Coron Escapade

For a much-needed r&r, Palawan is one of the most obvious choice for an urbanite like me.  As the plane touched down the F. Reyes airport in Busuanga, I can almost smell the scent of the sea and dreamt of white sand beaches.

Coron lies at the northern tip of Palawan and is said to be part of the Calamian Group.  Palawan has two airports and one must book Busuanga if you are to go to Coron.  The other airport is in Puerto Princesa, the gateway to the Underground River.  Travel time is approximately 1 hour.

We availed of the tour package from DIY Coron.  Jayjay, our tricycle driver picked us up at the airport and lead us to Darayonan Lodge where we stayed for a few days.  The room that we got is a quite big and spotlessly clean.  We even had an extra bed where we put most of our stuffs.  They didn't charge us for the extra bed!

When you avail of the services of DIY Coron, part of the package include airport transfers, island hopping, accommodation with breakfast, tour around town, lunch during your island hopping and snorkeling gears rental.  I didn't have any problems with them.  Owen and his staff, Judith have been very helpful.

Part of the itinerary during that time were climbing the 700+ steps to reach the giant cross at Mt. Tapyas, dipping into Maquinit Hot Springs, snorkeling in the clear emerald waters of Siete Picados and Twin Lagoon, basking into the beauty of Kayangan Lake, Banul Beach and Barracuda Lake (there are no more barracudas here, so it's safe) and diving into a shipwreck (which I am just such a chicken and didn't dare to do).

During the trip, I was able to see the unspoilt beauty of Coron.  Yes there are some tourists but I just admire how the people kept this little piece of paradise free from garbage and commercialism.  I can just lie in the sand and be as close to nature as I want to be.  This is beach bumming at its best!

How to get there: Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express has regular flights from Manila to Busuanga. Check out their websites for the schedule and promo prices. :-)

Recommended eats: Try the kare-kare and buttered lobsters at Kawayanan Grill Station located at the town proper.  Also don't forget to try some cashews at the Coron Harvest store.

Recommended sleep HQ: Darayonan Lodge

Recommended tour package: DIY Coron by Owen Ferrer III.  He has a lot of packages that you can choose from and you can even customize your trip if you want.

What to bring home: Souvenir items such as shirts, keychains or magnets sold on stores located in the town proper.  On your last day in Coron, you can also pass by the public market to get some dilis (anchovies) and dangit.  They are quite cheap out there.