Tag: Palawan

DIY Palawan: A First-Timer’s Guide to Coron

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We’ve mentioned it a lot of times in our posts before, Palawan is love. We’ve wrote about El Nido in the past, now it’s time to focus on another famous Palawan destination, Coron. Coron is situated in the island of Busuanga and is part of the Calamian group of islands in Northern Palawan. Like El Nido, it’s famous for its striking white sand beaches and turquoise waters. In addition, Coron also features beautiful lakes and world-class diving spots. Widely known for its Japanese World War II shipwrecks, it’s a popular place for diving enthusiasts. Although, we haven’t explored all there is to do in Coron, we’ll share with you our experience and hope it can help you plan your own little getaway to this paradise.

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Karst formations in Coron

GETTING THERE

Getting to Coron is easy-peasy compared to El Nido. A 55-minute flight from Manila to Busuanga and a 45-minute van ride to town and you’re there. All local airlines have flights to Busuanga from Manila. Check out Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and SkyJet. You can watch out for their seat sales to get the best deal. We got a return flight for Php2,000 for this trip. Once you land on the airport, there are numerous van services that can take you to your hotel or you can set up a pick-up with the hotel you’re staying at. The van ride to Coron Town will set you back Php150 per person for a one-way trip.

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Do-It-Yourself Honda Bay Tour, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

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Most tourists go straight to El Nido from the Puerto Princesa Airport but there’s so much to see in this city that you shouldn’t miss. I had my recent reunion with high school friends here and the city is a perfect quick getaway with your barkada.

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GETTING THERE and GETTING AROUND

There are many local airlines flying to Puerto Princesa International Airport from Manila, Cebu and Davao daily. We flew with Cebu Pacific Air for only P750 roundtrip which we got during a seat sale. There are different ways to get around Puerto Princesa, these include tricycles, multicabs, jeepney and vans. For short distances, we usually just took the tricycle which is P10 each person. For longer distances, you can negotiate a rate with the driver.

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Working in Palawan Paradise: Pangulasian Island

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Approaching Pangulasian Island

Approaching Pangulasian Island

I am sitting at the departure area of Lio Airport. It’s 8:40 in the morning, in twenty minutes, I will be going back to Manila. Pangulasian Island has been my home for the past two months. It’s hard to find words to describe how my experience has been. Two months went by too fast.

Snorkeling at 6am waiting for the sharks

Snorkeling at 6am waiting for the sharks

Early morning kayak sessions

Early morning kayak sessions

Living in a beautiful island surrounded by nature’s bounty is an inexplicable thing. Waking up to the sounds of chirping birds in the morning, going for a run at 6:00 AM surrounded by lush greenery and all you can hear is your breath and nature’s sounds. Hiking to the top of the island to see the moon set and the sun rise with a 360 view of the stunning Bacuit Bay. There is no shortage of majestic, painting-like sunsets.

Pangulasian Sunset

Pangulasian Sunset

Digging my feet into the fine white sand and looking out into the azure waters. Witnessing turtle hatchlings, swimming with the sharks, monitor lizards gallivanting around the island, monkeys in the smoking area, kayaking under the moonlight. These are just some of the things I have experienced for the past two months.

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Pangulasian Panorama

Turtle hatchlings on the island

Turtle hatchlings on the island

Going to the island, I did not know what to expect. I have always lived in the city and living on an island with the beach a few steps from where I sleep has always been a dream. So when I got an opportunity to work in El Nido Resorts’ Pangulasian Island, I grabbed it. And I am so glad I did. In working there, I have met the loveliest and most genuine people. Thank you for the friendship and the random adventures I will always remember with fondness. It does claim to be “The most beautiful place in the world” and it lives up to that title. Through the real gem of the island – its people.

-Tanya

Evening class with the staff

Evening class with the staff

Last night in Pangulasian Island with the Marine Sports boys

Last night in Pangulasian Island with the Marine Sports boys

Saying our goodbyes on my last day

Saying our goodbyes on my last day

Goodbye, Pangulasian! I will be back!

Goodbye, Pangulasian! I will be back!