Palawan series is divided into three: Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa
Palawan: Things to do in Coron, Busuanga and Culion, Palawan
(source: http://www.ivanhenares.com)
Coron, Busuanga and Culion, together with Linapacan and over a hundred more smaller islands comprise the Calamianes Islands of Palawan. You may have overlooked Busuanga as a holiday destination but take note, there are tons of things to do in the area. Here are 10 of the many reasons for you to plan a trip to the Calamianes.
1. Swim in Cayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon or Barracuda Lake
Three
of the many lakes on Coron Island are favorites among tourists, part of
the usual Coron Loop boat rides. These lakes are where salt and fresh
water are said to mix. Cayangan Lake is said to be one of the cleanest
freshwater lakes in the country. It's a fifteen minute climb up and down
from the jump-off point. Barracuda Lake is a short but rocky climb,
only for the adventurous. Twin Lagoon is easily accessible by boat. Dare
to swim through the underwater tunnel to the other lake that cannot be
reached by boat. Entrance fee to Cayangan Lake is Php200 and Php100 each
for Twin Lagoon and Barracuda Lake.
2. Snorkel at Siete Pecados or the Japanese ship wrecks
Part
of the Coron Loop is the Siete Pecados Marine Park or the Seven Islands
which is a very popular place for snorkeling. But there are other areas
around Coron where you can snorkel. Make sure to bring bread if you
want to feed the fish! Entrance fee to the park is Php100.
Another option would be to visit the many shallow WWII wrecks around Coron. There the East Tangat Gunboat and the Lusong Gunboat
which has good corals also. Entrance fees to each wreck is usually
Php100. If you don't have a mask, you can rent one for about Php100 and
fins for Php150.
3. Enjoy the sun and sand at Coron's beaches
Banol
Beach is a small, clean, and quiet beach which is a favorite among
tourists. It's perfect for picnics. But don't venture too far from the
shore since there are a lot of sea urchins. Another recommended beach is
Atwayan Beach. Entrance fees to the beaches is also Php100 per beach.
CYC beach has nice snorkelling and no entrance fee.
4. Visit Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, or Malaroyroy Island
They
may be a distance from Coron, usually an hour and a half or more by
boat. But these islands have some of the best white sand beaches in the
Calamianes. No wonder a lot of people visit them despite their distance.
5. Experience the unique history of Culion Island
While
we all go to Palawan to experience its natural wonders, tourists visit
Culion for its history. Culion provides a stark reminder of how
technology and advances in medicine have improved and changed the way we
live today. Culion was selected as the containment area of all those
with leprosy in the Philippines during the American Period. At that
time, leprosy was still an incurable disease. And the only way to stop
its spread was to isolate all those afflicted with it.
6. Go on a safari in Calauit Island
We've all heard about this Marcos creation. While the Calauit Island Wildlife Reserve is a far cry from a real African safari, it's the best one available without having to leave Philippine territory.
There
are three ways to get to Calauit from Coron. If you're on a tight
budget but with two days to spare, a public bus leaves Coron at 11 a.m.
and arrives at 4 p.m. in Brgy. Buluang, 14 kilometers further away from
the Busuanga town proper. Bus fare is Php140/person. From Sitio
Macalachao in Buluang, it's a ten minute boat ride to Calauit. There's a
Php400 rental fee per boat.
7. Climb the 719 steps to the top of Mt. Tapyas
It's great exercise climbing up to the cross and view deck on top of Mt. Tapyas. The views are best during sunset. If you're not satisfied with that, try out Mt. Tandalara at 936 MASL, the highest point in Northern Palawan. It's a five hour hike up and down.
8. Take a dip at the Maquinit Hot Springs
I
was surprised to find out that this was a salt water hot spring. Water
temperature starts at 40 degrees Celsius. It's best to come after 6 p.m.
when the air is cooler. The pool closes at about 10 p.m. You'll need to
hire a tricycle to get there and back. It would cost about Php300.
While the entrance fee is Php100.
9. Explore Coron by kayak or paddle boat
For
the physically fit, this is one adventure you should try out. Single
kayaks can be rented out at Php250, while double kayaks go for Php450.
10. Go scuba diving!
I've
saved the best for last. But you'll need a license for this one. Coron
is ranked among the top dive sites in the world. So this is something
you should not miss!
Coron, Palawan
http://divezone.net
Barracuda Lake
http://lanieacosta.blogspot.com
Siete Pecados
http://www.chaitalag.com
White sand beaches
http://islandparadisetours.com
Clear waters of Malcapuya Island
http://www.pinoyphotography.org
Kayanga Lake
http://www.tripadvisor.com
Banana Island
http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com
Calauit Island
http://quantumqualitytravel.webs.com
719 steps to Mt. Tapyas
http://kristieenriquez.wordpress.com
Kayaking
http://www.thelonerider.com
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