Cuyo Islands

An old Palawan archipelago in the Sulu Sea, with a Spanish-era fortress church, white-sand islets and coral reefs — an off-the-beaten-path island-hopping hideaway.

The Cuyo Islands lie in the Sulu Sea in the northeast of Palawan Province, the Philippines, between mainland Palawan, Mindoro and Panay. The archipelago comprises about 45 islands, most of them uninhabited, divided into the Cuyo group in the south and the Quiniluban group in the north. The largest, Cuyo Island, covers about 57 sq km and is split among three municipalities: Cuyo, Magsaysay and Agutaya. Cuyo is the oldest town in Palawan and briefly served as the provincial capital in 1873; its center retains a Spanish-style plaza and a stone fortress church completed in 1680, the most important historic site in the province. The islands are covered in mango, cashew and coconut groves, life moves at a slow pace, and local specialties include cashew brittle, coconut wine and sea urchin. Highlights include strolling the old town, watching the sunset at Capusan Beach, kitesurfing during the monsoon, and chartering a boat for island hopping and snorkeling; Pamalican Island in the north is home to the exclusive private resort Amanpulo. The best time to visit is the dry season from December to May, with steady northeast monsoon winds from December to March ideal for kitesurfing; June–November brings the southwest monsoon and typhoon season, when ferries are frequently canceled. Travel is mainly by sea: ferries run several times a week from Puerto Princesa, Iloilo and Coron, taking 10–16 hours, and schedules change often. There are no ATMs on the islands, so bring enough cash. Plan to stay 3–4 days and leave flexibility for the weather.

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