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Is Coron the MOST BEAUTIFUL destination in the Philippines?
The Philippines is an archipelago comprising over 7,641 islands, each with unique charm and beauty. However, one island stands out among the rest for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and abundance of activities: Coron in Palawan.
Located in the northern part of Palawan, Coron is a small island known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning rock formations, and vibrant marine life. Many people consider it to be the most beautiful island in the Philippines.
Coron’s natural beauty is unparalleled, and it’s easy to see why it’s a must-visit destination in the Philippines. Its underwater world is one of the most impressive in the world, with stunning coral gardens, schools of colorful fish, and WWII shipwrecks that have become artificial reefs teeming with marine life.
Above water, the island is characterized by towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and lush mangrove forests. The island is rich in history and culture, with a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Spanish influences reflected in its local cuisine.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the many activities and places to visit in Coron, as well as how to get there. Whether you’re a diving enthusiast, an island hopper, or just looking to relax and unwind, Coron has something for everyone.
Interesting Facts about Coron:
Coron is a small town on the eastern side of Busuanga Island, the largest island in the Calamian group of Islands. The town is known for its world-class diving sites, home to several WWII shipwrecks that have become popular for tourists and diving enthusiasts.
Apart from diving, Coron is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The island boasts crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping. The landscape is also characterized by towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and lush mangrove forests.
Coron is also rich in history. The town was once occupied by the Japanese during World War II, and many of the shipwrecks found in the surrounding waters are a testament to this history. The island’s cultural heritage is also reflected in its local cuisine, which is a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Spanish influences.
Activities and Places to visit:
Diving
Coron’s diving sites are world-renowned, and for good reason. The island is home to several WWII shipwrecks that have become popular dive sites due to their historical significance and unique marine life. These dive sites offer a chance to explore underwater wrecks, including the World War II-era shipwrecks of the Akitsushima, Okikawa Maru, and the Irako. These wrecks have become artificial reefs, and divers can see an abundance of marine life, including schools of fish, colorful coral, and even sea turtles.
Island Hopping
Island hopping is a popular activity in Coron. The island is surrounded by dozens of small islands, each with their unique charm and beauty. Some of Coron’s most popular islands to visit include Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, and Bulog Dos Island. Each of these islands boasts crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand beaches, and vibrant marine life that’s perfect for snorkeling. You can rent a private boat or join a group tour to explore these islands.
Kayaking
Kayaking is an excellent way to explore Coron’s hidden lagoons and mangrove forests. You can rent a kayak from several operators in Coron, and they’ll provide you with everything you need, including a life jacket and a paddle. You can paddle through the calm waters of Coron Bay, explore the hidden lagoons, and get up close to the mangrove trees.
Climbing Mt. Tapyas
If you’re up for a challenge, you can climb Mt. Tapyas in the heart of Coron town. The summit offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the island and is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing. The climb to the top of the mountain is a little over 700 steps, so it’s a good workout, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
Maquinit Hot Springs
After a long day of diving or island hopping, relax and unwind at Maquinit Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are located about 30 minutes from Coron town and are a great place to soak your muscles and enjoy the serene surroundings. The hot springs are fed by saltwater from the sea, which gives them a unique mineral content that’s believed to have therapeutic benefits.
Calauit Safari Park
Calauit Safari Park is a wildlife sanctuary in the Calamian Islands in the northern part of Palawan, Philippines. It was established in 1976 with the help of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to provide a safe haven for African wildlife, particularly giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, which were facing extinction due to war and habitat loss in their home continent.
The park spans 3,700 hectares and is home to over 300 species of animals, including the aforementioned giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, as well as other mammals, reptiles, and birds. Visitors to the park can take a guided tour to see the animals up close or go on a safari adventure to see them in their natural habitats.
Apart from being a tourist attraction, the Calauit Safari Park also serves as a research and conservation center, with programs that focus on preserving and restoring endangered species and their habitats. The park also promotes awareness and education about wildlife conservation and responsible tourism.
How to get there:
Getting to Coron is relatively easy, but it does require some planning. The most common way to get to Coron is by flying to the Busuanga Airport on the nearby municipality of Busuanga. Several airlines offer flights to Busuanga, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a van or a tricycle to the port in Coron town, where you can catch a boat to your destination.
Another option is to take a ferry from Manila or Puerto Princesa to Coron. Several ferry operators offer regular trips to the island, and the journey takes around 8-10 hours.
In conclusion, Coron in Palawan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines. Its crystal-clear waters, stunning rock formations, and vibrant marine life make it a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Its towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and lush mangrove forests make it a haven for nature lovers, while its rich history and cultural heritage offer a glimpse into the island’s past. There’s no shortage of activities and places to visit in Coron, whether you’re looking to climb a mountain, soak in hot springs, or simply relax on a powdery white sand beach.
If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, be sure to include Coron in your itinerary. It’s a destination that’s sure to leave you in awe and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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Read:
- My Coron Palawan Experience
- 10 Most Beautiful Airbnbs in Coron Palawan
- List of Best Coron Luxury Hotels and Resorts
