Coron, Palawan

UNVEILING CORON

I'm glad you bumped in this site. Glad you did that because here is what you'll expect to do, to see and to feel upon reaching the place everybody calls paradise.

The town of Coron. Serving as the backdrop is Mt. Tapyas.

An all-in-one-fun-stop, Coron, Palawan is always a haven for people who constantly seek fun and adventure. Testing the adrenaline rush, tourists never get disappointed with what Coron has to offer. From food, scenic view and to activities like swimming, snorkeling, free diving and deep diving, each visitor will have lots of choices to enjoy the day from dusk til dawn.

Coron is reachable by sitting on an airplane seat starting from Manila, Phillippines and allow 45 minutes to pass. Lots of airlines serve this destination like Cebu Pacific and Air Asia. From the plane's window, exciting islands covered in white sands are already waiting for your arrival.

The simple town of Coron. Shown in the photo is where tourist boats dock.

MT. TAPYAS ECOPARK

So for our first stop, let me give you an appetizer. Work out those legs and hinds power, because you'll be needing it to hike the famous Mt. Tapyas, located within the town proper. Mt. Tapyas stands 210 m above sea level with 724 steps to conquer. Yup, you read it right: 724 steps. For professional hikers, this is a cheese. But for the neophytes, I tell you, you'll be sweating it out (good thing you have your water and towels with you).

But is it worth it? Not much actually. You'll just see a big white cross at the top with just a bunch of sea and island views you normally see on travel shows, just too mainstream (insert sarcasm here). Of course, it is totally worth it, beyond 100%. On the eastern view, lays beautifully landscaped mountains architected by nature. Boulders of rocks connected through time and designed by greens is what you'll expect. Folks describe it as a sleeping lady, as the shape of the mountains tell so. 

Climbing Mt. Tapyas is free. Hooray! 

On the western part is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Here, group of islands are blending with the sunset to give the best snapshot for our Instagrams. I've given you a travel tip: best time to hike Mt. Tapyas is before sunset. Also, it is discouraged to climb the mountain at dark. On the south-western part gives you green rolling hills view. The green that gives you kicks, definitely.  

MAQUINIT HOTSPRING

Now, I know you got tired from hiking. Don't worry, the next stop is perfect. Your sore muscles will be relieved on Maquinit Hotspring, located on the southern part of the island and a 30-minute ride (costs Php300.00 / $6.00 round trip). The hotspring ticketing admission is open until 20:00 and as a tip, be there at least an hour before ticketing closing time. You could stay here until 22:00 in the evening. The hotspring is salt water and the temperature ranges from 35degC to 40degC. Hot on your first dip. But addicting that you don't want to get out of the water. This is an open area where you'll get to enjoy the night at your own time under the beams of a Philippine summer moon.

As a travel tip: bring your board shorts and bikinis to enjoy this hotspring. Your drinking water is also important as the hot temperature is dehydrating.

SIETE PECADOS

I have served the appetizers. Now, let's move to our main course. Are your snorkeling skills ready? Because it will be all wet for the day. First on the list, is Siete Pecados. "Siete Pecados" coming from the Spanish phrase - "Seven Deadly Sins". According to legend, seven children went out here without their mother's consent and died. After some time, seven rock formations appeared that now is called Siete Pecados. Fret not and don't be scared, you don't have to worry as that was just a folk story and now, this is a marine park and a haven for thousands of different fish species.

You can enjoy snorkeling here while observing fishes flashing in different colors. Hold your breath and take a dive deeper to get to know the fishes better.

Snorkeling items are available for rent at a low price (Php 250.00 / $ 5.00) for the whole day. Not bad. You can also ask it on the hotel you are staying. 

SKELETON SHIP WRECK

Next stop is the skeleton ship wreck near the Atwayan Beach. Looking through google, there are many ship wrecks in Coron exciting for diving. But this site is found on a shallow part only (around 20 meters) and good for snorkelling, though deeper compared to Siete Pecados. One can even take a deep breath and with a push, can touch the shipwreck under.

Schools of fishes often swarm the area. You'll definitely enjoy the moment being surrounded with it.

SHIP WRECK (en-route to Coral Garden)

Another interesting snorkeling spot is the ship wreck en-route to the Coral Garden. This one has more coral formations compared to the skeleton ship wreck shown above. Also, this one has more fishes to admire.

CORAL GARDEN

Next stop for our fun snorkeling, is something your grandma will be proud of - a garden! But, not your typical garden beautifully grown with roses and tulips, but with alive and kicking corals varying on colors, sizes and shapes. The coral garden occupies a wide area and you'll have all the space that you'll need. Amazingly, it is just a few feet from the shore. An hour is not enough for you to enjoy the area. Yes, the place is really enchanting as the corals wave on the dance of the sea.

Just a no-no. Please don't bring home the corals nor touch it. It could kill them.

