Island hopping, a popular treat in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Honda Bay, which is littered with islands, islets, atolls and corral reefs could very well be one of this locality’s prime leisure destinations, due to a wide variety of attractions that it offers. for both foreign and local tourists.

For domestic and foreign tourists, the shallow reefs that adorn the fabulous beaches of its several islets have become popular as swimming snorkeling and diving destinations.

Without any doubt, Honda Bay offer beach lovers unspoiled and uncrowded havens so rarely found anywhere else in the country.

Situated in what appears to be a highway or, close to the path of migratory birds who move as a flock between between Asia mainland and the Philippines each time the weather changes, the amazing sight of hundreds of them flying in some kind of formation, is a real added treat, because this does not come so often.

In fact, only recently, as a group of Filipino news managers savored and recorded on video a very rare opportunity of witnessing first hand, snipes (some kind of a white, long-legged migratory bird), numbering to a thousand or so, flying across the bow of their rented boat and headed towards the west.

There are dozens of white sand natural and man-made resorts beckoning from the clear blue waters; travelers may go to dive, snorkel, or swim in the beautiful still waters of the bay, or just sit on the sand and soak up the sun.

Honda Bay is comprised of several islets with shallow reefs bordering wonderful beaches.

The best recognized islands of Honda Bay are Cowrie and Bat named because of the large fruit bats coming out of their holes at sundown for their evening feed.

Another is Snake island, of curvaceous tongue shape like a snake and with a white sand beach noted for large and lovely shells. Other interesting islands are Canon, Pandan, Starfish, Lu-Ii Island (derived from the word “”lulubog-lilitaw”", meaning floating and sinking island, is visible only during low tide), Señorita Island (the breeding site of lapu-lapu fish) and Meara Marina.

Starfish Island, with coral reefs breaking crystal clear water onto empty, fine white sand beaches and clear water that teems with starfish.

The 20-hectare Arreceffi Island contains the luxury Dos Palmas Beach Resort offers the ideal setting in which to celebrate a great island experience.

Each island offers different attractions, and there are plenty to choose from.

Dive sites abound here, as the entire area is studded with patches of coral and sand. Submerged reefs may be found close to the surface down to 24 meters. Small reef and aquarium fish can also be found here.

Among the more popular dive sites here are Pandan Island, which has good reefs near small drop-offs; Arreceffi Island and Panglima Reef, where coral boulders and gray reef sharks are found.

But to keep the Bay’s naturally pristine ambiance, all visitors are tasked to bring back and dispose of the garbage that they migh generate during their trip.

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