CORON: A Mesmerizing Oasis

The Astonishing View of the Lagoon Going to Kayangan Lake

"listen intently to the whispers of the wind, nature's message to explore and revel in its lavish spectacle"

WHERE IS CORON LOCATED?

Coron is the Philippines’ hidden treasure nestled in the province of Palawan. It is considered as the commercial capital of the Calamian group of islands. It is a first class municipality which is comprised of the eastern side of the Busuanga Island, the entire Coron Island and almost 50 islets surrounding the neighboring towns. Coron is part of the extensive Calamian Archipelago in the northern part of the Palawan province. To avoid confusion, Coron Island is just part of the entire Coron Municipality.

The Calamian Island Map

TRIVIA

• Coron's fiesta is held annually on August 28 in honor of Saint Augustine 

• The Calamianes Islands were originally inhabited by the Tagbanuas, Calmiananen and Cuyonon tribes 

• The main industries of Coron are fishing and tourism

• Calamian Group of Islands is composed of Busuanga, Coron, Culion, Calauit, Malcapuya, Banana, Pass, Calumbuyan and several minor islets

• The Filipino Language is the main language spoken in the island, together with the Cuyonon dialect; the Cebuano and Tinagbanua dialects are also used, as well as the Caramianen dialect, which is rarely used these days

HOW TO GET THERE

The most comfortable way to reach the island is through Francisco B. Reyes Airport which is located on Busuanga Island, operating for the general area of Coron. 

                                

Francisco B. Reyes Airport

By Plane

From Cebu

One can fly direct to Busuanga, one can take Cebu Pacific Air or Philippine Airlines. Both airline company offers a single flight per day from Cebu to Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga. The flight usually takes an hour and a half. Going to Busuanga by plane is quite expensive, but if you are a budget traveler and great at scouting airfare promos, you can avail a round trip ticket for only 1,600 pesos or less.

From Clark, Pampanga

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air offer flights which usually take an hour and 20 minutes in duration.

From Manila

Direct flights to Busuanga from Manila are popular for both foreign and local tourists from the North. The flight would usually take around 40 minutes to an hour. Cebu Pacific offers six direct flights per day. Philippine Airlines, on the other hand, offers four direct flights. Skyjet offers daily flights that would usually take 4o minutes from Manila to Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga. The newest addition to the list of airline companies flying to Busuanga is the Air Juan Aviation, Incorporated, which offers a single direct flight to Busuanga.

Note: Air Juan Aviation, Inc. also offer daily flights from Caticlan and El Nido

By Boat / Ferry

From Mindoro

The anchorage in San Jose, Mindoro may be your port of exit in visiting the captivating island of Coron if you came from the northern part of the Philippines. M/V Bunso has a thrice a week schedule from Mindoro to Coron. The motor vessel leaves every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The water craft docks in Coron Wharf which also serves as your port of entry. The travel time is approximately 8-9 hours, depending on the weather condition.

Coron Wharf

·    From El Nido

The Beachfront in El Nido

There are three ways to get from El Nido to Coron, Palawan. One of which is by ferry, by fast craft or by passenger/cargo ship.  The ferry would cost you 1,400 pesos and would take around 5 to 8 hours. The fast craft, on the other hand, would range from 1,700 to 1,900 pesos which would usually take 3 hours and a half.

If you are on a tight budget, it is recommended to take the passenger/cargo ship which would leave El Nido Port every Monday and would cost 1,000  pesos for economy and 1,150 pesos for an air-conditioned seat. The travel time would usually take 8 hours. 

THINGS TO DO IN CORON 

Coron is not only for shipwreck divers, island hopping enthusiasts and beach bums, it is also a place for soul searchers – finding life’s vocation when you listen intently to the peaceful sea breeze and the sound of the crashing waves into the shore.

Island Hopping

The Port of Coron

You can charter a boat from Coron Port to reach the different island (or islet) destinations of Coron Island Hopping. Different travel agencies also offer tour packages at a reasonable price which includes a delectable lunch buffet. Tour packages usually cost around 1,000.00 - 3,000.00 pesos per person, depending on your island destination.

