Honda Bay Island Hopping [Puerto Princesa 2013]

The next day, we were up early to go island hopping via Sta. Lourdes Wharf.  Our contracted tricycle was already there at the time we specified (7AM).  One could actually go there via multicab, however, the problem might be that of going back.  Since my mom might not be up to the long walk from the wharf to the main road (with the scorching heat), I decided to just hire a tricycle (PhP500 for the round trip).


It was about 30-40 minute ride to the wharf.  Once you get there, the first thing you have to do is to register.  This is where you would select which boat type you're going to rent.  On the second window, pay for the boat rental (ours is PhP1300).  On the third window, pay for the Environmental and Terminal Fees (PhP40/person and PhP18/boat, respectively).  Then, your paper would be passed to the boatmen.  After signing in the manifesto, you would be ushered to your boat.
 

Step 1.  Register and select boat type

Steps 2 and 3.  Paying for the boat rental and additional fees (terminal and environmental)

Boats docked in the wharf

A few minutes later, we were already in the boat for our Honda Bay (or Hunda Bay) island hopping tour.

Sta. Lourdes Wharf

On our way to our first island

These are the islands we visited: (click on the links below for our experience on the islands)

• Pambato Reef
• Starfish Island
• Pandan Island 
• Passed by Luli and Snake islands

They actually asked us if we would also want to go to Cowrie island but decided not to as we wanted to be back to the city early.  I think the boatmen also get commissions on the island entrance fees.

We could see dark clouds forming as we neared the dock, it started to rain.  Unloading the boat, my mom thought we would get drenched in the rain. Hahaha! As if we're not already wet!  We intentionally didn't bring any dry clothes as the travel from wharf to our accommodation isn't that far.

When we got out of the boat, our transportation was already there waiting for us (we sent a message when we're getting off the last island).  We paid for the tricycle when he dropped us off at Regidor Bed and Breakfast.  It's only around 2:30PM, there's still time to get some rest and get ready for mass later.
 
After doing some math, it turned out that doing a DIY tour for Honda Bay Island Hopping for just 2 persons (it cost us about PhP1550/person) is more expensive than that of the tour (PhP1300/person including transportation, 3 specified islands + entrance fees, cottage fee and lunch).  However, the advantage is that you would be able to select which islands you want to go to and manage your time as you wish.  I believe the tours are from 8AM-4(or was it 5)PM.

Notes:

• As per our boatman, the first boat leaves as early as 6AM.
• Cut-off time for island hopping is 2:30PM
• Snake Island is closed to tourists (see related article here)
• They give senior citizen discounts in island entrance fees 

Expenses:
Tricycle Hire                     PhP500
Environment Fee               PhP40/person
Terminal Fee                    PhP18/boat
Boat Hire                          PhP1300/boat (max. of 6 persons)
Cottage Fee (Umbrella)     PhP300
Lunch                               PhP500 
Island Entrance Fees:
   Pambato Reef                PhP50/person (only for those who would snorkle)
   Starfish Island                PhP50/person
   Pandan Island                 P125/person


For the tricycle rental and coordination of other tours, you may contact:
Marco Paolo de Vera
0999 978 8921