PALAWAN Travel Diary II: Honda Bay Island Hopping

170 Comments
I'm finally blogging our Island Hopping Experience! This post is quite lengthy but I assure you, you'll enjoy while reading the captions and browsing through the pictures. :)

Days before the island hopping I've already researched the islands we're about to go. Starfish, Luli, and Cowrie islands are what's in our itinerary. 

Of course the only means of transportation for the island hopping are boats. Although my grandparents live near the beach I don't have much experience in riding a boat and my first time to try island hopping. Before we headed the wharf we stopped by a snorkeling equipments shop. We rented snorkeling shoes (the experts say it's a must to protect the feet from stone fishes) as well as diving masks in order to see the corals and fishes clearly. 

There are so many small islands we've spotted during the boat tour and this one was one of the many island I'm talking about. This island is not an abandoned one because the government of Palawan preserves and takes good care of it. 

As what I can remember our tourist guide told us that this island was privately owned by a family of foreigners.

We also spotted this floating turtle platform. Little did I know that it's the famous Pambato Reef already.  

First stop was the Starfish Island. It was such an amazing sight to see a lot of starfishes when we stepped out of the boat. It was nice to be welcomed by a lot of starfishes scattered along the shore.  

So this was me the moment I stepped the white sand of Starfish Island. Can't pass this big frame without having a picture taken in it. :)

We had the chance to snorkel in this island and it was actually one of my firsts! We were able to see a lot of different sized beautiful corals and different kinds of fishes. It was a really nice experience to see the rich world underwater.

After an hour and a half we were transported to another island named LULI island which means Lulubog Lilitaw. We were lucky enough that it was low tide when we went. It is my favorite island among the three because it's not the usual island or beach you can see in other island hopping. It's pretty awesome in person!

This was me the moment I stepped on the island. It was beautiful and kind of romantic? Haha. 

My jump shot attempts :) I did many jump shots but these were the sorted decent (i think?) pictures I have.

There is a diving board as well which my mom and siblings tried. I wasn't able to take a dip since I spent the whole time taking a tour and taking A LOT of pictures. Haha :)

And just like that we bid goodbye to this beauty :( If only I could have spent a longer time here...

The last island that we went to was the Cowrie Island. It was named after the marine gastropod mollusk, Cowrie. We had our buffet lunch here. They served a large number of different sea foods and Asian pasta dishes. 

We felt like we were in a big oven in Cowrie. It was really hot that when I walk and opt for pictures I have to do it fast because I felt like I was burning. I didn't really know how those people feel while swimming and engaging in some water activities. I even decided to gave up Banana Boating even though I really want to just because it was freakin' 1 pm in the afternoon and I don't want to go back home toasted. Hello? 

It was a real struggle to take some shots there so just imagine how fast I took the photo above. Maybe 3 seconds? Haha. I suggest you bring a trusted sun block when you go there. :)

Before we leave the island we spotted some banceros and tourists posing weirdly for some photo ops near the shore with those cans, shells and coconuts. I didn't know what the hype was all about until I saw the end pictures. My mom and I tried it as well. :)

Honda Bay island hopping is a must when you go to Puerto Princesa. It was an amazing and different experience. :) 

xoxo,




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170 comments:

  1. Amazing pics


    Check out my new post on my blog about Auckland
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  2. This seems so much fun!! <3

    https://mawisvintage.wordpress.com/2015/04/28/got-slogan-ft-lbug-clothing/

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  3. This looks like a spectacular time island hopping! Such a dream. I would love to do this. The photos are so mesmerizing and gorgeous! oh and I am not on instagram yet like you suggested, but I followed you on G+ and Bloglovin :)

    xo, Bry

    AudreyHepburn.Naughty&Nice

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    Replies
    1. Yay! It's a nice experience. You have to try it! :)

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  4. This looks like a spectacular time island hopping! Such a dream. I would love to do this. The photos are so mesmerizing and gorgeous! oh and I am not on instagram yet like you suggested, but I followed you on G+ and Bloglovin :)

    xo, Bry

    AudreyHepburn.Naughty&Nice

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  5. This seems like the most amazing trip! Love those pictures!

    XO IMKE // www.pastellics.com

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  6. Que bonitas fotos. Bss

    http://almamodaaldia.com

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  7. Wow this trip looks amazing, thank you for sharing so many pics!

    x Karen
    http://dressinginlabels.blogspot.com

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  8. Amazing post :)
    Kisses :)

    http://www.itsmetijana.blogspot.com/

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  9. Looks so beautiful, love all the sunshine :)) xx

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  10. Fun-packed pictures Shaira! I love your heart sunnies!
    ♥♥♥
    Jeanne
    http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

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  11. How cool to Island hop they all perfect place to visit got a kick out of the coca cola big can on the beach. You all look like you had a blast. Great post.