The Island Hopping Boat

I personally chose these popular island hopping destinations:

First Stop, the Green Lagoon

The Verdant Waters of the Lagoon

On The Way to the Green Lagoon

The Green Lagoon offers a scenic view of rock formations and encompasses an emerald green waters. One can swim with some stingless jellyfish scattered all over the lagoon. If you’re lucky enough, you’d be able to swim with sea turtles, as well.

Swimming in the Emerald Waters

Second Stop, the Coral Garden and the CYC Beach

The Scintillating Crystal Blue Waters

CYC stands for Coron Youth Club. The CYC Beach used to have a wider sandbar coverage and according to the boatmen, truckload of sands were stolen by some resort owners for landscaping purposes. However, the CYC Beach has definitely maintained its beauty despite the fact that the sand area of the CYC beach is getting narrower by the day. 

The Captivating CYC Beach

The Coral Garden Teeming with Aquatic Life

The Coral Garden is also adjacent to the beach, where lavish underwater creatures proliferate around the salty sea waters. 

 

Third Stop, the Sunset Beach and Quinn Reef

The Mesmerizing Sunset Beach

The small boat will then dock in Sunset Beach where one can stay under the nipa cottages or under the shade of the coconut trees in the island. While in the Sunset Beach, one would be able to do a lot of activities like playing beach volleyball, strolling around the shoreline, snorkeling through the nearby Quinn Reef, capturing moments through the lenses of one’s camera, swimming and basking under the heat of the sun.

Beach Activities Around the Island

The popular thing to do in the Sunset Beach is to eat. Lunch is popularly served in this island due to convenience and availability of cottages. Savor the succulent seafood prepared by the boatmen and relish the gratifying taste of the viands concocted. 

The Delectable Buffet in Sunset Beach

One of the accommodating boatmen mentioned that it is named "Sunset Beach" because out of the plenty of islands in Coron, this island gets the best view of the sunset. It is an ideal place for couples and avid photographers alike to relish and capture the beauty of the setting sun.

The Captivating Beauty of the Sunset

Fourth Stop, the widely recognized Kayangan Lake

The Cleanest Freshwater Lake in the Philippines

                                 On The Way to Kayangan Lake

The  most popular and generally admired destination is the Kayangan Lake. One would have to climb up 200 or more steps and go down another 200 steps in order to reach the cleanest freshwater lake in the Philippines. 

Welcome to Kayangan Lake

The Stairway to Paradise

Upon reaching the apex of the trek, one would be able to witness a breathtaking view of the islets. The scenic vista that crosses before your eyes from the view deck on the way to Kayangan lake has graced millions of travel magazine covers, thousands of Philippine post cards, and hundreds of travel agency pamphlets.  

The View that Launched a Thousand Magazine Covers

Behind the view deck is the Awuyuk Kayangan Cave which is good for spelunking enthusiasts. However, it was not that appealing for our taste so we had to proceed toward the mysterious lake below.

The Awuyuk Kayangan Cave

As one reaches the final steps in trekking down the hill, one would be able to breathe in the aroma of freshwater lake as it trickles down one's alveoli.

Snorkeling in Kayangan Lake

 

The Astonishing View of the Lake

The Depths of Kayangan Lake

Uphill Climbing to Mount Tapyas

The Crown of Coron

On the Way to Mount Tapyas

The journey in the direction of the summit of Mount Tapyas is an arduous task for lanky and indolent people like me. Ascending towards the 700 and plus steps becomes extremely burdensome as the oxygen from the air thins out. However, every step become worthwhile once you  reach the apex of the uphill odyssey.

The Odyssey Toward the Summit

The spectacular view from the peak of Mount Tapyas is just wonderful. The sea-view offers a captivating sight with the ocean breeze trying to reach out to one's cheek and the relaxing sound of the resonating wind dancing around the leaves of the trees and plants trying to make music inside your ears.

View of the Municipality from Mount Tapyas

The Cross in the Summit of Mount Tapyas

On the other side of the view deck, one can find a tranquil place for solo travelers wherein one would be brought into this magical verdant scenery, akin to the emerald hills of Ireland.

The Verdant Scenery Behind Mount Tapyas

Basking Under the Maquinit Hot Springs  

Your Sun Spot

The Maquinit Hot Spring is a relaxing place for weary travelers. It is a great place to stretch and unwind after climbing the peak of Mount Tapyas. There are three pools of warm brine wherein the flooring is covered with sand and pebbles. One has to dip in the hot water gingerly since it takes a great amount of time to adjust to the searing pools. 

