I got up early to catch a photo of the much-awaited sunrise in Coron. Only to discover that there was a tall mountain obstructing the view. Whew! I went back to our room and prepared our things for our exciting Coron Island Loop Tour.

We ate our breakfast at Teresa Bacsa in Coron town. Satisfied and full, we headed to the market and bought fresh fish, crabs, rice, charcoal, and fruits. One good thing about hiring a boat in Coron is that you can ask the boatmen to cook lunch for you. When we went back to Birang Guest House our service boat which was referred again by Ate Viring was already waiting for us near the little porch.

Rate of a boat – P1,500

Here are we go for our exciting Coron island loop tour.

Siete Pecados is a small protected sanctuary which is also known as the islets of the seven sins. This is one of the famous snorkeling spots in Palawan and the nearest to the mainland. As we were sitting in the boat, sunlight was penetrating the shimmering waters. So clear that we could see corals and lots of fish swarming together. And there went the adrenalin rush.

Me, my hubby, and Froi dashed into the water hastily. Marie having her monthly period stayed in the boat. The whole snorkeling spot was a sight to behold.  Wow! I was bewildered peering in what seemed to be a giant aquarium.

Marine life was so abundant. I’ve seen lots of corals of various shapes and colors and lots of fish swimming everywhere. I tried to capture them in my hand but they swam so fast away from me. There were long spine sea urchins, so beware! First time I saw big fishes roaming in the deeper part. Wishing to see them face to face but I couldn’t because I was only using a snorkel and not a diving suit. My hubby and I stood in a big flat hard coral and snorkel again.

Boatmen are not allowed to use anchors to prevent corals from harm. Good job guys, I salute you for your discipline! We can’t stay longer because our target is to visit eight spots within this day. One hour is not enough here, but so long for the next destination!

How I wish we have an underwater camera to capture the wonderful underwater scenery.

Entrance fee: P100

Kayangan Lake. I was held breathless as we passed two towering limestone cliffs. This was indeed the start of many of nature’s surprises. The turquoise color of the sea was so clear and got clearer as our boat docked on the shore. We paid our entrance fees to Tagbanua natives who were very accommodating and friendly. A little boy gave us clear instructions on how to go to Kayangan Lake and where to take a picture of the famous iconic symbol of Coron.

We took a climb to stone steps with wooden handrails. Halfway, I got too excited looking at the cove and the most photographed spot in Coron. And here was our photo from the vantage point.

From the small cave, we took the steep trail going down the lake. And there we saw the full view of Kayangan Lake, glistening and so inviting. The underwater limestone formations and small long pointed nose fish could be seen clearly while standing on the boardwalk.

No doubt Kayangan Lake was dubbed as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. It was really clean and clear. After dropping our bags, my hubby and Froi dashed immediately into the water. I had a hard time going down fearing that I might hit those sharp rock formations. Funny, two foreign ladies pointed to me the perfect spot to jump, and there I go! hahaha! Thank you, ladies.

This was my first time swimming in a lake. I was ecstatic because I could still see the bottom of the lake though I was swimming in the deeper part. Such a wonderful experience wading on the water while communing with the lake’s tranquil charm. Foreigners were scattered everywhere. Take note, they dominated the area in great numbers than Filipinos.

Entrance Fee:  P200

As our boat approached the shore I could not hide my excitement anymore. I stood up and took pictures of the beach. It was a small strip of fine white sand sitting at the foot of a towering limestone cliff. The water was very clear and the sand was very fine. Our boatmen cooked our lunch here.

I was overwhelmed and in awe. I saw various kinds of fish, big blue starfish and the lovable two Nemo busy playing in their anemone home. They were very cute. Though there were long spine sea urchins, we still enjoyed our snorkeling.

Later, we eat our lunch in a wooden cottage. While munching our food, my eyes were feasting the dazzling water, this is where I saw the difference between Palawan from those places we’ve been. Beaches and lakes are both clean, crystal clear, and are safe for kids.

Leaving this enchanting place made my heart sank. I still want to spend more time. But we have to move on to another.

Shipwreck. A sunken ship was lying on a deep part as evident to the color of the water, it was deep blue. And it gave me a scare. But thanks to our life jacket for encouraging me to brave this adventure. My hubby told me he felt a bit terrified when he saw the shipwreck. When I looked down, I felt the same thing. I grabbed my husband’s hand and we swam together, braving myself watching the scary ship. Haha!

