CORON ( kambak kamba) s kambak-kambak (come back, come back). They said that once you visit the place you can never leave or if you leave you will always return. They said the spirits put a spell on you. They told me to bite a trunk of a tree or a rock to please the spirits.- vanessa gabay
I had mixed emotions when I was in the plane, excitement and anxiety ..excited to explore this beautiful island, anxious to get short of money and get stranded again, just like what happened in Mindoro.I challenged myself on just to spend 5k for 3 days 2 nights and have a cushion of 2k in any case something unexpected will happen.( learned from the last experience):P
We got at Francisco B. Reyes airport ( CORON) at around 2:30pm, There are several vans awaiting for passengers to be transferred to Coron Town for P150 per pax or P1,500 per van.We didn't contacted any resort or hotel prior to our visit because we know that the best deals is not on the net but to hunt for it, and that we didn't failed.In the Van we met a tour guide( license) named Charm
shes very helpful to guide us to where we can stay for the night or could be on the next 2 nights.When we got at the town proper which is just 45 mins away from the airport she lead us to AGBUNAG LODGE a very simple house like ambiance, a room cost about 600php( air conditioned) but since we rented extra bed that cost 100php extra, and if you would want to use the kitchen that would be another 100php. We took the place since it's 3 of us will share in the room( Toni has a different itinerary) she was heading to MALCAPUYA ISLAND another must see island in coron. our itinerary i can say was more of a tourist while Toni was more of a backpacker adventure.
 |
| near the port |
 |
| the lodge we stayed at |
 |
| the living room |
 |
| vena at the veranda |
After we are all set on checking in the lodge, we decided to go around the town for a bit, when we got back at around a tricycle driver referred by Charm was waiting for us, Since we already have our planned itinerary we just have to tell him where to bring us , We first dropped off at a souvenir store and see what we can take with us going back home
We went to see Mt. tapyas a 718 steps.At the summit, one is treated to a breathtaking view of the nearby Coron Higantes island and the rest of the islands in the Calamianes group.
The chance to see the sunset from 210 meters above sea is too good to pass up.At the summit, all sweaty and panting, one gets rewarded with the great vista. The top of Mt. Tapyas is also marked with a large metal cross lit-up with light bulbs at night. There are several small gazebos just below the summit on the western slope, perfect for viewing the sunset.
 |
| local souvenir shop |
We went to see Mt. tapyas a 718 steps.At the summit, one is treated to a breathtaking view of the nearby Coron Higantes island and the rest of the islands in the Calamianes group.
The chance to see the sunset from 210 meters above sea is too good to pass up.At the summit, all sweaty and panting, one gets rewarded with the great vista. The top of Mt. Tapyas is also marked with a large metal cross lit-up with light bulbs at night. There are several small gazebos just below the summit on the western slope, perfect for viewing the sunset.
Next trip was to go to Maquinit hot springs to soothe those tired muscles.We only paid the tricycle of 350 round trip from picking us up from the the town to Mt.tapyas, Maquinit hot springs and bringing us back to the town.Maquinit hot spring is known to be the only salt water hot spring in the Philippines, The hot spring is just about 25 minutes from the town center and is perfectly located between a hill and the blue sea whose shores are lined with mangrove trees and floating bamboo cottages.I was surprised when i learned that the water is salty unlike most of the hot springs I’ve visited in Luzon. The water actually comes from a volcano located underground and its temperature is about 40 degrees Celsius.boy!!it's really hot!
 |
| Korean tourist we met in the pool |
After the day tour, we head back to the lodge and had a little drink at the veranda while observing how peaceful the night life in the town, and eventually call off the night :)
Day 2: We woke up early and head to the market and prepare of the whole day island hopping adventure, our boatmen went to the lodge early as well, and helped us go around the market,I was really surprised on how kind and nice the people here , they all have this happy personality! people here knows how to use their humor and smile, I've been at different places where there's kind and nice people too, but this places is so far the most consistent one.
