Luli Island (Luli Sandbar)
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Luli Island (Luli Sandbar)

4.3
·979 reviews·Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

Luli Island's 'sinking and rising' sandbar offers a unique natural spectacle, perfect for photos and a quick dip in clear waters.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide periods

Sandbar is most visible

CrowdMedium
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Luli Island (Luli Sandbar)

Luli Island (Luli Sandbar)

Best Time

Low tide periods

Sandbar is most visible

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Luli Island's 'sinking and rising' sandbar offers a unique natural spectacle, perfect for photos and a quick dip in clear waters. Reddit

4.3
(979 reviews)

"It's a cool place to dive and clean surroundings."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Swimming Shoes

Protect your feet from sharp objects on the sandbar and beach. Essential for a comfortable visit.

🥥 Buko Coconut Treat

Enjoy a fresh buko (coconut) while swimming. A refreshing local delight!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Sinking' Sandbar

The 'Sinking' Sandbar

Main sandbar area

Witness the unique sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide – a truly magical natural phenomenon.

Reddit
Crystal Clear Waters

Crystal Clear Waters

Beaches

Enjoy swimming and lounging in the calm, shallow waters surrounding the island. Perfect for a refreshing dip.

Reddit
Diving Platform Fun

Diving Platform Fun

Diving area

For a bit of adventure, take a leap from the diving platform into deeper, inviting waters.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tide: Luli Island's Magic

Luli Island's charm lies in its 'Lulubog, Lilitaw' (sinks and rises) sandbar. Plan your visit around low tide for the best sandbar views and photo ops. It's a quick stop on Honda Bay tours, so manage expectations for extended stays. Reddit

Tread Lightly: Environmental Awareness

While beautiful, Luli Island can suffer from marine debris. Be mindful of your impact and consider wearing swimming shoes due to potential sharp objects. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Low tide periods
Why
Sandbar is most visible
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Day 1: Puerto Princesa! ⛅️☀️💛 Ang ganda-ganda dito 🥹 Funny Lion Puerto Princesa 🏝️
@jennyyeo4
8.2K likes • 144.6K views

👟 Wear Swimming Shoes

Protect your feet from sharp objects on the sandbar and beach. Essential for a comfortable visit. Reddit

🥥 Buko Coconut Treat

Enjoy a fresh buko (coconut) while swimming. A refreshing local delight! Reddit

reddit.com

1 and 1/2 day in Puerto Princesa, what's worth it besides the underground river?

reddit.com

Luli Island, Honda Bay, Palawan

📸 Capture the Sandbar

The 'sinking' sandbar is a prime photo opportunity, especially during low tide. TikTokReddit

🧴 Sun Protection is Key

The sun can be intense. Load up on sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Swimming Shoes

Protect your feet from sharp objects on the sandbar and beach. Essential for a comfortable visit. Reddit

🥥 Buko Coconut Treat

Enjoy a fresh buko (coconut) while swimming. A refreshing local delight! Reddit

📸 Capture the Sandbar

The 'sinking' sandbar is a prime photo opportunity, especially during low tide. TikTokReddit

🧴 Sun Protection is Key

The sun can be intense. Load up on sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(979 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Luli Island is a unique and photogenic stop on Honda Bay tours, celebrated for its sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide. Visitors enjoy the swimming and photo opportunities, though some note concerns about marine debris and crowded conditions during peak times. It's a worthwhile, quick experience that showcases a fascinating natural phenomenon. Reddit

"Luli Island is a unique stop in the Honda Bay island-hopping tour, known for its sandbar that “sinks and rises” with the tide — hence the name Lulubog, Lilitaw. It’s a cool natural feature and a fun photo spot, especially during low tide when the sandbar is fully visible.

The island is generally good for swimming, lounging, and quick stops, with shallow, calm waters and a few shaded areas to rest. There’s also a small diving platform for those who want to jump into deeper water.

However, the place clearly needs better maintenance. During our visit, there was noticeable floating marine debris along the shore, which took away from the otherwise beautiful scenery. While this might depend on tides or weather, more regular cleanup would definitely improve the experience. With increasing tourist traffic, upkeep is important to preserve the island’s appeal.

