PALAWAN | CORON TRIP

Day 1

We left Manila at 930am and arrived with a rough landing at Busuanga airport after an hour.  The aerial view of the Coron islands is undeniably a wonder...

This part of Palawan – Coron – Busuanga, is known for its beautiful lakes, caves, dive spots, limestone formations, etc...

Upon arrival at the airport, we were asked to fill out an arrival card (only in Coron) by the Tourism office and we gathered some brochures to orient us of Coron.  The travel from the airport to the hotel and the town proper is about 45 minutes.  We stayed at Gran Vista Resort and we are thankful for good service that they provided.  

In the afternoon, we visited some souvenir shops and we climbed Mt. Tapyas, known for its 700+ uphill concrete steps with a big cross at the top.  At the top, you’ll have a perfect view of the “sleeping giant” formation of the island across the town.  Just before we left the Cross, the clouds began to show its torment followed by the rain - still an added beauty to the Coron harbor.

Mt. Tapyas

Day 2

For our second day, we availed of a packaged tour from Calamianes Expeditions Travel & Tours and our chosen itinerary as follows:

1. Siete Pecados Marine Park
2. Kayangan Lake
3. Twin Peaks Reef
4. Banol Beach
5. Twin Lagoon
6. Barracuda Lake
7. Maquinit Hot Spring

We enjoyed the dive and snorkel at the Siete Pecados Park (seven islets).  The beauty of the corals and the colourful fishes will really make you feel like being inside an aquarium – so wonderful.

Siete Pecados Marine Park

 

The Kayangan Lake is said to be the cleanest lake in Asia.  There’s a short uphill walk from the dock area and the tweets of the bird along the trail sounded like a welcome song to this hidden haven.  At the top of the Kayangan Lake, you have a great view of the islands formation across the docking area.

Kayangan Lake

After Kayangan Lake, we stopped at Twin Peaks Reef and did a couple of dives. But since we were overwhelmed already by the dives we did at Siete Pecados, we decided not to stay long, instead we advanced to the next destination.

Next on the list – Banol Beach...  We had our lunch (part of the package) here and splurged the water.

Banol Beach

After the beach the next destination was the mysterious Twin Lagoon -- divided by a limestone wall formation and is accessible through a small overhang opening and a tunnel.  To cross the other lagoon, one can either dive the tunnel or climb the narrow path walk above.  But the beauty behind the walls is worth all the daring efforts.  Another must do is swimming in the lagoon where you can experience cold spots and warm spots from one area to another.  The Twin Lagoon is certainly a must visit attraction of Coron.

Twin Lagoon

Next stop – Barracuda Lake, named Barracuda because according to folks, a giant barracuda resides underneath.  To get inside the lake, one has to climb the treacherous rock formation but then again like the other attractions of Coron, the beauty behind those limestone walls is magnificent.

Barracuda Lake

On our way back to the town proper, we took shots of the beautiful scenery and took an eye full grasp of Coron’s beauty.

 

We concluded the day by a pampered dip at the Maquinit hot spring, just right to soothe your tired muscles for a great sleep ahead.

Maquinit Hot Spring

sunset at Coron

Day 3

Our flight back to Manila was at 11am and we left the resort at 9am, we thought that’s all for Coron but on our way to the airport, we were surprised by a flock of cow occupying the road looking our way.  It was like a “thank you, come again” message expressed the nature’s way...

Truly a WOW for Coron – welcomed by the bird tweets at Kayangan Lake then the cows farewell look along the road to the airport.

For hotel availability and rates around Palawan, check this link.

Coron Map:

Travel Date: July 2010