I've been to some real good places here in the Philippines, but this one is paradise. It is too good to be true.
How to get to Coron Island?
Book a flight to Busuanga, and take a boat ride to your resort in Coron Island.
A little infromation about Busuanga and other islands:
The Calamianes Islands are a stunning group of islands in Palawan, comprising Busuanga Island, Coron Island, Culion Island, Calauit Island, Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, and several smaller islands. Busuanga Island, the largest in the group, serves as the provincial town center. One of its notable attractions is Mount Tapyas, which features a cross at its summit. Many tourists and locals climb the 742 steps to reach the top, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
Where to stay in Coron Island?
We stayed at Balinsasayaw Resort for three days and two nights, celebrating my mom's birthday during our visit. I would rate this resort a perfect 10, just like our experience in Coron Island. Auntie Rose, the owner, is incredibly hospitable and genuinely cares for her guests. At mealtimes, she ensures everyone enjoys their food, and the attentive waitstaff consistently refilled our glasses with water without us having to ask. This level of service makes us eager to return.
The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms for couples and villas for families. There are also cabanas and hammocks available, perfect for enjoying the scenery, relaxing, or reading a book while sipping on your favorite fruit shake.
Additionally, the resort provides island tour packages, and we opted for the Coron Island tour package.
After disembarking from the boat, you’ll find over 100 steps to climb. However, the breathtaking scenery at the top makes it all worthwhile. This spot is a popular photo op for both tourists and locals. Once you finish taking pictures, you’ll need to descend another 100+ steps to reach and swim in the stunning Kayangan Lake.
This is the renowned Kayangan Lake in Coron Island. The landscape is simply stunning, leaving me in awe of the natural beauty that still exists. The water is crystal clear, revealing just how deep it really is. As you venture further, you'll be amazed by the sights below the surface. Along with various fish, you'll discover unique rock formations lurking beneath the water. Due to its depth, swimming can be challenging for children and some adults, so wearing a life vest is mandatory. You’ll also have a tour guide accompanying you while you swim.
According to our tour guide, Barracuda Lake gets its name from the barracuda fish, as the rock formations beneath the surface resemble the sharp, edgy teeth of the fish. Unlike Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake is not safe for diving, so it's important to exercise caution while swimming. The water here is also deeper than that of Kayangan Lake.
It's best to visit Twin Lagoon during low tide, as you can swim beneath the rocks to explore the other side of the lake. This area is where Tubig Tabang (freshwater) meets Tubig Alat (saltwater), which explains the murky appearance of the water. When you swim here, you might experience a peculiar sensation of the water alternating between being cold and warm, which left me feeling quite mystified.
Banol Beach gets its name from the word "baul," referring to the treasure chest that early settlers discovered here. While the beach may not be large, it offers delightful fine sand that you’ll surely enjoy.
This hot spring should definitely be on your must-visit list! After a long, tiring day, it’s the perfect place to unwind. The hot spring features three heat levels ranging from 28°C to 42°C.
In addition to the hot spring, there are other islands to explore, such as the Bulalacao Island tour, which includes beautiful destinations like Banana Island, Malcapuya Beach, and Bulog Beach. There are also designated areas in the open sea for divers and tourists looking to dive.
