I can't seem to figure out the shape I want to match Coron, Palawan... so I googled! And it's a wedge-shaped limestone island! Wee
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| Me at Banol Beach... lunch time! |
Alright, so just a little more info on the island, few of its coastal areas are being covered by mangrove forests.
Coron has several lakes, famous of which is the nationally-acclaimed cleanest lake in the country, the
Kayangan Lake. I so fell crazily in love with the place and the #Kayangan Lake to be the highlight of my birthday trip
(July 17th... I'm still accepting gifts... LOL).
It's got a number of white-sand beaches and clear blue waters perfect for snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and also famous for shipwreck diving...
and oh, perfect for those selfie shots and group shots for an amazing background. Time to update your facebook cover photos! Ha ha.
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| Currently my Facebook cover photo... LOL |
Visitors can find flights to Coron or as some refer to it as
Busuanga, which is about an hour southwest from Manila. Here are a couple tips to keep in mind when choosing to land in Coron:
By Plane
Fly into Busuanga from Manila with PAL Express, Cebu Pacific or Zest Air.
Aiport to town: 12 seater A/C Vans. It was said that there were jeepney's, but I didn't see any. The van costs
P150 per head. Let the driver know where you'll be staying.
By Boat/Ferry
SuperFerry stops in Coron on their way to
Puerto Princesa. Leave Manila on Friday afternoon (4:15pm)and arrives in Coron early Saturday morning (5:30 am). Heads back to Manila on Sunday night (10:45 pm). Wait until a couple of days before it departs to get cheaper tickets. Don't wait too long, though.
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| Another 30-35 minute trip by land will take you to the Coron town proper. The land trip itself is a treat with views of verdant countryside and cows lazing along the road at Yulo King Ranch. |
The
tricycle is the main mode of transport in Coron. The friendly tricycle drivers will happily take you to the major sights inside the municipality. If you want to do a do-it-yourself tour of the countryside, you can also opt to rent a motorcycle. Too bad for me, I'm no fan for such adrenaline... regardless of the speed limit.
While in Coron, you should definitely not miss the following...
Trekking Climb the 700 or so steps up to Mount Tapyas and be rewarded with the sight of Coron town and the surrounding islands. Yes, the climb is well worth it! It was welcoming! LOL
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| Wow! Such a warm welcome! Or should I say cold-blooded welcome to Mt. Tapyas. ha ha. |
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| Almost there... *@#panting#^ LOL |
It's best done in the cool of early morning, or before sunset, so you can overview the town during sunset. I did this first thing when I arrived in the afternoon, after leaving the rest of my stuff at the guesthouse I stayed in. 10 minute walk from the guesthouse towards the foot and went all the way up, which lasted for like 45 mins. Pedometer check...BOOM! (",)
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| Finally made it! Now, can I just slide my way back down please...? |
Warm and Relax Visit the Maquinit Hot Spring after a tiring trek from Mount Tapyas. One of the few saltwater/freshwater springs in the world, this is definitely a must-go!
The water temperature's about 40 degrees as I was informed. So just ease yourself in the water slowly, as jumping in all at once might overwhelm you.. happened to me! One limb at a time, folks... one limb at a time.
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| Looks can be deceiving... but it's uber hot!!! |
The hot water, and the natural "jet streams" from the little falls, is just oh so relaxing... ahhh.
It is advisable that you come here early in the morning or after sundown since the water can be very hot during mid day or afternoon, obviously. Don't forget to bring your towel and changing clothes. Wear slippers/foot wear as the floor is laden with small stones/pebbles. There's a LOT of algae, but then it's part of the therapeutic effect of the waters. Or so they say... :)
Diving and Snorkeling Coron is also famous for the World War II wrecks that are to be found in its waters. These sunken Japanese warships make up what is considered as one of the best dive sites in the world... I believe part of the Forbes top 10 thingy.
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| My view from the private bangka... so... beautiful! |
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| And there goes that ghostly sight of one of the wrecks... spooky. |
Now, if it is nature you'd like to see, you can go snorkeling at Siete Pecados, Twin Peaks, Coral Garden... and the list just goes on. It boasts of thriving marine population and stunning coral reefs and limestone formations. So go in, bask and indulge for an all-you can snorkel!
For my 1st Coron Tour Package, I had to join a group to get to Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island and Banana Island since it's going to be an hour and 30 min ride, and a bigger boat is needed for the said tour.
