Coron, Palawan Scrapbook: Day 3

Our third day in Coron started great, we finally woke up early and was able to get our butts off the bed and run. On the day we arrived, hubby noticed a sign 200 meters from our hotel that Joggers and hikers are welcome. Which was great because I brought with me 3 pairs of socks, 3 sport bras, 2 shorts and 2 leggings and 3 running shirt for the whole 4 days trip. (which I realized, I just needed 1 pair coz we are too lazy and tired to get up early). I did not finish my 5km planned run because the shorts I was wearing was chaffing the already chaffed thighs. I told hubby that its time to go back to the hotel to get some breakfast because its already 7am and we’ll be picked up by our tour guides by 8am.

The Fernvale Subdivision is open for joggers and hikers

Running with a view and a bit of uphill and downhill route too.

At breakfast I had the best tasting danggit so far in my entire life (better than those from Cebu). And vowed to get some home for mom. And so I was waiting at the hotel café and checking my watch and its already 8:18am, we should have been picked up by now. At 8:30am I told hubby to call the agent that we spoke to. Adrian was furious and ask me to talk to the lady on the other line because we were not booked for the Tour A which was want because its cheap (PhP 1,000 for 5 destinations already).Oh shit! was what my brain was saying, this I not happening to us, this will ruin the whole trip if we won’t go on tour today, there will be no other time anymore as we are leaving tomorrow.

So I spoke to the person on the other line. I want to shout at her and tell her why she didn’t book us at that tour since she was the one who suggested that we get the Tour A on a Saturday instead of last Friday. But its useless because she won’t be able to squeeze us into that tour. Told her instead that we need to go to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon and she should give us a tour that include these two destinations. She said there is still a slot for the ultimate tour which includes those 2 destinations including 5 more Islands, the Siete Picados, Skeleton Ship Wreck, Smith Beach, CYC Beach. But is 500 pesos more expensive. I decided to just get on with it so as not to ruin this vacation. Didn’t negotiate anymore as its already getting late and it will just waste more time if I do so. We were picked up after 15 minutes and took us to the port.

When we arrived to the port, I saw a couple waiting and the boat and when hubby asked the tour guide if its just the four of us, I heard he said yes. Oh no! But they seemed to be nice people. So once I stepped into the boat, I flashed my awkward smile and said HI! And they introduced themselves as Lester and Joanne. After the introduction from our side. We were discussing about the events the led us together: They were about to leave already when they were advised that another guests will be joining their ultimate tour (that’s us!) They also were waiting for their rented aqua shoes that they recommended I too should get. So I did. But the one thing that I did not rent is the snorkel because I had trouble breathing through my mouth yesterday so I decided that I will not snorkel.  Before leaving the port I got to know a bit about the couple (Joanne was so happy when she learned that I also don’t know how to swim) I think she was relieved that she’s not alone in this battle to learn how to swim. Lester was a Nurse by education but a Sales person by profession. Which I too can relate as I said that I used to be in Sales before moving to customer service….

Anyway enough of that… Lets just summarize the happenings that day with these wonderful photos by us and by our tour guide Bert (JY Travel and Tours).

First destination was Siete Picados which compose of 7 islets where we did our snorkeling around the largest islet. Since me and Joanne does not know how to swim, our guide Bert pulled the lifesaver so we can move around the islets. Unfortunately no pictures here.

Second destination is the famous Kayangan Lake. Kayangan is a Tagbanau term for entrance. Entrance to all other lakes. It has a brackish water, a combination of 70% fresh water, and 30% salt water. It serves as the cleanest and greenest lake in the Philippines. We also entered a tiny opening to a small cave when we were swimming on the lake. Unfortunately, we didn't get a good photo while we were inside. I guess you should go to Kayangan to see it for your self.

entering the Kayangan Lake

The Kayangan Lake

And hubby took the first plunge to the cleanest lake in the Philippines.

Clear water everywhere. And lime stones everywhere. How amazing is our God?

Our Couples Tour with Joanne and Lester

The obligatory Kayangan Lake view Shot for all visitors. 10 years to 10 years more!

When you search Coron Palawan in Google, you'll see a lot of this famous shot.
A postcard worthy image taken by our guide Kuya Gilbert

The trek going to and from the lake

Lunch time at Kayangan Lake. Seafood galore!

Third Destination is the Twin Lagoon. I think this is my favorite spot of all destination as there were less people that Kayangan lake and It was low tide when we got there so we were able to pass through the opening to the lagoon under the limestones. Anyone who wish to swim in these lagoons (which I highly recommend you do) will be able to experience changes in the water temperature or known as Thermo Cline. As the water becomes deeper, the temperature increases and becomes warmer due to linestone deposit at the sea bed. Sometimes the water becomes cool and sometimes the water becomes warm because this is where the salt water and fresh water meets.

entering the Twin Lagoon

Did you know that the limestone increases 1 inch in hight every 100 years?
How old do you think these lime stones are if they are this tall?

Enjoying our Lagoon Swim.. no Brooke Shields here or Leo DiCaprio (it could have been great though)

That small opening at the back is the entrance to the Twin Lagoon

Our 4th Destination is the Skeleton Wreck, Where you can see from the boat the fishes and the skeleton of a Japanese boat covered by corals. We enjoyed snorkeling here because the fishes were big and they are too close to us like there are so happy to see us and play with us.

view from the boat. You can see a part of the ship wreck on the right covered with corals.

off to our next destination

The 5th Destination is the Smith Beach-- we were the only ones in the beach and I took the time here to give in to the call of nature haha!

We had this beach all to ourselves... The Smith Beach

Having fun with one of our guides who photo bombed our shot

Another Jump Shot courtesy of our tour guide, Gilbert

Off to the next island... so how do I get to open this Buko (Coconut) Shell?

So this is what scattered rain showers looks like...

Our Sixth destination was at the CYC Beach (Coron Youth Club) where we did another round of snorkeling and saw lots of sea urchins and tiny fishes and clams. We were greeted by 3 guard dogs that were guarding the  beach.

The Welcoming Committee

CYC Beach

This is how we fight.. after several tries.. i still can't lift my leg.

Fighting Jump Shot Failed!

Lets just do a jump shot minus the fighting haha!

Me and my husband agreed that this was a fun tour. We enjoyed it way better than yesterday because, We get to do more snorkeling, more trekking, the islands that we visited were unique and not all sun and sand. It was really an adventure for the both of us. Also it will not be fun if it was not because of Lester and Joanne, I know we will have fun on our own, but its nice to share a new experience with another great couple   as they are both easy to get along with. Not to mention we had a great tour guide who swam with us, patiently pulled the butter nut donut lifesaver so that me and Joanne can get from 1 place to another. And took great photos of our jumpshots.

We had great memories here in Coron and as we settle down for the night. I Thank God for the unexpected turn of events from good to disappointing to wonderful. Now i truly believe that our plans is no match to God's plan for us. And His plans are way way better than ours.

Good Night from Coron.

xoxo,

S

Tip for the day:

1. Confirm your tour booking the day before it is scheduled to make sure that there is no misunderstanding and not waste time and avoid paying for more than what you have budgeted for the tour/trip.

2. I recommend JY Travel and Tour island hopping/adventure packages and ask for Bert to be your guide (or Charlie) 0920.5532361/ 0920.5531710. You may also contact our guide Bert directly at number 0999.4941877

3. Bring water proof camera or under water cameras so you can take pictures without worrying  to damage you camera or phones. If you don't have one. Buy one of those water proof bags where you can put your phones, cameras and cash.