From North Bus Terminal, we took Sugbo Transit Bus to Hagnaya Port. There's no need to book in advance as there are a lot of buses running from NBT to Hagnaya Port. We left the terminal at around 8:00am and after 4 1/2 hours and 2 stops (Carmen and Bogo), we arrived at Hagnaya Port. There are only 2 RORO companies operating Hagnaya-Sta Fe trip--Island Shipping and Super Shuttle. We took the 12:30pm Super Shuttle trip. To our dismay, the RORO was poorly maintained. You can smell the toilet from meters away. No air-conditioned accommodation. It was really horrible. Good thing the trip only took 1 1/2 hour. We barely managed to survive. Argh!

We arrived at Sta. Fe Port around 1:30pm. Upon alighting the RORO you have to walk about 300 meters to their arrival lounge where you'll be asked to register and pay Php30.00 as ecological fee. From there, you can hail a tricycle which can take you to your accommodations for Php20.00/head.

After a 5-minute trip, we arrived at Beach Placid Resort. I was able to book a quadruple room for only Php3,970.00! The resort was great--with very nice beachfront, good food, and friendly staff. You can also get FREE pick up and send off to and from the port.

mandatory photo shoot

beachfront of Beach Placid Resort

Sightseeing proper started on our second day. We hired a tricycle for Php200.00/head to take us to the tourist spots in the island. Our fist stop was the Mangrove Garden which was one of the shooting location for the movie Camp Sawi.

Photo not mine. Credits to the owner.

Coron Island is probably the most visited among the Calamian Group of Islands. I mean, why not? With its lush green mountains and pristine waters, there is definitely so much to love in Coron.

Views from my window seat.

Coron is the third largest island in the Calamian Archipelago. Tourism is currently the largest industry in the island due to its beaches, lakes, and diving spots. There's a couple of ways to reach the island but the most convenient would probably be an airplane ride. At times, airfares going direct to Busuanga is tend to quite expensive; it being a top destination. But hey! Gone are the days when only the rich can travel. Be always on the lookout for seatsale--we got ours for only Php2,500 (roundtrip fare via PAL).

We've arrived!

Upon arrival at Busuanga Airport, you'll be welcomed by a lot of travel agencies and tour companies offering 'almost' the same travel packages. It's now your choice to pick. Nevertheless, all agencies offer good services. As I experienced, travel agents are very friendly, accommodating, and helpful (even if you don't get their services). Even the tour van drivers are all smiles at tourists. They are also very chatty--in a helpful way--and offers you insider tips on what's good and not in Coron.

So, how did we pick ours? I actually just googled it online. And fortunately, the travel agency turned out to be legit and great. We booked as joiners at JY Travel and Tours. They offer various day tour packages but you can save more if you book the whole duration of your stay with them. If I remember correctly, we only paid about Php2,500/head for our 4D3N trip in Coron and this includes our accommodation. The accommodation is more of a guesthouse so if you're looking for something fancy, look somewhere else. But if what you need is something budget-friendly, get this package. For a very affordable rate you gate 3 full day tours inclusive of lunch, free breakfast, and accommodations. It's basically a bang for your buck!

 

Day 1: Coron Town Tour

From Cebu, we took the 8:40am flight straight to Busuanga via PAL. Once arrived, we took a van from the airport to our guesthouse. We paid for this as this was not included in the package. After checking in and grabbing some lunch, we proceed with our first tour--Coron Town Tour. We had a gloomy weather that day and so we really didn't get to see much of each of the destinations. Also, being a joiner, we had to stop by a couple of guesthouses and hotels to pick up other joiners of the tour.

Destinations: Lualhati Park, Souvenir Shop (closed as it was a Sunday afternoon), Centennial Shrine, Cashew Factory, Mount Tapyas, Maquinit Hot Spring
Duration: 3-4 hours

Centennial Shrine

Somewhere along the steps going to the top of Mount Tapyas. I was very tired and wasn't able to go all the way up.

Panoramic view of Maquinit Spring

Day 2: Coron Island Tour A

Now this is where the fun really begins. All geared up, we started our way towards the wharf where our pump-boat for the day is waiting for us. Being joiners, we had to wait for other joiners to meet at least the minimum number of passengers before we can depart. What's really cool is that you don't only get to explore new places but you get to meet new friends.

Destinations: Las Islas de Coral, CYC Beach, Sunset beach, Quinn Reef, Green Lagoon, Kayangan Lake
Duration: 5-6 hours

First stop was Green Lagoon, and immediately, I was awe-strucked. The lagoon was very green, with clear and clean waters. I warn, you'll never be able to stop yourself from taking a dip.

