Discovering Five Coron Wonders in just 7 hours!
{January 28, 2012} Our Day Tour for our second day in Coron consisted of the following sites: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Banol Beach, Coral Gardens, and Siete Pecados Marine Sanctuary. We were picked-up at the resort at 9:30 am. The tour also ended at exactly 4:30 pm.
First stop: Kayangan Lake
First stop: Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake is a hidden gem. The lake itself is situated up hill (you'll have to climb up to get to the lake opening -- yes another trekking adventure!), which makes its location above sea level. The lake also has a mix of saltwater and freshwater. Other than that, it's also one of the most visited sites in Coron. It's that one spot in Coron where tourists have their photos taken with the gorgeous blue sea at the background.
Second Stop: Banol Beach
After snorkeling for a good 30 minutes, the tour guides brought us to Banol Beach for lunch. Lunch was served buffet style. And they were able to prepare Crabs (meaty I say!), Grilled Chicken, Grilled Fish, Seaweed with tomatoes, and Rice for us (Rubel and I traveled with 12 other guests on this particular tour but there was plenty of food to go around).
Third Stop: Twin Lagoon
The Twin Lagoon was also a famous Coron destination (the lagoons are separated by a wall of rock formations). And it was also made famous for its way of entry. Now, for the adventurous type, you can try passing through the inner lagoon by slowly (and calmly) swimming or floating through a narrow opening. Only one person could fit into the opening (one at a time). But should you fear getting caught in the opening (or feel claustrophobic even), then you'll always have the option of using the deck of stairs that have been affixed just on top of the opening. I was afraid to try it, going into the lagoon through that tiny hole. But climbing up and down the stairs was more frightening for me. Yes, I was claustrophobic. But my fear of heights managed to outmaneuver the former. But our tour guide Divine swam through the hole, while slowly pulling me out from it. I floated throughout those few seconds, and it scared the heck out of me! I was literally 4 or 5 inches away from the rock above me. I was facing it, so I knew that by lying still, that I would have a safe passage. And I did! =D
Fourth Stop: Coral Gardens
I was already wiped from all the water paddling I just did from the last site. But I could not pass up the chance to take photos of the marine life in the Coral Gardens. I braved the cold water and the strong splash of waves just to get a glimpse of the variety of fish under the sea. And I must say that the dive was worth it!
Fifth Stop: Siete Pecados Marine Sanctuary
We probably stayed here for just 15 minutes (or even less). Everybody was too tired to snorkel and swim, so we just stayed in the boat and appreciated the view. Most of the passengers also decided not to swim anymore since we were going to be charged an extra Php100 if ever we did push through (a fee that will be used to maintain the marine sanctuary).
Sixth Stop: Our Personal Trip to La Sirenetta Restaurant & Bar
*Not included in the tour*
Had some early dinner here (dinner at 5 PM!), where we ordered in some Hawaiian Pizza and Penne Arrabiata (the pasta was good). Although the pizza tasted odd. It was like eating pizza that had been smothered or dipped in beer. We couldn't figure out if it was their recipe or if they had served us spoiled pizza.
Anyhow... now that our latest travel has been properly written, let me share to you once again a new TRAVEL EXPENSE SHEET. My cost sheets will always be my travel essential; and I never go home without! It's something that every Budget Biyahera's (or Biyahero's) should have. It will certainly help you track your finances, to help you see whether you're overspending or staying within your budget.
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
45 comments
this is indeed very helpful for me!! planning to visit philippines esp corona with my aussie relatives!! this would be so fun!! xx
ReplyDeleteHello Mary Jane! Glad to know that my blog post on Coron got your interest. =) I also have a few other spots that we visited on our first day there. You can check out this particular blogpost: http://budgetbiyahera.blogspot.com/2012/01/exploring-mt-tapyas-and-maquinit.html
DeleteAnyhow, should your Coron trip push through, let me know how it went! =)
I was here, almost 2 weeks ago
ReplyDeletetaking the same Coron loop tour..
until now, I'm still thrilled about the beauty of Coron.. I intend to go back again in a few months.
The last frontier really does its magic to its visitors..
Ive been to Puerto Princesa and El Nido already..
My COron trip also included a drop at Culion..
Its just amazing! and it doesnt just stop there.
COOL! I've also been to Puerto Princesa. But I've yet to visit EL NIDO.. any suggestions as to where to stay there? =) As for Coron, it was really such a magnificent place.. I fell in-love with the clearwaters of it.
DeleteAnd it indeed, the 'awesome-ness' of the place doesn't stop there. =)
those mermaid posts are kinda cute... hahaha
ReplyDeleteHi Ian! *hehehe* Good to know that 'it' caught your attention. ;P
Deleteeto talaga ang dapat kong puntahan this year!! #1 in my list.. sana soon na!! can't wait.. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhy not? GO NA Violy! =) I have contacts na there. Just let me know if you need a tour guide (Jhun). I happened to a reliable one from one of my Coron blogposts (http://budgetbiyahera.blogspot.com/2012/01/exploring-mt-tapyas-and-maquinit.html). He's nice, and will really take care of you. =) Ms. Cherry is also another certified Tour Guide, but she works for an agency here in Manila (although she's stationed in Coron). She's also very kind and accommodating.