Snorkeling isn’t ideal here, as there’s not much marine life, and the island can feel crowded when multiple tour groups arrive at the same time. Facilities are basic, and there’s not much to do beyond swimming and taking pictures.

Pros:
• Unique sandbar that appears/disappears with the tide
• Good for swimming and photos
• Quick, convenient stop during Honda Bay tour

Cons:
• Floating marine debris; area needs better upkeep
• Crowded during peak hours
• Limited activities and marine life

Overall:
Luli Island is an interesting and photogenic spot, but it would benefit greatly from more consistent maintenance and environmental care. A worthwhile part of the Honda Bay tour — just don’t expect to spend too long here."

Dennis L

"It was part of the Honda Bay Island hopping tour. It's such a cute Island. At high tides, it's barely there. Getting a buko coconut there is a must. Drink it when bathing in the sea then carve out the coconut to eat it."

meltem kogelbauer

"Second stop on our island hopping adventure of Honda Bay. Cool place to dive and clean surroundings."

Jhune Mallari

What People Like

Unique sandbar
Good for swimming
Photogenic spot

What People Dislike

Marine debris
Can be crowded
Needs better upkeep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Luli Island is exclusively accessible via island-hopping tours from Puerto Princesa, typically as part of the Honda Bay tour. Book a tour with a reputable operator in the city. TikTokReddit

The Honda Bay tour is a popular day trip from Puerto Princesa that visits several islands, including Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island. Reddit

No, direct boat services are not available. Luli Island is only visited as part of organized island-hopping tours. Reddit

You can book tours through your hotel in Puerto Princesa or directly with tour agencies along Rizal Avenue. Compare prices and inclusions. Reddit

The boat ride to Luli Island from the Honda Bay port typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the tour itinerary. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is usually an environmental or entrance fee for Luli Island, which is often included in the overall tour package price. Confirm with your tour operator. Reddit

You don't need to book tickets specifically for Luli Island, but you do need to book an island-hopping tour in advance, especially during peak season. Reddit

Luli Island is accessible during daylight hours as part of island-hopping tours. Tours typically run from morning until late afternoon. Reddit

While swimming and enjoying the sandbar are usually covered, some activities like kayaking might incur additional charges. Inquire with your tour provider. Reddit

No, independent visits are not possible. Luli Island is only accessible through organized Honda Bay island-hopping tours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Activities include swimming, lounging on the sandbar, taking photos, and using the diving platform. Some tours may offer kayaking. Reddit

Snorkeling is generally not recommended as there's limited marine life visible. The focus is more on the unique sandbar and swimming. Reddit

Facilities are basic, typically including huts for food and drinks. Restrooms might be available but can be rudimentary. Reddit

Luli Island can get crowded when multiple tour boats arrive simultaneously, especially during peak hours. Reddit

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, drinking water, and ideally, swimming shoes. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are usually small huts on the island where you can purchase fresh coconuts, snacks, and simple meals. Reddit

Food is typically not included in standard Honda Bay tours, but you can purchase it on the islands. Some premium tours might offer lunch. Reddit

Expect local snacks, grilled seafood (if available), and refreshing drinks like buko juice. Reddit

Options might be limited. Fresh fruits and coconuts are usually available, but cooked meals may focus on seafood. Reddit

Prices are generally tourist-oriented. A buko coconut might cost around PHP 50-100, and other items vary. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main sandbar during low tide, the diving platform, and the clear waters offer great photo opportunities. TikTokReddit

Early morning or late afternoon, during low tide, provides the best light and fewer crowds for photography. Reddit

Drone usage policies can vary and may be restricted. It's best to check with your tour operator or local authorities beforehand. TikTok

A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended for water activities. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the sandbar. TikTok

The 'sinking' sandbar itself is a unique photographic subject, showcasing the dynamic nature of the tides. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Luli Island is a fun, albeit brief, stop for families. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for young children to splash and play safely. The novelty of the sandbar that appears and disappears can be quite enchanting for kids. Don't forget to bring their favorite beach toys! Reddit

