Travel… it’s in our genes….having such adventurous parents results to a fun family of adventure seekers. Our next stop: to the beautiful island of Coron in Palawan, Philippines!
Not a newbie here, my 3rd time, so I decided to be tour guide of the group. Need I say, I’m impressed even though it’s been 5 years since I last visited this place.
Coron is in the province of Palawan, Philippines on Busuanga Island. It is the largest town on the island and has the largest share of accommodations.
Coron is both the name of the largest town on the island of Busuanga, and the name of a different, smaller island just offshore. The area is famous for its World War II wreck diving, and the site has been named in many lists of top dive spots in the world. In September 1944, a fleet of Japanese ships hiding in the harbor were sunk in a daring raid by the US navy. The result is around ten well preserved underwater shipwrecks surrounded with coral reef.
In 1902 that Coron was registered as a town and the name of the town was officially changed from Penon de Coron to Coron.
From 1939 to the outbreak of World War II, the municipality experienced the mining boom. Labor shifted from farming to mining. In July 1942, the Japanese occupied the mining camps and resumed operation of the manganese mines. On September 24, 1944, a group of Japanese ships were sunk by American warplanes in Coron waters as the ships retreated from Manila Bay. To this day, about 10 or 12 of these World War II Japanese shipwrecks comprise what is considered one of the best dive sites in the world.
On June 17, 1950, Busuanga was officially created as a separate municipality from Coron and in 1954, Coron was further reduced by the official creation of the Municipality of Linapacan. On September 12, 1992, Coron was finally reduced by the official creation of the Municipality of Culion.
The first inhabitants of Coron were the Tagbanuas who belong to the second wave of Indonesians who migrated to this area some 5,000 years ago. They were a nomadic, seafaring people, living mainly by fishing and subsistence agriculture. Although they are now sedentary (with the young using cell phones, etc.), they maintain many of their old customs, traditions and beliefs. Today, the Tagbanuas remain the dominant if not entire population of Coron.
Must Visit Places in Coron:
Mt. Tapyas – countdown to 750 steps to reach the peak of the mountain that houses a huge cross and is overlooking the wonderful city of Coron. This year while I was climbing up, I had a 2 people who recognized me as a TV Sportscaster and they had to take my photos while I was drained in sweat as I climbed up this mountain.
Maquinit Hotspring – The only known salt water hot spring in the Philippines and probably the only one in Asia. The hot spring is just about 25 minutes from the town center and is perfectly located between a hill and the blue sea whose shores are lined with mangrove trees and floating bamboo cottages.
Kayangan Lake - This view is the most photographed area in Palawan. It is also judged as the cleanest lake in the country and the 3rd in the world. Before approaching the lake, go over the cave and glimpse at the great view on top of the mountain.
Twin Lagoon - The water and towering rocks are great photos. On low tide, experience kayaking under the hole of the rock. At high tide, one can swim through the hole of the rock or a walkway can be used to get to the other side of the lagoon.
Barracuda Lake – don’t forget to bring goggles or snorkles to observe underwater rock formations of this lake.
CYC Island - is nice but gets very busy. It's the only free beach in the area.
Banol Beach - is very picturesque with its flower trees set against the rocky island. It has sugary fine white sand in its beachline.
Siete Pecados - among the best sites to snorkel in Coron. It was popularized by the shoot of a local television show of a mermaid love story. Experience swimming in an aquarium, beautiful corals and a great variety of fishes. Myth suggests that seven kids swam from the main island to escape it and follow their parents. They all drowned and the place where they drowned is where the islands are now present.
Culion Island - the former leper colony where it offers a medical museum and presentation of the old leper colony highlighting the cure of leprosy.
Sangat Island - black limestone island with white sand beaches near most of the major WW2 wrecks in the area.
Malcapuya Island – My fave island of all islands in Coron because of its stunning very fine white sand beach just like Boracay (or better) but without construction.
Banana Island - A longer boat trip from town is beautiful Banana Island, with it's white sand beaches and numerous Pacific Giant Clams (local accommodations recommended as it is far from Coron, but it is available as a tour along with Malcapuya)
Black Island - another limestone island with white sand beaches located far from town. Did you know that this is where Survivor Slovakia was held?! ….. but because they didn’t give credits to the Philippines and claimed the island as theirs, they weren’t able to go back to this limestone island again.
Calumbuyan Island - no water, no electricity just a beautiful island with beautiful corals.
So if you're yearning to know what living in paradise really feels like, consider a trip to Coron and experience for yourself the endless adventures this place has to offer.