Deleteang ganda talaga sa palawan!
ReplyDeleteHello Krystle! Tama ka, super ganda talaga sa Palawan! Worth it bumisita talaga. =)
DeleteCoron is indeed a great place. But it brings back bad memories. HAAAYZ!
ReplyDeleteHello Lakwatsero! What happened during your trip to Coron? Care to share? =)
DeleteI hope I will be able to push through with my Coron adventure. We had to cancel our tickets because I was operated on ruptured brain aneurysm. In God's time I will be able to enjoy Coron too,thank you for the primer!
ReplyDeleteHi Cha.. I'm sorry to hear that. My dad also experienced the same, but he didn't make it.
DeleteAnyway, your health is your main priority. So don't worry about not making that trip. Coron will still be waiting for you! =)
Yay! I am going Coron this April. Thanks for this post, we would wok around our itinerary within these places. Your pics and tips excited me!:)
ReplyDeleteeiiiiii! naExcite naman ako for you! Let me know how your trip goes.. share your story & photos please! =)
Deletebeen there....ang ganda talga pag nag island hopping :)
ReplyDeleteCorrect ka jan Monjheng! Sana EL Nido na next. =)
DeleteSo beautiful! I wish I could go there. How much ang budget?
ReplyDeleteHi Stacy! I spent about P7k for this specific trip. If you want to see a breakdown of all of my expenses, you can check-out my TRAVEL EXPENSE SHEET. You will find it at the bottom of this blog post. =)
DeleteI miss Coron. It feels like Paradise in Coron with the many natural attractions.
ReplyDeleteWow! We're planning to visit Coron next time. Hopefully the place will be as good or better when we get there. This post just makes me even more excited! :D
ReplyDeleteCoron is really a nice place, Palawan as a whole is actually amazing for me... the moment I go back to Palawan I certainly will visit Coron.
ReplyDeleteCoron looks so beautiful in the pictures and the food looks so mouthwatering! I hope to explore more of Coron. ;)
ReplyDeletethat is truly amazing!!! Like what I din in malaysia going gaga everywhere in 24 hours! kinabog mko sa 7hours mo! good job! I want to go coron too!
ReplyDeleteAhhh, I love Coron! We have almost the same itinerary. Though during our trip in Twin Lagoon, it was low tide so it's easier to swim through the rock formations without the fear of suffocating or bumping your head on the rock. =)
ReplyDeleteCoron is really awesome with those postcard views. I almost lived here several years ago but didn't push the plan.
ReplyDeleteThe Twin Lagoons seems so perfect site to unwind or for retreat. The other 6, hayz, so inviting..
ReplyDeleteCoron is definitely one of the places I have in my bucket list. Sooooo beautiful.
ReplyDeleteParang kailan lang I was in Coron and now your post has made me missed it and wanted to go there again.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos Mai..Coron, Palawan is really a paradise.. I already booked a ticket for my bday.. see you soon Coron! :)
ReplyDeleteCoron is a very majestic place! No wonder why it has become one of the Philippines favorite tourist destinations.
ReplyDeleteI never tire of going to Coron. Last time, we also had dinner at La Sirenetta.
ReplyDeleteAs always.. I'm awed that you can make these expense sheet.
ReplyDeleteI'd threw in a over-all budget in a trip, then forget it alltogether when traveling..
All I ever do is check on it if I still have enough to move forward..
Ive taken these very same tour, the Kayangan Lake and Banol Beach is unforgetable..
I even took a dive in Baracuda lake, not really dive, but swim through in it.
I didn't know there are a lot of places to visit in Coron.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very detailed post including the travel expense.
One question Mai. With all the old IT in some forums, bago na ba yung IT sa mga places to visit in Coron?
ReplyDeleteI was able to make a 6D/5N IT last year pero may rumors then na may mga islands na di na open to tourists.
Good question, Mark! I actually heard about that last year. But I don't know if there are existing restrictions now. If you're booking via a travel agency (which we did) or guided tour, best to ask which sites will be made available. :)
ReplyDelete5 wonders in 7 hours. Must be in a hurry eh? But nice travel adventure you got there.
ReplyDeleteNot really in a rush. All of the sites were included in the guided tour, and each one was given ample time to explore. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for recognizing my compilation. :)
ReplyDeleteI visited Coron last summer and the places were truly amazing. I have two favorites, Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon.
ReplyDelete- Wanderer Juan
Wow that's amazing! you were able to go to 7 different nice places in Coron and able to enjoy them also in just 7 hours... I just couldn't believe it..
ReplyDeletewow sis! sayang naman at di talaga tayo nagmeet. February kami nagCoron... Gusto ko na balik ng Palawan... nainlove talaga ako <3
ReplyDeleteOnga sayang! Hehe! Coron is really beautiful. :) Have you been to Ilocos? Dun naman ako na in-love! :)
ReplyDeleteHay bakit ba di kami napadpad ng coron ng nasa Palawan kami?.. :(
ReplyDeleteSana makabalik ulit at ma try ko rin ang coron tour.. :)