CORON
Coron is a small town in the Busuanga Island of Palawan, where everything is at a walking distance. Its nearby islets are really the stars of the show. So island hopping is a must when visiting this town.
It's about an hour flight from Manila to Busuanga Airport, the gateway to Coron. And from the airport, a van transport going to the town of Coron takes about 30 minutes.
TOURING THE TOWN
Day Tour (Do-it Yourself):
This can be done without any tour guide.
Mount Tapyas
Not a short walk but a good walk from the town center going to the base of the mount. From the base is a steps of about a hundred or so to the top where a giant cross stands. The view from the top is truly breathtaking. It overlooks the entire town and the islands nearby.
Maquinit Hot Springs
Take a tricycle to this unassuming hot spring natural pool. Frequented mostly by locals but definitely a tourist-worthy spot. This is a volcanic pool which make it really hot but not sulfuric. You actually need your body get accustomed first to the water temperature before you can submerge in completely. Start with your feet and then gradually slide down the pool.
Our time of visit in this place was made extra especial because it started to rain while we were in the pool. Cool rain mixing in with the hot pool was awesome.
This natural pool is right at the edge of the sea so the view was even more spectacular.
St. Augustine Church
Located along Roxas St. Founded in 1901. One of the three parishes in Busuanga.
ACCOMMODATION
Sea Breeze Lodge
Cheap lodging on a stilt. Our room is literally above the seawater. And yes, it was definitely breezy.
TASTES OF CORON
Hit the wet market for some fresh seafood, get your fresh catch-of-the-day, and grill it in the island.
Hit the wet market for some fresh seafood, get your fresh catch-of-the-day, and grill it in the island.
Bistro Palawan – pizzeria operated by an expat from Germany. Great pizza.
ISLAND HOPPING
There are several tour agencies available in town. Plus some independent operators hanging around the market. The following are the islands we opted using a local independent operator.
Siete Pecados
This was our first stop on the island hopping tour. Not an island but a spot where school of fish are known to gather. We were encouraged to feed the fish with bread crumbs. It's fun to watch a school of fish on a feeding frenzy.
Kayangan Lake
This has to be the most photograph part of Coron island hopping tour. And why not? It is totally breathtaking!
It is a hike up leading to an incredible lake. The lake is eerily calm especially when its not crowded. If you happened to experience visiting Coron prior to its tourist boom, the feeling is much different.
Atwayan Beach
This is where we had lunch. Our local guide cooked/grilled the food/fish we bought at the wet market very early in the morning before the tour.
CYC Beach
This beautiful little beach island features lots of mangrove trees.
Twin Lagoon
This one is overloaded with nature’s beauty. Incredible rock formations. Lush vegetation. We crossed over and under two lagoons, cold water from one side and warm water on the other.
Expenses. (Prices varies at anytime)
I always hunt for the cheapest possible deal so adjust your budget accordingly.
Airfare (Cebu Pacific) - P1,158 (round trip)
Van - P50 (airport to Coron)
Room - P160/night (3 shares on double bed)
Island Hopping - P800/pax
Food - P150/day (average daily)
