2019 • 07 • 23

More detailed travel guide here: Puerto Princesa Budget Travel Guide

Cowrie Island is one of the places you’ll visit during your Honda Bay Island Hopping escapade. It has tourist facilities such as small shops and a restaurant and other things you may need to have a good time. Despite the modernization, there are places where you can just enjoy the beach, swim in the emerald waters, and relax.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Puerto Princesa International Airport (Palawan)

By Air

1. There are many flights to and from Puerto Princesa, from Manila; major airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia have daily and regular flights. Buy your plane tickets months in advance to get the best and lowest possible price.
2. For those who want to DIY their trip, they can hire a tricycle from the city to Sta. Lourdes Port or Honda Bay Wharf for approximately P500-P600, round trip. Get the number of the driver so that he can pick you up after your trip.

By Sea

1. If you were unable to buy discounted tickets, you can go to Puerto Princesa by boat. 2Go plies the Manila-Puerto Princesa route every Friday; the boat arrives at around 7:00 PM the following day. The Super Value Class is the cheapest option, this costs around P1480.
2. For those who want to DIY their trip, they can hire a tricycle from the city to Sta. Lourdes Port or Honda Bay Wharf for approximately P500-P600, round trip. Get the number of the driver so that he can pick you up after your trip.

 

---

Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: Around P75
• Environmental Fee: P40 – P150 (depending on the port you departed from — Sta. Lourdes Port or Honda Bay Wharf)
• Cottage Rental Fee: P200 – P250
• Boat Rental Rate: P700 – P800 (good for 6 persons, going directly to Cowrie Island); P1500 (good for 6 persons, perfect for those who want to DIY their trip and include other stops)
• Others: P100 – P150 (snorkel gear rental)

---

Don’t Miss

• Cowrie Island has a number of facilities for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. You can play beach volleyball and/or Frisbee.
• Swim or wade in the emerald waters and relax on the fine white sand after.
• Have a hearty meal or get a drink from the stores on the island.
• You can also try different water sports while on the island such as banana boat riding.

---

Don’t Forget

• Once in the city, you can DIY your trip or book through a travel agency. Agencies charge around P1500 which usually includes environmental and entrance fees, lunch, boat, and guide. However, you have to pay for some activities on the islands and for the snorkeling gear. If you DIY the trip, you can head straight to Cowrie and skip the other destinations.
• Bring your own snacks if you want to have something else to eat while on the beaches. Leave no trash behind.
• Bring your own fins, snorkel tube, and mask if you do not want to rent.
• Bring your own volleyball or Frisbee if you want to do these while on Cowrie Island.

---

If You Have More Time and Budget

• After your island hopping tour of Honda Bay and you have a few days to spare, visit the UNESCO-listed Underground River or go see fireflies at night.
• You can also head north to El Nido and go on more island hopping trips and more hours swimming and lazing on the beach.

---

Where to Stay

It’s easy to find accommodations that would suit your budget in Puerto Princesa as there are plenty of them. Here are the suggested accommodations according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Munting Paraiso. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Paboreal Boutique Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Casa Belina. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Cleon Villas Pension. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Palawan Hotels