A Great Place for Picnics

The temperature of the spring water is between 37° to 40° Celsius (98.6° to 104° Fahrenheit). Despite of this, the water becomes calming and soothing as time goes by. However, the rubicund road on the way to Maquinit Hot Spring is a bumpy ride.

The Way to Maquinit Hot Springs

The entrance fee of the Maquinit Hot Springs is a bit pricey for a rudimentary place. However, they offer discounts to senior citizens and students. The famed hot spring opens at eight in the morning (8:00am) and accepts guests until eight in the evening (8:00). The hot spring realm closes at ten in the evening (10:00pm).

Calming and Soothing Sore Muscles

As of this writing, the entrance fee of the Maquinit Hot Springs are as follows:

Adults                                                 200 pesos

Students                                            160 pesos

Senior Citizens and PWD                  142.86 pesos

Children 5 - 10 years old                    100 pesos

Children below 5 years old                 FREE

 

A Walk of Leisure in the Lualhati Park

The Boardwalk in Lualhati Park

Revel in the beauty of the sunset as you walk around the Lualhati Park. The word "lualhati" means spiritual peace. The meaning of the word is very well depicted in the park as the friendly people and tranquil plants dance with the peaceful breeze from the ocean.

Sunset by the Bay

 A Walk of Faith in Saint Augustine Parish

A Place of Faith

The Parokya ng San Agustin or Saint Agustine Parish not only offers the faithful Filipinos and tourists a place of worship, it also boasts of a rich history and an attractive architectural design.

A Walk of History in the Centennial Park

Less than 50 meters from the Saint Augustine Parish is the Centennial Shrine which was established in 2002. It is a pottery structure with crystalline rocks under it. The pottery sculpture represents the whole of Coron - the industrious people of Coron who perfected the art of pottery making. The sculpture is also a metaphorical representation of the people's diligence and hard work.

Fronting the Centennial Shrine are varied sports courts as it is adjacent to Coron Coliseum Recreation Center. The Municipal Hall also just located behind the Historic Commemoration Structure.

 
WHERE TO EAT?

Dine in at a Local Restaurant

There are a variety of choices to eat fresh seafood and mouthwatering Filipino delicacies in Coron. One of my favorite, due to the price and taste, is Lolo Nonoy's Food Station. They offer a variety of choices at a very reasonable price.

Lolo Nonoy's Food Station

One can also try the Island Boy Grill which offers music and motion. Local bands usually play during dinner time and is usually accompanied by food, alcoholic beverages and a lot of dancing. Big Mama's Pinoy Hot Pot and Grill is also a good choice for Filipino food favorites like Bulalo, Papaitan and Sinigang. 

WHERE TO STAY?

Zuric Pension

There are eclectic range of accommodations to choose from in Coron. If you want to say in a luxurious hotel, one can stay in Two Seasons Coron Island Resort and Spa, Sunz En Coron Resort, or in Club Paradise Resort. 

However, if you are on a tight budget, but still wants to stay in a comfortable place to sleep in, one can choose to stay in Zuric Pension. They offer a haven for backpackers with a reasonable rate of 500 pesos per person which includes an air-conditioned room, television, a wifi connection and a bathroom for one dorm room. 

Backpackers Note

There are a lot of tour packages offered in Coron, try to get as many leaflets as you can and bargain from them the lowest marked down price. If you are good in bargaining or in making "tawad" you will surely save an ample amount of money and spend it on other tour packages. 

You can also get  tour packages ahead of time, there are a lot of offerings online. Just make sure that it is a legitimate tour agency. In our case, we were able to avail a promo package for a 3 days and 2 nights stay in Coron for only 1,500 pesos per person. The package includes daily breakfast, hotel accommodation (standard aircon room with toilet and bath), van transfers from Busuanga Airport to the hotel and vice versa, and the Tour A package (inclusive of boat rental, tour guide, environmental fees, permit/entrance fees for Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, CYC Beach, Sunset Beach, Quinn Reef and Coral Garden). All of these are made possible by JCP Adventure Travel Services! You can check their Facebook page for promos. 

the world is giving you answers each day, learn to listen to the call

See you on my next post. I will take you on another exciting adventure which will still be in the Calamian Group of Islands!

Guess where? Post it on the comments section.