latô (sea grapes), rich in iodine and magnesium
- Fresh Fruit: Mangoes and watermelon are staples
- Hydration: Skip soda and opt for fresh buko (coconut) water, a natural electrolyte
Because meals rely on fresh, local ingredients, it’s easy to avoid overly processed food—even while eating generously.
Supporting Local: Coconut Husk Crafts
One of the more personal parts of our Puerto Princesa trips is visiting my uncle’s family, who are part of the local artisan community.
They upcycle discarded coconut husks into:
- Kitchenware: Bowls, spoons, forks
- Home Decor: Lamps and carvings
- Souvenirs: Keychains and ornaments
Supporting these businesses is a form of sustainable travel. These items are biodegradable, locally sourced, and provide direct income to families in the province. When possible, choose handmade crafts over mass-produced plastic souvenirs.
Where to Stay: Wellness-Friendly Hotels
If you’re a remote worker or someone who prioritizes movement and recovery, accommodations matter.
1. Holiday Suites (Our Regular Choice)
Located across Robinsons Place Palawan, this hotel offers:
- Reliable Wi-Fi
- Easy access to groceries, pharmacies, and dining
- Short tricycle rides to the city center
It’s practical, clean, and ideal for families balancing work and travel.
2. Astoria Palawan
Closer to Honda Bay, this full-service resort features:
- A well-equipped gym
- A long infinity pool ideal for morning swims
3. Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
Near the airport but secluded:
- Spa facilities for recovery
- A gym overlooking greenery
4. Hotel Centro
Centrally located and business-friendly:
- Compact gym
- Pool suitable for early morning laps
Wellness Tips for Families and Remote Workers
- Hydration: Bring a reusable water bottle. Tour boats usually have refill stations.
- Movement: Treat island hopping as active recovery—swimming, walking, paddling all count.
- Connectivity: Strong 4G/5G in the city; expect weak signals once on the water.
- Sun Protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs.
- Early Start: Leave your hotel by 7:30 AM to avoid long queues at the wharf.
If you’re looking for an island experience that’s family-friendly, easy to plan, and quietly restorative, Honda Bay delivers. It’s proof that you don’t need to choose between adventure, wellness, and responsibility—you can design a trip that holds all three.
What Else to Do in Puerto Princesa
If you are spending more than a day in Puerto Princesa, another must-visit attraction is the Underground River in Sabang. It offers a completely different experience compared to island hopping, focusing more on nature, caves, and geological formations.
Many travelers combine Honda Bay on one day and the Underground River on another to experience both beaches and natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honda Bay Island Hopping
How long is Honda Bay island hopping?
Most tours last 6–7 hours, including travel time, island stops, and lunch.
Is Honda Bay island hopping safe for kids?
Yes. Calm waters, shallow swimming areas, and life jackets make Honda Bay one of the most child‑friendly island hopping tours in Palawan.
Honda Bay has become part of our family’s story. We’ve visited it during different seasons of life—from celebrating my daughter’s first birthday to balancing parenthood, remote work, and wellness on the road. This guide isn’t meant to rush you through island hopping but to help you experience it intentionally—at a pace that supports rest, movement, and connection. My hope is that this serves not just as a travel guide, but as a reminder that meaningful travel can still fit into real, working lives. (Because sometimes the best productivity tool is saltwater.)