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  12. Fantastic pics dear! Sure you enjoy it so much your travel:)
    I'm following you now on instagram!
    Happy week,
    xoxo
    http://stylishpatterns.blogspot.com.es

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  13. What a beautiful place, love it!
    Bisous,
    Julie | http://www.juliechagas.com/

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  14. Nice post! Love it!
    http://fetish-tokyo.blogspot.com/

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  15. What gorgeous photos! I've always wanted to go snorkeling :) Thanks for sharing these with us!
    xo Kiki
    https://colormekiki.wordpress.com/

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  16. I wish to be there with you <3 Amazing place!
    xoxo
    www.anjage.blogspot.co.uk

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  17. Hope you had a great time!! x

    Erica
    www.eggcanvas.me

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  18. Seems like you had an amazing time!!

    http://fashionwalkinbrussels.blogspot.com/

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  19. Great location, wonderful smiles, amazing pics!!!!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

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  20. So much fun!

    God bless,
    XO, Claire
    http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.blogspot.com

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  21. Looks like a wonderfull trip!
    xx
    Sarah

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  22. Wow, just look at that view. Everyone looks like they're having the time of their life. I just love this post. I hope to see you at my new blog next week.

    Kay of Pure & Complex
    www.purecomplex.com

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  23. These photos look like so much fun! I want to be at the beach right now.

    Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Bloglovin’

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  24. Looks like you guys had tons of fun! Looking at your pictures make me really miss the sun and beach, Canada is just too darn cold and dreary now. LOL!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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    Replies
    1. Yes, pure fun! But honestly if we could only switch the temperature right now, I would pick yours because it's so hot here in PH.

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  25. looks like such a fun time!
    xo,
    nancy

    http://www.adoretoadorn.com

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  26. Nice photos :) M&MFASHIONBITES mmfashionbites.blogspot.gr
    Maria V.

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  27. very great photos!
    xoxo Gi.

    new post
    http://f-lover-fashion-blog.blogspot.it

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  28. Great photos! Nice post
    xxx
    http://www.etlittlethings.com/

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  29. Stunning pictures! The place looks amazing :)

    http://www.fineclic.blogspot.com

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  30. Wow, the floating turtle platform is so cool. I love these shots, makes me want to get up & travel right now. :]
    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

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  31. i love these photos! this looks like the perfect day of adventure with your loved ones. :)
    love, liz
    www.stylewich.com

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  32. This place looks like paradise! Thanks for sharing your lovely pics! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  33. This looks like an absolute blast! Thanks for sharing!

    xo katie // a touch of teal

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  34. i've been to palawan before and i totally miss it!! definitely a paradise!! :D

    Have a great day!
    Animated Confessions

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    Replies
    1. You should probably go back! Too many beautiful spots to go :)

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  35. Looks awesome! Thanks for stopping by my blog to tell me you posted this, my hubby and I just went through all of your pictures and I think we're pretty set that Palawan will be our next trip!

    Gina
    Pink Wings

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    Replies
    1. Yay! Tell me your thoughts once you had the trip. I'm looking forward to you post! :)

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  36. how fun to see so many islands! sounds like a great adventure!

    kelseybang.com

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  37. These photos are so beautiful! I'm jealous you were able to see so many islands. Makes me miss the beach!

    Best,
    Christina

    Looks by Lau

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  38. This looks amazing and your photos are gorgeous!
    Rosanna x
    Rose’s Rooftop

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  39. Looks like an incredible experience! All of these photos are so bright & vibrant! Loving it :)

    XO Naomi in Wonderland

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  40. Wow, it was such an amazing trip, this beach looks stunning (and generally, every of your photo is great!) and I bet that you spend wonderful time with your beloved, Shaira! :)

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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  41. I'm so jelly! :( I want to travel as much as I can and it's kinda sad that even though I've lived in the Philippines my whole life, I still haven't visited a lot of places. I want to go to Palawan because I heard it's so beautiful there and seeing all these pictures made me want to go there even more. I hope I can go there someday once I have enough budget to do so! xx

    Roxanne ♥ | Awkward Turtle

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    Replies
    1. Yes, don't worry. I got my travel tickets through blogging. :) Work harder and you'll get there!

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  42. This looks like so much fun!!! It makes me want to go get on a beach again!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

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  43. WOW! It looks like a great adventure! Love the picture where you are holding the star fish! Amazing trip!
    -Tatiana
    We Shop in Heels

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  44. Oh this looks like SO much fun! Looking out of my window right now, it's pouring with rain and so this looks idyllic! .. Hurry up Summer!