We bought 1 kilo of local fish 80php ( suran) and 1 kilo of liempo for BBQ and eggplant( inihaw na talong) water, bread for the fish, wine and beer. I was surprised that the boatman " mang carltoni's boatman " Harold"aka "binoy" is i think the most of generous and kind of them all, it's because he extra miles on treating Toni as a guest on this island, so while we three " ralph vena and I" are having our tour, toni had a great time too with the help of her boatmen, he gave Toni great amount of discount from Php 5500 for the whole 2 days 1 night trip going malcapuya (overnight) and island hopping tour whole day the next day. Toni only paid 3500php. She was the only one on a 12 seater boat, aside from that he was toni's swimming instructor and tour guide as well, toni got a 2 free t-shirt too!!and when night came , local people in that island helped her pitch her tent and even shared food to her .. see how nice people here are!?
We bought 1 kilo of local fish 80php ( suran) and 1 kilo of liempo for BBQ and eggplant( inihaw na talong) water, bread for the fish, wine and beer. I was surprised that the boatman " mang carltoni's boatman " Harold"aka "binoy" is i think the most of generous and kind of them all, it's because he extra miles on treating Toni as a guest on this island, so while we three " ralph vena and I" are having our tour, toni had a great time too with the help of her boatmen, he gave Toni great amount of discount from Php 5500 for the whole 2 days 1 night trip going malcapuya (overnight) and island hopping tour whole day the next day. Toni only paid 3500php. She was the only one on a 12 seater boat, aside from that he was toni's swimming instructor and tour guide as well, toni got a 2 free t-shirt too!!and when night came , local people in that island helped her pitch her tent and even shared food to her .. see how nice people here are!?
 |
| Toni on her own boat |
 | |
| yes im having coffee while at the market lol |
 | |
| the port |
 |
| heading to siete picados island |
 | |
| spirits in the ice box |
SIETE PICADOS
ISLAND HOPPING!!! Be fore we head to the island we rented some snorkel stuff then our first stop SIETE PICADOS island!!– “This cluster of seven islets is home to rich marine life, abundant corals, fish of varied colors and species. The beauty underneath makes Siete Pecados one of Coron’s best sites for snorkeling.”
I would have to agree with the brochure. The place is beautiful.
Ok, we got to the islets. I didn’t actually count them at the time. I guess they were seven.we made sure that we can only stay for 30-45 minutes to explore this area since we were in an " express tour" the current was not even strong was very calm.We were able to see lots of colorful corals and tropical fish we don't have to ask mang carl on which is the best spot to see the marine life, because they are literally everywhere the fishes are super friendly! you don't have to feed them to come near you! because they will actually come and play with you!too bad we don't have underwater camera to capture the moment but the memories will surely last!
 |
| Ralph in action |
KAYANGAN LAKE
From the Coron Travel Brochure – “Prepare to be mesmerized bu its stately beauty and grace. The entrance itself is awe-inspiring, as is the view from the top. It has been hailed many times over as the cleanest fresh water lake in the country.”
After being in a big aquarium and played with the fish we headed to KAYANGAN LAKE..As we entered the entrance to Kayangan Lake… once again we were greeted by jagged towering limestone walls with cliff the crystal clear water and encountered some interesting rock formations. What fascinated me was this rock that seems to be balancing itself on the water.We entered this small cove where we found boats parked . We ourselves parked our boats and got off. We would then have to go up these steps to reach the lake itself.And again we were welcomed by nice local people.
As we climb up a 10 minutes trek uphill our guide asked us to make a small detour to view this cave. When we got up to to the cave I obviously couldn’t see anything but a big black space. Taking a photo with a flash revealed this big empty cave...Ok so my reaction was ok?...whats the big deal?
And then when i turn around then i figured out what was our guide was trying to let us see..I was mesmerized with the scene this place is famous .but not for the cave, but for the spot where the famous Coron shot was taken!and according to locals most photographed spot. from the top we can see the lagoon where we came in.Then we headed down another set of track down to the lake...
 |
| The most Photographed spot |
As we got to the lake, there were several groups already there in the water. It was a magnificent sight! While it might have seemed typical, a clear fresh water lake with captivating views of rock walls and the turquoise clear water at the entrance of the cove, we could clearly see its bottom.There were wooden narrow platforms built on the surrounding edges for people to jump off from, would also serve a place where you can put your things. but nothing much to see underwater if you want to snorkel.but just the magnificent view.When we got in the water it was really refreshingly cool! and we even climbed a 12 ft cliff and jumped from it.
