Exploring Coron Loop | Banol Beach & Skeleton Wreck

On the way now on our third and fourth destinations, Banol Beach and Skeleton Wreck both have different ways of attracting visitors. One being the most visited beach in Coron Loop while the other one was a good scuba diving site for Japanese Wreck.

Banol Beach, Entrance Fee: P100.00

Top view of Banol Beach(I have climbed the pointed limestones just to take this picture)

Banol beach is a small stretch of fine white sand surrounded by towering limestone karst. This beach was the stop over of many visitors including us who wants to enjoy their lunch while listening to splashing waves of this bluish water beach. There were couple of cottages available here and it's free but you need to pay for island entrance fee of P100.00 per person. 

Grilled Liempo

Grilled Mackerel 

After we satisfied our tummy, others took sometime to dip in the water while me find sometime to explore the island and took pictures of it. Let the pictures speak for itself!!!.

Crystal clear water of Banol Beach

We had a nice time in Banol Beach, saying goodbye to this island was quite hard for us but we need to move on to explore other destinations.

Skeleton Wreck, Entrance Fee: P100.00

Skeleton Wreck is one of the many popular wreck diving sites in Coron, Palawan. This site is also known to have a 25 meters Japanese vessel that was sunken during World War II, until now the vessel was still there and it is visible even if you are just snorkeling around the area. The top of the Skeleton is said to be 5 meters deep and going down to 22 meters at the stern.

Remains of a Japanese Vessel sunk during World War II

Spotted one scuba diver exploring the shipwreck in this area

As much as we want to stay longer in Skeleton Wreck we couldn't appreciated it because the place was built for scuba diving, for you maximized the experience try to enroll in one of the many diving center in Coron and choose this place as one of your wreck diving spot. At least I have reason to come back!!!hehehe...

General Notes to Consider:

1. The cost of island hopping tour depends on the number of persons and what type of tour would you avail (Coron Loop, Malcapuya, Calauit Safari, etc). In our case we get the Coron Loop on the second day and Malcapuya on the third day, costing us P1,800 and P3,500 accordingly(we are 8 in the group) inclusive of boat rental, and fuel. For more details you can contact Kuya Nonoy (09096398329) he will assist you in any way he can.

2. If you don't wanna missed capturing different species of fish, clams, corals, shipwreck etc. Please do bring an underwater camera.

Check out other articles regarding this trip here:

• Coron, Palawan | The Enchanting Island
• Mommita's Lodge | A Place like Home
• Food Review | Manneken Pis Restobar and Dive Center
• Mount Tapyas | 718 Steps of Breathtaking Views
• Food Review | Kawayanan Grill Station
• Exploring Coron Loop | Siete Pecados & Kayangan Lake
• Exploring Coron Loop | Twin Lagoon & Barracuda Lake

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Exploring Coron Loop | Siete Pecados & Kayangan Lake

Day 02 of my escapade, but this time no more killer hiking but instead I allotted two days of exploring the best beaches, the cleanest lakes and lagoons, and some wreck diving sites that Coron, Palawan can offer. Our first tour will be the Coron Loop, this are sets of islands/snorkeling sites/dive sites that are much closer to Coron Town about 15 to 20 minutes boat ride to reached each of them. I don't know how many they were but some of the sites will be featured in this post( I'll make two destinations at a time). Next day we will visit the farthest sites like Malcapuya Island and Banana Island which I will make another post. Without any further ado.

Siete Pecados (Seven Deadly Sins), Entrance Fee: P100.00

Our first stop was Siete Pecados, which means Seven Deadly Sins. A group of small seven islets that scattered around the snorkeling area, Our tour guide Kuya Nonoy said that the area was owned by someone that is why we need  to pay P100.00 per person for the entrance fee. We just docked our boat at the center and there, we  went snorkeling. I was amazed by how rich the marine life in this site, corals were all alive and many kinds of fish were present in the area.

After about an hour of snorkeling we bid farewell to Siete Pecados and headed towards our next destination.

Kayangan Lake, Entrance Fee: P200.00

Kayangan Lake docking area

Kayangan Lake was dubbed as one of the cleanest lake in Asia since 1993-1997 together with Barracuda Lake. A towering limestone karst, turquoise clear water and picturesque landscape formation. A must  visit place for me.

