Palawan Tour Day 3 – Honda Bay: When will I complete the 7107 islands?

19 July 2006: The Philippines is one of the countries which has the most number of islands, 7107 during low-tide and 7 of it disappear during high tide. The term island hopping was new to me that time. They just told me that it’s just like bar hopping, moving from one bar to another. Then, I’m thrilled to give it a try and visit as many islands as we can.

The way to Honda Bay is good. It took only an hour for us to reach the point where the island hopping will start. Luckily, the weather was fair and we can enjoy the heat of the sun. There were lots of island comprising the bay, but we only selected few to visit. First, the Pandan Island, named after the leaves of pandan.

Beneath the sea floor, you can see lots of pandan-look-a-like leaves swaying with the waves. The island has fine sand and a good beach to swim. Next is, the Starfish Island - an island full of starfish.

Even in the shore line you can see lots of starfish. We don’t have too much activity in this island because we’re afraid of the itchy feeling that we might get after playing with the starfishes. Next is, the Lu-Li Island (Lulubog-Lilitaw Island, that can be translated to Disappear-Appear Island), this is one of my favorites.

Our boatman said that this island is one of the seven islands in the Philippines which disappear during high tide. Since the island has 3 cottages which were elevated by piles of 1~2 meter high and you can see water line marks on those piles. When water level is up to this line, the island is completely covered by sea water, by then, it seems that our boatman was telling the truth. Next is, Dos Palmas Resort, unfortunately we haven’t tried to anchor our boat to its shoreline.

Dos Palmas Resort is a well-known luxurious resort not only in the Philippines but all over the world. Going there needs prior reservation and don’t be shocked of its high rates, because their target markets were foreigners and elite people. However, I managed to take some photos hundred meters away from the resort. Finally, the group’s favorite, the Snake Island, definitely from the name itself, it should have shape-like snake, and yes it has.

The S-shaped Island has many things to offer, it has semi-fine sand and a good place to swim, beach front for snorkeling, snorkeling gadgets rentals, cottages, mini stores, food, and many more. This was my first time to mingle with Nemo and his friends; even though I only had tasty bread on my hand without spread, they still approach me and play with me. Snorkeling was fun and very relaxing; I can’t wait to see them again in my next beach adventure.

After the whole day island hopping adventure we headed back to our hotel riding in a truck (literally a truck used for carrying cargoes), because our rented van failed to fetch us and it so happen that we saw that truck and asked where’s his way, fortunately same way to our hotel, it was raining that time and it was really fun since we were at the back of the truck and was standing all through out the ride.

Even though our cousin Aimee was unable to join us there due to some unexplained reason of love, still, this Day 3 is the most fulfilling and exciting adventure in our Palawan tour. This is where the level of my enthusiasm in discovering the tranquility of Philippine beaches immediately went up. This is where I asked myself, “When will I complete the 7107 islands?”

See more of Palawan:

• Palawan Tour Day 4 – City Tour: More than tired
• Palawan Tour Day 3 – Honda Bay: When will I complete the 7107 islands?
• Palawan Tour Day 2 – The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: Welcome to the one of the new seven wonders of nature
• Palawan Tour Day 1 – Puerto Princesa City: My highest and farthest birthday celebration