KAYANGAN LAKE
 |
| heading to the lake |
 |
| clear water! |
 | |
| real nice sight! |
 |
| kayangan lake |
 |
| panoramic view of the lake |
Atwayan beach
From kayangan lake we went to Atwayan beach to have out lunch, I asked our boatman on how to cook rice on the beach, on my surprise he did prepared everything from grilling the fish and meat to cooking the rice all was done on his boat! he was making life so easy for us!typical food for island hoping! There were these little huts along the beach. Getting there early was important as these huts were few. As we would learn later through lunch, the place would get pretty crowded.
 |
| a local resident in Atwayan |
Atwayan was one of those little islands which served as picnic areas in the Coron area. Apparently there are a few of these little beaches for this purpose.
Walking around the long strip of beach Again, a beautiful strip of nature.This beautiful spot was the perfect place to indulge my photo fanatic friends it would have been nice if we stayed longer for the sunset Or better yet have the place just for yourself and your special someone with a set up-up of lit dinner for a bit of romance.
SKELETON Wreck
The wreck is in Lusong Island. The ship was believed to be a gunboat or a submarine hunter.
Since the wreck lies on shallow waters, this has become an attraction for snorkeling and shallow diving. Various fishes and hard corals are found in the wreck from the sea surface.Our camera ran out of battery so we were not able to take pics of the spot but the pics below is from google images and i don't own it.if you think you own this picture please message me with with the link and i'll remove it:)
My brief research tells me that these Japanese ships sunk in this area after the US Navy launched a massive air strike on the supply fleet in Sept. 24, 1944. The fleet was anchored on Coron Bay. In a bid to hide the fleet, Japanese fighters covered it with trees.
But at the end of the day’s air strike, US fighter aircraft and dive bombers claimed to have sunk 24 vessels. After six decades, 12 of the wrecks in recent years. Eight of them are close together in Coron Bay, the others are slightly further around the area.
The wreck is in Lusong Island. The ship was believed to be a gunboat or a submarine hunter.
Since the wreck lies on shallow waters, this has become an attraction for snorkeling and shallow diving. Various fishes and hard corals are found in the wreck from the sea surface.Our camera ran out of battery so we were not able to take pics of the spot but the pics below is from google images and i don't own it.if you think you own this picture please message me with with the link and i'll remove it:)
My brief research tells me that these Japanese ships sunk in this area after the US Navy launched a massive air strike on the supply fleet in Sept. 24, 1944. The fleet was anchored on Coron Bay. In a bid to hide the fleet, Japanese fighters covered it with trees.
But at the end of the day’s air strike, US fighter aircraft and dive bombers claimed to have sunk 24 vessels. After six decades, 12 of the wrecks in recent years. Eight of them are close together in Coron Bay, the others are slightly further around the area.
TWIN LAGOONS
According to the Coron Travel Brochure – “Dare to swim into a small underwater tunnel to cross from one lagoon to another. The limestone cliffs that separate the two lagoons, the tranquil waters, along with the challenge of the underwater tunnel make for a an unforgettable adventure”
Getting there amazing ! The rock formations leading up to the Twin Lagoons was exquisite!
When we got to the first of the twin lagoons… there were all these bangkas parked this lagoon is accessible by boat while the main attraction is the second lagoon which was accessible through a little hole or cavern on the cliff wall that slightly shows above sea level.this whole is sometimes completely submerged underwater on the cliff wall when it's high tide, now it has a small ladder that can help you go on the other end of the cliff wall.
When we got to the first of the twin lagoons… there were all these bangkas parked this lagoon is accessible by boat while the main attraction is the second lagoon which was accessible through a little hole or cavern on the cliff wall that slightly shows above sea level.this whole is sometimes completely submerged underwater on the cliff wall when it's high tide, now it has a small ladder that can help you go on the other end of the cliff wall.