I released my grip when we reached the shallow area. Marine life was also abundant; there were lots of fish of any kind and beautiful corals. I saw Kuya Romeo (the boat owner) dipping in the water wearing goggles only. How I wish I was like him, he was a good swimmer indeed. Still reluctant but it took me twice to view the shipwreck.

Just like what I did at Puerto Galera, I dared myself to swim with no life jacket. My hubby is my lookout. It was so tiring but at least, I tried to overcome my fear of the sea. It was really challenging and fun! haha!

Entrance Fee:  P100

CYC (Coron Youth Club). This is a public beach with no entrance fee. According to our boatmen, CYC was once the best beach in Coron. But though there was no maintenance anymore, the water was still clear, shallow, and is still ideal for swimming. Natural mangroves were abundant in the area. It’s nice to immerse in the water and enjoy the sun and sand adventure with the crowd.

Twin Lagoon. Approaching boats dock on the first lagoon. The second lagoon which is hidden could be accessed through an opening underneath limestone rock on low tide and through a wooden ladder on high tide.

All I could utter here is… WOW!  We were again astounded to see more and more fascinating towering limestone cliffs scattered everywhere. We could not wait to come close, so we jumped into the water full of excitement going to the hole.

But the water was rising and so space was getting smaller. We were instructed to proceed to the other lagoon so we could swim much easier coming from there. We took our climb on a small wooden ladder and there we saw the other lagoon where lots of people swim.

Hurriedly, hubby and Froi jumped so excitedly… hahaha! I sat awhile on the wooden platform and let my eyes perceived the beautiful scenery and feel the tranquil splendor of the lake. I was drowned much to the serenity that I didn’t hear my hubby calling me to jump into the water and join them.

The water was a bit hazy and brackish. I savored the cool and warm feeling from the combination of fresh and saltwater. When it was our turn to swim to the hole, we swam in a back float style very carefully to avoid the sharp jagged rocks then we were pulled by Kuya Romeo when we were near the entrance. It was a very swift move, and in the next instance, we were back to the first lagoon. Hahaha! It was so exciting and fun!

We went snorkeling again. Water was clearer here and we’re so lucky to see a school of fish. This is one unforgettable adventure that I wouldn’t mind doing over and over again. I love it!

Entrance fee: P50 per head.

Barracuda Lake. This was our last and I could feel, my body was tired but my mind is still willing. We took a climb in a thin and wet wooden ladder over sharp, jagged rocks. Whew! I was amazed when I saw our guide, a Tagbanua boy who crawled like spiderman from limestone to limestone.

We were the last group to enter the lake. It took us about twenty minutes to reach the stiff entrance because the divers (all foreigners) having oxygen tanks at their backs had encountered difficulty going up and down the thin ladder. I asked the divemaster (a Filipino) what they want to see at the lake. He told me that foreigners were curious about the thermal condition of the water.

Just like Kayangan Lake, the beauty of Barracuda Lake is revealed through up and down trekking. Nice adventure though.

I was amazed looking at the stunning jagged limestone formations under the water but I got terrified for I couldn’t see the bottom anymore. It was too deep. Me, my hubby, and Froi were left on the surface because the first group didn’t swim, they just visited the lake and leave. Divers submerged on the deepest part. I was left in solitude and was scared to explore. Instead, I focused my eyes on watching the luscious vegetation. I was overwhelmed by the tranquility of the lake.

The little “spiderman” was sitting in limestone rock and was looking at me. He told me about the interesting story of the lake. There was once a large barracuda residing in the lake. I got scared again, but thank goodness that barracuda was no longer visible in the snorkeling area. I’ve learned from him also that the lake had a depth of 100 feet.  Whew!

Talking with this little boy somehow helped me fight my fear. I snorkel around with confidence and I enjoyed looking at the massive underwater limestone structures. Barracuda Lake amazed me so much. Later divers came up to the surface. I was happy seeing them for I knew they enjoyed their diving experience. Wishing I was with them on their adventure.

Entrance Fee:  P100

I was really thankful for this wonderful adventure. Thank You, Lord, for this wonderful opportunity to see your awesome creations. There ended up our Coron loop. It was an amazing experience. Snorkeling, trekking, swimming, and nature tripping, all in one adventure. I just couldn’t sustain my happiness.

Because we enjoyed it a lot, we gave P300 tip to Kuya Medis.

If there is a place that I would want to go back to, Coron, my dream paradise is definitely that place. And surely, we will go back with our kids.