Honda Bay and Star Fish Island, Palawan

Two of my life’s dreams have been fulfilled here on the island of Palawan in Philippines. The first was bat hunting in the underground river caves and the second was swimming with tropical fish on Star Fish Island on the Honda Bay Tour. Do I agree that Palawan should’ve been rated the world’s top island? Absolutely. Here’s why…
Our tour started around 7:30 AM and we were collected and greeted by the delightful and bubbly fluent English speaking Filipino guide VJ. He explained important principles of eco-tourism including which animals we could touch and which ones we could not. He explained the dangers of sea urchins and the importance of not stepping on or touching the coral.
Out first stop was the hire shop to hire our snorkling gear. The snorkel, mask and swimming shoes were just 300 Pisos for the day.
Book your Honda Bay Tour here

Approaching the Port at Honda Bay

When we arrived at the port, an array of street sellers waited as we disembarked the bus, with highly overpriced shell and pearl jewellery. But VJ had already warned us of this tourist scam!

Here’s the Thing about Solo Travel

So here’s the thing about solo travel. Many people back home often ask me what? You travel alone? Well the truth is, I am never really alone. There are always fabulous people to meet along the way.
And today’s group was an inspiring and enthusiastic combination of Aussies and Filipinos. Zia and Ella two Young Filipino girls waited eagerly in their full swim wear. Then there was Dave, an Australian who met his Filipina wife Helen online. They now live together in Australia.

Star Fish Island

As the boat approached Star Fish island, we could already see enormous star fish in the water below. I couldn’t wait to get out and about to see them!

I could easily see where Star Fish Island got its name! The star fish were large coral coloured ones with black spikes on them. They were bigger than my hand! Coming from Birmingham, I didn’t know that star fish this big even existed!

You are allowed to touch the star fish on star fish island and pick them up out of the water. However, you must put them straight back in the water as soon as possible, because after 2 to 3 minutes out of the water, they will die. Respect the star fish!
I then joined Ella and Zia for the snorkling activity. At first I was scared of the sea urchins and slimey things, but then I remember that I was wearing the protective sea shoes, as recommended by VJ! But just as I went in up to my thighs, I felt something that I thought was touching or even biting my leg!
‘Aaaaah, aaaah, something getting me!’ I screamed! The girls looked at me, looked at each other and sniggered. I looked down and as the water was so clear I could see what it was…. a clear and grey fish about the size of my index finger thought I was food – he was bouncing off my leg like a kissing gorami! Just move! The girls told me. As soon as I did, they swam away.
The snorkelling got better as you Swam over the coral to the sheer drop into the deep ocean. This is why you still must wear your life jacket. The snorkelling at first, was scaring me slightly. I think it’s just the initial feeling of water around your face. When you learn to put complete trust in the snorkel and mask you are absolutely fine.
Since I put my head under I was amazed! Two ‘dories’ swimming in and out of the rock crevices. 3 large Angel fish to My Right. I’d seen them in aquariums, but thats nothing compared to seeing them in the ocean. Then something I didn’t recognise but that surprised me so much that I had to take my head out of the water to say wow! A large turquoise and orange fat fish about the size of my A5 diary! Stunning. There really is a whole new world under there.

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