Large blue section in the middle which said to be the largest lake in this section is not yet open to the public

One must pay P200.00 per person for the entrance fee, a little bit steep but the place was all worthy for the payment. Payment will be directly going to Tagbanua Tribes who inhabited the whole area, a good way of helping this locals who maintained the cleanliness of the place. According to our tour guide there is a much more larger lake in this area but not yet opened to the public(Larger blue section at the middle).

From the docking area, You need to hike 150 steps uphill for you to see the viewing area and small cave(At least di katulad ng sa Mt. Tapyas). Then, another 150 steps but this time downhill for you to reached the Kayangan Lake.

My take on the most photograph place in Coron, Palawan

Proof of my tour in Kayangan Lake

Everybody stopped in this area to took some pictures of Kayangan Bay, this is the ideal viewing point wherein you can also took your personal photo. Syempre di ako papahuli dyan!!!.

After the viewing area, there's another 150 steps hike, descending into the Kayangan Lake. Please be careful with your steps in getting here, some stones are slippery that might cause you to slide, Nonetheless the view of aquamarine lake at the distant was quite inviting. There wooden pathways built on the side so people can walk around.

The place has the right to reclaimed its throne of being the cleanest lake in Asia because until now the water was still clear as if you were just swimming in a pool, thanks to the joint cooperation of the government and locals. Water here was brackish (combination of freshwater and salt water). We have swam for a couple of minutes then departed for another destination. I have just enjoyed my tour here and I highly recommended the place to visit.

General Notes to Consider:

1. The cost of island hopping tour depends on the number of persons and what type of tour would you avail (Coron Loop, Malcapuya, Calauit Safari, etc). In our case we get the Coron Loop on the second day and Malcapuya on the third day, costing us P1,800 and P3,500 accordingly(we are 8 in the group) inclusive of boat rental, and fuel. For more details you can contact Kuya Nonoy (09096398329) he will assist you in any way he can.

2. If you don't wanna missed capturing different species of fish, clams, corals, shipwreck etc. Please do bring an underwater camera.

Check out other articles regarding this trip here:

• Coron, Palawan | The Enchanting Island
• Mommita's Lodge | A Place like Home
• Food Review | Manneken Pis Restobar and Dive Center
• Mount Tapyas | 718 Steps of Breathtaking Views
• Food Review | Kawayanan Grill Station
• Exploring Coron Loop | Banol Beach & Skeleton Wreck
• Exploring Coron Loop | Twin Lagoon & Barracuda Lake

Read More

Food Review | Kawayanan Grill Station

After a long and tiring hiked at Mount Tapyas we decided to have our dinner on this Al fresco style restaurant. The place was made up of bamboos and some rows of concrete and woods, Thin yellowish vines  hanging from the ceiling welcome every guests that enter this place. Let me present to you....Kawayanan Grill Station.

Seafood Platter A (Original Lobster, Red Crab, Grilled Fish, Squid, and Kibao & Ensaladang Lato)

The Place

Kawayanan Grill Station was along Don Pedro St. beside Coron Sports Complex which is just in front of Coron Municipal Hall. If you are coming from Coron Wet Market walked at the left side and you will passed by Allied Bank and its ATM booth, from there walked straight ahead and you will see a big and well illuminated signage of Kawayanan Grill Station.

What I liked to this place was their All Native Filipino style, having almost all of there structures and furniture were made of bamboos and native material from huts, chairs, tables and bar. The place was spacious and can accommodate at least a hundred guests.

Native Nipa huts

Their bar serving different cocktails and mixed

There was a little souvenir shop at the side of this restaurant, one can see or atleast take a peep on their products while waiting for your orders to come.

üüüü(Vote 4/5)
The Menu

Kawayanan Grill station offers Grilled and Seafood as their main cuisine, but not limited to other filipino food like Sinigang na Baboy, Chopsuey, Pork Sisig etc. They also cooked seafood that were bought by the costumers in the market, price depends on how many kilos and excluding service charge of ten percent.

1. Seafood Platter A (Lobster, Red Crab, Grilled Kibao, Fish, and Squid & Ensaladand Lato) = P600.00

2. Grilled Liempo = P150.00

3. Sizzling Squid (Squid in Teriyaki Sauce, served with buttered vegetables) = P285.00

4. Sizzling Pork Sisig = P220.00

Now for the taste test..(drum roll please) I was a bit disappointed, the foods were lack in some seasoning like salt, pepper, etc as if they were hoarding this. Next the Grilled Liempo was served half-cooked, my friend had a hard time slicing his Liempo and the meat was like a rubber. Lastly, the serving time was too long. 

