Starfish Island
Stars on the sandy floor.
mendhak — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Ray in Manila — CC BY 2.0 · Ray in Manila — CC BY 2.0 · Ray in Manila — CC BY 2.0
A broad bay on the east coast of Palawan near Puerto Princesa, scattered with small islands of white sand and coral reef, most of them less than an hour by boat from the wharf. The daily boat tour usually visits three or four islands: Starfish Island, where starfish dot the shallow sandy bottom; Luli Island, most of which disappears at high tide so that it seems to sink and rise; and other small islands for swimming and snorkelling among colourful fish. Some islands have huts and seafood restaurants. The water is shallow and calm at most stops, so the tour suits families, children and weaker swimmers, with life vests. It is easier than the El Nido and Coron tours and closer to the city, which makes it a good first or last day in Palawan. A small environmental fee is paid at the wharf, and tours are booked in the city. Do not touch the starfish or lift them from the water.
Stars on the sandy floor.
Sinks and rises with the tide.
Colourful fish in shallows.
Honda Bay wharf, about 30 minutes by road north of Puerto Princesa city
Yes: the water is shallow and calm at most stops, the islands are close and life vests are provided. It is easier than the El Nido and Coron tours.