Snake Island, Honda Bay

Snake Island, one of the island hopping destinations in Honda Bay, is an easily accessible place where you can walk on white sand and enjoy snorkeling in its crystal clear waters. While snorkeling, you can observe different kinds of fishes that seem to welcome you as they gather together and swim closely for you to see their grace and beauty. You can also see some corals and other marine life. Just avoid holding the fragile corals as some species normally grow at a rate of only 2 centimeters each year.

 

You can also walk along the mangrove reforestation project just next to the beach and see how mangroves are planted using propagules. The mangroves are composed mainly of Rhizophora spp. characterized by its stilt roots that anchor the plant firmly through the porous sand. The island does not have a rich source of nutrients so the mangroves in the area grow poorly compared to the fringing mangroves in mainland Palawan. 

Snake Island features one of the best views of Honda Bay.

 

Formerly, Snake Island is one long, S-shaped curve of sand that literally snakes its way across the waters. Experts say it is not really an island in the conventional sense but a sandbar. Now, there are two separate sections due apparently to subsidence or a rise in sea level. This must be due to climate change. A few decades ago, the island was declared a protected area but there are proposals to convert the place into a privately-operated tourist spot. 

 

You can take bring in your pack lunch to the island or enjoy the food prepared by enterprising locals. You can choose from an array of fresh fish and had it cooked your way. Many prefer to have their fish cooked just by simple broiling.

 

Upon leaving the island, you might consider buying local products. There are huts lining the beach that sell souvenir items. Some of those items feature oysters that have developing pearls attached inside the shell.

 

While there are cottages around where you can just sit and enjoy the scenery, a volleyball net is also available for you to enjoy the tickle of the sand as you hammer away the ball. It is an ideal place for group travel but you would likewise enjoy the place with your family or loved ones.

 

Honda Bay is accessible through the Tagburos quay  where tourists gather and ride either the regular Honda Bay Boatowners Association, Inc. (HOBBAI)-operated boats or the exclusive Arrecife Island (formerly Dos Palmas) trip operated by the New City Commercial Center (NCCC).