The entire lagoon was of course crowned by these majestic cliffs which will make you feel you're one of the cast of survivor
We went back to our boat.It TWIN PEAKS this area is a snorkeling spot and a free entrance fee compared to the previous islands we went at ... and yes another chance to play with school of fish! Too bad we ran out of camera.On our way to the wharf we saw the hill with the name CORON on it like one of those you see in HOLLYWOOD thought it was really neat! What an amazing day of water fun and re-uniting with nature!
We bought some fresh crabs and local food from the market on our way to our lodge, Toni again got a good discounts using her charm from 245 php huge crab! cant remember the weight of it, she got it for just 200php.We cooked and had our dinner at the lodge this night.
 |
| seaweed salad |
 |
| echoserang adobo |
 |
| my crab vs Toni's crab |
After we had our dinner... what a great way to spend our night at local Videoke bar nearby, WE went at "RAGS TO RICHES BAR" a descent and air-conditioned bar where we met some foreign people too having a party it was not crowded when we arrive at the venue, I recon this German girl who sang in tagalog !thought it was really coo, and now shes friends of ralph on Fb :P
here's the link of her mini concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKTyllIi6-0
here's the link of her mini concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKTyllIi6-0
 |
| Making new Friends! |
After partying hard the other night and after all this great activity the previous days, all I can wish for is a relaxing massage! so that's what I had before we head to the airport!
So that's the Quick but spectacular experience we had in the majestic Island of Coron, There are still more Island that I really want to explore here and after what we all experience....I think Coron Palawan is a definitely a must comeback KAMBAK KAMBAK!!!!
Itenirary
1st day
3:00 arrive in coron town look for a place to stay lunch
3:30 See the town, visit the town plaza, the market, the schools, etc. (look for a place to eat) “ kawayanan grill /bistro coron
5:00 Go up Mt. Tapyas for a panoramic view of the town and the islands and for a beautiful sunset
6:30 Maquinit Hot Spring
8:30 Dinner at the Lodge ( or buy some food )
2nd day - Coron Island Loop Tour
7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Off to the Islands
A. Siete Pecados 100php
B. Cayangan Lake ( P200)
C. Twin Lagoons 100php
D. Atwayan Beach 100php
1st day
3:00 arrive in coron town look for a place to stay lunch
3:30 See the town, visit the town plaza, the market, the schools, etc. (look for a place to eat) “ kawayanan grill /bistro coron
5:00 Go up Mt. Tapyas for a panoramic view of the town and the islands and for a beautiful sunset
6:30 Maquinit Hot Spring
8:30 Dinner at the Lodge ( or buy some food )
2nd day - Coron Island Loop Tour
7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Off to the Islands
A. Siete Pecados 100php
B. Cayangan Lake ( P200)
C. Twin Lagoons 100php
D. Atwayan Beach 100php
E; Ship wreck 100php
*Lake Barracuda may be included but the guest pays the additional entrance fee of P100
5:00 Back in town - free time
8:00 Dinner
3rd day - Breakfast then off to airport
*Lake Barracuda may be included but the guest pays the additional entrance fee of P100
5:00 Back in town - free time
8:00 Dinner
3rd day - Breakfast then off to airport
BUDGET **
200 taxi fare going to naia ( back and forth )
220 naia airport terminal fee( back and forth)
150 airport transpo to coron town “van” (one way )
700- 6 meals and snack
P350 for round trip tricycle fare for maquinit hot spring
P150/pax entrance maquinit
1400/per for lodge and stay ( good for 2 nights ) 700php per night
100php use of kitchen in the lodge (100 x2 ) two nights = 200php
200 Cayangan Lake
1500 coron island hopping (whole day) got a 500php discount = php 1000( thanks for Toni for negotiating for us to get a discount!!!!)
P100/person Siete Pecados
Php 100.00 / person twin lagoon
Php100 Atwayan Beach
Php 100 ship wreck
Php 150 snorkeling goggles
Php 150 fins
Php 200php tip to boatman
php 300 massage
notes
The airport is 28 kilometres and about 45 minutes by road from the town of Coron
Mt. Tapyas for a panoramic view ( view dec k)
Don't forget to stop by the cave half-way to/fr Kayangan Lake( amazing view)
200 taxi fare going to naia ( back and forth )
220 naia airport terminal fee( back and forth)
150 airport transpo to coron town “van” (one way )
700- 6 meals and snack
P350 for round trip tricycle fare for maquinit hot spring
P150/pax entrance maquinit
1400/per for lodge and stay ( good for 2 nights ) 700php per night
100php use of kitchen in the lodge (100 x2 ) two nights = 200php
200 Cayangan Lake
1500 coron island hopping (whole day) got a 500php discount = php 1000( thanks for Toni for negotiating for us to get a discount!!!!)