Consider packing snacks and plenty of water, as options on the island are limited and can be pricier. While snorkeling isn't the highlight here, the simple joy of swimming and exploring the sandbar will likely keep the little ones entertained for the duration of your visit. Ensure they wear water shoes for comfort and safety. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Luli Island is typically part of a larger Honda Bay tour, making it a cost-effective way to see multiple attractions. Look for group tours which often offer better per-person rates. While food and drinks on the island can be a bit expensive, purchasing a refreshing buko (coconut) is a relatively affordable treat. Reddit

To save money, consider packing your own snacks and water. The main cost will be the tour package itself. Focus on enjoying the natural beauty and the unique sandbar experience, which is the primary draw and doesn't require extra spending. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Luli Island offers a unique subject: the dynamic sandbar. Aim to visit during low tide for the most dramatic shots of the sandbar emerging from the sea. The clear, shallow waters also provide excellent opportunities for capturing reflections and vibrant blues. TikTokReddit

Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the sandbar and the surrounding seascape. A waterproof camera or phone case is essential for capturing shots in and around the water. Golden hour, if your tour schedule allows, can offer beautiful lighting. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Lulubog, Lilitaw' Phenomenon

Luli Island earns its name from the Tagalog phrase 'Lulubog, Lilitaw,' meaning 'sinks and rises.' This refers to the island's remarkable sandbar, which is fully exposed during low tide and gradually submerged as the tide comes in. This natural spectacle makes it a unique and captivating stop on any Honda Bay island-hopping adventure. Visitors are often mesmerized by how the landscape transforms throughout the day, offering different perspectives and photo opportunities. Reddit

To truly appreciate this phenomenon, timing is key. Planning your visit to coincide with the lowest point of the tide will grant you the most expansive views of the sandbar, allowing for leisurely strolls and iconic photographs. The contrast between the exposed golden sand and the surrounding turquoise waters is particularly striking during these times. TikTokReddit

While the sandbar is the main draw, remember that its visibility is entirely dependent on tidal patterns. Even when partially submerged, the shallow waters around Luli Island remain inviting for swimming and wading, offering a pleasant experience regardless of the tide's level. Reddit

Navigating the Honda Bay Tour

Luli Island is a standard inclusion in the popular Honda Bay island-hopping tours departing from Puerto Princesa. These tours are designed for a full day of exploration, typically visiting 3-4 islands. Other common stops include Cowrie Island, known for its amenities and seafood restaurants, and Starfish Island, where you can spot colorful starfish (though touching them is discouraged). Reddit

Booking a tour is straightforward. You can arrange one through your accommodation in Puerto Princesa or find various tour operators along Rizal Avenue. Prices can vary based on inclusions, group size, and the type of boat. Most tours provide lunch, snorkeling gear (though snorkeling at Luli is limited), and transportation to and from the Honda Bay port. Reddit

When embarking on the Honda Bay tour, be prepared for a dynamic day. The boat rides between islands offer scenic views of the coastline. While Luli Island is often a quick stop for its unique sandbar, other islands offer more in terms of relaxation, dining, and water activities. TikTokReddit

Environmental Considerations and Visitor Experience

While Luli Island offers a unique natural attraction, reviews suggest that environmental upkeep can be an issue. Some visitors have noted the presence of marine debris along the shores, which detracts from the island's natural beauty. This highlights the importance of responsible tourism and the need for consistent maintenance by local authorities and tour operators. Reddit

To enhance your experience and ensure safety, wearing swimming shoes is highly recommended. This protects your feet from any sharp objects that might be present on the sandbar or in the shallow waters. Additionally, ample sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, is crucial due to the tropical climate. TikTokReddit

Despite these challenges, Luli Island remains a popular and worthwhile stop for its distinctive sandbar. By being mindful of the environment and taking practical precautions, visitors can still enjoy the unique charm of this 'sinking and rising' island. Reddit

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