PALAWAN — is globally acclaimed for its rugged limestone towering cliffs, its capital city offers a smoother, incredibly accessible coastal escape. Tucked inside a bustling marine sanctuary, individual islets serve as the definitive introduction to the province's signature white-sand culture.
The Quintessential Daybed Retreat
Cowrie Island (historically known as Ramesamay Island) is situated just off the eastern coast of Puerto Princesa City. Positioned as the nearest major island stop from the departure point, it requires a brief and gentle 15 to 20 minute journey aboard a motorized outrigger boat from the Honda Bay Wharf. Unlike the more remote or rugged hideaways in northern Palawan, Cowrie is deliberately designed for day-long comfort and leisure. The pristine beachfront is beautifully lined with towering coconut trees and features an organized layout of shaded picnic huts, massage centers, and lounge chairs. This balance makes it an ideal spot for families traveling with children or vacationers looking to fully unwind without sacrificing basic amenities.
A Feast by the Waves
Often considered the main lunch stop during island-hopping tours, Cowrie Island offers visitors a relaxing beachfront dining experience with beautiful ocean views and a vibrant tropical atmosphere. Guests can enjoy buffet-style Filipino meals served by the shore, featuring freshly grilled seafood such as fish, prawns, and lato seaweed salad sourced from nearby waters, along with local comfort favorites, rice dishes, seasonal fruits, and refreshing tropical drinks like fresh coconut water and beachside cocktails, making it the perfect place to unwind and recharge after a morning of swimming and island exploration.
Active Island Adventures
While lounging under a cabana with a cool drink is a highly encouraged pastime, the island provides plenty of avenues for active exploration. The calm, shallow waters extending from the main sand stretch are ideal for casual swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking along the coastline. For those wanting to glimpse the local marine biodiversity, snorkeling around the deeper reef edges reveals patches of live coral and passing schools of small reef fish. Back on land, the wide, clear sandy stretches are open for friendly games of beach volleyball or frisbee. Because tours seamlessly pair Cowrie with neighboring gems like the disappearing sandbars of Luli Island and the underwater sanctuaries of Pambato Reef, a visit here provides a completely well-rounded
tropical escape.