P100/person Siete Pecados
Php 100.00 / person twin lagoon
Php100 Atwayan Beach
Php 100 ship wreck
Php 150 snorkeling goggles
Php 150 fins
Php 200php tip to boatman
php 300 massage
notes
The airport is 28 kilometres and about 45 minutes by road from the town of Coron
Mt. Tapyas for a panoramic view ( view dec k)
Don't forget to stop by the cave half-way to/fr Kayangan Lake( amazing view)
where to stay in coron
1.Agbunag lodge
John Agbunag (manager) - 09212727862
Johntanngoagbunag@yahoo.com
Johntanngoagbunag@yahoo.com
2.Darayonan Lodge Coron
32 National Highway, Bgy. Pob. 1, Coron, Palawan, Philippines
Front Desk (Joan or Leah): 09152976426;
Contact Person: Letty Fernandez, Owner & General Manager
Front Desk (Joan or Leah): 09152976426;
Contact Person: Letty Fernandez, Owner & General Manager
3.sunz en coron
http://www.sunzencoron.com/
| Mobile Nos | : | +63 906 206 0048 / +63 917 714 54 57 |
| : | sunzencoron @ hotmail.com |
4.coron reef pension house
Bgy Poblacion 5, coron , palawan
contact number:09198877151
contact person: Mrs. Chinita L. Pe
5.Mt. Tapyas hotel
Bgy.4 Coron Palawan
Email:mt.tapyashotel@yahoo.com
contact number:09175005566
contact person:Ruth Jean Resco
6.Rudy's place lodge
Bgy.Poblacion 5, Coron, Palawan
Contact Number:09203633603
7.Sea breeze Lodge
Bgy Poblacion 3, Coron Palawan
Contact number: 09216904494
Bgy Poblacion 5, coron , palawan
contact number:09198877151
contact person: Mrs. Chinita L. Pe
5.Mt. Tapyas hotel
Bgy.4 Coron Palawan
Email:mt.tapyashotel@yahoo.com
contact number:09175005566
contact person:Ruth Jean Resco
6.Rudy's place lodge
Bgy.Poblacion 5, Coron, Palawan
Contact Number:09203633603
7.Sea breeze Lodge
Bgy Poblacion 3, Coron Palawan
Contact number: 09216904494
VAN: Driver Joshia "TAYAT"
Contact # 09287867260
Contact # 09287867260
Tour guide ( if you need one )
CHARM
contact number: 09994771947
Boatman ( recommended )
Harold a.k.a. BINOY
contact numbers:09168433942 09487386811
Ping Lazarte
contact number: 09199896558
contact number: 09199896558
How to get to coron:
Coron is easily accessible by air and by sea from Manila. Schedules and other travel information are available at the carriers website
BY Air - 60 minutes flight from manila to Busuanga, daily
PAL EXPRESS - www.palexpressair.com
ZestAir - www.zestair.com
NOte another 30-45 mins land travel by van from the airport ( Busuanga) to the town of Coron
BY Sea - 12 hour trip to and from Manila , weekly
WG&A superferry; www.superferry.com.ph
Negros Navigation : www.negrosnavigation.com
Coron is easily accessible by air and by sea from Manila. Schedules and other travel information are available at the carriers website
BY Air - 60 minutes flight from manila to Busuanga, daily
PAL EXPRESS - www.palexpressair.com
ZestAir - www.zestair.com
NOte another 30-45 mins land travel by van from the airport ( Busuanga) to the town of Coron
BY Sea - 12 hour trip to and from Manila , weekly
WG&A superferry; www.superferry.com.ph
Negros Navigation : www.negrosnavigation.com
No comments:
Post a Comment