ü(Vote 1/5)
The Price

The food was not worthy for its priced, not recommended for a budget traveler and the sad thing was they have ten percent service fee that will be charged to your bill.

ü(Vote 1/5)

Overall

Just give it a try but not recommended!!!.

Check out other articles regarding this trip here:

• Coron, Palawan | The Enchanting Island
• Mommita's Lodge | A Place like Home
• Food Review | Manneken Pis Restobar and Dive Center
• Mount Tapyas | 718 Steps of Breathtaking Views

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Mount Tapyas | 718 Steps of Breathtaking Views

Hiking Mount Tapyas was our first day activity and the first destination in my DIY itinerary. Hearing many good stories about this mountain's summit offering a magnificent sunset and sunrise view of Coron makes me feel excited to reached the top. Kuya Nonoy, our tour guide texted me that he will fetched us around 04:45pm to  start our ascend.

Huge steel cross will greet you at the summit

Mount Tapyas is the second highest mountain in Coron town in the province of Palawan, Philippines, second only to Mt. Darala. Standing 210 meters above sea level, while its cross is more than 2,000 feet above sea level. 

718 man made stairs for you to reached the summit

Approximately there are 718 man made stairs to test your strength and endurance, don't worry there are some shaded area along the climb that you can rest your leg muscles and catch your breath. Also, there are handrails along the trail to help you pull yourself up. Number signs were also indicated in the stairs for you to know how many more steps are needed for you to reached the summit.

Spell Haggardness hehe!!!

After a long and tiring trek we were rewarded by a grand view of Coron Town and its port. We reached the peak of Mount Tapyas around 05:45pm enough to catch the sunset in Coron and have our group photo opts. Here are some of my takes.

Top View of Coron Town and its port.

(Left-Right) Marilou, Nikko, Noelle, Patrick, Benedict, Celina, and Me

View at the backside of the viewdeck offers a more magnificent landscape of Mount Tapyas.

I have conquered Mt. Tapyas

As the night drew near, Coron Island presents its hidden beauty.

After enjoying the amazing view of Mount Tapyas, we left the place at 07:00pm and began our trek back to the foot of the mountain. Kuya Nonoy patiently waited for us and suggested to try Maquinit Hot Spring but due to fatigue brought to us by hiking we decided to canceled it and proceed to our dinner. 

General Notes to Consider:

1. The best time to visit Mt. Tapyas is around 05:00am-06:00am to catch the glimpse of sunrise in the morning or 05:00pm-06:00pm to capture breathtaking view of sunset in the afternoon. Just avoid going there when the sun is still up. 

2. Fatigue and Dehydration are your main enemy here so bring enough water and take some rest during your climb.

3. Wear light clothes and don't forget to bring your camera.

Check out other articles regarding this trip here:

• Coron, Palawan | The Enchanting Island
• Mommita's Lodge | A Place like Home
• Food Review | Manneken Pis Restobar and Dive Center
• Food Review | Kawayanan Grill Station

Read More

Food Review | Manneken Pis Restobar and Dive Center

The first place that I have searched in the town of Coron was a restaurant. Haven't eat anything since I left my home in Manila at 11:00 in the morning then make my touchdown in Coron Town at 03:30 in the afternoon( kaninong tiyan kaya and di sasakit nyan). After I check-in my luggage at Mommita's Lodge I quickly went downstairs and looked for a place to eat. I stumbled upon this little Restobar just a street across Mommita's Lodge. The name of this little resto? Manneken Pis Restobar and Dive Center.

Tuna Fillet with veggies served with Belgian Fries

The Place

Manneken Pis is located at 5316 National Highway, Coron, Palawan. Just a street across Mommita's Lodge  and in line with other famous restaurant in Coron (Bistro Coron, Centro Coron Bed and Breakfast, etc). I found this restaurant quite small, it can only accommodate around 20 persons at a time, also their dining table was also small and not to enough to accommodate large groups of people, but the interior was okay you will love its cute homey interior.

Photo by Tripadvisor

Quite small dining table

üüü(Vote 3/5)
The Menu

Manneken Pis offers variety of foods ranging from Pasta, Pizza, Bruschetta, Sausage, Cheese, Seafood, Salads, and Cakes. Regular meals here were usually served with steamed rice or Belgian fries depending on your choice. During breakfast they served Cereals, Sandwich and hot coffee. Since I was the only one who haven't eat my lunch I have ordered food just enough for me.

