Coron, Palawan

Coron is one of the best places I've been so far. Its amazing rock formations, pristine waters, sunken wrecks and more - it's definitely an adventure.

I would highly recommend that you visit during the first quarter of the year. My first visit was March 2010 and due to it's majestic beauty, I came back September of 2010. There's a very big difference as September is known to be that "habagat" months or rainy season. For that reason, planktons, weeds/ algae are booming around the area.

THINGS TO DO

I would highly recommend that you visit Coron during the first quarter of the year as September is known to be the "habagat" or rainy season where algae is booming around the area. 

Make sure to bring lots of food during Island Hopping. It was our problem when we went off to the Islands as there are no places to buy food / water aside from Coron town.

Barracuda lake - (entrance fee php 100) - It's a famous dive site for its rock formations. A fresh water lake with a depth of 30 meters or 100 feet. Before reaching the lake itself, one would have to clamber over the rocks to get down to the peaceful and picturesque crater itself, I was scared to death as I'm afraid of heights, no stairs or anything, you literally climb the limestone's. You don't need to use a wetsuit for this dive as after the first 12 to 13m you reach an intense thermo- & halocline where the water temperature rapidly rises from about 27°C to 38°C. It is uncomfortably hot on the way down and then on the way back up the top layer feels freezing! There's not a lot to see at the bottom of the crater and the silt kicks up really quickly. On the way back out keep your eyes open for shrimps.
(september 2010, barracuda lake already had a ladder like stairs made of wood, no difficulty climbing)

Skeleton wreck - (entrance fee - 100 php) - I was a bit disappointed with this as it's only a sunken fisherman's boat, nothing really amazing.

Twin Lagoon (entrance fee - 100 php) - Twin Lagoon in my opinion is Coron's pride - according to reviews. So I had to see it for myself. I was a bit disappointed as the reviews were overrated. There are 2 ways to enter the twin lagoon, one is you swim beneath the twin rock formation (which is only allowed during low tide) and next is you climb over the rocks. It was high tide when we went so we weren't able to experience swimming beneath the rocks. (sayang). Water temp was extremely cold reason why I didn't enjoy it here.
Update: September 2010, I was able to swim beneath the rocks and it was indeed an experience. :) 

Siete Picados - (entrance fee 100) Protected coral reef wherein large and colorful fishes could be found. Don't forget to bring bread during this trip. During low tide, be careful of the sea urchins. On my September trip, I learned that the Corals here are being planted. The old man has a small house floating in the middle of the ocean near Siete Picados and cited that he plants Corals at night as most of them die easily. 

Kayangan Lake (entrance fee - 200 php) - Unlike barracuda lake, the climb to Kayangan Lake is much easier. it’s a brackish water that many foreign & locals likes to go outings sometimes called the Blue Lagoon. This beautiful picture-perfect scenery can be seen after a walk up a mountain trail. About 15 to 20 minutes and exploring with its limestone cliffs formations and crystal clear waters are awesome and that almost took my breath away. Swimming in the cleanest lake in the Philippines fresh water lake (with a bit of salt water) in the Philippines is an experience that every Filipino should have. The entire area is perfect for taking portrait shots with limestone cliffs in the background and clean lake in the middle ground. It is the scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, that attracts and fascinates most foreign & local’s travelers.

• Atwayan / Banol beach - basically they look alike. Stop by here for lunch. The beach has a short stretch.
• Kalachuchi Beach
• Sampaloc Beach
• Twin Peaks
• Diwata Lagoon
• 91 Beach
• Lusong Gunboat 
• East Tangat Gunboat 
• Coral Garden
• North and South Cay Island Tour
• Black Island and Dibutnay Island Tour

Mt Tapyas - is DEFINITELY tiring. Doing this on the first day would be difficult as the island trip for the first day itself is already tiring. Only advisable for younger tourists. I'm only 22 and I really really really got tired climbing Mt. Tapyas. (no entrance fee)

Maquinit Hot Spring

All mentioned above aside from Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring are snorkeling sites. Get ready to get tired and again, bring lots of food and water. During the snorkeling tour, we had our lunch in the boat. ;)

Malcapuya Island / Banana Island - Staying here the entire day would be advisable as it's a 2 hour boat ride from Coron Town. The beach is super nice, sand is super fine with super clear waters. Entrance fee is Php 150. There are also cabanas where you could rest in during the afternoon. ;) Also, make sure to leave early as the trip could be really wavy if you leave late morning.  during my march trip, I consider this the most beautiful beach i've been in my entire life. As for my September trip, I felt otherwise. Since it's habagat or rainy season, there are a lot of algae around the area. Previously, the sand on the island is comparable to pulvoron or powder, but on my latter visit, it was comparable to rock salt and there were even trash / garbage already. According to our boatman, a building is being constructed on the island probable reason why it isn't as breathtaking as my first visit.

 ***Also visit Caluit sanctuary. You can travel via boat or land whichever you prefer. Make sure to leave early - around 4AM. 

 ***WRECK DIVING - Coron is one of the most visited destinations for wreck diving in the Philippines. Wreck dive sites are found in a depth as shallow as 10-30 feet and as deep as 120-140 feet. Most are in the range of about 60-80 feet, perfect for sports divers. On September 24, 1944 this island was a witness to the US Navy’s aerial bombardment of the Japanese cargo and support vessels, seeking shelter in its turquoise waters. These have now become a sanctuary for a variety of marine creatures that call these wrecks their home. Wreck Diving Sites in Coron Bay includes the Irako Wreck, Okikawa Maru Wreck, Akitsushima Wreck, Kogyo Maru Wreck, Olympia Maru Wreck, Kyokuzan Maru Wreck, East Tangat Gunboat Wreck, Nanshin Maru Wreck, Lusong Gunboat Wreck and Skeleton Wreck. Because the wrecks have been under water for about 60 years they have become coral reefs in their own right. Both simple and advanced penetration dives are possible. Thus they are suitable for experienced wreck divers and those just starting this type of diving. They are also a delight to dive externally, as reefs, to experience the abundance of life they have attracted. 

Boat hire for Coron Island Tour is Php1,500. (Day 1 - small boat, fits up to 6) 

For the dive sites / snorkeling sites it would be Php 2,500 since it's way farther. (Day 2 - medium boat, fits up to 8) 

For Malcapuya Island / Banana Island price ranges from Php 3,500 - 4,500 (Day 3 - big boat, fits up to 12) since you'd be needing a bigger boat - and waaay farther than the sites mentioned above. 

**take note of the rates (as of 2010) indicated as there are some boatman that would charge you more than this. In addition, some would offer you packages, before confirming, inquire about the size of the boats being rented if you will be booking online.

TIPS

Luggage and bags: Beach Bag, a "rubber ducky" (it's a brand of a bag that can float in the water) as much as possible since exploring the place would be via boat where you can get wet if the waves are strong. To keep all your things / valuables protected. 

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It is advisable to wear your swimming attire upon leaving for Island Hopping. Aqua shoes is a must have when climbing Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake - you can wear slippers but the hike could be really slippery.Fins / Aqua shoes - when snorkeling in Coral Garden. There are sea urchins around the area. 

Photo Equipment: Extra Battery for the Island tour, Underwater camera since most of the trips would be snorkeling. 

Miscellaneous: Bring lots of cash since there are no ATM machines within town. And only few accepts credit card.

Warnings:

• When snorkeling in Coral Garden, it is advisable to wear flippers or aqua shoes as there are sea urchins in the area. 

• Beware of over priced boats.

• Mosquitoes at night. Bring Insect repellent

NOTE: Accommodation to be updated soon.