Island Hopping Continues...

 Part II of Island Hopping in Honda Bay, Part I here.

I narrated on the previous post our escapades in the first island we landed on at Honda Bay, Palawan. After lunch we left that Starfish Island for our 2nd, that is Isla Pandan. Our 15 min boat ride was confronted with bigger water swells where our boat had a few roller coaster ride. Most of us got wet, I was sitting in front so I got the bulk of the water splashing on us. I confess i did some prayers, I called God to stop the waves. I told you i am scared of deep waters, but phobia never stop me from boat rides! Among us I got the biggest scare from those swells. We are so relieved in reaching the island.

 Pandan, Pandanus sp,  is a genus of palms that mostly thrive in saline soils. The welcome sign clearly informs tourists of its nature. The pandan palm luxuriously grows there and the island sign purposely placed near it. Look at the characteristics of the roots, they clearly resemble the mangrove root structure, posted in the previous post. Of course, coconuts are common plants in these islands.

In contrast with the previous Starfish Island, Pandan Island boasts of very soft smooth white sands, very ideal for family swimming. Small children can linger in the shallow waters very comfortably.

Kiosks like the above are prominently built near the beach for small groups. Larger ones are constructed farther from the shoreline, and more long tables are available for big groups. A life guard is also present near the swimming areas. 

I am fascinated with the fruits of this tree near the shore. They resemble the talisay (Terminalia catapa) nuts, but they are totally different. I still haven't learned of this tree species. 

 Rains and stronger winds accompanied us to this island. It suddenly got gloomy and rained intermittently. It is amusing how people converged in covered structures when it rains. I guess strong winds get you so cold when you're wet.  I even donned my rain jacket.  The bluish range at the background is the mainland where our base hotel is. That expanse of water scares me when there is wind, rain and swells. The above small boats accomodate up to eight people, while those below are considered bigger boats accomodating around 30 passengers.

 Which do you prefer to board through these waters, small or bigger boats?

 We saw some fishermen selling their catch like the rock lobsters above. Definitely, they are a lot cheaper here than when already in the city markets. There are enterprising folks who offer services to cook rice and broiled fish and crabs for interested visitors. It is a plus for the tourists because they can eat the very freshly cooked fresh catch, sometimes can be eaten on their shell. This island offers a marvelous feast, how i wish i can come back only to savor those marine catch.

 Above are spider shells and marine mussels. These are only eaten here in the island and not allowed to be brought to the mainland of Puerto Princesa. Maybe that goes with the dwindling availability of the spider shells, maybe approaching being endangered.

 That is the look of Pandan Island on our boat back for the city.  It is fully encircled with smooth, fine, white sands. No two islands have the same structure of beach and vegetation. For me, this is very prominent as well as that single tall tree at the island's center.

Our World Tuesday

Nature Notes

Outdoor Wednesday

Water World Wednesday