March to May marks the dry season here in the Philippines, making it the best time to visit the beach. If you want to experience Palawan’s beautiful beaches without venturing too far from the city, the Honda Bay Tour in Puerto Princesa is a fantastic option.
The Honda Bay Tour is a mostly laid-back experience. My desire to travel during the dry season isn’t just for myself — I also wanted my mother to enjoy this season. Since the Puerto Princesa tour is senior-friendly, I invited my mother to join, along with some of her friends, for a 3-day, 2-night tour. Well, that was just for them — not me.
I decided to extend my stay in Palawan by heading to El Nido for another four days, where the activities are more adventurous — not exactly ideal for seniors. Besides, the 5-hour journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido would’ve been something my mom would definitely complain about, lol.
Just in case you’re curious, here’s my experience with El Nido Tour A and Tour C.
Going back, the reels below summarize our Puerto Princesa trip. We availed the Puerto Princesa 3D2N SULIT PACKAGE for ₱5,849.00 per person. The Honda Bay Tour took place on Day 2 of our itinerary.
Puerto Princesa 3D2N SULIT PACKAGE
- Arrival/Pick-up at the Airport
- 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Pick-up from the airport and proceed with the Underground River Tour
- 4:00 PM: End of tour/Drop-off at accommodation
- Free time
- Complimentary daily breakfast
- 7:00 AM: Pick-up from accommodation and proceed with the Honda Bay Tour
- 4:00 PM: Return to accommodation
- 5:00 PM onwards: Free time
- Complimentary daily breakfast
- 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Free time
- Check-out from accommodation
- 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Pick-up from accommodation for the Half-Day City Tour
- 5:00 PM: Drop-off at the airport for departure
✅Inclusions;
✔️2 nights Accomodation with basic room amenities
✔️Complimentary Daily Breakfast
✔️Van & Boat Transfer
✔️Licensed Tour Guide
✔️Permits
✔️Life Vest
✔️Audio Devices
✔️Underground River Tour with Buffet Lunch
✔️Honda Bay Tour with Picnic Lunch
✔️Half Day City Tour with Light Snacks
✔️Travel Insurance
❎Exclusions;
✖️Environmental Fee ₱150.00/pax
✖️Other Side Trip Activities
✖️Mask and Snorkels
Palawan’s Centralized Tour System
Based on my observation, Palawan’s tour system feels centralized. While I initially booked the tour through Agency A on Facebook and paid a deposit, Agency B facilitated our first two days, and we settled the full payment with them. On Day 3, Agency C managed our tour.
Interestingly, other tourists I met had similar experiences, being passed between different service providers. While this system may seem unusual compared to places like Cebu, it allows Puerto Princesa to offer more affordable tour packages while giving tourists a chance to meet new people every day.
Pambato Reef
Pambato Reef is one of the prime snorkeling and diving sites located within Honda Bay, near Puerto Princesa. It’s perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, thanks to its vibrant coral gardens and colorful schools of fish.
I was particularly amazed by the cement floater they have — see the picture below.
Luli Island
The name “Luli” is derived from the Filipino words “Lu-lubog” (disappear) and “Li-litaw” (appear), referring to the island’s sandbars that emerge during low tide.
- Hammock lounging
- Taking pictures with sandcastles
- Getting creative with photos featuring coconuts, Red Horse (a brand of beer), and shells
- Diving
- Exploring on a crystal kayak
- Swimming and chilling
Cowrie Island
Named after the cowrie shells commonly found in its waters, Cowrie Island is popular for its white sandy beaches and clear waters.
It’s the perfect spot to just chill and work on your tan. We also had our lunch here, which was included in the package — and it was delicious!
I also treated myself to a henna tattoo for ₱100 and enjoyed some buko juice for ₱60. For those looking for something stronger, they also serve cocktail drinks.
Conclusion
The islands featured in the Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Tour are just as stunning as those in Port Barton and El Nido. You can expect to find white sand beaches and a much more laid-back vibe compared to the more adventure-filled El Nido tours.
If you’re looking for a chill yet memorable island experience, Puerto Princesa’s Honda Bay Tour is highly recommended! 😊
