The first 20 years of my life I spent in the Philippines, a country that now has 7,641 islands. I grew up in Metro Manila and had only been to it’s neighboring provinces. So, when I moved here in the United States, I swore to explore at least one province outside of Luzon (Philippine’s largest island) whenever I get to visit the Philippines. Palawan is on the top of my list. Dubbed by several travel sites and blogs as one of the most beautiful places in the world, Palawan, located in the southwest region of the Philippines, is a group of islands that has the most pristine waters you’ll ever see.
aerial shot of the islands of Palawan
One of the islands that make up Palawan is Coron. Coron Island (which is also surrounded by several islets) has great diving spots, fresh seafood, and relaxing atmosphere. Although, Palawan has been named the best, it is not yet frequented by tourists unlike Boracay, thus the “relaxing atmosphere”. This means you can enjoy island hopping more and have an islet all to yourself for at least a couple of hours.
island hopping using a “bangka” (Philippine outrigger boat/canoe)
From Manila, Palawan is an hour plane ride. You will arrive at Busuanga airport and from there a van will take you to your resort of choice in Coron.
Many had recommended Sunz en Coron for a budget friendly stay in the Island. Clean rooms, breakfast included, great service and they can arrange tours for a worry free vacation.
Sunz en Coron dining area
You can bask under the sun right next to the pool or you can go and explore the islands of Coron.
Island hopping is made possible riding a bangka. They will take you to islets with white sand beaches…
A bangka ride will take you to beautiful shores like this.
CYC beach, Coron, Palawan
Boatmen = tour guides.
a softer shade of green
Aria! (drop anchor)
Included in your tour are fresh seafood cooked by your boatmen for lunch.
After lunch the sailing continues.
The famous Coron photo spot.
At every turn, these boats make, are breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and clear waters ranging from deep blue to 50 shades of green.
Cliffs that protects lakes and lagoons…
You swim or you climb… to get to the Twin Lagoon
(Kayangan and Barracuda Lakes are right next to each other. Both dubbed as two of the cleanest lakes in Asia, this two are hidden into majestic limestone fortresses.)
Kayangan Lake
And waters that envelopes shipwrecks.
Frantically trying to take a picture of a Japanese shipwreck.
If swimming all day has not exhausted all your energy yet, climbing Mt. Tapyas will do the trick. Unfortunately for us, we were drained after all the under (and above) water explorations we did. Mt. Tapyas climb was set to the following morning.
Coron, as awe-inspiring as it is, is small island. A 4 days/3 nights vacation will be enough to enjoy this island’s charm.
