Date of Travel: December 4-6, 2024
Airline: Cebu Pacific
Airfare: Php 1,643.32 (seat sale)
For my last trip of the year, I visited the beautiful Coron, Palawan. Though it was a short getaway, I made sure to maximize my time by visiting the must-see attractions.
Before my flight, I researched tour packages to ensure a hassle-free experience upon arrival. I decided to book with JY Travel & Tours (check out their Facebook page), as they offer a wide range of options. For this trip, I chose the Mountain View accommodation. Below are the complete package options they provided for my 3D2N stay. To secure your slot, a 50% deposit is required. This is a joiner tour, meaning you will be traveling with other tourists in a shared van.
My flight was scheduled for 7:50 AM, and I arrived at 9:10 AM on the dot, without any delays. The plane was small, with two columns of seats, each having two seats. I had heard that Coron’s landing strip is short, and I experienced it firsthand. The landing was a bit bumpy, with what felt like abrupt braking. In fact, one passenger’s phone was tossed forward due to the impact. Despite the rough landing, I arrived safely, and the person assigned to pick me up from the airport was right on time.
There were other tourists already waiting in the van, and I was the last one they were waiting for. Once I got in, we were taken to our respective accommodations.
The travel time from the airport to Mountain View was about 30-40 minutes. Since the tour didn’t start until 4 PM, I took the opportunity to rest upon arriving at my accommodation. I was fortunate to check in at noon, giving me time to organize my things in the room. Around 1 PM, I decided to head out for lunch. I asked about local transportation and found out that tricycle rides cost around 30 pesos. I checked Maps and discovered that the town center was only a 5-6 minute walk from my accommodation, so I chose to walk. It was hot, so I highly recommend applying sunblock if you’re planning to explore the area.
I found a great place to eat in town—Karl’s BBQ & Ribs. I ordered grilled pork for 260 pesos and their highly recommended mango shake for 200 pesos. The meal was delicious, and the portions were generous. After lunch, I returned to my accommodation to rest and wait for the tour pickup.
Around 3:30 PM, someone knocked on my door to let me know that the service had arrived. Luckily, I was already prepared, so I left right away. We picked up a few more people before heading to our first stop. There were 11 of us in the van—a mix of couples, families, and friends, with me being the only solo traveler.
Our tour guide gave us a brief overview of the itinerary, and our first stop was the souvenir center. The shop had a wide variety of items, but the most popular choice among tourists was cashew nuts, as they’re a local specialty. They offered several flavors and even provided free tastings. If you bought in bulk, you’d also get freebies!
Next, we visited Lualhati Park, where you’ll find the iconic “I AM CORON” letters—perfect for photos. The park also serves as the main port for island-hopping tours, offering stunning views of the sea.
Our third stop was San Agustin Church, where we took a moment to pray. It was a calming experience to include a church visit in the itinerary—it made me feel safe and at peace. We also took some photos outside the church.
Finally, we headed to Mt. Tapyas, where we climbed the concrete steps to reach the summit. From there, we were treated to breathtaking views of the area and a stunning sunset. For more details about my Mt. Tapyas experience, be sure to check out my separate blog post under the “Mountain” category.
After working up a sweat at Mt. Tapyas, we headed straight to Maquinit Hot Spring, a popular natural hot spring in Coron. With water temperatures ranging from 35°C to 42°C, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and relax. The travel time from Mt. Tapyas to Maquinit was around 30 minutes.
Earlier destinations like Lualhati Park and San Agustin Church were all close to each other, with only about a 5-minute travel time between them, and located in the town center. These spots are easily accessible on foot or by renting a tricycle if you’re up for a little adventure. However, Maquinit Hot Spring is a bit farther out and situated in a more secluded area, making it more convenient to visit as part of a tour or with private transport.
By the way, the roads in Coron are quite narrow, and it seems like road widening hasn’t yet been prioritized in the area.
Upon arriving at Maquinit Hot Spring, I decided to skip changing into my bathing clothes since I had already sweated a lot during my Mt. Tapyas climb, and I wanted to avoid any sudden temperature changes that could cause discomfort. Instead, I soaked my feet in the warm water, which felt incredibly soothing and relaxing. We stayed for about an hour, allowing everyone to rest and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot spring.
There were plenty of foreign tourists enjoying the hot spring, and it was clear that everyone was making the most of the relaxing atmosphere. The hot spring is open from 4 PM to 8 PM, making it the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
Maquinit Hot Spring was our final stop for the day. Afterward, we were dropped off at our respective accommodations. I went straight to bed to recharge for the exciting island-hopping adventure the next day.
