 |
| Coron, Palawan, Philippines |
In this blog post, I will share with you some of the latest tourist attractions in Coron Palawan, how to get there, and how to make the most of your trip. I will also give you an estimate of how much money you should prepare for two persons, including travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses.
Latest Tourist Attractions in Coron Palawan
Coron is constantly evolving as a tourist destination, with new attractions being discovered or developed every year. Here are some of the latest tourist attractions in Coron Palawan that you should not miss:
- Calauit Safari: If you want to see exotic animals in their natural habitat, you can visit the Calauit Safari, a wildlife sanctuary that houses African animals such as giraffes, zebras, impalas, and waterbucks. You can also see endemic species such as Calamian deer, Palawan bearcat, and Palawan peacock-pheasant. The safari is located on Calauit Island, which is about 2 hours away from Coron town by boat. The entrance fee is P250 per person.
- Black Island: If you are looking for a secluded and pristine beach, you can head to Black Island, which is named after its dark limestone cliffs. The island has white sand, turquoise water, and a cave with a natural pool. You can also snorkel or dive around the island and see colorful corals and fish. Black Island is part of the Calauit Safari tour package, or you can rent a private boat for P5000-P7000 per day.
- Pamalican Island: If you are looking for a luxury getaway, you can stay at Pamalican Island, which is home to the exclusive Amanpulo resort. The island has a 5.5-kilometer stretch of powdery sand, crystal clear water, and a coral reef that surrounds it. You can enjoy various activities such as kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, tennis, golf, and spa treatments. You can also explore the nearby islands by helicopter or speedboat. The resort rates start from $1500 per night for a casita.
- Lusong Coral Garden & Gun Boat: If you are looking for an amazing snorkeling or diving spot, you can visit the Lusong Coral Garden & Gun Boat, which is part of the Lusong Island tour package. The coral garden is a shallow reef that is teeming with marine life such as turtles, clownfish, angelfish, and giant clams. The gun boat is a Japanese shipwreck from World War II that lies at 10 meters deep and is covered with corals and sponges. You can see the outline of the boat from the surface and swim around it. The tour fee is P1500 per person.
Other Tourist Spots in Coron that You Shouldn't Miss
Kayangan Lake: A scenic lake accessible after a 15-minute uphill trek. The view from the lookout point halfway is breathtaking. The lake itself is one of the “cleanest lakes in the Philippines” and maintained by the local Tagbanua tribe.
Barracuda Lake: Another stunning lake on Coron Island, known for its unique thermocline phenomenon where warm and cold water layers meet.
Twin Lagoon: Two interconnected lagoons with crystal-clear waters. You can swim through a small crevice to reach the inner lagoon1.
Banul Beach: A serene beach with fine white sand and turquoise waters.
CYC Beach: A secluded beach perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.
Siete Pecados: A marine park with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Mount Tapyas: Climb the steps to the summit for panoramic views of Coron Town and the surrounding islands.
Maquinit Hot Springs: Soak in natural saltwater hot springs surrounded by lush greenery.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Coron Palawan is by air. There are direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Puerto Princesa, and El Nido to Busuanga Airport (also known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport), which is about 40 minutes away from Coron town by van or tricycle. The flight duration ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on your origin. The airfare varies depending on the season and the airline but you can expect to pay around P3000-P5000 per person for a round-trip ticket.
You can also get to Coron Palawan by sea. There are ferries from Manila (2Go Travel), El Nido (Montenegro Lines), Puerto Princesa (Milagrosa Shipping), and San Jose (Bunso Transport) that dock at Coron Port in Coron town. The ferry duration ranges from 3 hours to 15 hours depending on your origin. The ferry fare varies depending on the season and the class but you can expect to pay around P1000-P3000 per person for a one-way ticket.
How to Maximize Your Stay in Coron
To maximize your stay in Coron Palawan, you should plan your itinerary well and book your tours and accommodations in advance. You should also consider the weather, the tide level, and the crowd when choosing your activities and destinations.
Here are some tips on how to maximize your stay in Coron:
- Stay for at least 4 days and 3 nights to cover the main attractions and have some downtime.
- Choose a hotel or hostel that is near the town center or the port for easy access to restaurants, shops, and tour operators. You can also opt for a beach resort or an island resort if you want more privacy and comfort. The accommodation rates range from P500 to P10000 per night depending on the type and the season.
- Join a group tour or rent a private boat to explore the islands and lagoons around Coron. You can choose from various tour packages that cater to different preferences and budgets. The tour rates range from P1000 to P3000 per person depending on the package and the season. The boat rental rates range from P3000 to P10000 per day depending on the size and the destination.
- Hire a guide or a driver to visit the inland attractions such as Mt Tapyas, Maquinit Hot Springs, and Calauit Safari. You can also rent a motorcycle or a bicycle to explore the town and the nearby villages. The guide or driver fee ranges from P500 to P1500 per day depending on the service and the destination. The motorcycle or bicycle rental fee ranges from P300 to P500 per day depending on the type and the condition.
- Try the local cuisine and specialties such as seafood, cashew nuts, coconut wine, and calamansi muffins. You can also sample the international dishes and drinks that are available in some restaurants and bars. The food and beverage prices range from P50 to P500 per item depending on the type and the place.
How Much Money to Prepare
The amount of money you should prepare for your trip to Coron Palawan depends on your travel style, your itinerary, and your duration. You should also factor in some extra money for tips, souvenirs, emergencies, and contingencies.
Here is a sample breakdown of how much money you should prepare for two persons for a 4-day and 3-night trip to Coron Palawan:
- Airfare: P10000 (round-trip tickets from Manila)
- Accommodation: P6000 (P2000 per night for a mid-range hotel)
- Tours: P12000 (P3000 per person per day for group tours)
- Transportation: P2000 (P500 per day for van or tricycle transfers)
- Food: P6000 (P500 per person per meal)
- Miscellaneous: P2000 (tips, souvenirs, etc.)
Total: P36000
Of course, you can adjust this budget according to your preferences and needs. You can save money by traveling during off-peak season, staying in cheaper accommodations, joining cheaper tours, eating in cheaper places, or skipping some attractions. You can also splurge money by traveling during peak season, staying in luxury resorts, renting private boats, eating in fancy restaurants, or adding more attractions.
I hope this blog post has given you some useful information and tips on how to plan your trip to Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Coron is truly a beautiful and diverse destination that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. Have fun and enjoy your trip!
No comments:
Post a Comment