Saturday, 15 October 2011

Coron DIY Adventure Day 3

Posted by clapalisoc | Saturday, 15 October 2011 | Category: , , , , , , , , | 0 comments

It's almost the end of our trip and we promised ourselves that one day soon, I'll visit Coron again. Our ETD back to Manila was at 230pm and we have ample time to chill and visit some stores to buy pasalubong. We were up at around (whoa early for someone on vacay!) 8am and decided to walk around town to hunt for breakfast. Right after, we took some pictures and headed for Coron Harvest.


That's the entrance to Coron Harvest
That's the owner!
Coron is known to produce cashew and one very trusted and popular store where you can get high quality and tasty cashew nuts is Coron Harvest. I was actually expecting a huge place where everything is organized (more like the factory-type of place as it suggested from it's name), showcasing each step in producing the high quality cashew nuts they offer. Surprisingly, I was able to arrive at a small store (converted from a regular house) full of stuffed toys that leads to what seems like the residence of the owner where everything is done - no tricks and frills, no hi-tech facilities, just plain manual labor (which she showed the secrets of screening fresh, quality cashew).


Newly roasted cashew nuts in garlic
Freshly packed!
Ready to be sealed - Garlic Toasted Cashew for 120php each
We bought 7 packs of the biggest size of their garlic toasted cashew and 4 packs of cashew brittle (forgot to take a pic but each pack is for 60php). Though their products are quite expensive as compared to those sold at the town market, you are assured that their nuts are always freshly cooked for each batch of order. This is a must-go place to buy pasalubong!


Around the area, you will notice that there are very few souvenir shops. We wanted to buy some shirts and we luckily got to this place: MJ's Souvenir shop. They have shirts and blouses, bags and accessories. 


After buying some pasalubong we went back to the hotel, sent a text message to the van driver to pick us us up, took some more pictures, packed up and enjoyed the last minutes of our stay in Coron.


View from the sun deck
Looking over Lualhati Park

Playing around at the sun  deck

Posing for the pole :p

We got to the airport an hour earlier than expected, so we checked out the food huts nearby and decided to take a quick lunch. 230pm came and it was time to bid Coron goodbye. We will definitely go back to this paradise -- soon.
Busuanga Airport: Terminal fee is 20php each
About to board the plane going back to Manila






P.S.
Just in case you need contact numbers, here you go!
- Land Transfer Services : Francis Tonel = 0929512562
- Boat for Island Hopping : M/B Unica Yza Vin (Alvin D. Balo) = 09283264480
- Tricycle Services : Ador = 09099386526

Coron DIY Adventure Day 2 - Part 2

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We were about to head out to Twin Lagoon but I insisted on visiting CYC Island since my research told me that it could have been the best beach in the loop.


Destination #5: CYC Island - no entrance fee


CYC Island is a public beach area. CYC stands for "Coron Youth Club." This is the group of students that take care of the island voluntarily. As it is a public beach, it's a little messy - sea weeds all over the fine white sand. Our tour guide told us that CYC used to be the most beautiful beach front island in the area, had the prime stretch of white sand and clear water with lush greenery, until people started to dig up the sand and transfer it to other beaches. It's tragic that the island ended up that way. I almost feel sorry that man is, unknowingly and unintentionally, again to blame for the diminishing natural beauty set in seeing this as an illustration.


CYC Island
CYC Island from a far
Great view!
It's obvious that the sand has been disturbed
Destination #6: Twin Lagoon - entrance fee = 100php/person


 Twin Lagoon, for me, is the most marvelous spot that we've visited the entire day. Once you reach the entrance of the first lagoon, you'll be amazed of the towering rock formations all around you. The place feels so secure and downright secluded with all the pristine magnificence and beauty of nature. No one stops in the first lagoon, according to our tour guide, since the water there is too deep. They'll dock in and take you to the next lagoon where you can enjoy snorkeling. Marine life is not much but the underwater rock formations are fantastic. Also, when you're snorkeling, you will notice that the water beneath the surface is warm. You will also notice that there is this oil-like looking substance beneath the surface. According to our tour guide, the water on the surface is fresh water (thus being cold) and the water beneath that is sea water. The oil-like liquid we see are the mixing of the two. How spectacular it was to observe nature's process up-close!  You have to pass by this cave-like arch to get to a big pool of water where I completely fell in love with the place -- sparkling water, immense rock structures, green patches of life, and the proof of an amazing God! Since that was our last stop, we enjoyed every moment of it.


It started to rain when we were heading to Twin Lagoon
The rain has stopped! Welcome!
We are ready... Let's go!
Hubby enjoying the swim
Towering walls of sedimentary beauty!
Captivating!
The wonders of nature
I'm with one of the guides

Heading out
Right after Twin Lagoon, we headed back to the pier. It was indeed a great experience -- being one with nature and appreciating the majestic works of the Lord. Sure, it was far-flung from all the huzzle buzzle of technology, but the trip was well-worth it.


