Our tour
guide for the trip fetched us at the inn where we were staying at around 7:00 am and
proceeded to pick up the other tourists from their hotels. On the way, we
stopped at a snorkelling gear shop near Sta Lourdes Wharf. Here, we rented snorkelling
masks and aqua shoes at PhP 150 each. Life vests, meanwhile, will be provided on
the boat we will be renting at the wharf.
When we
arrived at the Sta Lourdes Wharf, the place was already teeming with
tourists. Our guide took care of the
necessary permits and fees at the Tourist Information Center. While waiting for
her, we seize the opportunity to have a restroom break and take photos. We also
bought some bread at the various stalls scattered along the wharf for our fish
feeding activity later. Finally, after waiting for quite some time, we hopped
on the outrigger boat assigned to our group. Because of the weather condition,
we can only go the islands near the wharf.
Luli Island
Our first
stop was Luli Island. “Lu” from “lulubog” and “Li” for “lilitaw.” The guide told
us that it was named as such because the island is submerged during high tide
and visible if low tide. Luli Island is actually a long sandbar with fine sand,
a perfect backdrop for selfies and jump shots. The island is quite developed as
there are are cottages, restrooms and a floating platform. But what tourists
enjoyed most is its diving board. Imagine jumping into the sea? But don’t
worry, it’s just a few meters off the shore.
Kabayo Island
The second
island for our group was Kabayo Island. This is not among the popular islands
in Honda Bay. It is actually a sandbar too, but smaller than Luli Island. Also,
it is not that developed, only floating platforms can be found here. But I
really had a fun time snorkelling and feeding the fish, just take a look at some
of the photos taken by our boatman using my friend’s underwater camera—plenty
of multi-colored and different kinds of fishes!
Cowrie Island
Our last stop is Cowrie Island. From afar, I could already see the
coconut trees and thatch-roofed huts. We had our lunch at the island’s big
covered pavilion. I enjoyed the buffet which consists of pancit, fish, fried chicken,
veggies, coffee jelly and a lot more! Too tired to dip ourselves in the water,
my friends and I just roamed around and saw a bar, massage services
and a beach volleyball area. We also saw tourists kayaking or riding the banana
boat. My friend, meanwhile, had a henna tattoo. Since most of us had flights to
catch that evening, we decided to go back at Sta Lucia Wharf by 2 pm.
Our Honda Bay island hopping tour was tiring but I definitely enjoyed
it! Hopefully when I go back, the weather would be cooperative so that I can
also check out Pandan Island, Pambato Reef and maybe even Dos Palmas!
