Friday, December 11, 2015

My "Coron Trip" preview

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Traveling on different parts of the Philippines is always my dream. I want to visit Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Palawan, Davao and many more destinations. Dream came true and thanks for the Airfare sale all the time that made it possible. This is my chance to visit the magnificent island of Coron, Palawan. If you’re looking for beach, adventure, relaxation, good food, friendly people & affordable, Coron must be on top of your list.

How to get there?

CORON – MANILA via CEBU PACIFIC aircraft

Coron Airport – Coron Town Proper (approximately 30 mins by Van) PHP 150 per way


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More cows along our way

We stayed in Bluewave Coron, a newly built Hotel which just opened 2 months ago and owned by a Korean. The Hotel is located at Nueva St. near at San Agustin Parish Church. I booked this Hotel because of the price and it is brand new. I bet the picture on the Agoda is updated.

blue wave Coron Bluewave Hotel

Before going to Coron, I planned everything including the van transfer, tour and where to eat. The airport transfer has a standard price in Coron which may cost (PHP 150). It’s the same price on our Hotel so it’s my pleasure to let the Hotel arranged our Transfers.

If you want an affordable tour your can join groups which is a way better if you are traveling alone or just couples. Their rates are very cheap compared to other travel agencies because of the food, entrance fees, boat are included on the package as well and it’s up to you what tour s you should take. I book our tour in Coron Galeri. But you need to go to their office a day before your desired date so you can pay and book in advance.

Food is not a problem in Coron, you can eat everywhere there are lots of restaurants or eatery at Coron. Some are affordable by locals some are not. Be wise where to eat. We ate at Kapemos located in front of LBC. I love their “chicken inasal” one of the best and very affordable for PHP 120.

32 Lunch at Kapemos

What to do in Coron?

Island Hopping:

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I would recommend the Corongaleri travel agency. They are really organized, very affordable, accessible and provide good food.

Hike at Kayangan Lake

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Stairs to hike
85 crystal clear water view after the hike...WOW


This is the highlight of my Island Hopping because of the beautiful view and the hiking. The hiking is worth it when you get to the lake. But I will not recommend for toddlers or people who have difficulty walking upstairs. Based on our experience, I was with my 4 year old daughter who weighs 26 kgs and his Dad carried her going to Kayangan Lake. I feel bad for his Dad.  After Kayangan Lake the dad complained about the hike. My bad.

44 our very own "nipa hut" cottage with this magnificent view

Eat at Bulungan Beach

Its lunch time and we are hungry because of the hike. Out next destination is “Bulungan Beach”. That’s the location where we should eat on the itinerary. Finally!!  The food that provided for us are grilled pork liempo, grilled fish, seaweeds salad & banana. Rice and bottled water are included. Not bad for PHP 650.

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Keisha & Mommy playing

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Perfect view for Photoshoot

Hike at Mt. Tapyas

mt tapyas

Prepare yourself for a 718 steps when you go to Mt. Tapyas. You can ask tricycle going there. I wish there was a zipline going down.

Soak your aching muscles in "Maquinit Hotspring"

maquinithotsprin1

You can go there via tricycle also, a roundtrip transfer cost PHP 300 and the driver will wait for you. The entrance fee in Maquinit Hotspring will cost you PHP 200.  But this is the best sidetrip after you hike Mt. Tapyas. Hotspring will soothe your aching muscles. I advise you to go there on 5:00 in the afternoon when the water is not too hot.

Food Trip: More restaurants offers different variety of food. I put some in my list below.

Kapemos

Lolo Noynoys

Big Mama’s

La sirinetta

Lobster King

Where to stay at Coron

If you’re looking for accommodation town proper is very convenient.  Everything is accessible like restaurants, bank, wet market (where you can buy fresh seafoods) & the port when going to island hopping or diving. You can ride a tricycle which cost PHP 10 per way. The good thing in Coron, the drivers are very honest, I pay more than the rate purposely as they think that I’m foreigner (but I’m not). They gave me back the excess, the driver told me that the rate is just PHP 10 and I don’t need to pay more than that. How amazing is that? Unlike in Manila if they find an opportunity to take advantage tourists, sure they will rip off your pockets if they think you’re stupid enough to be their victims.

If you want exclusivity, you can choose expensive resorts such as Two Seasons Coron or Huma Island. Sure this is very expensive but worth it. Never been there, maybe next time or not.

I would recommend Bluewave Hotel because I’ve been there and pool is required for me for every vacation. They have complimentary breakfast but limited selection. But if it’s not complimentary, it will cost your PHP 300 per breakfast. You will not regret staying this hotel I swear. The room with access to the pool is a plus and the owner and his staffs are very accommodating. I definitely recommend this Hotel to my relatives, friends and colleagues. Our stay exceeded my expectations. Kudos to Bluewave Hotel.



16.jpg Our room with pool access @ Coron Bluewave Hotel

What to buy in Coron:

Cashew is the most popular products in Coron, next is the dried fish or dried squid. I didn’t bought a dried fish and it’s not allowed to be hand carried on the plane because of the smell.  T-shirt as a souvenir from Coron will do. Last are key chains and magnets. I just noticed that souvenir from Coron are expensive as compared to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Where to buy?

Market (for the dried fish), Majika Store and Makulit (tshirts and trinkets), Cashew Harvest (cashew). You can ask the tricycles to drive you there.

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You should plan your Coron vacation now. I promise that you will enjoy the experience. Thanks for reading my blog. Cheers!









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