They helped us through out the tour!




Summary of expenses for the day:
- Food for lunch : 405php
- Bread for fish feeding : 25php
- Total Entrance fee : 1200php for 2pax

  • Site Pecados = 100php each
  • Kayangan Lake = 200php each
  • Banol Beach = 100php each
  • Skeleton/Shipwreck = 100php each
  • Twin Lagoon = 100php each



P.S.
You can also visit some other sites like Barracuda Lake which is situated near Twin Lagoon with entrance fee of 100php. We opted not to go anymore as it is just a continuation of the Twin Lagoon, and according to our tour guide, it's more like Kayangan Lake. There are also other beaches that you can visit with entrance fee of 100php each -- Smith Beach, Antwayan Beach and 91 Beach which are all near Banol Beach. Enjoy!






Coron DIY Adventure Day 3



Coron DIY Adventure Day 2 - Part 1

Posted by clapalisoc | | Category: , , , , , , | 0 comments

Day two for our Coron trip was all about island hopping and snorkeling. I did some net searching and planned to visit the following sites:


1) Siete Picados
2) Kayangan Lake
3) Barracuda Lake
4) Twin Lagoon
5) CYC Island
6) Banol Beach
7) Skeleton Wreck


Early in the morning - not so sunshiny
We were up up and about and by around 8am, we straddled out to the public market to meet our boatman. We agreed on a price of 1500php for the whole day tour which includes a tour guide, life vests and snorkeling gears. The boatman will also cook lunch for us, provide all utensils needed and will even provide a cooler for our drinks. We agreed and went ahead, bought food to be cooked for lunch. We bought the following:


- Tilapia (2pcs): 105php
- Liempo (more than 1/2 kilo) : 100php
- tomatoes + onions + calamnsi : 26php
- rice (1 kilo): 42php
- charcoal (1 pack): 20php
- drinks (2 500ml Sprite + 1 Coke in can + 2 bottles of Sparkle + 5 pieces of ice): 112php
- bread for fish feeding :25php


Everything was set, so we hopped onto the boat and cruised!


Destination # 1: Siete Pecados - entrance fee = 100php/person


Siete Pecados means seven islands. As we reached the location, we were indeed greeted by islands sitting side by side, surrounding the snorkeling site. The water was clear and the marine life was rich! You'll see fish of different sizes and colors. We had bread ready and so we fed the fish and enjoyed the scenery underwater. 


Site Pecados


Fish feeding
huwow!
Destination # 2: Kayangan Lake - entrance fee = 200php/person


Kayangan Lake has the most number of pictures online when you go search for Coron. The view from the top of the mountain, looking down at the lake was just marvelous! (Indeed, since it'll take your breath away...just to get up there!) When we were entering the view site, I can't help but notice the lucid water with a light bluish green tint. In order for you to see the beauty of the lake, you have to do some hiking. It was surely demanding since you have to climb up and then down to reach the snorkeling site. But you have to exert effort to appreciate the beauty that will always be worth the while. Here, sea water meets fresh water. I can say that fresh water dominates the lake because when you swim, you won't feel any sting in your eyes. Marine life is stale here but you'll be amazed with the underwater rock formations. We stayed here for about more than hour! Also, when you do your pit stop in the "famous" site for picture taking, you will notice a very dark cave. According to our tour guide, no one is allowed to enter since there is no track and no lighting inside.

Entering the cove
Where the boats are parked :D
Welcome to Kayangan Lake!

Start of the climb!
Damp dark cave :D
The "FAMOUS" shot
the LAKE
Enjoying nature!
Some fishie fishie
Destination # 3: Banol Beach - entrance fee = 100php/person


Banol Beach was where we had our lunch. While approaching the beach, you'll notice that the water is so clear and the sand so pallid! It somehow reminded me of Boracay! The only catch was that the beach area was very small. Actually, come to think of it, there really was no stretch of a beach around the loop of the Coron Islands. But anyway, the sand was not as fine as Boracay's, though the rock formations were incredbile! There were a couple of huts here where you can have your lunch, by the beach. I fell in love with this beach and stayed here for a lifetime (over an hour but felt wantonly forever) -- enjoyed the sand, the water and the overall panorama.


Just arrived - Banol Beach
Enjoying the sun and the sand!
Gotta love that water!
Banol Beach - captured!
Destination # 4: Skeleton/Ship Wreck - entrance fee = 100php/person


In this site, you'll see a Japanese ship that was claimed by the sea. It's not really the whole thing anymore, it's just the frame of the ship that will be apparent. Aside from this, you'll also see a lot of fish, rich coral life and tons of sea urchin! There is also a very small beach area here. We stayed around 30mins and headed onto our next destination.

Shipwreck location
Can you see the little beach area?

Sunday, 9 October 2011

Coron DIY Adventure Day 1

Posted by clapalisoc | Sunday, 9 October 2011 | Category: , , , , , , , , , , , | 0 comments

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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