Travel: Coron, amazingly beautiful

by Ramon T. Ayco December 2008

(First publish in the Travel Section of the December 2008 issue of Pinoy Reporter.)

I have been in Coron, Palawan for many times because the institution I am working with has an office there. By this, I am very confident in recommending this island to anybody who is looking for a beautiful place to go. Coron the ancestral homeland of the Tagbanuas, is part of the Calamian Group of Islands. It is situated at the Northern tip of Palawan, the Philippines last frontier. The island is a tropical Shangri-la nestled upon a coral jewel set amidst Palawans sparkling turquoise waters. Comely and idyllic, this island resort is a perfect hideaway for those who seek both relaxation and discovery. For one, the sea of Coron was the main setting for Dyesebel, the famous just concluded GMA-7 teleserye featuring Marian Rivera as the mermaid Dysebel together Dingdong Dantes as her leading man.

Banol Beach, Coron, Palawan.

On September 24, 1944 this island was a witness to the US Navys aerial bombardment of the Japanese cargo and support vessels, seeking shelter in its waters. These have now become a sanctuary for a variety of marine creatures that call these wrecks their home. The aquatic views from these sunken Japanese warships are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazines top 10 best scuba sites in the world. Our institutions, which help Tagbanuas in their ancestral domain claim, own a motorized banca which we use in visiting villages in the island. So I am proud to say that I have almost seen every inch of seashore around Coron. It is amazingly beautiful. Aside from sight-seeing, the main activity which I would like to recommend to any visitor is of course swimming and diving to feel the water and see the beauties of life under the sea. Snorkel in its marine rich coral reefs with unbelievable underwater visibility.

The quality of the sea water in this part of the Philippine archipelago is believed to be most ideal for cultured south sea pearls. Pearl farms are in the vicinity but their locations are strictly classified. After a long day of sea and sand frolic, you can treat yourself to a hot spa courtesy of mother-nature, the Makinit Hot springs. Free-flowing hot mineral rich salt water trapped in a man-made pool will surely soothe your weary bones. A dip in this pool will relax tense and soothe aching muscles. Rejuvenated, one is ready for another day of adventure in Coron. You can also visit beautiful lakes with very cold waters: the Kayangan, Barakuda and Twin lakes. The Twin Lake is the most unforgettable to me because as the two lakes are separated by a dark narrow cave, we made a more or less twenty seconds deep dive in order to reach the other lake. I began catching my last breath in the middle of the cave so I had to swim as fast as I can with no blink of an eye looking to the bright light of the opposite cave opening. I was gasping so hard when we reach the other lake. But my guide said we should not stay longer because there is a big fish that attacks people there. So again we made a deep dive back to the other lake via that dark narrow cave.

The author (right) together with his guide (left) at Kayangan Lake.

Trekking the 720 steps up to Mt.Tapyas for a 360 degrees scenic view of the harbor, limestone cliffs and the island of Busuangais a wonderful experience. Trekking to Uson Summit can bring you to natural bliss, the 30 to 45-minutes trek brings you to the top of Uson Island, one can see from the summit the neasrby islands of Coron. A good time to trek Uson is during sunrise and sunset. You can also experience a safari in the middle of a tropical setting. Witness giraffes, zebras and gazelles running freely in the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary. Trapped in time? These animals were brought to this island courtesy of the Marcos family in the early 80s. Other possible activities are island hopping, horseback riding, challenging motorbike tours, kayaking, wind surfing, sea safaris, and night life in interesting restaurants, discos and karaoke bars where fresh and delicious sea-foods are always available You can have a quality holiday in a resort at budget prices and a budget holiday which leaves you lots to spend on souvenir items and other pasalubong which are available at Coron market and local souvenir shops as you bid goodbye to the island in going back home.