The Green Lagoon.

After having satisfied ourselves from all the swimming and picture-taking, we departed to CYC Beach where we will also have our lunch.

A quick dip at CYC Beach

We had boodle fight for lunch which was prepared by our boatmen and tour guide. The food was not good enough for us. I wonder how it was for the foreign tourists who dined with us. After lunch and a quick rest, we continued on with our tour. Sharing the boat with other joiners was really fun. We were singing and dancing like we're all old buddies.

Mandatory picture-taking at most famous spot in all of Coron

Because the weather was not very friendly that day, we had to return to the main island immediately. However, it was not a sad ending as we were able to go to all the destinations. And tomorrow is gonna be another day of swimming and exploring.

Day 3: Coron Island Tour B

Last day of our island tour and still the weather is so gloomy. It was raining hard early in the morning and we thought that all boat trip will be cancelled. Fortunately, it wasn't. While the heavens was pouring down on us, we continued on with our tour. Unexpectedly, the rain stopped every time we reached the destinations. Then it rains again when on our way to the next spot. Talk about coincidences!

Destinations: Barracuda Lake, Smith Beach, Skeleton Wreck, Reef Garden, Twin Lagoon
Duration: 5-6 hours

Panoramic view of the Barracuda Lake

Photo taken by our tour guide

The travel beshies!

After just 2 island tours, I generally think that all the lakes and lagoons are all the same haha! I mean, I even had a hard time sorting my pictures out. Everything looks the same to me haha!


My thoughts: Coron is a great place to visit. Accommodations are cheap. Tour packages are affordable. However, the food here is quite expensive. So better to travel with a group so you can share expenses on meals. Also, I'm not a travel-package-type-of-tourist and so I'm really reluctant in availing of these packages. In Coron, however, I think it is best that you get a packaged tour. It's convenient, cheap, and time-efficient.

Now here's a sample itinerary and budget summary that you may use as a reference on your Coron Trip (if you opt not to get a packaged tour):

Happy trip! Ciao!

It's the time of the year again when the hot summer sun is bothering each and every moving body in the world. We are not complaining, not at all. For this is also the time when friends come together and go on a summer getaway to welcome the summer heat.

View from the top

This year, the gang's destinations were Sambawan Island and Tinago Falls--both found in Biliran Province. Biliran is a small island-province located in the northern part of the region. It is connected by a short bridge to the island of Leyte.

Sambawan Island is a small white sand island located at the north-western area of Maripipi, Biliran.

I really love this photo. And it's worth sharing.

From Tacloban, we reached Kawayan Wharf at 10:30am. We booked a pump-boat a week before our trip to avoid the hassle of waiting for the next available boat. From a distance, the seas seemed so calm. But after 15-20 minutes, the waves started to get bigger--but not to worry, the pump-boat driver navigates with care and caution.

After an hour, we finally reached the island. I knew that Sambawan Island is famous locally, but I never thought it would be this charming.

view from the dock. Majestic, eh?!

Entrance fee to the resort is 100pesos/head. Cottage costs 500-1000pesos depending on the size. They also have overnight accommodations that costs 3,500 pesos, inclusive of meals.  If you prefer to put up a tent, you can do so.Water costs 25 pesos per jug. We didn't drink the water we bought there because we were not sure if it's safe for drinking. Better ask the staff before deciding to drink it.

Pay all fees here. Located at the entrance, right next to the docks.

Bridge leading to the beach and cottage area.

Cottages on the left cost 1,500pesos. Lots of camper too.

Smaller cottages for 500 pesos only.

Water is so clean and so pristine that you won't be able to stop yourself from immediately take a dip upon arrival. But please swim with caution. The beach is rocky. Better to wear aqua shoes or slippers. It might be difficult to swim in but it will definitely keep your feet safe.

to the left...

Now, to the right....

Now let me name some of the existing amenities as of my last visit to the island. They have separate toilets, changing rooms, and shower room for the ladies and gents. They also have a canteen if you wish to buy hot and cold drinks, chips, toiletries, among others. At night, they have genset-operated lighting. When we were there, the generator set broke down causing a 4-hour blackout. If you're fond of diving, they also offer diving services.

Toilets, showers, and changing rooms are available for everyone.

Canteen/Convenience Store

Be clean. So the future generations can enjoy what we are enjoying now.