Sunday 9 October 2011

Coron DIY Adventure Day 1

Posted by clapalisoc | Sunday 9 October 2011 | Category: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Coron, is a small town in the island of Busuanga in Palawan. Not much to see inland, you really have to go to out the sea to experience the gifts of nature - rock formations, rich marine life, clear waters, white sand beaches.


Early this year, hubby and I planned out travelling to Coron. We checked for seat sales through Cebu Pacific but during that time, Piso Fare was scarce for this destination. We were a little determined to go so we booked our tickets for September even without the sale. Months passed by and we became super busy not noticing that our Coron trip is actually coming about. Though everything was not in order, we decided to give the trip a go and decided to go DIY.  We did not book nor reserve for accommodation, no van transfers or any package tours. We went on, ready with only our back packs, camera and tripod.


Just arrived via Cebu Pac
Welcome to Busuanga!


Day one ETD from Manila via Cebu Pac was at 930am. We were at NAIA Domestic Airport Terminal 3 at around 8am. We checked-in our bags, got our boarding passes, paid the terminal fee of 250php each and waited patiently for our flight to be called. The trip was short and we arrived at Busuanga Airport before 1030am. The airport was very simple, and humble - not even a conveyor belt for the baggage. Right outside, you'll find vans that will take you to Coron town proper for only 150php. The driver will also give you his calling card so he can pick you up when your about to go back to the airport.


Sea Dive Resort


Our van stopped right in front of the entrance of Sea Dive Resort. I actually scanned the internet a day before out trip to check on the hotels, inns and lodge around the area. Sea Dive was one of the most popular together with Coron Village Lodge, Rudy's Place Lodge and the only grand hotel in the place - Coron Gateway Hotel. We hopped out of the van and checked out the place. You have to go to this alley before you'll get to see the place since it is a sea front property with its own pier. The place was simple and if luxury is your game, you'll have to look somewhere else (you can check out my review of Sea Dive Resort here.) We got the Superior Aircon Room for 1100php per night.


Kawayanan Grill


We unpacked our bags, took some pictures and headed out for some lunch. We checked out the nearby food stations and decided to try out Kawayanan Grill. After we filled our empty tummies with foodie treats, we headed back to Sea Dive to catch some sleep. At around 4pm, we got up ready for our (inland) tour. I searched the internet for places that we should visit, fare around the area and possible entrance fees. Below was our itinerary.


1) San Agustin Church
2) Municipal Hall and Park
3) Lualhati Park
4) Mt. Tapyas - for the climb!
5) Maquinit Hotspring


And this was all via trike. I wanted to include Coron Harvest in this list but hubby thought of buying some pasalubong on the third day.


Once out of the Sea Dive alley, main road had tricycles already lined up , ready and waiting for passengers, touristas and locals. We asked how much it will cost to go to San Agustin Church and the tricycle driver offered to take us, visiting those in my list, for an all-in 300php.


First Stop: San Agustin Church


San Agustin Church, Coron


The Altar
Old rusty bell


Second Stop: Municipal Hall and Park


Coron Municipal Hall


Just in front of the Municipal Hall
Dirty ice cream, anyone?


Third Stop: Lualhati Park - this is just around the area of the Public Market and pier of boats that would take you to island tours. Very near Sea Dive Resort. Literally a couple of steps away, no need to take a trike.


Lualhati Park



Fourth Stop: Mt. Tapyas - where you have to climb the well known 700 steps to and from the very huge cross situated on top of Mt. Tapyas (trust me, when you take this challenge on, you will be well acquainted with the steps!). According to the girl who was selling cold drinks (who will, by the way, accompany you during the climb and will serve as your tour guide), the mountain was called Mt. Tapyas because one side of it was blown off during the Japanese war. We surely got very tired and since we only brought about 600ml of water, we had no choice but to buy from the girl -- Gatorade for 45 php.


That's where we went!
Start of the climb :D
I said don't look back!
Magnificent!
The BIG Cross
Mountain top
Great background view!
Sunset ala Coron
Fifth Stop: Maquinit Hot Spring (entrance fee of 150php each) - very far from the town proper, you will pass by rough and forest-like roads. I was surprised to see that they have already transformed the hot springs into different sizes of pools leaving the floor of each one untouched. Well, I guess that was the only way to make it easier for visitors to have some place to sit down and enjoy the hot water from the spring. This is for sure a great way to end your day and to soothe your feet after conquering Mt. Tapyas.


Maquinit Hot Spring


It was a great day and the tricycle driver even recommended a boat man that can take us on an island tour for the next day.


Summary of Expenses:


- Tricycle ride : 300php 
***(you can actually walk around the town to visit all of the destinations except for Maquinit Hot Spring which will cost you around 150php round trip)
- Gatorade : 45php
- Maquinit Hot Spring Entrance Fee - 150php each 


After taking a hot water bath, we headed out and tried Lolo Nonoy's for dinner. Since there were very few options for a good night-out spot, we decided to go back to the resort and rest.






Coron DIY Adventure Day 2 - Part 1

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