Aside
from diving the famous wrecks, thermal lakes and caverns,
there is so much more to discover in Coron.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON CORON, BUSUANGA
SITES OF INTEREST
SIGHTSEEING ACTIVITIES AND TOURS
GENERAL INFORMATION ON CORON, BUSUANGA
The
Calamian group of islands. It is in the nothernmost part of Palawan
of the Calamian Group whose main island are Busuanga, Coron, Culion
and Linapacan.
Busuanga, the largest in the calamian group of islands is composed
of 63 islands and islets.
The municipality of Busuanga in Salvacion is approximately 212.8
nautical miles from Puerto Princesa and 34.7 miles from the municipality
of Coron about an hour and a half ride through verdant and rural
scenery. The unspoiled countryside scenery entices the travelers
to dream of
a paradise lost in the nothernmost part of Palawan.
CORON is midway between Manila and Puerto Princesa, the provincial
capital of Palawan. It is also the nothernmost municipality and
is located on the island of Busuanga. It has a land area of 689.10
square kilometers. It is composed of 63 island and islets. And includes
Coron island. Politically it comprises 23 barangays. Its topography
is characterized by rugged terrain and rolling hills, mountain ranges
running in almost all directions and an extensive seashore. The
coastline is very irregular and its 14 rivers are small and narrow.
Mountain lakes (7), hotsprings (1), and white beaches are also found
in the locally. It has a population of about 27,000.
SITES
OF INTEREST
CORON
ISLAND: Dramatic limestone walls surround magnificient
lagoons. A fringing reef protects entrance to coves and mangroves
growth that lead to "hidden lakes". Home to 7 lakes of which Cayangan
and Barracuda can be visited, this island is undoubtly the area's
primary resource as an ecological destination for tourists. Coron
island is a 15 minute boat ride from the town of Coron.
BANOL BEACH: One of
a few beaches on Coron Island, its white sand in contrast to the
limestone in the background provides vistas on approach it is ideal
for daytime swimming snorkelling and some fishing. A favorite picnic
spot.
CAYANGAN LAKE: Recognized
for 5 consecutive years as the cleanest lake in the Philippines,
be amazed by its immensity, experience its cool fresh waters as
you swim.
BARRACUDA LAKE: Also
on Coron island this lake lies behind an array of limestone walls.
Visitors will get off their boat and climb some 15 meters up and
over these walls to Barracuda lake. Divers have the added advantage
of experiencing the thermal layers at a depth of 14 meters where
water temperature rises from 28 at the top to 38 at the bottom. The Barracuda
are still around.
SIGHTSEEING,
ACTIVITIES AND TOURS
ISLAND
HOPPING:
The best way to explore islands of Coron Bay is from Coron town
with a bangka . Tiny Cagbatan island, better known as CYC island
is ideal for picnics as is the slightly larger Dimanglet island,
both of them are near Coron. Cruise more than 1,000 islands in the
Calamians…rates range from P 1,500 and up, depending on the distance,
take a lunch for munching on the beach. I suggest a nice yellow
fin tuna and small amount of charcoal for your boatman to cook on
the beach.
SNORKELLING TRIPS:
1 to 3 days island hopping with snorkelling in crystal clear water
with BBQ on a white sandy beach.
KAYAKING
TOUR: Rent a kayak and explore the surrounding islands,
enjoy the breathtaking views of the limestone ridges and caves.
MAQUINIT
HOT SPRINGS: Water temperature at 40" (104"F) is
PEEEERFECT. Best times would be in the morning, late afternoon or
evening. Take water, cokes or beer & food for nice picnic. Go
by boat ( high tide) or tricycle. P 200 by tricycle &
P 100.00 entry fee to hot springs. These springs are among the finest
in the world.
MOTORCYCLE TOURS:
Rent a motorbike & spend a joyful day touring the countryside.
Suggest for semi-experienced riders only. P 650.00 /day/motorbike.
LIKE
TO HIKE: Climb Mt. Darala, the highest point in
the Calamianes islands. The hike takes about 3 1/2 hours to the
top and back with spectacular scenery. Starting point from Mabentangen road.
We will be happy to send a guide with you. Take plenty of water.
Climb
Mt. Tapyas. Hike from town up to the top of this hill overlooking
the town & the bay & surrounding islands. Thirty minute
hike. Be careful as darkness sets in within about 15 minutes after
sunset due to the closeness of the equator.
ISLAND
SAFARI: Visit Calauit game preserve, located on
the northwest corner of Busuanga island. The preserve has many giraffes,
zebra, antelope, deer & of course the endangered mouse deer.
About 3 1/2 hours by pumpboat ( P 15,000 maximum of 8 person) or
3 hours by car & boatP5,000/ person plus theventry fee. Very basic overnight accomodation can be arranged.
VISIT
THE LAPU-LAPU AND LOBSTER SHIPPERS: See the delicaciies
of the sea on their way to Tokyo, Hongkong, Taiwan & other restaurants.
We will be happy to give you directions. There is no charge at these
shippers.
VISIT THE COTTAGE INDUSTRY:
Visit the cashew processing factory. See the cashew nuts cut, extracted,
peeled & roasted all by hand. Fun to watch. No charge at the
processing plant. We will be happy to give directions.
VISIT CORON ISLAND:
Currently the fee to visit Kayangan lake is P200.00 person
payable to the local indigenous Tagbanua Foundations.. It's required
to listen to 15 minute explanation before being allowed to go.
VISIT HISTORIC CULION:
Location of Leprosy Sanitarium, at once largest colony in the world
on town, constructed by the U/S. in 1906 and in continue operation
since. The town is located about 1 1/2 hours west of Coron. Boat
fees about P 4,500 & will hold 6-8 persons. A pretty trip
with an excellent museum detailing the sanitarium & tour of
the clinic & hospital.
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