View from boat has we approached the island.
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Starfish Island

4.6
·34 reviews·, Philippines

A serene island paradise in Honda Bay, famous for its starfish and picturesque stilt huts, perfect for a relaxing day trip.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning tours

Less crowded, clearer water

CrowdLow
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View from boat has we approached the island.

Starfish Island

Best Time

Morning tours

Less crowded, clearer water

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene island paradise in Honda Bay, famous for its starfish and picturesque stilt huts, perfect for a relaxing day trip.

4.6
(34 reviews)

"Nice place to visit for a change. It's fun to swim, dive, snorkel, etc, etc Lunch is included."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect yourself and the marine life! Opt for sunscreens that are safe for coral reefs. :sunwithface:

Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear

While tours may offer gear, having your own ensures comfort and hygiene. 🎭

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 35 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Starfish Encounters

Starfish Encounters

Shallow waters

Spot vibrant starfish in their natural habitat. A unique photo opportunity, but remember to be gentle!

Snorkeling Adventures

Snorkeling Adventures

Around the island

Explore the underwater world with a chance to see marine life. Bring your own gear for the best experience.

Stilt Hut Charm

Stilt Hut Charm

Island shoreline

Iconic overwater huts offer a picturesque backdrop and a glimpse of island life.

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Planning Your Visit

Island Hopping Essentials

Starfish Island is best experienced as part of a Honda Bay island hopping tour. Book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and ensure a smooth itinerary. Pack light but bring essentials like reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof bag for your valuables.

Respecting Marine Life

While the island is named for its starfish, remember they are delicate creatures. Admire them from a distance and avoid touching or removing them from the water. Responsible tourism ensures these natural wonders remain for future visitors.

Best Times

When
Morning tours
Why
Less crowded, clearer water
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Good for lunch stops
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Go here for the food! Bonus nalang yung starfish 😂 #tiktokph #foodvlog #travelph #islandhopping #starfish
@itsjustinesy
5.6K likes • 124.6K views

Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect yourself and the marine life! Opt for sunscreens that are safe for coral reefs. :sunwithface:

Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear

While tours may offer gear, having your own ensures comfort and hygiene. 🎭

reddit.com

Puerto Princesa Honda Bay DIY Island Hopping

Hello! We’ll be arriving at PPS around 7:00 AM and are planning to go island hopping right after arrival. However, our accommodation check-in isn’t until 2:00 PM. 1. Has anyone experienced a similar situation? What did you do with your luggage? We’re a group of five, so we’ll…

reddit.com

Need infos for Honday Bay DIY

Will be doing DIY island hopping on our trip, around 8-9 pax kami. Does anybody knows magkano ung pricing ng boat, rental gears, environmental fee, entance fee per island, etc. And need pa ba ng permit like sa Underground River, if yes san pwede kumuha nung permit? Thank…

Handle Starfish with Care

Admire these creatures from afar. Never touch or remove them from the water. ⭐

Lunch is Often Included

Many island hopping tours provide a delicious local lunch. 🍴

reddit.com

what to do in puerto princesa palawan

i'm about to spend my 21st birthday in puerto princesa palawan (i'm a guy so medj big deal sa parents ko yung "debut" ko) and i really want to enjoy my experience as someone na bihira mag-tour around the country. first time ko rin kasi dun kung sakali. i already looked for…

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect yourself and the marine life! Opt for sunscreens that are safe for coral reefs. :sunwithface:

Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear

While tours may offer gear, having your own ensures comfort and hygiene. 🎭

Handle Starfish with Care

Admire these creatures from afar. Never touch or remove them from the water. ⭐

Lunch is Often Included

Many island hopping tours provide a delicious local lunch. 🍴

Waterproof Bag is Key

Keep your phone, camera, and other essentials dry during boat rides and swims. :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(34 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Starfish Island is a popular stop on Honda Bay tours, praised for its peaceful atmosphere and the unique opportunity to see starfish. Visitors enjoy the included lunches and the scenic stilt huts. However, some find the snorkeling less impressive than anticipated, with limited coral and fish.

"Nice place to visit for a change. It's fun to swim, dive, snorkel, etc, etc Lunch is included."

Linda Española

"Peaceful beach. A lot to do with the starfish but just make sure you know how to handle them with care."

Richard J. Roque

"I was on starfish island af part of an island hopping tour in holde bay. The snorkling is not good. Nearly no corals and few fish. I didnt see any starfish and the water was not as clear as i expected. The other islands we were hopping in honda bay was not better snorkling areas.
Dont go there for snorkling."

Anders Pohl Nielsen

What People Like

Peaceful island vibe
Starfish encounters
Included lunches

What People Dislike

Limited snorkeling

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Starfish Island is typically accessed via island hopping tours from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, usually departing from Honda Bay. You'll need to book a tour package that includes transportation to the island. ⛴️

You can book tours through local travel agencies in Puerto Princesa or online in advance. Many accommodations can also arrange tours for you. 💻

Yes, Starfish Island is a common stop on most Honda Bay island hopping tours, often combined with other islands like Luli Island and Cowrie Island. 🏝️

The boat ride from Honda Bay to Starfish Island usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the specific tour itinerary. :clock1:

It's generally not feasible to visit Starfish Island independently as it's a remote island best reached by organized boat tours from Honda Bay. ⛵

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees are usually included in your island hopping tour package. Confirm with your tour operator to avoid surprises. 🎟️

Tours typically run from morning until late afternoon. The exact timings depend on your chosen tour operator and itinerary. :sunwithface:

Environmental fees might be collected as part of your tour package to support conservation efforts on the island. 🍃

While possible, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee availability and better pricing. 📅

Tour packages often include boat transfers, lunch, and sometimes snorkeling gear. Always clarify inclusions with your provider. :moneywithwings:

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

You can snorkel, swim, take photos with starfish (gently!), relax on the beach, and enjoy the peaceful island vibe. :starfish:

Snorkeling conditions can vary. Some visitors report limited coral and fish, while others find it enjoyable for a casual snorkel. It's best to manage expectations. 🐟

Observe starfish from a distance or gently hold them for a quick photo, ensuring they are supported and returned to the water immediately. Never remove them from their habitat. :camerawithflash:

Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available. Some reviews mention shower rooms, but their functionality can be inconsistent. 🚿

Most island hopping tours include lunch. There might also be small local stores selling snacks and drinks. 🍨

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the island's beauty and starfish. 🌅

Capture the iconic stilt huts, the clear waters, marine life (especially starfish), and panoramic island views. 📷

A waterproof camera or a good waterproof phone case is highly recommended for capturing underwater shots and protecting your device. :water_wave:

The stilt huts and the areas where starfish are visible are popular photo spots. Experiment with different angles! 🎨

Get low to the water level and use natural light. Be patient and wait for the starfish to be in a good position. ⭐

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