Coron, Palawan Day 1

The plane left Manila and arrived in Busuanga on time. Our service was already waiting for us when we arrived. He took our bags, stuffed it at the back of the van and left the airport as soon as the other passengers got in. The van ride was about 1.5 hours from the airport to Darayonan.

Our room was not yet ready when we got there so they served our lunch first. After lunch, we took our bags to our room and changed clothes. 

We were very anxious about leaving our money and other valuables in the room. Good thing they told us that we can 'deposit' these items in the reception area. They'll give you a brown envelope to put your stuff in. They'll seal it with a scotch tape and have you sign your initials in the overlaps of the envelope, so you'll know that your items are still intact when you get them back. They will then give you a sort of a 'deposit slip' that you'll have to present later to claim your item. This somehow made us feel secure.

For Day 1, our tour guide was a petite lady who brought our afternoon snacks in a basket and our snorkels as well. The tricycle was already waiting outside and we took a 15-minute ride to get to the port in Coron market. It was a bit cloudy when we left the port and I was worried that it would rain and we wouldn't be able to enjoy the island hopping but we were in for a surprise.

We had a big boat and we were the only ones in it aside from our guide and the boatmen. Arkilado talaga! hehe

Our first stop was the beautiful Kayangan Lake. They say it's the cleanest lake in the Philippines. The lake is inhabited and protected by the Tagbanua tribe. The weather was very pleasant when we got there.

Tagbanua homes at Kayangan Lake entrance

other boats outside the lake

You got to hike a bit to get to the lake. Aqua shoes are highly recommended as the steps can be muddy or slimy, and it's a bit steep.

inside the lake

local kids having fun

they say this is the most pictured part of Kayangan Lake

Our next stop was the Twin Lagoon. As the name implies, these are two lagoons separated by some limestone formation. There is a small opening under the limestones which is visible during low tide. This is where you can pass to get to the other lagoon. Lots of sea urchins here by the way! They also made a platform and wooden ladder so people can still crossover to the other lagoon even during high tide.

Twin Lagoon entrance

Was not able to take pictures on the other side because our camera is not waterproof. :(

There were lots of people here so we didn't spend much time in the lagoon and decided to just go to the next spot: Sunset Beach. The islands' proximity to each other makes it easier to island hop because it takes about 10-15 minutes only to get to the next destination.

We had the beach to ourselves :D

It was almost 5:00 pm when we left the islands and headed back to the port. We took another tricycle ride to Maquinit Hot Springs. It was about a 20-minute uphill and bumpy ride to get there.

We found lots of foreigners enjoying the hot spring. At first dip, the water was really hot that I can't take it. It took a while to adjust to the water's temperature but slowly you'll start to feel it's very soothing. 

Whew! That was a lot for a half day activity. My limbs felt sore from climbing the limestones. We weren't able to wake up early enough the following day because we were so tired hehe.