Exploring The Islands of Coron via Coron Island Tours

On the second day of our stay at the Island, Club Paradise prepared a whole day activity for us. From the many packages they offer, we decided to pick the Coron Tours as it is highly suggested by most of the staff. After having a sumptuous breakfast at Ocean Restaurant, we borrowed some water gears from Club Paradise then headed on to our destination. It felt like an international tour because most of the people we were with in the boat were foreigners.

Coron Island Adventure

From the Coron port, we then transferred to a pump boat courtesy of Calamianes Tours. Calamaianes is one of the many certified tour operators in the island, they prepared all the activities for us on this Coron Island Adventure.

Siete Pecados

I was really looking forward to see this happen. I’ve tried snorkeling in other places and I really wanted to know how it look like here in Coron.

Even it was quite deep, I braved myself and jumped into the water. I really felt the comfort using the equipment we’ve borrowed compared to the ones I tried before. These were professional grade. I didn’t also know that using flippers help a lot to swim, faster, better. (Also Read: Swimming lessons for Adults)

Siete Pecados Marine Park is a protected area with 7 small islands and a wide area to snorkel. You’ll see tons of fish and corals. It’s like I was at the tip of a mountain where if I go far away it would be too deep. I followed the guide and circled on one island. It was a bit tiring but still, I’m proud I did not hesitate to try it.

Maquinet Hot Spring

A few minutes away from Siete Pecados, you’ll found Maquinet HotSpring. Maquinit means Hot in the native dialect. According to our guide, taking the boat rout is the fastest way to get here. I felt like I was in the Amazon. It has a bridge made from mangrove wood plus wooden tables surrounding the area wherein you can have lunch or merienda.

The water was hot, really hot. It was probably between 40 to 45 degrees. It was a bit difficult at first so you would need to dip in real slowly until  you fully soak your body on to the water. It needs a bit of time to get used to the water temperature.

It’s amazing to discover how and where the water comes from, the water was very relaxing and therapeutic as well. By the way, The place charges entrance fees so I can tell it’ll be easier to book with Calamianes Expeditions for trips like these so they can do that for you.  

Kayangan lake

This might be is the most photographed place here in Coron. The picturesque view is not advisable to miss if you visit Coron. But reaching this place is no easy thing especially for the not so outdoorsy type of person. Dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia, Kayangan Lake is nestled at the top of the mountain. The short hike takes about 15-25 minutes. For newbies this could be a bit difficult but for old-school hikers, it’s just a piece of cake. The slippery path makes it even more challenging because as people go back and forth, they kinda make the path wet since swimming on the lake is so much fun.

According to locals, the name came from a local bird that existed in the place long time ago. But because of hunting and the increase in population, the birds started to disappear.

Going down is a bit easier, and at the end you’ll marvel at the turquoise colored lake. The water here is too clear you could easily see the bottom of it. The locals have already created a man made path with wooden tables as well. Put on lotion against mosquitoes before heading to this place, it is necessary.

When we headed back, lunch was already prepared at one of the cottages. Mind you it was cooked on the boat, all prepared by our tour guides while we were enjoying ourselves with the activities. The menu was all grilled – chicken, fish, pork and some vegetables and fruits too. We shared the food along with a couple while the rest ate food they ordered at the Ocean Restaurant.

Twin Lagoons

Twenty five minutes away from Kayangan Lake you’ll find the Twin Lagoons. I was wondering what’s so special about this place when we arrived. Boats were lining up and I’ve even seen divers stationed in one place. Our tour guide told us swim towards the small hole. This would be the passing a cave to the other part of the Lagoon. I hesitated at first but then decided to try it, I braved myself to swim. It is advisable to do “floating” rather than freestyle swimming as you enter the cave so you can see a better view of the corals attached at the roof and sides of the cave.  

When I reached the other side, I tried swimming and opened my eyes underwater to see whats there. I was too scared to discover that the water is too deep, very deep, that I could not see anything else except the feets of a nearby swimmers. I felt like I was in the middle of an open sea. Holding the Go-Pro in this place makes it difficult for me to swim, I was actually so afraid to use it as I might lose it there.

Don’t forget to buy Pasalubong

After our tiring yet fun water activities, we went back to Coron to look for some places to shop. The port was actually near the Market, you can just walk and buy some souvenirs there. But our driver have brought us to a different place. I bought some Cashew Nuts, Dried Fish and some accessories too. There are too many items to choose from and I love the wooden displays they have at the store.

Going Back to Club Paradise

We headed back to the Island just before sunset, our journey traversing the river gave us a nice view of the sunset. It was breath taking! It was also a great way to end the whole day of adventure. Our journey back felt like we’ve won in some kind of a battle, complete with cinematic music at the back of my head. It was tiring yet fulfilling.

Upon reaching the island, I finally got to witness the fruit bats starting to leave the island. A view you’ll never see in the city. It was priceless. (More photos here)

Thank you very much to the amazing people of Club Paradise who took care of us during our trip! If you would like to experience the things that I did and plan to visit Coron soon, lessen the headaches of contacting different people to handle your vacation, let Club Paradise do it.

They could be reached via email cp.reservations@discovery.com.ph or their website http://www.clubparadisepalawan.com. Make your tour easier by getting the Calamianes Expeditions to handle it, their website is http://www.corongaleri.com.ph.

What’s your favorite spot in Coron, Palawan? Comment on the box below.