A day adventure at Palawan's Last Frontier

After a sizzling lone adventure in Caramoan a few days ago, Pinoy Explorer is on the go again. This time around, with my office mates for our company outing. The Destination.... Coron.

Let me start by sharing my travel last year which I have missed to post because of some work I have to finish. Let me recall the days I have spent in this wonderful place of Mayor Hagedorn.

When I was in Puerto Princesa City, I attended a conference. Right after it, I decided to make my own extra trip to the places here I have never been explored yet. Oops, it is not part of my official visit here. On our way to the place, I met Mang Rudy, a tricycle driver who was also a boat operator. Btw, I decided to contact some participants from the conference to join me. So when we agreed, we headed off for a 1-day adventure to the Philippines' "Last Frontier" —Honda Bay.

As you know, Puerto Princesa City is also the home of the famous Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features a spectacular limestone karst with an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river. (Please vote for they need your support). It would take you a two-hour drive from the city and even not sure if you can really go through the subterranean experience. Palarong Pambansa was being held when we got there so the place is crowded of locals and tourists alike. 

Anyway, to all backpackers who want to get an idea for a day adventure in Palawan, here's my itinerary: For a day adventure in Honda Bay, this would cost you around P4,500 for 3days and 2 nights accommodation of any hotel of your choice.

Going to Honda Bay

The bay is situated in Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City. It is about 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City. Sta. Lourdes wharf is where pump boats can be rented to the island/s of your choice. Some islands require an entrance fee; others are privately owned. But to those interested for the private, you will be permitted to use them only with an authorization. Sta. Lourdes wharf is 25 minutes away by hired tricycle or jeepney. A pump boat ride from the wharf to the different islands is from 15 to 50 minutes.

The fastest way to reach Honda Bay is via Barrio Tagburos. Honda bay has dozens of islets with wonderful beaches and good sites for diving that lie along the bay. Boats to the islands can be rented in Tagburos.

    * From the city proper to Sta. Lourdes wharf is 25 minutes away (rent a tricycle if you are in a group (P150)

    * Boat for island hopping (1,200 for a group of 6)

Some islands are private which require you an entrance fee, but sometimes if you are in a small group, they offer it for free. Along Honda Bay, if you have plenty of time, you can reach the following islands; Bat Island, Lu-Ii Island, Cannon Island, Starfish Island, Meara Marina, Snake Island, Pandan Island and Senorita Island.

I found out that from these islands you can have plenty of activities  to do from snorkeling, scuba diving and even fishing especially at Snake Island. The water is crystal clear and you can actually feed a school of fishes  once you get near them. The island has the longest sand bar among other islands and its very romantic and have picturesque location. Now I know why it was chosen to be featured in one movie of Aga Muhlach and Claudine Barretto.

There’s no need to worry about the food here. For this island is abundant of eatable marine life and is being preserved for this purpose. We ordered a kilo of tilapia in the island for inihaw and sinigang and it was cooked for us in an hour and served with hot rice.

After we ate our delicious meal, we proceeded to Pandan.This island is also a good location for campers. The 20-hectare island is one of the most peaceful places you could go to in Palawan. You have to pay a minimal fee of P25 if you want to stay for hours. It has a long shoreline and nice rocky spots for snorkeling. If you have plenty of time you can explore the entire island on which you can see lots of Pandan plants (which is why it’s called by its name). If you are a tourist wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this island is definitely a nice respite.

If you want to stay longer in the island, there are several huts and cottages that are available. The caretakers will be of help for whatever you need. Snorkeling is great around Pandan Island, and it is fun feeding the fish which swarm around you as you hold out a piece of bread.

We also reached Dos Palmas-a private island that became famous because of a kidnapping incident and death of a very popular young actor named Rico Yan. We are not allowed to dock but after persuasion with guards and its management, we are able to grab an instant island tour for P500. This island as seen in travel glossy is really expensive. It has a span of 20 hectares and fully equipped to provide plenty of opportunities for adventure, fun and relaxation.

It is surrounded by nature, yet embraced by the comforts of modern facilities and accommodating staff. The eastern part of the island has been designated as the Dos Palmas Eco Zone (DPEZ), where all environmental programs and facilities of the resort are situated.

Caption: Bay Cottages of Dos Palmas

For those who are interested to visit Dos Palmas, here are the packages:

Bay Cottages & Beach Villas (on a per person basis)

• ADULT PhP 2,500.00
• CHILD PhP 1,200.00

Package inclusions

• Scheduled round trip land and boat transfers (city-resort-city)
• Lunch
  
  Use of the following facilities and equipment:
• Children’s playground
• Ocean kayaks
• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
• Courts and equipment (tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, beach badminton)
• Recreation center (darts, billiards, table tennis, videoke and mini-library)
• Resort bikes
• Speedboat transfers to nearby snorkeling and sites
• Complimentary coffee and/or hot tea throughout the day
• Welcome drink
• Service charge and applicable government tax at time of booking

PUBLISHED RATE (on a per person per night basis) Bay Cottage
Single PHP 14,500.00
Double PHP 12,000.00

Beach Villa
Single PHP 13,500.00
Twin PHP 11,000.00
Triple/Quad PHP 10,000.00
Child Rate PHP 3,000.00

Package Inclusions

• Accommodation in an air-conditioned cottage or villa
• Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) per night stay
• Scheduled round trip land and boat transfers (city-resort-city)
• Picnic lunch at nearby island (minimum 2 nights stay)
• One DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING per person per stay (for non-divers) inclusive of diving gear OR One FILIPINO MASSAGE/HILOT service from our Paranarian Island Spa (for a minimum of 2 nights stay)
• Complimentary use of the following facilities and equipment:

• - Swimming pool and Jacuzzi
• - Children’s playground
• - Ocean kayaks
• - Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
• - Courts and equipment (tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, beach badminton)
• - Recreation center (darts, billiards, table tennis, videoke and mini-library)
• - Resort bikes

• Speedboat transfers to nearby snorkeling and picnic sites
• Complimentary coffee and/or hot tea throughout the stay
• Welcome drink.
• Services of a guest officer and marine sports guide.
• Service charge and applicable government tax at time of booking
• Child rate is applicable to children 6-11 years old sharing room with 2 adults. Below 5 years old is free of charge..

Since, we can't accommodate ourselves for a night stay, I contented myself for a souvenir items and a shirt that can only be bought on this private island.

In my next post...Coron, Palawan