Palawan stands out as one of the most visited regions in the Philippines. Excited to recount my delightful journey, I’m here to share my experience exploring two of its most popular, Instagrammable, and stunningly beautiful destinations.
Join me as I take you through the mesmerizing landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable moments that define the allure of Coron and El Nido. From crystal-clear waters to captivating rock formations, this is a visual and experiential journey that encapsulates the magic of Palawan’s treasures.
Discover Coron:
Seeking an exquisite destination in the Philippines? Look no further – Coron, the jewel of Palawan, is here to fulfill your dream island getaway! Amidst the 7,641 islands in the Philippines, Coron stands out, offering an unforgettable experience waiting to be discovered.
When I landed in Coron, the warm smiles of the locals welcomed me, setting the tone for an extraordinary experience. Before exiting the airport, I was reminded of the island’s commitment to preserving its beauty. To contribute to this cause, I had to pay an environmental fee. This fee plays a crucial role in the ongoing efforts to conserve and promote the stunning island, ensuring that present and future generations can continue to witness the paradise that is Coron.
Here’s how to get to the town:
- Hotel Booking: If you’ve arranged accommodation, simply keep an eye out for signs held by the airport coordinator or driver assigned to pick you up.
- No Accommodation Yet: If you haven’t made a reservation but intend to head to the town proper, you can hop on any available van or v-hire that travels in that direction.
- Important Note: The primary means of transportation from the airport to specified locations of each accommodation is through the designated vans for guest pick-ups
Things to Explore in Coron:
From the moment I landed in Coron after leaving the bustling city of Cebu, the awe-inspiring journey began. Seated by the window with no seatmate, I relished the spacious seat and woke up to a breathtaking aerial view that captured my heart, all while still on the plane. Coron has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the Philippines, renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, enchanting lagoons, and the perfect ambiance to meet new people.
Get ready to be captivated by some incredible snapshots that will undoubtedly convince you to make Coron your next travel destination!
- Island Hopping Tours:
- Coron Ultimate Tour: Witness magnificent highlights such as Twin Lagoon, Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Sunset Cove, and more.
- Coron boasts the most beautiful sunset, providing a picturesque setting.
- Firefly Watching and Bioluminescent Experience:
- Paddle around the mangrove area to witness mesmerizing firefly displays and experience bioluminescence.
- Party and Meet New Friends:
- Coron offers vibrant local hubs where you can socialize and make new connections.
In conclusion, exploring the amazing landscapes of Coron, Palawan, is an unforgettable experience. The island-hopping tours are like pages from a tropical storybook, and the sunsets over the beaches are breathtaking. Meeting new people and connecting with locals make Coron special. Beyond its beautiful scenery, Coron’s charm lies in its friendly people, rich culture, and unforgettable moments that stay with you even after you leave. So, dive into this adventure with an open heart, and you’ll discover that Coron is more than just a pretty place – it’s a treasure of memories.
El Nido Trip:
As much as I couldn’t get over the beautiful sights in Coron, it was time for me to gear up for an amazing adventure in the stunning beauty of El Nido, Palawan – one of the most famous destinations in the northern part of Palawan. This wonderful municipality was attracting me with its scenic backdrop, perfect for watching romantic sunsets. El Nido offered a unique mix of impressive rock formations that told stories of time’s artistry, and beautiful white sand beaches where every grain shared stories of peace.
This fantastic town has a landscape that blends natural wonders with a calm atmosphere. The journey begins, and a delightful place awaits those looking for something extraordinary in the heart of El Nido, Palawan.
Rising at the early hour of 5:00 a.m. to catch the ferry bound for Coron was no simple task, as bidding farewell to the captivating island proved to be a challenge. However, anticipation for the wonders that awaited us in El Nido made the departure easier to bear. A swift ten-minute tricycle ride from our accommodation brought us to the port.
I couldn’t help but notice the distinctive design of the tricycles in Palawan, differing from the ones I had seen in Cebu and Mindanao. This unique touch added to the charm of our journey.
If you’re thinking about traveling from Coron to El Nido, you have two choices. The first is a fast and convenient 1-hour and 20-minute plane ride with Airswift. The other option is taking a ferry, which has different schedules and takes about 5 hours, depending on the weather.
Opting for the ferry, we embraced the leisurely pace of our journey, affording us the luxury of time for a restful nap.
We were fortunate to experience a smooth journey with good weather, reaching our destination in less than 5 hours. As we woke up and disembarked from the ferry, we were greeted by the awe-inspiring rock formations of El Nido. What a beautiful and exciting adventure to uncover the hidden gems this place has to offer!
Things to Do in El Nido:
1. Embark on Island Tours (A, B, C, D) – El Nido offers a myriad of island-hopping adventures, from Tours A to D. Each tour presents a unique collection of breathtaking rock formations and pristine white sand beaches, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of the surrounding islands.
The experience turned out to be quite enjoyable as we visited five islands: Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Cadlao Lagoon- (which is typically part of Tour D, but everyone on the tour decided to go there for kayaking instead of visiting Matinloc Shrine), Talisay Beach, and Helicopter Island.
We booked a group Tour C and were told to be at the meeting point between 8:30-8:45 am, as the island hopping adventure was scheduled to start at 9:00 am.
Claudia and I had a great time interacting with other people on the boat. By the time we reached the fourth island, the boatmen were busy preparing our lunch, which was set up on the boat. The meals included crabs, shrimps, some adobo, pancit, rice, and bananas.
After a satisfying lunch, we had a beautiful snorkeling experience and headed to our last island.
The island hopping adventure concluded at 5:00 pm.
These two destinations have truly won over my heart. Coron exudes a vibe that embraces class and privacy, providing the serenity and connection with nature that I crave. It sends a powerful message about appreciating the beauty around us, mirroring the importance of valuing our own existence. The island offers a distinctive experience, from forging connections with new people to uncovering hidden, less touristy gems.
On the other hand, El Nido serves as a beautiful reminder that we’re not alone in this vast world. It prompts reflection on the sheer luck of being able to witness the incredible natural gifts bestowed upon us by God. The memories created here are nothing short of wonderful, urging us to appreciate and embrace life to the fullest. With its artsy rock formations, pristine white sand beaches, and the breathtaking beauty of the sunset, El Nido serves as a constant reminder of the inherent beauty in every day.
Don’t wait any longer! Dive into the breathtaking wonders of Palawan—paradise awaits your discovery!
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