1. Tuna Fillet with Vegetables served with Belgian Fries (my choice) = P220.00 

Cooked with chopped eggplant, red bell pepper, ginger and coconut milk (Kakang Gata) served as a sauce. The taste was good and the coconut milk was blended so well with the tuna belly. The taste of the Belgian fries was quiet ordinary for me the only difference was the slices were big. Servings were good for two persons.

üüüü(Vote 4/5)

The Price

One of upscale Resto/Bar in Coron as the price are a bit pricey but worth for the taste. An average meal would cost about P200.00+. This maybe a bit cozy with particularly for those who are travelling on a budget.

üüü(Vote 3/5)

Overall

The experience was gastronomically satisfied, try it for yourself!!!.

Check out other articles regarding this trip here:

• Coron, Palawan | The Enchanting Island
• Mommita's Lodge | A Place like Home

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Mommita's Lodge | A Place like Home

Looking for a cheap accommodation in Coron, Palawan? Mommita's Lodge was the one I recommend for you. Not an ordinary place to stay, I considered this crib as my home for 4 days when me and my college friends explored the enchanting island of Coron last June 23-26, 2012. Mrs. Esther P. Reyes aka "Mommita" known by others was the owner of this lodge, situated at the corner of Rosario St. and right at the center of Coron Town.

Mommita's Lodge is located at National Road cor. Rosario St. Brgy. 3 Coron, Palawan

Mrs. Esther P. Reyes aka "Mommita"

Mommita called me the morning before my flight and told me that she was in Kalibo, Aklan looking for his sick sister but she will come on the 25th of June, she leaved all the responsibilities to her assistant Ate Ruth who always attend to us whenever we want something.

Our Room

We booked two spacious room in advance the Yellow Room and the Violet Room. 

1. Yellow Room: 2-3 single beds, 1 twin sharing bed, w/ Aircon, 2 wall fans, Television and a private comfort room. Price, P1,400 per night good for 4 persons.

Photo: Tripadvisor

2. Violet Room: 2 twin sharing beds, 1 single bed, 2 ceiling fans, 1 stand fan, Television, w/ Aircon, common comfort room. Price, P1,200 per night good for 4 persons

What I love in this lodge is that the rooms and comfort rooms were always clean, staffs were all accommodating and a homey feeling. Also, this lodge is accessible to docking area, wet market, ATM's, church, restaurants and the famous Mt. Tapyas.

Left to Right: Me, Nikko, Noelle, Benedict, Patrick, Mommita, Justine, Malou, Tito Lito, Celina, and Kuya Rolando

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Mommita and her staffs for letting my five friends stayed in her lodge in the time that they were all stranded due to bad weather. Instead of paying a regular room rate they paid almost half. Thanks again and God Bless you all!!.

General Notes to Consider:

1. Mommitas Lodge: National Road Corner Rosario St. Brgy 3 Coron, Palawan

Contact Person: Esther P. Reyes

Contact Number: 09275595981, 09178230721

Website: http://mommitaslodge.jimdo.com/

Mommita's Lodge also offer Tour Packages for a reasonable price.

Check out other articles regarding this trip here:

• Coron, Palawan | The Enchanting Island
• Food Review | Manneken Pis Restobar and Dive Center

Read More

Coron, Palawan | The Enchanting Island

Coron is a first class municipality located at the northern part of Palawan, Philippines. The municipality covers part of Busuanga Island and all the nearby Coron Island. Coron is known for its rich marine life, magnificent landscapes, pristine white beaches, cleanest lakes and lagoons, and a world class wreck dives sites. The island is part of the ancestral domain of the indigenous people called Tagbanwas.

Aerial View going to Busuanga, Palawan

How To Get There:

One can get to Coron, Palawan by air, many airlines flies directly to Busuanga Airport (Airphil Express, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air) the jump off point to Coron, airline tickets cost around P2,000-P4,000 for a regular two way fare. Thanks to Airphil Express I got mine for only P600.00. The travel time was about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the weather condition.

Touchdown at Francisco B. Reyes Airport

Francisco B. Reyes Airport: Departure and Arrival Area

From Busuanga Airport, catch a van going to Coron Town, van transfer cost P150.00 and travel time approximately 45 minutes. 

General Notes to Consider:

1. There are no more best time to visit Coron even in the month of July-November wherein rainy days mostly occur still many tourists from local to foreign visit this place. Better book your accommodation and van transfer ahead of time.

Check out other articles regarding this trip here:

• Mommita's Lodge | A Place like Home
• Food Review | Manneken Pis Restobar and Dive Center

Read More