Enchanting Coron Palawan

Yes , Ive been to Philippine beaches but every time i plan and visit another one I always end up astonished by my latest discovery. It always leaves me speechless and think that Philippines must be so lucky because we possessed world class beaches and undisturbed tropical nature. One of that undisturbed nature place is CORON PALAWAN. 

My CORON PALAWAN trip just started with a dream. I first read about the place on the travel magazine way back 2010 because the place was being featured as the latest heaven for the beach bummers and scuba divers.And after reading the travel magazine , the place never vanished on my mind. So I  Googled it and was truly fascinated with what I found – loads of stunning snapshots of Busuanga and Coron in Palawan. I told myself, this really is a must-see place so I immediately added it on my list of dream destinations in the Philippines.

 

Coron is a beautiful town located in the province of Palawan that has a population of 32,243 people in 6,264 households based on the 2000 census. Coron is a part of the Calamian Group of Islands in the northern Palawan which has also been listed inForbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world for the aquatic views of the sunken Japanese shipwrecks from World War II that can be found within the island. Not only the amazing Japanese shipwrecks that drove tourist in Coron. They also possessed stunning white sand beaches , amazing rock formations and the famousKAYANGAN LAKE which was being tagged as the Philippine’s Cleanest and Greenest Lake for 3 consecutive years.

If you want to stay inland , one will find the famous resort of Maquinit Hot Spring. This is in the opening of the island’s harbor. By land, Makinit is about 15 minutes away from Coron town by trike. Makinit is a salt water hot spring with very hot 40 degree Celsius water. It is said that the warm water is extremely relaxing and healing that relieves all stress, and diseases like arthritis. Hikers and mountain climber includes in their itinerary the hike up to Mount Tapyas, a popular destination in Coron town. Above sea level, it is approximately 2,000 feet with 726 solid steps that go ahead to the mountain top. It’s a very short distance from the pier. The walk to the foot of the mountain takes at least five minutes. Climb 726 steps to the top to see a great overlooking view of Coron, the surrounding waters and islands.

For me , Coron is a nature’s haven. It provides a variety of options to all visitors. Whether one wants to stay on land or submerge to water, there are exciting activities and places to see. It’s better to try everything—from diving to the shipwrecks, island hopping, trekking and unwinding on local bars.Here are some photos taken during our Coron Palawan trip:

Stunning aerial view of Coron Palawan. This was taken at Airphil plane before we arrive at the town.

The Francisco Reyes Airport @ Busuanga Palawan. This was used to be a private airport for Busuanga’s governor but due to the fluctuation of tourist in the town they decided to open it to the public. The carriers that lands on the airport is the Airphil express , Cebu Pacific and Zest airways.

Upon checking in at Rudy’s Place Coron, me and my travel partner quickly dressed up and changed for our day ahead. We have booked a tricycle for our full day Coron Town Tour with alocal tour guide, who never failed to talk to us with a smile. First stop was Mt. Tapyas, where we had to climb about a 726 steps to be exact to get to the peak.

After an exhilarating climb to the mountain, our guide took us to Maquinit Hot Spring. It is a man-made hot spring whose water streams from Mt. Tapyas. The water was so refreshing after a hard day’s climb to Mt. Tapyas that I literally do not want to leave. There is a portion there where you can sit under a small makeshift waterfall and the water falls just right above your shoulder. Just imagine water with a temperature of 104 degrees soothing all your tired shoulder muscles. Fabulous! hahahaha… After about two hours in the hot springs, we decided that it’s time to go back to the town because we are just so hungry.

Another view of Maquinit Hot Spring.

At Coron Town. Before heading in to our island hopping activity , We decided to buy some foods for our lunch. Me and my friend Kathy doesnt want to eat packed lunch since there is a big chances that the food will be spoil thats why we went to the market to buy some newly catch fish and fresh meat along with some other ingredients. Good thing that “manang” the wife of our boat operator volunteered to cook for  our lunch.

Fish Feeding at Siete Picados. For me this was the most interesting activity we did. Imagine guys we manage to fed some  colorful fishes with just a piece of bread. Siete Pecados known locally as the seven islands. Myth has it that the seven islands were actually seven Chinese brothers who were cursed and got lost in the waters of Palawan on their way home

The magical entry way going to Kayangan Lake.

Welcome to Kayangan Lake sign!!!!

Nature at its finest…KAYANGAN LAKE it is the cleanest and greenest lake in the Philippines for 3 consecutive years. It is so clean that everything below the emerald green water is very visible.

The mesmerizing , stunning and breath-taking view of KAYANGAN LAKE. In kayangan lake you will be greeted by emerald green water that is so still you wouldnt think it was natural if not for the rock formation around it.You need to climb a hill and go down the other way to get to the swimmable area but the famous Coron picture is taken at the peak of the mountain.

One jump at the most interesting and mysterious lake in Coron. The Barracuda Lake , located in between towering limestones and with a halocline at around 14m that can be only accessed by hiking with all your gears for 5-10mins along tricky limestone path. Its name came from a solitary toothy barracuda that can be encountered during a dive, greeting divers with a friendly company

Welcome to Banol Beach , The sand was so fine you can barely sift it on your hands and the water was just so clear you would think you are just in an over-chlorined swimming pool.

Me at Banol Beach…..

Another Jump again at Banol Beach. I just love jumping especially when i will be astonish and happy with what i see.

Well this time , its time for reading and relaxing.

On our way to The Twin Lagoon. The area has a  big rock formation separates the large lagoon from the small lagoon and you to enter a really small cave-like entrance to get to the smaller part. It is so small that you will not be able to see it when it’s high tide. Inside the small lagoon, there are areas that have hot water and areas that have cold water, depending on the depth of the area.

The grandeur we saw in Coron would forever remind us that God indeed make the world beautiful and stunning!!!

For more pictures on coron adventure just click on this link :http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=100000243091873&aid=48304