Coron Island: The Tour

            I wonder why Coron in Palawan is rather famous for adventurers and loner alike when it is Puerto Princesa that's considered Palawan's capital city.  Last October 1st, aboard Cebu Pacific Air, my friend Mel and I landed for the first time in Francisco Reyes (Busuanga-Coron) Airport.  Other airlines also fly guests from Manila to Coron: PAL express and  Zest Air.  Fetched by Dive Link Resort van from the airport, we went straight to Coron's pier located right next to Coron Public Market and one of the famous and new hotel in town - Coron Gateway Hotel. Though ours are free, if you are alone van rental may cost you P150/pax or around P1,500/whole van.  Ten minutes away from the pier, by boat, is our resort - Dive Link Resort, where we will stay for 3 exciting days to explore this under populated but popular place.

             Coron, I may say is one of the best town I've ever been.  It is under populated, yes.  Per Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) - it had a population of 32,243 people according to 2000 census.  That explains why it's not yet a city but a municipality. It's sharing its beautiful island with another equally beautiful town called Busuanga.

             
             To be honest, the 3 days 2 nights stay will not be enough to visit all the breathtaking view, taste the exotic foods, try the nicest things Coron can offer. Despite of the lack of sleep, not enough time  to spend and the rain (visit the place during summer - you'll enjoy it more) - we managed and was thrilled to see these tourist destinations in flesh.  Kayangan Lake - Oh, two thumbs up for this first destination. It's postcard view made us speechless and just drown our self to its clear water. I can even see the fish's gill.  Hahaha! I know, I am kind of exaggerating but it's as clear as that.  Snorkeling in Twin Peak reef  is a must - you get to feed the fish and if you are lucky, you'll see Nemo in a distance.  You can do a lot of picture-taking in Atwayan Coral Garden - where you can take your sumptuous lunch of grilled fish, crabs and lobsters from Coron market - where else?  CYC beach is located nearby - a mountain view and white sand beach for a picture-perfect postcard (Don't forget to wear your rash guards though, there's plenty of jellyfish right next to the shore).  Twin Lagoons is also nice. Sad thing is we are not allowed to bring our cameras.  You either need to swim under the small cave entrance or jump from the cliff to get to the second lagoon - an underwater or waterproof camera is a must if you want to bring the beauty of this unforgettable place. 

            Mount Tapyas is also a beauty to behold.  We challenge ourselves to get to the peak of this famous mountain and proud to say we've completed the  700+ steps.  No entrance fee and bottles of mineral water (this I am sure you need while climbing the steps) are worth P25 - available before you start climbing.

              Places we are not able to visit but a must in our list for our second visit are as follows:  Siete Picados, Maquinit Hot Springs, Barracuda Lake,  Banol beach, Banana Island, Sangat Island, Culion Island, Malcapuya Island, Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary and the list can go on.

               A lot of pension houses, guesthouse and resorts are scattered around Coron's town area and the surrounding Coron islands.  The following are the list of accommodations: 

• Coron Village Lodge
•  Sea Dive Resort
• Coron Reef Pension House
• Coron Gateway Hotel
• Mount Tapyas Hotel
• Kokosnuss Garden Resort
• Dive Link Resort
• Krystal Lodge
• Sangat Island
• Club Paradise Resort
• El Rio Y Mar Island Resort

           Coffee, Internet café, restaurant/carenderia, souvenir shops are available.  Coron is famous for their cashew nuts - serve in different style.  Souvenir shirts/shorts, accessories, bags, key chains and more are ready for packing.  Key chains, ref magnet and alike will cost you P25-P50 and shirts/short, sarong and bags ranges from P250-P500.  Please make sure to bring your own charger and full batteries because some island hotels and resorts only have electricity from 5PM-9AM the following days.  You don't want your best pose to be save in your mental picture storage device,right? :D

            List above will definitely help you enjoy your vacation this coming summer.  Enjoy Coron!