February 25 to 28 when a team of five – me including 4 of my friends and office mates flocked at NAIA 3 to fly to one of Philippines’ premier summer getaways – Coron, Palawan. After touchdown at Busuanga Airport, officially Francisco B. Reyes Airport, we traveled 30 to 45 minutes to get to our accommodation.
We then checked in to our hotel and took a tricycle ride to the foot of Mt. Tapyas. We started our adventure with an exasperating hike to the top of the 740-step hill. Atop is the picturesque panorama of the beautifully carved floating massif, the Coron Island, which looked more like a sleeping giant.
It was then followed by a sumptuous dinner at Kawayanan Grill Station and an inihaw treat at the town’s sidewalk.
On our second day, we went to the wet market to shop for our 2-day meal for the 2-day island hopping. We were too lucky when our boatman offered to cook for us (which I believe is commonly practiced). We then sailed to Bulog Island, a white sand wonder and a snorkeling site, to start our first underwater adventure. Travel time was two hours from the town proper. The island is indeed rich of marine life and one proof for that is the large clam we caught (which we returned afterwards).
We also visited the Malcapuya Island which is known for its fine white sand beach comparable to that of Boracay and put up a Camp at Banana Island where we spent our night.
Our third day started with a rough navigation from Banana Island to Coron Island. It was a fine day but the wind (Northeast Monsoon) was strong enough to enrage the water surface. But after such soul-snatching trip, we relaxed at Bahul Island. Aside from the colorful marine life, shipwreck diving is the main attraction of Bahul bay. It was one of my best underwater adventure ever.
We also made a stop and swam across the waters of Twin Lagoon and the famous Cayangan Lake and ended our water escapade with a relaxing bath at the hot spring.
A dinner at Bistro Coron culminated our day.
Marxtermind, who was with us during the trip prepared a guide for your future visit at Coron. Please visit his blog at Maxtermind.com.
Thanks John Marx for the photos.
Today, Coron is known as a prime tourist destination with its beautiful beaches, marine parks, wrecks, scenic spots, world-class services and accommodations and its hospitable people. It is halfway between Puerto Princesa City and Manila. Because of its insular characteristics, boats and planes are the main transportation facilities to and from the above cities. You can take a flight from Manila to Busuanga Airport via Cebu Pacific and PAL Express (45 mins flight) or 13 hours cruise from Manila to Coron via 2G0.
The best and safest way to go to Coron is to coordinate with Tour operators/travel and tours accredited by the Local Government of Coron. They will provide what you need from the All-in tour package and Day tour trips. You may also create your own itinerary and coordinate it with them. A good air conditioned airport-town transfer is also included. There are lots of hotels and resorts to stay in Coron. You may ask the tour operators to recommend the best. The Coron Licensed Tour Guides Association (CLTGA) can be a great access if you want to look for a tour guide (contact 09998826043-President) or simply leave a message to facebook account Coron Licensed Tour Guides.
Secure your payments/deposits. Always ask confirmation or official receipt for every payments made.
Please be informed that Coron is now under the Municipal Ordinance # 81-A. An ordinance regulating the use of plastic bags and styrofoam in business establishments in the Municipality of Coron, Palawan and prescribing penalty thereof.
A reminder from Sea Farers Tours (0999-8826043/09178384661) and Coron Licensed Tour Guides Association (CLTGA).
Lots of helpful and important infos you have there, Sir. Thank you for Sharing!
hi, nice blog! just wanna know where did u stay in coron or can u recommend a good hotel/inns. anong dive resort nagaarange ng dives nyo?tnxs!
Hi Wox, Thanks!
Actually, we are on a budget travel during our visit in Coron. We rented a room in a residential-type inn which is quite distant from the beach and the town proper on our first and last night. Second night, we camp (we brought our own tent) in Banana Island.
If you have plans to dive, try contacting Dive link resort or discovery divers resort. During our visit, we don’t actually do a deep sea dive with tanks and gear etc., the ship wreck (in Bahul Island) we visited wasn’t too deep or enough for an average swimmer to reach. The experience was part of our two-day island hopping and boatmen usually offer to arrange your deep sea diving which we didn’t take.
Very nice photos. May I know which underwater camera you used? 🙂 Thanks in advance.
Hi Setti. Thanks! It was a borrowed camera. We are using GE Underwater cam but I am not particular with the model; its either G5WP or G3WP.
Hi there,
Your pictures are breathtaking and I’m sure the real scenery will be spectacular. How much is the boat per day and what’s the maximum capacity? We are planning to go this April and we won’t be staying in one of the islands overnight. We’ll just go back to our place then resume the next day. Any pointers and tips to do while we are there? How was your route? How about the gears like life vest and gears? Is there a fee for the lifevest? thanks.
Hi Sir Bong,
Mt Tapyas hike is best done before sunset. Witnessing the sunset at the summit is lot more spectacular that what most of us expect.
Food at Kawayanan Grill and Coron Bistro.
Life vests are available when you rented a boat (it’s a protocol) while most boatmen offered PhP100/day rent for snorkeling gear.
Anong ginamit mo na apps para lagyan ng caption yung pics? I want that! =)
Marx, It is not an app. Built in yan ng WordPress sa kanilang media uploader.
But you can use html codes to put a caption on your photos.