CORON PALAWAN TRAVEL GUIDE

BIRTHDAY EDITION

About Coron:

Coron is small, undeveloped town on the islan of Busuanga, where most people stay when they visit the Calamianes Groupof Islands in northern Palawan. Its not to be confused with Coron Island which is near the town and where most of the island hopping takes place. There’s not much to do in town itself so it’s basically a jumping point for all the activities. Its directly accessible by plane ride from manila for about an hour or via boat –either from El Nido or a longer passenger ferry from Mania or Puerto Princesa.

On the flip side overlooks the water but lacks the beach – so although you can still dine and drink ocean front you don’t have the convenience of a quick dip or still along sand. On the plus side though, Coron is much easier and comfortable to get to, so if you’re short on time or don’t fancy a hectic boat ride this may well be a huge positive.

Where to stay?

It’s  a good decision that we stayed in a 4 star hotel in Coron since there is not much to do in town. We stayed at Coron Westown for 4 days and 3 nights and made a reservation via agoda - http://www.agoda.com/ (They have discount!! Wink!) or you can visit their website - http://www.coronwestownresort.com/ and like them on facebook  - https://www.facebook.com/coronwestownresort/?fref=ts

Coron Westown Hotel is 15-20 minutes away from Busuanga airport and 10 minutes away from the town. You’ll be needing to ride a tricycle when going to the town. Stayed here for 4 days and 3 nights and I must say that the staff are very very accommodating. The hotel has a restaurant for those who don’t want to explore foods in Coron. HAHA! :P They also have a mini bar and KTV room for those who want to enjoy the night.  

The Kiddie Pool

After a whole day of island hopping, I suggest that go directly to this pool because of its warm water that will make you relax. J

The Hotel Room 

**Coron Westown Resort is a bit expensive from other hotels but since this is special occasion we decided to stay in a nice hotel. J

Where else to stay in Coron, Palawan?See list below. 

Blue Wave Hotel: http://www.agoda.com/en-sg/bluewave-hotel/hotel/coron-ph.html \

Corto Del Mar: http://www.agoda.com/en-sg/corto-del-mar-hotel/hotel/coron-ph.html

Coron Hilltop View Resort: http://www.agoda.com/en-sg/coron-hilltop-view-resort/hotel/coron-ph.html

Amphibi-ko Resort: http://www.agoda.com/en-sg/amphibi-ko-resort/hotel/coron-ph.html?asq

Centro Coron Bed and Breakfast: http://www.agoda.com/en-sg/centro-coron-bed-and-breakfast/hotel/coron-ph.html?asq 

What to do?

Island tour!! Hahaha. As we all know that Coron have many islands to visit (Wink!).

Ready? Set and get wet!! Let’s start with the Island hopping!

Day 1

was spent in the hotel because our flight was delayed. Sad. Sniff Sniff! 

Day 2 

Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake is one of Coron’s primary attractions. Accessible by a steep 10-15 minutes uphill climb of approximately 300 steps towards the inland lake, the crystal waters of Kayangan Lake are nestled into the mountain walls, underwater is like a moonscape. There’s a little wooden walkway and platform to stash your things if you go for a swim. Don’t expect privacy or quiet, though, as the lagoon where boats (bangka) unload passengers looks like a small parking lot.

It is also the “cleanest lake in the Philippines”, surrounded by karst scenery of limestone cliffs and guarded maintained by Tagbanua tribesmen. The lake is made of 70% freshwater and 30% salt water. One may choose to swim or snorkel in the lake, or simply float around in a life jacket. 

Malwawey Beach and Skeleton Wreck

Best part of the tour! Lunch time = SEAfoods! HAHAHA!

The Skeleton Wreck is actually a Japanese ship -caught here and sunk along with 10 other freighters and gunboats by U.S Navy bomber during World War 2.  Where eventually filled with corals and reefs fishes resulting in the visual spectacle divers experience today. Along with the other sunken wrecks in the area, this has pushed Coron to the list of the top 10 dive sites in the worlds according to Forbes Traveler Magazine.

A wrecked ship from World War 2. 

CYC Beach (Coron Youth Club)

Twin Lagoon

Day 3

Malcapuya Island

A boat ride from Coron town to Malcapuya Island will take about 1.5 hour. The boats arrive on the north side of the Island. From there it is a short walk over the south side where a long stretch of White powdery sand welcomes you.

The water is shallow and you have to walk out quite a bit before it gets deeper. There are plenty of fishes fearlessly swimming around in the water and you can spot some giant clams at the bottom. The beach itself is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in the Calamian Islands, so if you want to spend a day relaxing to the beach Malcapuya is definitely the place to go.

It is now owned by Boracay Regency, Henann Group of Resorts will soon be establishing a 5 –star luxury resort which is set to be the next big thing in Coron, Palawan.

Banana Island

Our buffet lunch was served here. There are sheds for shade. There are also wooden cottages from where you can view the sea and take pictures. You can also nap on the wooden beds, but I suggest you go snorkeling instead. I recommend that you visit this island, there are magnificent fishes, corals and GIANT clams. The corals and fishes are close to the shore. Good snorkeling spot. And I also met Nemo!! and several amazing fishes!

Bulogdos Island

Bulog Dos is one of the many beautiful islands of the Calamianes. It is located close to the tip of Malroroy Peninsula at the northern end of Bulalacao, an island located southwest of Coron Island and adjacent to Culion Island “Bulog Dos is actually closer to Culion than Coron”. It was part of a 3-island destination for our second day of Island-hopping in Coron, Palawan.

Bulog Dos itself looks more beautiful with its short stretch of white sandy beach, crystal-clear aquamarine waters and a long snaking sandbar that connects it to Malaroyroy Peninsula and the rest of Bulalacao. 

For Tour packages you can contact Aqua Blue Tours : 09164003405. Always ask for discounts!! :P

Now this is the best part of travelling!!!!

What to eat and Where????

List of Restaurants in Coron, Palawan that I recommend J

Kawayan Grill Station

Location: Calle San Pedro, Barangay 2, Coron, Palawan, Busuanga Rd

Budget: PHP600 (2 Pax)

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Kawayanan-Grill-Station-321925244486768/

Balinsasayaw

Location: National Highway, Brgy. Poblacion 5, Coron, Philippines

Budget: PHP900 (2 Pax)

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Balinsasayaw-Restaurant/410059932494321?fref=ts

Santino’s Grill

Location: Coron - Busuanga Rd, Coron, Palawan, Philippines

Budget: PHP800 (2 Pax)

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/santinosgrill

Now what are you waiting for? PLAN, BOOK and ESCAPE!! J

Breakdown of Expense for 2 Pax (4days and 3nights)

Airfare	PHP 1,630.00
Accomodation	PHP 11,175.00
Van Transfer from Airport to Hotel (Vice versa)	PHP 600.00
Food	PHP 3,100.00
Transportation (Tricycle)	PHP 350.00
Souvenir	PHP 1,500.00 (Shirt, Ref magnet, Pearls)
Snorkel (Rent)	PHP 600.00 (PHP150 / head, 2days tour)
Tour Package Day 1	PHP 1,500.00 (free lunch)
Tour Package Day 2	PHP 2,400.00 (free lunch)
Total	PHP 10,500.00