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!

You can practically buy these passes anywhere!

Passes to choose from

How to use guide

Kinkaku-ji/Kitano Area map taken from NaviBus brochure

It is recommended to go there early in the morning or just before it closes to avoid packs of tourists

I arrived at Kinkaku-ji Temple at 9am. It's a weekend and there were a lot of tourist groups already. It was crowded and I didn’t get to enjoy much of the Golden Pavilion. The temple was breathtaking and seemed to sparkle under the sun. I wonder if that's real gold. (haha!) Aside from the pavilion itself, there are also a lot of other things to see in the site like its wonderfully landscaped gardens and others. I bought omamoris again, by the way.

Admission fee is at 400yen.

The rock garden here is one of the symbols of Kyoto. Opening hours is from 8am-5pm. Admission fee is at 500yen.

Ginkakuji/Okazaki area map taken from NaviBus brochure

Gate to the temple

View from the top

Opening hours: 8:30am-5:00pm. Admission fee is at 500yen

The timing just wasn't right =(

Summary of today's itinerary and expenses

Today I'm scheduled to go to Kyoto. I was actually planning to leave really early like 7am or 8am so that the whole afternoon I will have enough time to walk around Arashiyama area. But I decided against it. My Japanese friends told me last night during our dinner that it might be challenging to take the train especially since I'm headed to Tokyo station for it is rush hour. So instead, I left the hostel at 9:30am. I already had my breakfast at the hostel. Instead of walking to my usually station-Tawaramachi, I took the Tsukuba Express at Asakusa Station. I didn't feel like walking much today. Plus, I have all my luggage--it was heavy.



I arrived at Tokyo station at around 10am. The station was friendly to me haha! I didn't get lost or what. As a matter of fact, I was able to easily locate the shinkansen ticket counters and railway number. I was planning to take the slower trains so that I can save a little. But, the ticket agent I talked to cannot speak English so I just let him decide which train I should take. He gave me reserved seat tickets for the 10:50am Nozomi train with is headed to Hiroshima and stops at Kyoto. It cost me 13,770yen. It's quite expensive actually. Even more than the cost of taking a flight from Tacloban to Manila. By the way, if you have a JR ticket, he will ask for that and subtract the amount of your ticket to the total amount payable. The agent will give you 2 tickets. Don't be surprised. One is for the 'base fare' and another is for the 'seat reservation'. Insert both--together--at the ticket gates.

Shinkansen tickets are quite expensive but worth the try.

Shinkansen offers different accommodation types. There is the green car, reserved, or non-reserved cars. Green car is like the business-class with wide chairs and legroom. I was able to try it last 2011--comfy and roomy. During peak seasons, getting a reserved seat is advisable. Don't worry about the accommodations. The seats are still comfy and not cramped. Non-reserved seats, as the word implies, makes you choose your own seat when you embark. No worries. No one will be left standing all throughout the ride. And this is the cheapest option. By the way, there are different kinds of shinkansen; Nozomi being the fastest one. Take note that ALL trains in Japan leave on the dot. So be on the right track minutes before the scheduled departure. If you're on a budget travel, taking the overnight bus can be an alternative way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto.

A super tasty bento I bought at one of the stalls at the platform area

Unluckily, Mt. Fuji is a little shy today. I wasn't able to see her clearly.

The trip was rather short. After 2 hours and 18 minutes, I have arrived at the old capital. Kyoto station was less confusing than Tokyo station. I was able to easily find my way to the subway station. The tricky part however was going to the hostel. Still, I arrived at the hostel way early than their check out time. So the only choice was to leave my luggage and start my walking tour.

After taking a quick snack, I went to explore Arashiyama area. I took Kyoto Bus 11 from Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Station to Arashiyama Tenruji-mae Station. It was quite a long ride, about 45 minutes. The first this thing I noticed about Kyoto is its scarily narrow streets. Also, there can be quite a traffic jam especially if you're coming from or headed to the densely populated areas like the Kyoto Station area.

 Arashiyama and Sagano area is the second most important sightseeing district in Kyoto where you can find all the classic Japanese tourist traps. From Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae Bus Station, walk into the extensive bamboo grove. taking pictures in this area can be quite disappoint for it is hard to get good light. The majesty of the place is just too difficult to capture in a single frame.

The dark and cool world of bamboo groves

Along the groves, you'll find the entrance to one of the most attractive stroll gardens in Kyoto--the Tenryu-ji Temple. Best time to visit would be early in the morning or on weekdays when there is a lesser crowd. The temple is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Entrance to Tenryu-ji Temple. Pay an admission fee of 600yen.

The beautiful pond garden in front of the main hall. It could have been prettier if the leaves have already turned red.

I was fascinated by these "omamori" that I bought a lot. Just asked for a little help from the temple lady. Everything was in Japanese, though.

Japanese omamori or amulets

Along the main street in Arashiyama, you'll find a lot of Japanese restaurants and traditional arts and crafts which you can buy as souvenirs.




How to get to Arashiyama: From Kyoto Station, take City Bus 28 to Arashiyama Tenryuji-Mae Station. From Shijo Kawaramachi or Sanjo Keihan, take City Bus 11.