PAMBATO REEF (Honda Bay, Palawan)

A nice site for snorkeling awaits you at the Pambato Reef in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

A floating platform in the middle of the ocean serves as the gateway to a wonderful underwater paradise.

(Pambato Reefs from afar--- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines)

The roof of the floating platform (as you can see in the photo) is a giant sea turtle or a pawikan. Pawikans are an engdangered specie of turtles.

(Floating Platform--Pambato Reefs Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines)

Pambato is a marine sanctuary that's home to a lot of different fishes and clams. The word Pambato is a Filipino term for "bet" or "contender". The place was named as such because it is Puerto Princesa's bet/contender when it comes to the most beautiful reefs in Palawan.

(Pambato Reefs Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines)

There is an entrance fee that you should pay upon entering the snorkeling area of Pambato Reef. The fee is P50 per person.

(Pambato Reefs Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines)

Before going down into the water, you will have a short briefing regarding the safety measures that you should consider while snorkeling. The guide will also welcome you, and he will also tell you some facts about the Pambato Reef.

(Pambato Reefs Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines)

These are just some of the guidelines that you should follow when snorkeling at Pambato Reef:

1.) Wearing your life vests is a must here in Pambato. The management wants to protect the corals from being touched by the visitors, hence the requirement of wearing the life vests. You will not be allowed to go into the water without wearing your life vests, and even if you're a good swimmer you will still not be allowed to get into the water without your life vests on.

2.) No fish feeding! You're not allowed to give any kind of food to the fishes.

3.) You're not allowed to wear your slippers while snorkeling. You can leave your slippers on the platform before going into the water.

4.) Don't go beyond the perimeter. You're not allowed to go outside the perimeter. There is this orange colored floaters with ropes in it marking the perimeter. You're not allowed to go outside it because that part of the sea a protected area.

If you are ready to go, then jump in and enjoy the scenic view under the water. If you are scared to explore the reef alone, then your boatmen will also be your very own guide in exploring the reef.

(Snorkeling Area------Pambato Reefs PPC, Palawan Philippines)

There are two (2) Life Guards in the area. They also serve as announcers if you want to call your companions who are still in the water.

(Snorkeling Area------Pambato Reefs PPC, Palawan Philippines)

The boatman guide has this floater which you can hold on to as he tours you around the pambato reef. He will point out the interesting stuff in the reef such as the giant clams, etc.

(Snorkeling Area------Pambato Reefs PPC, Palawan Philippines)

While exploring the floating platform i saw a lot of different pictures of fishes with its different names written in the captions. It's like you're in a science fair, with all those fishes and their scientific names and all. The photos below are just some of the pictures which i saw in the platform.

(Pambato Reefs Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines)

These are just some of the pictures that are scattered through the waiting area of Pambato. It features the different types of fishes to be found in the area.

(Pambato Reefs Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines)

Our boatman took this photo for us. It's a giant clam! Too bad during that time, i wasn't able to bring a snorkeling gear that's why i haven't seen this humungous clam.

(Giant clam------Pambato Reefs PPC, Palawan Philippines)

This is the stunning view under the water. There are lots of fishes in there and the reef is just awesome.

(Pambato Reefs Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines)

There you go. That is the Pambato Reef! An amazing snorkeling site in Honda Bay.

So if you're in Puerto Princesa, don't miss the opportunity to witness one of God's amazing creations. Hop on a boat and go on an island hopping adventure in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines.

ADIOS!

-The Palawenya Explorer