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice

    x


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    Replies
    1. Make plans while it isn't summer yet. Plan trips :)

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  45. Amazing shooting!
    Have a nice evening!
    Natallia Jolliet
    http://www.alexphotographygeneva.blogspot.com/

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  46. What a great time u had!! Great place and photos!! Xoxo

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  47. Very nice post ! I love snorkeling ;) xox http://valeriesdays.blogspot.fr/

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  48. Beautiful shots, you look like an ocean goddess!

    besos,
    M
    The Flower Duet

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  49. Hi Shaira!

    I can't believe this crystal clear water and the gorgeous photo ops on all of the islands you visited! You captured such beautiful memories!!

    Kiss kiss,

    (='.'=)
    -Lauren
    adorn la femme

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  50. OMG!!!! the views are breathtaking!!!! <3333
    can't wait to feel the atmosphere myself :D

    xx
    http://sony-ann.blogspot.com/

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  51. Oh wow.. I'm so in love with that place!! Palawan is definitely a paradise.. can't wait to go island hopping there when I visit Philippines.. looks alot of fun =D All your photos are flawless Shaira <3

    Take care always, love Christine ~ xx
    BLOG | BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

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  52. Such beautiful place, I would love to island hop myself. I'm a true ocean lover. Awesome pics, thanks for sharing!

    xx,
    Tania
    http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/

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  53. How exciting to visit so many different islands. I've never done that! And all the while you always look super cute!
    Baci,
    Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog - Valeria Arizzi

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  54. Amazing PIcs, wanna be there right now

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  55. You look like you had a lot of fun! This was a great travel diary post filled with awesome photos <3

    http://www.thestylishbipolar.com

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  56. Beautiful pictures dear. You look fabulous..
    Have a great day. Loads of love 
    Richa Shekhar
    www.yulookgorgeous.com

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  57. wow this looks like an amazing time!!! Nice post
    x Mieke
    http://nancy-mulhouse.blogspot.be

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  58. Also. Following you on instagram .My ig - http://instagram.com/ulukgorgeous

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  59. The colors are amazing! Looks like you had so much fun x Take me with you the next time?

    Much love | Trillu

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  60. wow, the ocean looks gorgeous, and you guys look like you had fun!
    www.samanthamariko.com

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  61. Looks amazing *o*
    I want to go there haha <3

    Sleepy Deer

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  62. Great post, looks so fun!!

    http://elenacanostyle.com

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  63. This place is just amazing,omg.I love the last picture,is so creative.All pictures are so beautiful,looks so fun,love it.xoxo.
    Cake Interruptted

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  64. Uau that place looks incredible! Amazing photos :)
    ---
    http://breakfastataris.blogspot.com

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  65. Looking so much fun and freedom:)! Beautiful place to be at this time:).

    Tanya
    http://attraction2fashion.com

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  66. Definitely enjoyed reading through the entire trip! I badly want to go island hopping right now but I just don't feel like getting toasted at the moment. Palawan is really a beautiful place and I hope to take my own trip there someday :) Your photos are indeed beautifully captured!

    Mimi | The Foxy Heroine

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  67. Looks like such a fun time!!

    www.tusksandtails.com

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  68. Lovely shots Shai and this looks so much fun!

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  69. this place looks so much fun.All ur pics tempt me so much.
    New Post on my blog, do drop by soon ,<3
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  70. This looks like a really fun island hopping trip with a great company! Thanks for sharing!

    Prudence
    www.prudencepetitestyle.com

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  71. Have a great Friday, Shaira :)

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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  72. We had so much fun Shaira! Although I have not yet posted my perspective haha ~mons http://alyssamoniquebustillo.co.nr

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  73. Hey guys and gals can you guess who I am there at the pictures? Cause I'm with Shaira 👯
    http://alyssamoniquebustillo.co.nr

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  74. Starfishes!!! wow!! what an amazing adventure!! beautiful photos!! :-)

    www.kikabibi.blogspot.com

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  75. Really beautiful photos and it looked like you had so much fun! I hope you have a lovely week! :) xx

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  76. I'm glad to see another blogger who tried the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour. We also did the island hopping more than two years ago for our honeymoon. It's really to see live coral and colorful fishes. Buti at meron pang napre-preserve na coral reefs sa bansa natin.

    The islands in our itinerary are the same as yours: Starfish, LuLi, and Cowrie.

    Here is part 1 of our Honda Bay Island hopping experience: Honda Bay Tour (Part 1): A Big Disappointment at Starfish Island

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  77. This landscape is fabulous. Kisses beauty :)

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