KAYANGAN LAKE

You are enjoying too much under water. Let's move on and start to appreciate the views above sea. First, the famous KAYANGAN LAKE. So famous, that I checked the National Geograpic if they have a photo of this. They have it thus confirming the place's famousity. To see this lake, one has to climb up a trail and climb down to the lake - good workout! Before heading down to the lake, pause and appreciate the moment of seeing the cove.  The view here is worth it. The rock formation at the center was perfectly positioned to match the dazzling sea colored with blue-green where the boats playfully add the cinematic theme of the cove. Though a number of boats would appear anchored during noon time.

Going back about the lake, KAYANGAN Lake is actually brackish water - seawater and freshwater are combined. Floating would be as easy as fly, but for safety, all tourists are required to wear life vests and swim not beyond the buoys. Locals (Tagbanuas) are present to look after the area. Wooden platforms are present in the area, and you can lay your things on these platforms before jumping on this cool water.

LULUYUAN LAKE (aka BARRACUDA LAKE)

This place is very special for professional divers as its depth could reach 30 meters. This is also a brackish water with almost not much marine life. Although, a small number of barracudas are seen on the area.

TWIN LAGOON

Another interesting place here is the Twin Lagoon, where it is literally two lagoons separated by towering karst. The outer lagoon surrounded by rock cliffs is where boats could anchor, while the inner lagoon is reachable through a cave which is passable on low tide. On high tide, people can use the ladder to climb up the rocks. Passing through the cave gives a more exciting kick and adrenaline rush. The inner lagoon is surrounded by high walls starting from the bottom where the depth is unimaginable. I couldn't even see how deep it was.

Ask your tour guide to help you with a "human centipede". The guide will pull your group while swimming. It was indeed a fun experience floating and moving effortlessly on the water.

PASS ISLAND

To cool down everything from high junkie activities, it is now time to enjoy the relaxing sands of the beach. Where to go? PASS ISLAND. Here, solitude and tranquility partner the white sand, green coconut tress and rich blue sea to give each one a memorable experience. This is the usual stop where non-mainstream tourists can enjoy lunch under the coconut trees and the cool breeze of the day. Less people visit this place. Good news since we'll have all the space that we want. Take a rest on their hammocks or just lay on the sands. Play on the water, or enjoy snorkeling around the island. Interesting is, you'll meet dogs bred to understand what hospitality is. Yes, dogs, the four-legged mammals that also enjoys the warmth of the sun, the beach and the cool waters. Don't b afraid to be friends with their dogs.

A travel tip: ask your hotel about going to this island as this is not the common route for tourists.

DARAYONAN LODGE

Where can you stay here in Coron? A good place to pick is DARAYONAN LODGE. Their staff is really accommodating and the services are really okay. It is not a five-star hotel. Simple, chic and cheap yet satisfying. From airport transfers, equipment rentals and tour packages, the lodge provides all at the guest's convenience. The tour packages would include entrance fees to your destinations, your lunch and even boat rentals. All you need to do is just spell F.U.N. all throughout your trip. We tried this lodge for twice now, and we didn't regret it. Contact them now thru here:

http://www.darayonanlodge.com/

THE CREW

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Travel Date: June 24 to 27, 2017

Coron, Palawan

CORON GETAWAY

Hi everyone. I just had a trip in Coron, Palawan and can't wait to share this video to you. Blog will be coming coming out soon. Hope you'll enjoy.

Biri Island

A VISAYAN ESCAPE

San Barnandino Strait view from Biri Island during sunset. July 2016

Located between the San Bernandino Strait and Pacific Ocean, is where the 18-piece Balicuatro Group of Islands are located, one of which is Biri Island.  A 45-minute boat travel from the north-western tip of Samar Island would take you to these scenic views naturally packed with rugged coasts, slopes covered in free-flowing greens with a background sound of perfectly timed roars of the seas. A perfect moment that can be enjoyed as your me time or with family and friends.

Rugged landscape in Biri Island. July 2016.

The island is naturally laidback where locals and nature are living every day on a harmonious relationship. There are few establishments and roads free from exhaust fumes and heavy traffic. Well, part of the laidback atmosphere is the fact that electricity here is not available 24 hours and runs only from 12 noon to 12 midnight. Cellular signals are present though, but expect that these are weak at some parts. It is part of the experience so just go with it. With a serene community, tourists can be confident of their safety and can surely enjoy the trip. The locals are accommodating and warm too. One can find solitude in visiting this island very well-known for its seven massive rock formations found on its northern coast: Magasang, Bel-at, Magsapad, Caranas, Macadlaw, Puhunan and Pinanahawan.

