One of my wife's best friend has been telling us for years about how beautiful Palawan is, with so many fabulous places to visit. Since my wife's friend now lives in Wales with her hubby and two children, she asked us to visit her island, take many photos and tell her about the trip! I had heard of the Underground River in Palawan but some of the other places on this majestic island, I had never heard about. According to local people, the Japanese used Palawan as one of their soldier's R&R destinations during World War II.
Coron, Palawan is rated among the Top 10 Best Diving Locations in the World! Celebrities from around the world visit Palawan to take in its beauty and many are avid divers.
About Coron, Palawan
Coron is a municipality on Palawan island with about 42,000 people. There are about 50 islets in and around Coron, which makes this a perfect destination for diving, fishing and sightseeing. Many divers enjoy the islands in and around Coron because they enjoy wreck exploration. According to local historians, there are about one dozen sunken Japanese warships in this area, from 30 feet to 130 feet deep in the sea.
For those not into diving, there are several other attractions in Coron. Maquinit Hot Springs is located in Barangay Tagumpay. It is always invigorating when taking a dip in the hot springs after a long day of walking around. Mt Tapyas offers a breathtaking view of Coron and the surrounding magnificent beauty.
There are many resorts in and around Coron, so the competition is fierce in making one particular resort more attractive than the others. There are many travel promotions available and most of them are less than $100 USD for 3 days and 2 nights in Coron. During the slower season, I have seen such promos as low as $45 at some resorts. Now, are those excellent travel deals or what?
Like every city and town, restaurants come and go but there will be some good ones still around in Coron during your visit, as when a restaurant closes, another takes it place. French, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine are available. BBQ and the local Filipino food will always be available, especially the bountiful seafood from the nearby sea.
You can reach Coron by commercial airlines or by the Super Ferry from Manila. The airport is about one hour outside of town. There is local transportation available to take you to all the hot spots you wish to visit.
Coron is only one of many locations in the Philippines that is still in its natural beauty and it offers a very affordable and exciting trip where many others have not gone.
I have done a lot of diving in the Philippines but I have not made it to Coron yet. I do plan to go to Coron on the next trip. I will also let you know there is now a direct flight on Cebu Air from Cebu City (Mactan Island) directly to Coron.
That is great, Rick, that you plan going to Coron your next trip to the Philippines. Thank you for passing along the flight information from Cebu City Mactan Island direct to Coron. That will certainly be helpful to our members who live in Cebu and are planning a visit.
Punta Bulata is the place for diving in Negros Occidental but that is another article in itself for the future. We have been to Punta Bulata in southern Negros Occidental one time previously and we plan going back one day in the future.
Have a good day!
~ Gary ~
Gary,
Sounds great! Have you made it to Coron yet?
Not for diving, Renato! Thanks. I admire those who are brave enough to go undersea exploring but it is not something I do. I still enjoy the resorts, the food and nature’s beauty in the islands that I have visited. I have never been disappointed.
Have a great day!
~ Gary ~
..very nice to read your travel stories, as I myself, plan to retire in the Philippines..even with a person like me who grew up in the northern part of the country (Vigan City), i never realized how beautiful the country is; as it was not in our family ways of traveling to the other islands during my teen days… thanks for your very informative write-ups on all the places to visit in the Philippines…it is indeed, especially traveling, more FUN in the Philippines !!!
Hi Ener,
Thank you and I am glad you enjoy reading my articles on Retiring to the Philippines.
There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit in the Philippine and I have also traveled a lot in Luzon, outside Metro Manila.
~ Gary ~