Timeline: March 18-21 2018. SFO-NRT-MNL-USU via (ANA, M8)
Whenever I’m asked by people where to go to the Philippines, fair or not, I always say this: Manila for a day or two then go either to the what I call the Philippine trifecta: Boracay, El Nido and Coron. It took me a few years to complete the holy trinity, but with 25 of my co-workers joining me, and after some tricky planning, we were able to complete our trip of a lifetime: to Coron, Philippines
According to a report by Businessworld, tourism in the Philippines is at an all time high, with 6.6 million visitors in 2017, up 11% from the previous year. This year, Boracay island is closed for clean up and rehabilitation which makes these two spots in Palawan, Coron and El Nido, even more popular than ever.
Coron is easier to get to than El Nido, since there are direct flights that services the island, unlike El Nido which would set you back a 6 hour rough road bus/van ride, unless of course you’re ballin’ and can afford a private charter.
Upon arriving at the airport, we were dropped off at our hotel, the Two Seasons Resorts, a 5-star hotel located a little bit away from the town proper of Coron. Before you call us a bunch of bougies, please remember that this is the Philippines, one of the cheapest places to have a luxurious vacation in the world. Also, this was planned way in advance unlike our other travels, so we did save up for this trip. (Ok, I did book the Bayview Deluxe King) The hotel was nice, clean, modern and above everything else, their hotel staff are one of the friendliest we have ever encountered. It is also a plus that its location is a bit away from the town proper as it is a bit quieter and relaxed. There are also a few local restaurants around the area if you want to save and have something different from what the hotel has to offer. If you do want to get to the town proper, its just a tricycle ride away.
Because of our sheer number, we had all our tours booked through a travel agent. We figured it is easier this way so we don’t have to worry about booking and all the logistics involved in organizing and gathering information for 25 individuals. What’s good with flight attendants is we all know the drill. All you need to tell us is the van time, and we will be at the lobby, at the time specified, right on the dot. From what I remember there are a few tours that you can do, from tour A,B,C, and D but I think doing both A and B would be sufficient enough for you to enjoy the island. We took tour A and B and these consists of island hopping, snorkeling, a tour of the town and a hike of more than 700 steps up to Mt Tapyas (for a view of the whole island; which I quit halfway through). These tours are two full days. Like the hotel staff, the tour guides are one of the friendliest people we have ever met.
Coron is perhaps the closest I would ever get to pretending that I am a diver. Unlike El Nido or Boracay that are both beachy, (Boracay definitely) Coron is more of a diver’s paradise. For someone who uses floaties in the kiddie pool, I would never imagine in a hundred years to being able to see japanese shipwrecks, but Coron gave me that experience. It was truly an unbelievable experience to have a shipwreck right below you. It was trippy and made me regret not being able to swim.
The trek to Kayangan Lake takes you to the most iconic picture you see if you ever google Coron, the Kayangan Lake Viewpoint. (Yes I did the climb, yay me!) Up there, it seems like you are looking over an ad for a 4k HD Super Hi Def television. It is one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. It makes you question your existence and life itself. You get about an hour or so for this part of the tour, which includes swimming in what they claim is one of the cleanest and clearest waters in the world, Kayangan Lake.
The beaches included in the tour are breathtaking as well and rivals any of the best beaches in the world. The only downside is you can only stay for an hour at a time since it is part of the guided tours. As much as I wanted to just stay on the beach, since I am more of a hang-out on the beach with a beer in hand watching sunsets, it is something I could not do. Perhaps it is a good idea to keep it this way to prevent it from becoming another Boracay.
I must admit travelling anywhere with friends (specially 25 of them) makes the destination irrelevant. I mean we can just all go to the mall and still have the best time of our lives, but taking this trip to Coron just puts it over the top. Coron for all its beauty will forever hold a special place in my heart as it is there where I had the chance to have people close to me share the place, the scenery and the experience. To travel with your closest friends is something that bonds you together, gives you a new perspective in life and nourishes the soul which makes it the most epic trip of a lifetime.
EXIT ROW BRIEFINGS
- HOTEL: TWO SEASONS BAYSIDE CORON
- TRAVEL AGENT: GLORYLAND TRAVEL AND TOURS
- FLIGHT FROM MANILA TO CORON: SKYJET AIRWAYS
- Tips are appreciated in the Philippines
- Manila airports are spread out between Terminals 1-2-3-4 (domestic) so make sure you have ample time in planning transfers.
- Be nice to your tour guide, and ask about some hidden spots, he might give you an extra spot or two to look at.
- Also, Coron is cheaper and a bit less touristy than El Nido.
- I miss seaweed salad (pako)
- Red Horse all day, everyday!
Fly safe and be kind to your flight attendants!
Stewardude 