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!

Sea Dive Resort

Kawayanan Grill

San Agustin Church, Coron

The Altar

Old rusty bell

Coron Municipal Hall

Just in front of the Municipal Hall

Dirty ice cream, anyone?

Lualhati Park

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

Maquinit Hot Spring

Our trip to Coron was purely DIY. I just rummaged around the internet the day before our trip for information about recommended hotels, inns or lodges, sample itinerary and must-see places, and for possible pasalubongs. Scanning the internet pages, I found several options where we can hang about for a few days. One of these was Sea Dive Resort. It was just a matter of coincidence when the van that took us to the Coron town proper stopped just in front of the alley leading to Sea Dive. We hopped out of the van with the intent to check out the place. Sea Dive is not one of those lodges located along the main road. You have to go through an alley (talk about a hole in the wall) to get to it. Situated smack right on the sea (with its own pier), it is a Dive Resort with it's own facilities and boats. They also offer a few tour packages. 

Sea Dive Resort

The alley going to Sea Dive Resort

Hubby's turn!

On the way to Sea Dive Resort

Reception area

Restaurant overlooking the sea

Superior Aircon Room

Very simple - that's the door to the bathroom

That's the sun deck!

Hubby just had to try the hammock!

 Early this year, I was lucky to spot a seat sale for Kalibo, Aklan going to Boracay via Zest Air. I consulted my hubby about it and when things had been decided, I bought our round trip plane tickets for the month of July, just right after the peak season, since we have some activities lined up for the summer and we wanted to appreciate the island's beauty minus the huge crowd. A month before our trip, I checked for hotels or inns where we can stay for 4D3N. We considered some factors before deciding.

I was able to search for several hotels, inns and suites and got myself confused. I asked my husband and he decided to give Microtel a try.


We arrived in Microtel Boracay at around 12pm. Though our ETA was still at 2pm, they did not bother giving us the room already without any early check in fee. Once we got in the reception area, they gave us drinks and necklaces as their welcome greeting. 

Microtel Boracay

The Lounge: Surveying the place, you'll see that every corner is clean. Even if they are a beach front hotel, they manage to keep the lounge area sand free by checking and cleaning every now and then. The lounge is huge with two parts - the one that is next to the reception area that can be closed if you want the AC to be turned on and the bigger part which is open facing the pool and the beach. Both have comfortable sofas, tables and chairs. You can also have unlimited coffee and tea in the lounge which is self service. WiFi is for free! Another plus factor here, if you have kids with you, is that they have toys and books for kids. They even have a playground just beside the lounge.

Microtel Boracay Lounge - This is the area with AC

Large space where you can have some coffee or tea

Microtel Boracay Playground

for the kids and kids at heart

The Pool Area: The pool is a little small but enough if you just want to take a dip after soaking in the sea. The water is clean and is being treated every morning. They are not so strict with the swimming attire but they would require you to take a shower before diving in. The pool side is lined up with beach chairs that can be used for sun bathing. They also have some umbrella stands in case you want some shade. They also provide beach towels that you can just leave on the pool side once you're done using them. 

Microtel Boracay - facing the beach

Pool Area

The Room: Since they only have few rooms and most were already occupied, we were left with the Deluxe Room. Keyholes were not present since they use swipe cards that digitally log your entries and another one to activate the electricity inside. It has 2 queen size beds that are Chiropractic with three super soft and fluffy pillows each. Another thing I liked about this room is that it has this sofa like seat by the window which can serve as an extra bed space. The room is spacious and clean with very warm lighting in every corner. Though the TV is not flat screen, it has cable broadcast. The cabinet is simple but it has a light inside that is automatically turned on once you open the cabinet door.  The bathroom is spacious as well as clean. It has a rain shower, which I personally like, and has cold and hot water. Another plus here is the hair dryer found in the sink area. It's a very useful tool and I think every hotel or inn should provide one.

The Chiropractic beds

Warm lighting

That's my favorite spot :D the window

The entire room - taken near the bathroom area

Had them all in my bag!

T & B

The Staff and Crew: Every single staff member in Microtel is friendly and accommodating. They attend to your requests right away. They are easy to talk to. Like for example, when you ask them to pick you up from 'D Mall to the hotel (Microtel provides shuttle service to and from 'D Mall for free - you just have to reserve - and they have schedules every 20 minutes) you can ask them to bring your stuff back to the hotel for you. You can also ask them to drop you off or pick you up somewhere else other than 'D Mall. Also, they never fail to greet their guests. When we were to leave Boracay, we availed of their shuttle service for some extra amount. They took us to the port and surprisingly, there was a friendly staff there waiting for us who assisted us until we reached Caticlan for our ride to Kalibo. 


The Complimentary Breakfast: They serve complimentary breakfast at around 7am-10am in their in-house resto bar - Mama's Fish House. Everyday, they have a different set of breakfast. They usually have two options for the viand with garlic rice or pancake in some days, two eggs cooked in anyway you like, fruit for then day and beverage (you can choose from coffee, tea or juice). Nothing really special. 


The Beach Area: If there is one thing that I did not like about Microtel, it is the beach area. Every beach front resort should take ownership of the beach area that they occupy. Though it's the same clear and lovely Boracay water and powdery white sand, the beach area in Microtel is dirty with sea weeds, leaves and wood pieces everywhere. They do clean up the area in the morning but I think it's not enough. Also, you will notice bits and pieces of plastic wrappers swimming in the sea which is very disappointing. I think that their management should exert some more effort in making sure that the beach is clean enough for guests to be able to swim and enjoy the sand. It is also notable that the sand there is mixed with pebbles unlike the quality of sand that you'll find around the stretch of station 3 to 1 before reaching the Microtel area. 

Microtel Boracay Beach Front

Not so clean beach area :(

I would definitely go back to Boracay with my family, but next time, I would actually think twice if I would stay in Microtel. Unless they commit in keeping their beach area clean and free of pebbles, I would not go back even if the whole hotel experience is great. I believe that the cleanliness of the beach area speaks more of the commitment of the management to their guests.