Honda Bay, Palawan island

Palawan has about 1,770 islands yet one of the least developed holiday destinations in Southeast Asia (Philippines). So far the lack of commercialism has made Palawan very elite, but it is becoming more popular particularly for international divers, as well as voyagers. The ideal place for sun seekers and snorkellers is Honda Bay, which has several islets including Cannon Island, Bat Island and Starfish Island, with coral reefs breaking crystal clear water onto empty, fine white sand beaches. The best months to visit the place are from December to May.

Load up on the summer’s splashiest beach.

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

The Dos Palmas Beach in Palawan.

Dos Palmas, an upscale beach resort in the Puerto Princessa area of Palawan. It’s far enough away to give you the peace and quiet you need to refresh your spirit without any distractions. But it’s well-located, so that you can have your pick of activities. Rich diving spots, abundant with Palawan’s famed marine life, and well-trained staff of activity coordinators will assist those in pursuit of an adventure-filled, active vacation. A Marine Sports Center near the main beach offers a wide array of marine sports equipment for diving, snorkeling, and other water sports. You can go to sleep to the soft whisper of the waves in one of our romantic Bay Cottages, built offshore and over the water. Explore the beautiful coral gardens of Honda Bay and swim with colorful schools of fish at Helen’s Garden.

The ride to Dos Palmas…

Dos Palmas, sun-bathed and sea-sprayed on Arreceffi Island on Honda Bay, is barely an hour’s boat ride from the Santa Lourdes Wharf in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.