Lakbay LENTE: Coron Islands

Coron Islands

Coron is truly enchanted. It is one of the places that Philippines can be proud of. A pearl that we need to preserve and taken care of. Coron belongs to the Calamianes Group of Island and is located in the northernmost part of Palawan. The municipality of Coron itself is composed of Coron Island, a portion of Busuanga Island, and some 20 other outlying islands. It is enchanted with beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, limestoone, cliffs and a virtually unspoiled countryside. It also has a unveiling features of volcanic lakes, natural hot spring, over 500 caves to explore and a thriving marine population. The island is part of the ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanwa people.
The weather in Coron is characterized as sunny, dry and hot. Exceptions on the month of July and August, where you expect heavy rainfall because of habagat. December up to February are the coolest month due to amihan. Generally, the weather is excellent for travelers and best for touring.

What to do in Coron?

City Tour

Get to know the town center and its warm and friendly locals. You can visit the fishing area and even purchase cheap sea foods, go by the food stores to taste the delicacies and dried goods of Busuanga or visit store for souvenirs.

Trekking

Climb the 700 or so steps up to Mt. Tapyas and be rewarded withe the landscape of Coron town and the surroundings of the islands. And for avid mountain climbers, there is Mt. Darala, which is the highest point in Calamianes Islands.

Island Hopping

Go on a motorized boat trip and stop by and swim, kayak, fish, snorkel or dive in so many islands and islets.

Caving

Explore the hidden beauty of the caves in Coron. There are lots of caves to go though near the beach or even in the heart of it.

Diving and Snorkling

Coron is famous for the World War II Wrecks that are to be found in its waters. these 12 sunken Japanese warships make up what is considered as one of the best dive sites in the world. Now it is nature you'd like to see, you can go snorkeling in Siete Pecados where in a preserve marine sanctuary. (Underwater photos credits to Avhet and Edward)

How to go to Coron Islands?

By Air

60 minutes flight from Manila to Busuanga, daily. you can wait for promos for much cheaper expenses and take the earliest flight of the day. So that on you first day you can already maximize your tour.

Asia Spirit: www.asiaspirit.com

Cebu Pacific: www.cebupacificair.com

PAL Express: www.palexpressair.com

SeaAir: www.flyseair.com

By Sea

12 hours trip from Manila to Busuanga, weekly. SuperFerry stops in Coron on their way to Puerto Princesa. Leave Manila on Friday afternoon (4:15pm)and arrives in Coron early Saturday morning (5:30 am). Heads back to Manila on Sunday night (10:45 pm)

WG&A Superferry: www.superferry.com.ph

Negros Navigation: www.negrosnavigation.ph

On Coron Proper

Notes: Another 35-minute trip by land will take you to the Coron proper. You can secure jeepney or van (150 Php one way going to Coron). You will pass by cows lazing along the road at Yulo King Ranch. Just a trivia, those cows was freed on that area during Marcos Regime.

Tricycles = 7 Php per ride or rent for 500 Php plus gas consumption per day

Boats for your Island Hopping can be arrange on the Port Area. You can secure boat for 1000-1500 Php for 6 persons.

But I suggest to secure guides so that they will be the one to take care of the itinerary, transportation and accommodation during the tour in Coron Island. Allot 4-5 days tour to enjoy fully the enchanted Coron. You may also include Calauit Island to experience the Safari of Wild Life.

Where to go to Coron?

Coron Town - The ideal jump-off point for island hopping trips. Explore this quiet ton and fall in love with its natural landscape and friendly locals.

Mt. Tapyas - At over 2,000 feet above sea level, Its view deck provides exhilarating view of the town, as well as the islands around it. You will notice Mt. Tapyas for its large cross on top of it.

Mabentangen Forest Park - It's a man-made pool with fresh water flowing from the rainforest. Interestin endemic flora and fauna can be found around the forest park.

Maquinit Hot Spring - The blissfully warm and salty waters of the spring provides a soothing counterpoint to the frenzy of activities you may have had. just take a dip and relax in its healing waters.

Kabu Beach - Only 20 minutes by motorcycle from the town center, this is a serene gateway, perfect for day spent lazing under the sun, with refreshing views of Coron Island Ancestral Domain.

Siete Peados Marine Park - this cluster of seven islets is home to a 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.

Kayangan Lake - Prepare to be mesmerized by 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 in th country.

Barracuda Lake - Hidden behind a collection of limestone walls, this lake was the added attraction of its thermal layers. It is named for the resident Barracuda that is said to haunt its waters - so be on the lookout!

Twin Lagoons - Dare to swim into a small underwater tunnel to cross from one lagoon to another. The limestone cliffs that separate the two lagoons, he tranquil waters, along with the challenge of the underwater tunnel make for an unforgettable adventure.

Maynuno Beach - This provides a delightful mixture of white, sandy beach and limestone cliffs. Great for picnics, snorkeling and a bit of fishing.

Malbato Marine Protected Area - Mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and coral reefs make this an excellent area for mangrove paddle tours.

Binuan-Sangat Marine Park - This is another great spot for snorkeling and kayaking.

Coron boasts of a profusion of islands and beaches that are perfect postcard material. Fine whitesand, an abundance of sun, turquoise waters are common elements.

Your options include:

Dibatoc Island - Is located near the eastern entrance of Coron Bay, the beach at Dibatoc Island is one of the best in Coron. However due to its location, it is not an advisable destination when the Amihan (easterly winds) is in full swing.

CYC Beach - One of the busiest beach and its the only free beach in the area.

Malcapuya Island - A wonderful island with a very fine white sand beach.

Malaroyroy Island - The west side has an estimated 200 meters of white sand beach. The east side is teeming with mangroves. The flat area in between is about 30 to 40 meters only which provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding ocean and islands on both sides.

Banana Island - Is also known as Dicalabuan Island is a more popularly known place. Overnight is also possible here. Entrance Fee = PHP 150.

Black Island - A beach where in near it is a cave.