Coron Memoirs - Part II : Of Lakes, reefs and beaches ...

Since I opted not to take the package offered by the lodge, i took upon myself in  looking for a local tour group offering island hopping tour.  I prefer it this way because i don't want to be hurried by schedules and the likes when one gets on a package tour.

I went with the tour owned and operated by the Linsangan couple, the Coron Island Ultimate Tour.  I paid P650 for a while day island hopping, snorkeling and swimming inclusive of lunch, boat fares and entrance. 

I joined a group comprising of both local and foreign tourists.  I'm only in for the photo-ops so I did not bother anymore about snorkeling gears, which is a MUST whenever one goes island hopping in Coron.  I did apply sun-block and brought extra. 

Travel date : February 2011

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
f/11, 1/1600, ISO 800 

Our group left the Coron harbor just after 8am which is a good time to start the tour - not so many tourist yet. 

We boarded one of the many motorized boats docked near the town's Bay Walk, which is just a few minutes walk from the tour operators office.

First stop, the much famous Kayangan Lake,   To reach the lake, we have to walk-up a mountain trail, around 10-15 minutes up, then about the same time going down.

Its an easy climb compared to Mt. Tapyas, but be careful though because the steps are not paved and cemented and steep with rocks and boulders around.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, 1/100sec, f/11.0, 10mm, ISO 400

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
1/400sec, f/11.0, 10mm, ISO 400

Most travel brochures featuring Coron as their travel destination have this image as part of their write-up.  

This beautiful picture-perfect scenery can be seen after a walk up the mountain trail. A very good photo-op location in this part of the mountain. 

 
A cave or two can be found nearby but I did not bother to check anymore.The scenery itself is more interesting.

I waited for others to finish their photo-ops before I started taking pictures.  Boat loads of tourist have started to arrive.  The earlier you depart for the lake, the better so as to avoid the crowd. 

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, 1/400sec, f/11.0, 10mm, ISO 400

The place is just a small ridge. One false move and you'll find your self tumbling into the ravine a hundred feet or so below, so be careful when you get there.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11.0, 1/200, ISO400

Said to be the cleanest lake in the Philippines and sometimes called the Blue Lagoon, this freshwater lagoon is amidst sheer limestone cliffs.

One has to be careful though when swimming into the lake.  The stones underwater are sharp.  Life vest are provided by the tour operator. 

If you want to explore the lake, then arrange for a kayak with the tour operator.  Rental fee is between 300.00 to 500.00 pesos. 

I went ahead of the group returning to the docking area.  It allowed me time to read the history of the Tagbanua tribe on a tarpaulin that covered the walls of the guest center. The information is very helpful in understanding the life and culture of the tribe. Highly recommended to each tourist who goes to the lake.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11.0, 1/1000, ISO400

Next stop, the Twin Peaks Reef.

Snorkeling is the name of the game here. Hundreds of fish of all colors and shape abound here, but the corals are the main attraction.  One can see palm-size corals to as huge as 8-seater table-top size corals in this reef.

One 'snorkeler' noted that the Honda bay marine life pales in comparison to the ones found in Coron.  Majority in the group were in agreement.  I just hope locals will be able to maintain and preserve them.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
f11.0, 1/250, ISO400

After a hearty lunch provided by the tour operator and an hour or two break at the Atwayan white beach, we headed to the the Twin Lagoons.

Hidden behind giant walls are connecting lakes with an underground passage to access both lakes. The water is so clear in this lakes you can see fishes from the surface. You can also see interesting patterns in the water as lake and sea water mix.

At high tide you can either swim a few feet underneath the water to pass through the arch and surface in the other lagoon or pass through a stony narrow passage between two giant rocks. At low tide, you can paddle a kayak through.

I did not have the chance to check the other side of the lagoon, the twin, for fear of getting my camera and gears wet. I just waited on the docking area and snap a few shots.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
f11.0, 1/1250, ISO400

Last stop is the CYC island. Its the nearest one to Coron and the last remaining public beach in the Coron Island Loop.

No entrance fees and because of this, poor maintenance and thus garbage abound in the area. Its still a nice beach to swim, but be careful for occasional broken glasses and a few empty cans. Mangroves grow in the island allowing one to see a few fishes here and there. I just hope the local government will be able to maintain this place, even if it means imposing a minimal entrance fee.

We headed back to Coron just in time for sunset. One can view the sunset from the Bay Walk which gave me an idea for my next activity the following day.

feel free to ask questions regarding this post and I will respond the soonest possible.

- alr