Coron, Busuanga

CORON is a small island located at the northern tip of Palawan. It serves as a gateway to the Calamianes Group of Islands where one could find well-preserved islands and islets with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, rich marine life, and limestone cliffs. 

The beautiful island of Coron, Palawan boasts its very rich natural resources. There are lots of small islands accessible from this island’s port. That is why one thing you should not miss is island hopping in Coron.

You can reach Coron by flying from Manila to Busuanga, Palawan, a trip that would roughly be 45 minutes in length. Busuanga Domestic Airport is small so only smaller planes land there. You can choose among Pal Express, Cebu Pacific and Zest Air to get there. Once in Busuanga, you would have to travel for at least an hour of rugged dirt road via SUV’s or vans that are waiting just in front of the airport. This usually costs 150 pesos per passenger. You can of course arrange with your resort to have someone pick you up at the airport, although most drivers know the usual places where people stay at.

Almost all lodges in Coron do have tour packages and if you don't want to avail those packages, they are willing to assist you in looking for a boat for your island hopping. 

We stayed at the Coron Village Lodge and availed their 4 nights and five days package. Coron Village Lodge is a true home away from home because it looks like one. We had comfortable beds and amazing meals. Kuya Willot, the Operations Manager, was pleasant and very helpful.  The package included accommodation, airport transfer, full board meals, island tours, entrance fees to the islands and tour guide as well.

It was a good thing that we planned to stay in Coron for five days since our flight to Busuanga was delayed and arrived in the afternoon already. Since we couldn’t go island hopping on the same day of arrival, we decided to go around and explore the town. When going to Coron,  it’s a must that you bring an underwater camera to be able to capture the beautiful marine life while snorkelling. Good thing that there’s a shop that actually sells disposable underwater camera. You could also buy one from Coron Village Lodge but it’s much cheaper to buy it outside, better yet buy it from Manila.

Our first day tour started right after breakfast. Our first stop at Coron island loop was Atwayan Beach, one of the white sand beaches in Coron Islands. The beach is well-maintained by the Tagbanua, tribal caretakers who rake the sand everyday and even sift the sand to remove debris and big pebbles. It’s actually the best way to start our day just relaxing by the beach and snorkelling.

Our next destination was the Twin Lagoon. Located among the majestic cliffs, a 2 1/2 meters wide hole connects the two lagoons. During high tide, it is an exciting adventure to swim through the hole, during low tide the hole can be seen and it is easier to swim through it.  You would get off your boat a few meters away from a small opening. You have to swim through that (there is a space to breathe, I assure you so no special diving skills required) to enter the beautiful lagoon. The water here is warm below and cold on the surface.

After the Twin Lagoon, we headed to Cayangan Lake just in time for lunch. It was really an advantage to have the lodge prepare our meals. Cayangan Lake is a beautiful enchanting lake enclosed by limestone cliffs and sturdy greenery. It used to be enchanted, as the legend goes. The Tagbanuas believed the spirits of their ancestors dwelled at the lake.

When you dock at the island where Cayangan Lake is, you still have to hike a step path. Be sure to bring your water, you’d need it during the climb. Well, beauty comes to those who wait, as after the 10 to 15 minutes trek, a natural unspoiled beauty that is all yours is what you’ll be seeing. A vast lake surrounded by mountains, so green and so breathtaking. The lake is pretty deep. You have just a few smooth plane rocks on the side to stand on to before you dive in deep cold water.

If you are not tired enough from the climb and the swimming at Cayangan Lake, then take the plunge as a similarly beautiful Barracuda Lake. You have to climb mount of rocks to get to this place. You have to do a short climb up and down the treacherous and sharp lime stone rock to access the lake. Be very careful when going there and make sure your footwear is not slippery.

Next stop was Siete Pecados.  A marine sanctuary punctuated by seven islets. This is a very good snorkelling area - the massive corals are a sight to enjoy. Swimming among the fishes is a great excitement. You could see a lot of different coloured fishes in their natural habitat. This is quite shallow, about 7 feet so be careful with the sea urchins. Don’t forget your underwater camera and snorkelling gear, as there is a whole lot of beauty underwater.

The best way to end a tiring island tour is visiting Maquinit Hot Spring. Maquinit is the local term for hot, and it is really hot. A natural spa! Two small springs merge into a big pool. Temperatures could reach 45°C, making it a favourite of tourists with tired and aching bodies after a whole day’s island adventure.

On our second day tour we headed to Malcapuya Beach, another one of a kind white sand beach island, with a longer beach front and few cottages. It is a little over an hour boat ride from Coron town. The boat ride to the island is very scenic. You will pass by a lot of isolated islands, beach and rock formations. Most of the guests’ boats were docked at the back of the island to preserve the place. We stayed there the whole day enjoying the white sand and the rich marine life. This is the perfect place where you could just lay-back and relax, away from the busy city life.

On our third day tour, we set off to Calomboyan Island. On our way to the Calomboyan, we stopped by WW II Gunboat Shipwreck. The sight of it was scary.  It was like a haunted house under water. Calomboyan Island is a very beautiful island paradise surrounded by white beach, with big trees up to the water edge. Corals of all shapes abound in one area. It is best for swimming, snorkelling or just lazing on the beach. And for our last stop, we cruise down the Mangrove Forest River.

On our last day in Coron, we decide to conquer the 700+ steps going up to Mt Tapyas. As early as 530am we started to walk down the street since the steps to Mt Tapyas is just near the lodge. As we reached the summit, a 50 foot metal cross with breath taking view of Coron town, Coron Island and Calamianes group of islands awaits you. The best time to climb Mt. Tapyas is either during sunset or sunrise. 

After the assault at Mt. Tapyas, we went back to town to eat breakfast and bought pasalubongs and souvenirs. At around 0800 off we go to Busuanga airport with great memories of Coron. 

It was really an amazing experience with all the breath taking sceneries. Coron is a highly recommended place to visit here in the Philippines.