Coron: Coron Wonders|Day 1

It was raining, there was no electricity and I didn't notice the highlighted reminder on our tour package guidelines that I should bring a mosquito repellant...

It could have been a disaster of a vacation, but not if you're going to Coron, Palawan.

As recommended by a friend, I contacted Coron Wonders via email - coronwonders@gmail.com, but (just like the Pension House) the response was not as fast as I am used to when making my reservations via email so I also contacted them via sms to follow up.

My contact was Ate Rina, but I wasn't able to meet her anytime during our Coron stay, as stated on the package guidelines that was emailed to us, Tatay Sergio Domingo was the one who met as at Coron Reef Pension House.

We gave our payment to Tatay Sergio. It was 3440.00 Php per head. We deposited 10 percent of the total package price a week before our arrival.

Aside from the Entrance fees, boat/tricycle rentals, and tour guide services, our package includes dinner on the first day, and AM snack, lunch, and PM snack on the second and third day.

Our Itinerary
1st Day
Town Proper Familiarization
Mt. Tapyas
Maquinit Hot Spring-Dinner

2nd Day
Malcapuya-Banana Island-Malaroyroy/Bulog

3rd Day
Siete Pecados
Calachuchi Beach
Vivian Beach-Lunch
Kayangan Lake-Kayangan Cave

Barracuda Lake
Twin Lagoon
Skeleton Wreck

1st Day

Busuanga Airport

 Manual luggage claim

Kuya Mike was waiting for us with a name card, we arrived in 2 batches and my cousin who flew with Zest Air arrived as scheduled. Ours was with Airphil Express and our flight was slightly delayed. 

On our way to town... Airport Transfer was 150Php per head per way.

We drove to our hotel where we were advised by Tatay Sergio to take our lunch before we head to Mt. Tapyas.

Kawayanan Grill Station was a highly recommended place, so we took a tricycle for 7Php/head to get there for lunch. 

As they only prepare food as you order, the wait time can take as long as 20-30 minutes.

It was very humid at the time so the selection of fruit shakes on the menu was a treat. They gave us no hard time choosing though as the only flavor that they had available was banana.

We ordered their seafood pancit canton (Good for 2), Sisig (good for 2), and a plate of their all day breakfast (prices ranging from 100-150Php). All I can say is that with the taste of the food,atleast for our selection, was worth the wait. The food was gone before we were full enough to think about taking pictures.

We then returned to Coron Reef where a tricycle was waiting for us to take us to Mt. Tapyas.

It was already raining at the time so the Kuya Tricycle asked if we would still want to trek up the 724 steps. It was never a question, we were up for the challenge.

We went around town, the market, and Lualhati Park.

Our first stop was the souvenir shop, we checked out the items but decided that we would just go back on a different day. Our only purchase was a small bag of roasted cashew nuts (100Php). A friend brought one after the generous lady selling the cashew nuts opened a small bag and gave it to him for free so he can try it.

Our next stop was Mt. Tapyas. The view and the (3)kids selling bottles of water/gatorade made the trek up fun and easy.

The view of the town and the rolling mountains were breathtaking even with the rain clouds looming around us.

It was a different story going down. We have to stop every 50 steps or so to rest because our knees were shaking, mine felt like jelly and was about ready to give way.

It was worth a bottle of water going up and another going down. 

We then proceeded to check out the town church but decided to go to our next stop as there was an ongoing mass and it was crowded with people.

Coron Harvest was our next stop, but we were unable to get anything because most of their items are already out of stock.

So we went to Maquinit Hotspring. The therapeutic water of the hot spring was welcoming after the tiring climb up Mt. Tapyas. 

Dinner was served afterwards.

We decided to go back to the Pension House after dinner.To our chagrin-because of our shaking knees-the Kuya Tricycle dropped us off at the main road. According to him tricycles are no longer allowed to enter the hotel area at the time. It was about 8PM.

We were happy to find though that power was back up and running, so we were able to rest comfortably, preparing us for our days ahead.