(Throwback post, Coron 2011)
PHILTRAVEL MART 2011
Our quest for the next travel adventure, started in the Philtravel Mart 2011. It was on the last day that we met Kuya Jojo Motin. He gave us the lowest quotation for a 5d4n Coron trip. We went to Philtravel Mart, ready with a confirmed booking -- Oct. 26 - 30. So it was easier for us to haggle for packages.
Kuya Jojo didn't have his own booth. He just had a small table in the area of DOT Palawan. He said he cannot even afford a stand alone booth, but rest assured, he knows Coron by heart. And he assured us of an enjoyable stay in the island. Of course we were convinced. Because we wanted to connect with a "true-blue-Palawenyo" who knows the ins and outs of Coron.... We also wanted to give "the job" to someone who is from Coron rather than hire a travel agency from Manila. We believe that an authentic Palawenyo would promote his place of origin well.
So after a series of email exchanges.... we finally decided on this itinerary:
DAY 1: half day city tour
DAY 2: enchanting Coron
DAY 3: discover Sangat
DAY 4: eco-island tour
Let the adventure begins!!!
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| THE SINGLE ROAD TO CORON TOWN |
HALF DAY CITY TOUR
We arrived in Coron around quarter to 3pm. We were welcomed by Ate Dahlia... the soft spoken better half of Kuya Jojo who will be our sea tour-wreck diving guide. It was a 40-minute drive going to the town proper. But the view, with cows grazing around, made the 40-minute drive fun.
We did the city tour in just a couple of hours. We visited the park and "boulevard" where you can have a view of the fishing village and the cross on top of Mt. Tapyas. We passed by a souvenir shop.
Then walked the 700+ steps on top of Mt. Tapyas. I was literally catching my breath with every step I took, but upon reaching the top at 210 meters high -- I was rewarded by a spectacular view of the islands surrounding Coron Town. To make it more special, the sun is just about to set -- so another sunset shot -- my favorite shot!!! To end our first day in Coron, we had a relaxing dip in Maquinit Hot Springs.
Then walked the 700+ steps on top of Mt. Tapyas. I was literally catching my breath with every step I took, but upon reaching the top at 210 meters high -- I was rewarded by a spectacular view of the islands surrounding Coron Town. To make it more special, the sun is just about to set -- so another sunset shot -- my favorite shot!!! To end our first day in Coron, we had a relaxing dip in Maquinit Hot Springs.
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| THANKS FOR THE CONCRETE STAIRS |
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AT LAST, THERE'S THE CROSS OF MT. TAPYAS!   |
ENCHANTING CORON (CORON LOOP TOUR)
On our third day in Coron, we were all excited to explore the turquoise waters of Coron. We loooove the waters -- and we were all excited to snorkel. It was our first time to see actual ship wrecks with marvelous coral reefs. |
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| SNORKLING IN CYC |
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SKELETON WRECK |
Around lunch time, we went to Banol Beach. Here we feasted on fresh sea foods :) And more picture taking on the gorgeous limestone formation!
After lunch, we proceeded to Twin Lagoon. From the first lagoon to the second, you have to pass by a small opening -- so no choice but to swim! At one point, we were too lazy to swim we let Kuya Jojo to just drag us on the water. I swore, it was one of the most relaxing feeling ever. To just float there, enjoy the cool water and marvel at the limestone formation. I can literally stay here forever!!!
Next in line... the Philippine's cleanest lake -- Kayangan Lake. Kuya Jojo said, "not to shout, be extra quiet while trekking, so as not to disturb the spirit".
There's another trekking involved.
And this was the view awaiting at the end of the trek....
And finally, the serene Kayangan Lake.
Where we found shrimps and fishes I called "tulisan"!
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| ENJOYING THE SUNSET, GOING BACK TO CORON TOWN |
DISCOVER SANGAT
On our third day in Coron... more snorkling experience for the squad. We travelled very early in the morning to East Tangat.
What was really amazing in exploring the islands and wrecks of Coron was they way the fishes react to their "visitors". They are super FRIENDLY! As in they swim with you, around you, some of them will even touch your hand when you reach out for them. As if they are so happy to be with you under the sea. Oh well dear fishes.... the feeling is mutual. We enjoyed every minute swimming with you guys :)
The variety of fishes and amazing colorful corals of Lusong Gunboat Wreck and Lusong Coral Garden is a must see for all snorkeling and diving enthusiasts!
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| ME HAVING A BLAST WITH THE FRIENDLY FISHES :) |
ECO-ISLAND TOUR (BANANA-MALCAPUYA-BULOG DOS)
On our fourth and last day of Coron exploration.... we visited Banana-Malcapuya-Bulog Dos. After 3 days of trekking and snorkeling, these white sand beaches was an ideal place to just relax and enjoying the view and the refreshing water.
It's time to say goodbye to Coron on our 5th day. For our 5d4n stay in this gorgeous friendly island, we spent P6800 per person. Not bad for all the tours, entrance fees, lunch during tours, accommodation in Island's View Inn with daily breakfasts and van to and from the airport.
We were very happy with how Kuya Jojo and Ate Dahlia took care of us during our stay.
You can contact them:
DJ PEARL TRAVEL AND TOURS
BRGY. 4 CORON PALAWAN
0947-3526639 09166490063
traveldjpearl@yahoo.com
We will definitely go back to Coron. There are still several adventures to take. Like the Calauit Safari Tour, Culion Island, and other wrecks to explore. I really love Coron!!!
(Throwback post, Coron 2011)
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