Malcapuya Island
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| And the money shot! Heh... Goofy! |
Bulog Dos Island and Paradise Resort
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| Captured on cam! I so cannot NOT post this one! So candid.. so stupid! ha ha |
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| Paradise Resort... Who would like to go in for P30,000 a night? |
Banana Island (Lunch Time!)
Again... more snorkeling... more fun and tan!
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| It's as if I'm just beside a swimming pool... water's so clear!!! |
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| I am the captain! LOL |
This was for my 2nd day Coron Tour. Went there as early as 7:00 am since my flight back to Manila was in the afternoon. Got a private boat and had an itinerary that would cover 7 locations. Again,
SEVEN locations for a half day tour on a private boat! Never thought it to be possible, but the boatman and guide made it happen! Sweet!
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| #Twin Peaks |
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| #Coral Garden and CYC... Waters were a bit rough during that time, so not much photos... |
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| To the Twin Lagoon... |
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| #Siete Pecados |
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| #Skeleton Wrecks |
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| Lunch time at #Banol Beach. I love this beach! |
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| And the quiet and peaceful #Kayangan Lake... |
Most island hopping is concentrated on Coron Island, only a 30 minute boat ride away. It’s dramatic volcanic limestone cliffs tower over magnificent lagoons and enclose several inland lakes of which Kayangan and Barracuda lake can be visited. The beaches around this island have gleaming white sand which contrasts with the dark grey limestone cliffs.
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| Kayangan Lake entrance.. View from the cave. |
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| Oops... I blocked the view... One more try. |
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| Oops... too dark... one last try... this thing doesn't seem to cooperate huh?! |
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| Ah forget it! It's way too perfect if I'd still include myself! Ha ha |
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| No one... but me and nature... #Happy Birthday to me! |
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| Oops... I dropped my glasses. |
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| Loving it much? I do! :) |
Explore the Town Get to know the town center and its warm and friendly people. Activities you can indulge visiting a cashew processing factory, observing the operation of a live fish exporting factory, drop by the wet market, do some souvenir shopping, have a coffee break or just simply sit at the plaza and go people watching.
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| Cashew/Kasoy processing. |
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| Okay... this is not food... so please don't try to bite it. Saw one who did. LOL |
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| Coron Town Plaza... after the half day tour... scorching! |
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| Bracelets and necklaces! |
For 3 mornings in Coron, I went to this cute coffee and tea shop named
Dad's Coronzy. I wasn't disappointed, they have the tastiest and most fragrant hazelnut latte for P110, not bad for coffee in a clean and nice ceramic cup. This is a great stop to sit, have a smoke, coffee and people watch. Located on the busiest street in Coron Town and elevated a bit off the street.
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| Day 1 coffee... |
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| Day 2... |
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| Day 3... LOL |
The owner was very friendly and prepared a really good and tasty coffee. The place could be more appealing - but if coffee is one of your favorite drinks, you should not miss it here. They also sell roasted cashews for presents or "pasalubong" for the peeps back home. And for just a few meters, you'll see the public market... splurge on souveniers and other presents!
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| Souvenier clothing stores at the Public Market |
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| Roasted Cashews... Dried Fish... Banana Chips... Tarts and more! |
Coron may not be known for being an all budget-friendly destination — but as long as you know where to put your money... from dining, hotels/guesthouses and tour packages/island hopping tours... You'll experience a happy and budget friendly trip!
But if you're someone who's willing to go all out on trips, then whatever rocks your boat, go for it — after all, who bothers about money when you’re in hedonistic heaven?
I'm saving the rest of the island hopping and tour details for separate posts, so read on for more...
Oh by the way, if you are planning to go to either Coron or El Nido, let me know. I can help arrange the trip for you from hotels/guesthouses, places to eat - tour packages and other spots. Whether you go solo or with a group. Experience a budget and hassle free travel! :)
Message me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xtoffdevilla
Or send me an email: kristofferpatrick@hotmail.com
hi! how much you paid for private boat?
ReplyDeleteplease do reply thanks
Hi! Paid P3,000 for the private boat which includes the entrance fees, tour (6-7 islands/snorkeling sites) and lunch. Not so sure how much it is this time because I was informed the Coron islands were badly hit by the typhoon as well.
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