Captivating Coron

Thanks to the PTAA travel expo, I was able to plan a trip to Coron Palawan for the summer. Although I had to fall in line for like2 hours, I was able to get a deal for 50% off plane tickets via Zest Air and a lodge to stay at for 3D/2N for 6000 at Darayonan Lodge, inclusive of food, tours and transfers which I thought was a good deal already.

It was a quick flight from Manila to Busuanga, which took under an hour, and from the airport, it took us the same time to get us to our lodge which is located at the town. 

Arriving at the airport

Upon arriving, first agenda for the day was to have lunch. We were so hungry that we passed up having lunch at the beach and decided to eat at the restaurant already (this was a mistake, we could have sucked it up atleast we had a nice view of the beach). The lunch was good, and very filling, a heaping serving of rice, and two dishes, not bad for an all inclusive package.

Darayonan Lodge

Darayonan Lodge

After lunch, we got changed and we were on our way to start exploring Coron. First stop on our island hopping adventure was Kayangan lake. Before getting there, you have to hike like 100 steps up then down to reach it. 

On our way to see kayangan Lake

The view from the top was really nice. Ofcourse since we went up, we eventually had to come down to the lake itself. There is a cave on one part of the lake and like everyone else, we went there to take a peek. The lake was quite deep although you can still see the bottom. There are also rock formations at the bottom that are sharp so be careful not to cut yourself while swimming by.

View going to Kayangan Lake

From one lake we jumped to another one which was Barracuda lake. The lake got its name from the Barracuda that supposedly lived there although we didn't see any, which was a relief. The water was very calm and the lake was very very deep that you can't see the bottom. It made me a little nervous, good thing I had my life vest on while swimming. It was so deep that after a while 2 divers came up who explored the bottom parts of the lake.

On our way to Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake

Ready to jump in

Nothing much to see really so after an hour, we headed out to our last stop of the day, Maquinit hot springs. It took a few minutes for me to be able to adjust since it was too hot but after a while, I got used to the heat. The locals built pools around the springs and water from one pool flowed to another. We stayed there just sitting and talking until the sun set on us which was a beautiful sight, a perfect way to cap our day. We got back just in time for dinner, which was again with generous servings and very filling.

The agenda for day 2 were trips to Siete Pecados, Twin Lagoon, Banol beach and the Skeleton wreck. Before we started to explore, we bought some fish, soda and ice at the local market close to the port so that we'll have extra food on our trip today. 

Our first stop was Siete Pecados which are 7 islets scattered around the area. There was an abundance of fish in the area, and the bread we brought came in handy since we were able to make a feeding frenzy  with the fish. The only thing is that the current is strong and you need to get a hold of some rope that was placed there so you won't get washed up by the current and end up somewhere else. I had to juggle taking pictures with one hand, then holding on to the rope with another. It was a little tiring, enjoying the wildlife, taking pics underwater and holding on for dear life. 

On our way

Clear skies ahead

Fish

2nd stop led us to Twin Lagoon. To enter, you can use the cave, during low tide, or climb some steps if its high tide. Just like Barracuda lake, it was very deep, and I was a little scared. When you try to put on your mask, you wouldn't see the bottom and all you can see are rock formations which was cool and scary at the same time. After swimming around for half of the day, we decided to have lunch already and went to a beautiful beach called Banol.

The sand was powder white and it was very rustic, there's just a picnic area comprised of bamboo huts and there we enjoyed our baon, compliments of the lodge. Our baon consisted of fish and grilled squid, yummy! There was so much food that we weren't able to eat everything. So far this is the part where I really enjoyed the trip, nice beach, good company and food. There was a couple beside our hut and we  were able to enjoy each others company with good conversation. After lunch, the beach was calling, inviting us to take a dip and enjoy the clear water. 

Picnic huts at Banol beach

Snorkeling at Banol Beach

Banol Beach

After lunch we headed out to our last stop of the day which was the Skeleton wreck, which is a sunken ship. The place was packed with tourist and the bangkas where inches away from each other. The area was deep but you'll still be able to see the hull of the ship while snorkeling. From the wreck you can snorkel to a nearby beach. 

A beach in Coron

We went back to the lodge late in the afternoon and with time to spare, we used the lodge's pool to just relax and chill while waiting for dinner. We also had time to check the nearby shops around the area. 

Darayonan Lodge's pool

The lodge provided good food and generous portions. We always had 2 dishes, meat (pork, beef, seafood) and veggies. After dinner, it was a good time for a massage so we checked the nearby spa but sadly they were booked for the night already. Luckily for 250 pesos, the lodge was able to arrange a 1 hour massage for us. The massage was good that I slept like a rock and woke up just in time for breakfast and to pack up my things. We were supposed to hike the nearby mountain to see the town of Coron from the top, but since we woke up late, we just headed out to the nearby market to buy dried fish to bring back home as pasalubong. 

We got back just in time at the lodge since  the van that will take us back to the airport is already there. We were brought to the airport kinda early so we just passed the time by taking crazy pictures by making funny faces. The trip was a bargain, hopefully I can get another one like this at another Tour Expo, fingers crossed. For now, bye Coron, see you again soon!

Waiting for boarding time

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