The Ultimate Honda Bay Travel Guide: Plan your trip
Discover the beauty of Honda Bay with our ultimate travel guide. Plan your trip to this tropical paradise with tips on the best islands to visit, when to go, how to get there, and more.
HONDA BAY
DESTINATIONS
Best of Puerto Princesa & El Nido | 6 Days
Explore Puerto Princesa | 4 Days
Underground River
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When to Visit Honda Bay
Honda Bay is open for visitors throughout the year, but the ideal time to visit is during the dry season from November to early May. This season is marked by moderate temperatures, low precipitation, and a steady wind from the east.
Some islands can be crowded regardless of the time of year, especially during public holidays, so plan accordingly to avoid the crowds.
Attractions You Should Consider Visiting:
- Cowrie Island
- Starfish Island
- Luli Island
- Pambato Reef
Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Embark on an unforgettable island hopping adventure and explore the tropical islands scattered throughout Honda Bay, including Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island.
Discovering Puerto Princesa and Honda Bay in 4 days
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa – Explore the City
Upon arriving in Puerto Princesa, take some time to explore the city and immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit historical landmarks such as the Plaza Cuartel or the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, or stroll around the Puerto Princesa Baywalk to enjoy the scenic view of the sea.
Day 2: Discover the Underground River
Embark on an exciting adventure to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Marvel at the stunning limestone formations, and witness the diverse ecosystem that thrives within the cave’s chambers.
Day 3: Island Hopping at Honda Bay
Indulge in a fun-filled day of island hopping at Honda Bay, located just a short distance away from the city center. Visit picturesque islands like Starfish Island and Cowrie Island, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the pristine white sand beaches.
Day 4: Departure from Puerto Princesa
After a memorable stay in Puerto Princesa, it’s time to say goodbye and head back home. Take with you unforgettable memories of the city’s rich history, natural wonders, and warm hospitality.
Where to stay:

Honda Bay can be visited on a full-day trip; therefore, the best accommodation options are located in Puerto Princesa city, which allows you to do the island hopping in Honda Bay during the day and return to the city for the night. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of Honda Bay without compromising on the quality of your accommodation.
Among several accommodation options in Puerto Princesa, the best hotels are those located in the city centre near the Rizal Avenue, short distance from restaurants, bars and shopping malls.
Conveniently located 10-minute drive from the Rizal Avenue, Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa boasts a large outdoor pool and rooms, suites and villas with free WiFi. There is a fitness centre, 3 restaurants and on-site water sport facilities for guests to enjoy. Each room, suite and villa has a flat-screen cable TV, safe, seating area and a private bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries.
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel is strategically located along Rizal Avenue, the most renowned and bustling street in Puerto Princesa. The hotel boasts a well-equipped fitness center and an indoor pool, while guests can unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar. All rooms are thoughtfully designed with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for guests.
Hue Hotel Puerto Princesa is a modern and stylish hotel located near Robinson Malls. The hotel offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Its design combines modern elegance with traditional Filipino elements.
Canvas Boutique Hotel Puerto Princesa is a unique and artistic hotel located near Puerto Princesa airport and within walking distance from Rizal Avenue. The hotel features vibrant and colorful rooms and common areas adorned with various art pieces and murals. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant serving Filipino cuisine, and a bar. Its design creates a fun and whimsical atmosphere, perfect for a creative and memorable stay.
What to bring along
Are you planning a trip to Honda Bay Puerto Princesa? Don’t forget to pack these beach essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.
- Swimsuit: Pack one or two depending on how often you plan to swim.
- Beach Bag: essential for carrying all your beach gear.
- Beach Towel: Pack a lightweight, quick-drying beach towel to dry off after a swim or lounge on the sand.
- Beach Pareo: Pareos are versatile and lightweight cover-ups that can be used as a scarf and shawl.
- Sunhat and Sunglasses: Stay protected from the sun's harmful rays with a sunhat and sunglasses.
- Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day with a refillable water bottle.
- A good book/Kindle: Relax and unwind with a good book or Kindle on the beach.
- Raincoat: Pack a lightweight raincoat just in case of an unexpected rain shower during your trip.
- Waterproof phone case : to take underwater pictures without damaging the phone.
- To prevent jellyfish stings, it is recommended to wear a wetsuit while swimming in Honda Bay. It's also a good idea to bring along a jellyfish sting neutralizer spray just in case.