Coron, Coron, Coron!!!

Last end of March to beginning of April, my husband gifted my little girl with a trip to Coron, Palawan. It was a few days before she was going to turn two and we wanted to take advantage of her free fare. Because of that, her dad decided to bring her yaya Donna May, who was going to fly for the first time.

Day One
We faced a few obstacles here and there. The first was that I was an idiot to forget my ID. When I realized I had left everything with my mom (including my license), I could see Rod's face already, so so angry. You see, my husband's obsessive compulsive disorder is manifest in traveling. He gets really upset over things that skew from the original plan. This he really considered (me, too) an unnecessary hassle, so he was already frustrated.

Since no one could bring us to the airport, we had to take a taxi. It was a fun ride as Ava fell asleep on the way. When we got to the check in desk, it was a good thing I realized about my ID when I was still in the house, because Rod would have killed me. So I had my license, marriage certificate, Ava's birth certificate, too. And then we were all set.

Our plane was delayed (as always) but when we got to Busuanga Airport, it was pretty scary to land on a place full of mountains. Busuanga Airport was very small, and when I just took a few minutes in the bathroom, we were already the last party.

We rode a van to get to Coron town proper. It was a 40 minute ride, and Ava and I welcomed it as an opportunity to sleep. But I still stole a few moments to look at the beautiful scenery. Trees, mountains, and very few buildings. Until we got to Coron.

My initial reaction towards Coron was that it really reminded me of our province, Zambales. Their pride, the restaurants that were featured in a few travel websites were quite small. Our hotel was Coron Village Hotel, and we had a shabby room with three beds and a bathroom. It was like backpacking 101, but with a nearly two year old toddler.

Rod and I decided to leave Ava and her yaya to take a hike to get to Mt. Tapyas. We took around 720 steps to get to the cross above, and Rod and I were already panting by the time we reached the top. No regrets, since we had the best view of the whole island right before us. And on the other side was a pleasant view of the fields.



That night, we followed the trip advisor's tips and decided to eat in Bistro Coron, a small restaurant that served Western and Italian pizza and beer. Ava was really tired and was having a fit, but we managed to eat yummy food. The thing you have to remember is that it takes at least 30 minutes to cook your order in Coron, and that set up was not appealing to a toddler.


Day two
We had breakfast in our lodge, and it took a long time to be served. I had tocilog and it was okay. We had to prepare for our island tour. Rod already contacted a boat man through his cousin who also hired him previously. The price was P1,500 and we had the whole boat to ourselves. We paid extra P500 for food that they were going to cook and roast.

We met at the market and they had food prepared for us already. It was very challenging to carry Ava to the boat, but by God's grace we got to transfer her there. She refused to wear the vest we bought for her, so the whole time her yaya and I took turns in holding her closely. We on the other hand wore our life vests.

Our first island stop was the Siete Pecados, 7 tiny islands where snorkeling was the recommended activity. The current was crazy due to the strong winds, and so it was just Rod and I who swam. The fish and corrals were BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! The big challenge was trying to use the mask because the water was so strong. I almost panicked because I could not go back to touch the outriggers. But after a while, we went back to the boat and paid an old man who paddled his raft with ease for the "maintenance fee."

Then we got to Cayangan Lake. It was a major challenge to hike up alone, but to carry Ava? My yaya and I were so dismayed. But, knowing it was going to upset my hubby, we tried our best to hike up and go down to the lake. There was a beautiful spot where you had the view of the islands... and it was breathtaking. ...Pictures here and there, then we got to the not-so-salty lake.

And my daughter did not want to swim...

I shrugged her off and just enjoyed the water... so soothing for me, but I had to admit it was very deep, and so I had to be careful (though I am fat, I am a sinker)...While my hubby enjoyed snorkeling, I took pictures of the beautiful scenery. We were not alone, around 4-5 groups of adults (yes, we were the only ones who brought a toddler) quite adventurous enjoyed themselves and sat on the rafts.. and I realized that Coron was indeed for the single, adventurous market. Perhaps the market of Boracay but in its old, virgin form.



Thereafter, we ate at one of the huts shrimps (which I almost finished), liempo, a big fish（I forget the name but it was huge!!) and a boatma/carpenter's share of rice. It was yummy and we had a great time. Even Ava was not so fussy, eating liempo and sky flakes.

We could not visit Twin Lagoon since the tide was high, so we went to a small white beach instead. It was called Atwayan beach, and it was quite tiny. Ava still did not want to swim, but we got her portable tent (the "apple house") and her tools (shovel, etc.) The "Hanging Amihan" was pretty strong (it was nearing Holy Week). The problem with that island was that it was so small, the parked boats were about to bump one another. After a while, my family and I settled to go back home.














Horror Show
A little sad for not visiting the Twin Lagoon, my husband reluctantly rode the boat as we passed by the Skeleton Wreck. Good thing my daughter was about to take her nap, and so that left me and my husband time to do snorkeling and swim to see the famous ship.

It was pretty interesting that the ship was still visible underwater. According to stories, these ships were sent from Japan to battle during World War II. The wreck, the fish, corrals, they were all just beautiful...

Going back, it was a good thing my baby was asleep, because the winds were so strong, and the waves already entered our boat, which made me and my yaya really hysterical!!! Looking back, one very important lesson learned is that you should always, always wear your life jacket, no matter what!!!

(to be continued)