Pambato Reef: A playful approach to experience its coral reefs

Island hopping to Honda Bay was my first snorkeling experience ever and my first time to see coral reefs too, so to make the most out of it, we bought a cheap underwater film camera (36 shots) which was Php600.00 or USD14 from the registration booth.

Our tour guide Gloria explained that the name Pambato originated from Tagalog word itself, pambato which  means wager or bet. It is the Puerto Princesa’s bet in terms of coral reefs.

Upon arriving in Pambato Reef, we immediately equipped ourselves with snorkeling gears and underwater camera.

Diver trying to pull me down

Since it was my first time to see coral reefs, I let the frisky side of me by removing the life vest to go deeper. I even asked favor to a local diver if he can pull me down near the coral to have my photo taken as a souvenir.

More corals - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa

Beautiful corals from above were orgasmic. I was amazed by this unique looking coral which hole made me feel like it will sip me in. The only thing I noticed in these corals, they do not look fresh but rather dry.

Not sure with what I felt, but were they budding or dying soon? A coral bleaching perhaps? Hopefully my speculations were wrong. Still, they are just beautiful beneath.

This isn't snorkeling anymore - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa
I swam deeper and there were more. Look how fantastic my bangs were.

Corals - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa

First time snorkel - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa

More photos - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa

Fish feeding - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa
We fed some fish. It grossed me out when I saw their tiny teeth trying to feed my finger as well.

Weird looking -Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa
Another weird looking photo underwater.

Spiderman pose - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa
Spiderman pose.

Swimming deeper - Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Enjoying the first time.

Our tour guide Gloria is also a talented diver - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa
Our tour guide Gloria is also a talented diver.

Jenny Villarama - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa
A friend who didn’t want to take her life vest off.

Other tourists - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa
Some snorkelers in a classic pose.

LOL - Pambato Reef, Puerto Princesa
Unable to smile pose.

Pambato Reef, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa

How To Get To Pambato Reef

Pambato Reef is just one of the destinations in Honda Bay Island Hopping package tour. It is an hour away from your hotel in Puerto Princesa City. Your van should leave from your hotel around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. going to Sabang beach where boats to Honda Bay are situated.

Location: Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa
Package Tour Costs: Php 1,100 to 1,300 per person (includes buffet lunch with drinks, snorkeling gears, and life vest)
How to avail: Your hotel will gladly book the package for you. You will be joined with other tourist who availed same the package.

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  • http://www.solitarywanderer.com/ Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com

    Kulit ng snorkeling pics mo hehe But at least may corals jan. Yung sa El Nido, wala talaga :(

    Reply

    Ada Reply:

    Yayy! Wala palang corals sa El Nido? Balak ko pa naman maghiram underwater kasi kala ko ganito rin. Thanks Aleah for the heads up

    Reply

  • http://www.senyorita.net Micamyx|Senyorita

    Nung second time ko sa Puerto Princesa na ako nakapag-snorkeling =)) hay, the ear infection. Mukhang bumalik ulit sa akin T_T

    Reply

    Ada Reply:

    Landi kasi ng tenga mo eh hahah!! I miss PP din :-/

    Reply

  • http://www.philippinetraveler.com Adelle

    For some reason, I felt sad seeing photos of the corals. They’re not as colorful as I thought they would be, or least as shown in other photos on the net? Maybe you’re right that they’re dying? Hopefully not.

    Reply

    Ada Reply:

    I just did some research, I think it’s called coral bleaching :(

    Reply

  • http://thebackpackchronicles.com joan | the backpack chronicles

    Pambato reef! Diyan din ang first time ko na nakapagsnorkle! One of the mose memorable experiences I had to date. Yun nga lang, like you said, mukhang mga tuyo ang corals dyan. Sa snake island nagpunta kayo? Maganda din dun magsnorkle kasi andaming isda.

    Reply

    Ada Reply:

    Yup, feeling ko yung condition nila eh Coral bleaching na. Di na ganun ka vibrant eh, Yup! Went to Snake Island astig mga fish hihih. I miss!

    Reply

About Ada

7 Seven Commandos Beach, El Nido

My name is Ada, an old-fashioned, curly, jumper, wanderlust, who enjoys budget and DIY traveling.

I once bought Piolo Pascual’s Timeless Album just to have his autograph. I already met Jack Sparrow while traveling in El Nido (hot). Now, I look forward to seeing Mike Ross. Continue reading..

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