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

Among all areas in Japan, Kyoto is the most visited. Why? Basically, for much of its history, Kyoto was Japan. It is here where you’ll find all the things that are Japanese—temples, shrines, gardens, storehouses. And for tourists, this is the Japan that they want to see and experience

A FREE simple point-to-point Navi bus guide

For budget travelers: Check your brochures and you may just have discount coupons! More savings!

Take note that you need to be on the right stand. This map proved to be very helpful.

Along Chawan-zaka or Teapot lane, you’ll see a lot of shops selling traditional stuff and local food. It’s really quite a view.

Hondo or the Main Hall has a huge verandah and juts out over the hillside. Admission fee at 300yen.

Close your eyes and walk 18m between a pair of stones. If you miss the stone, your desire for love won’t be fulfilled!

Be ready to join the long lines to drink the sacred water.

My sister, Yuki, joined me for today’s sightseeing. The tall pagoda at the back is the famous Yasaka pagoda.

An old, traditional house in Japan

Spotted! Kawaii~~

Kiyomizu Temple Area map for easy reference. This was provided for FREE at my hostel!

Ninomaru palace is divided into 5 buildings with numerous chambers. Unfortunately, no picture-taking inside the palace.

Don’t miss Ninomaru Palace Garden which has excellent landscaping!

A view from an elevated space inside the castle grounds

Gion at night

According to my Japanese mother, Yoshimi, a red lantern outside a restaurant is to stimulate a person’s appetite for food.