Crystal clear waters in Snake Island, Puerto Princesa, Philippines

Clean, crystal clear beaches are difficult to find nowadays in crowded places. But there’s one near a city — the City of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Philippines. The island’s name is Snake Island, one of the many islands dotting Hunda Bay, a well-known tourist destination where island hopping is a favorite activity among tourists.

Snake Island is accessible by boat available on demand to tourists. The jump off is in a quay projecting out to Hunda Bay located at the central eastern portion of mainland Palawan. It will take about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the island from the quay. Upon arriving in Snake Island, the visitor is greeted by the crystal clear waters of the island, ideal for swimming. Once in the water, a tourist will be amazed by an assortment of reef fishes coming towards him waiting to be fed.

Snake Island also has beautiful reefs radiating many colors and grow in different shapes. The reefs in the island were once devastated by destructive fishing but because of local people’s advocacy for reef protection, the coral reefs sprang back to life. New coral colonies grew over once dynamited areas.

Humbug damselfish swimming close to a table coral which accords them protection.

Aside from swimming, tourists can also get to taste fresh fish readily available for cooking in the beach. Or they may bring some food and drinks with them and enjoy the free small nipa huts lining the coastline. Tourists may also opt to walk the long S-shaped beach, the reason why the island was called Snake Island.

Snake Island at this time is available for access to anyone. However, there are plans to develop the island into a world class resort and in due time, the crystal clear waters may be gone.