Biri Island. July 2016

Rugged terrain matched with dancing greens. July 2016

I have visited this place on July of 2016, but I would recommend that you visit it on the dry season (late February to early June). Biri Island can be reached from Luzon Island by taking a ro-ro boat from Matnog, Sorsogon to Allen N. Samar. The trip took more than an hour and costs PHP 140.00 pesos ($3.00) including its terminal fee. From Allen N. Samar, you can take a tricycle to Lavezares N. Samar. Me and my friend paid PHP 300.00 ($6.00) total for the tricycle. From Lavazares, ride a passenger boat to Biri Island. The trip will take for more than an hour and will cost you 50.00 ($1.00). Be prepared as the total cost can be split to the number of its passengers. Brace yourself as the journey starts with the welcoming big and strong sea waves. I suggest that you drink a medicine before this trip.

Magsapad Rock Formation, Biri Island. July 2016

Upon arriving on Biri Island port, you can easily get your habal-habal (motorbike) to take you to your accommodation in the town’s center. The ride costs 10.00 pesos. Habal-habal is the most common mode of transportation in the island. Talk to your habal-habal driver because he will be your guide while you are on your trip. We could get a justifiable rate of PHP800 for the trip for two persons to Magasang and Bel-at rock formations.

Biri Island can be toured within the day. After arriving on our accommodation (Biri Resort Dive Center), we took a quick prep for our tour that day.

Things that I recommend you to bring:

     a. drinking water (there are no convenience stores in the tourist spots)

     b. foot sandals (you don't want to walk barefoot on sharp rock edges)

     c. some sweets or food

     d. hats and shades

     e. sun screen

      f. camera and an extra battery (expect tons of snapshots)

First stop, the Tourism Center, few minutes’ walk from the Biri Resort Dive Center, to pay a tourist fee that costs PHP 50.00 ($1.00). It is a minimal fee for the maintenance of tourism services in the island. Also, you can eat here since restaurants or food shops are not common in the island. The Tourism Center offers rice meals, pasta, sandwiches and the like. After defeating hunger, our journey continues.

MAGASANG ROCK FORMATION

On the way to our first stop, Magasang rock formation, one can already enjoy the picturesque view of the sea and the greens. The legend has it, as relayed by our habal-habal driver, that the rock formations are inhabited by fairies and one must keep quiet during the tour for not to disturb them. Also, as folks said that once there lived a lovely woman in the place named Berbinota, showing the resemblance of a woman's shape in the rock formation left of Magsapad's. From this woman is where the town took its name.

Magasang Rock Formation on the right. July 2016

View from the top of Magsapad Rock Formation. July 2016

In Magasang, one will have to walk through the concrete bridge to get access to the rock formation. From here, you can already see from a distance the Macadlaw and Puhunan rock formations covered in greens.

Concrete bridge leading to the Magasang Rock Formation. July 2016.

Bridge to Magasang. July 2016.

The waves are strong once you arrived the rock formation, path is slippery and there would be steep slopes, and I suggest you to be careful. But thanks to that waves, as through time it has created a masterpiece the Biri island treasures. The place resembles that of the green slopes of Batanes, where the grasses dances to the rhythm of the wind. This rock formation alone, already justified the cost of the trip.

View from the top of Magasang. July 2016

Natural wall back drop of Magasang. July 2016.

Magasang, Biri Island. July 2016

Kiko's friend on the ledge of a steep slope in Magasang. July 2016.

A man spends his afternoon in the beach. July 2016

BEL-AT ROCK FORMATION

After enjoying the Magasang, we are on our way to our next rock formation the Bel-At. It was a few minutes ride on the habal-habal from the Magasang to Bel-at. In Bel-at, you'll have to cross the wooden bridge matched with the lush vegetation of mangrove forests and coconut trees. At the end of the bridge, an amazing surprise awaits you: a big tidal pool that invites every visitor to take a dip on its cool waters. We took a swim and enjoyed the natural pool, but don't stop there. Go up to the top of the rock formation to get a wider view and a better snapshot.

Natural tidal pool in Bel-at rock formation. July 2016

View from the top of Bel-at rock formation. July 2016

View of Bel-at Rock Formation. July 2016

Try to walk around and you'll see more tidal pools that you can dip into. Also, different angles and different views of the rock formation will keep you in awe. The rocks were perfectly chiseled by time creating smooth edges and rugged lines perfectly matched together to create a natural masterpiece.

Biri Island. July 2016

Natural masterpiece. Biri Island. July 2016

The trip to the Bel-at rock formation ends our day trip to Biri Island and I call it quits. I got satisfied with what I saw and with what I experienced. This is not an ordinary island I should say and an experience I can be proud to share. But let's not just stick to the famous rock formations the island offers. It is also a good place go for camping, rock climbing, snorkeling, bird watching and surfing. Start to grab your bags now and start the trip that ROCKS.

San Bernandino Strait view from Biri Island. July 2016.

Kiko at Biri Island. July 2016.