On my second day in Coron, Palawan, I woke up at 5:30 AM to the sound of my alarm. Breakfast was included in my package and would be available around 6:30 AM, so I took a shower and got ready before heading to the breakfast area.
The accommodation had a lot of stairs, and my room was quite far, which meant passing through multiple flights of stairs to reach the breakfast area on the 3rd floor of the main building. It was a bit of a workout.
Breakfast was simple but satisfying. Although the choices weren’t extensive, you could always go back for more. I had expected a buffet with numerous options, but the meal was still a good start to the day.
After eating, I returned to my room to wait for my pick-up. I was thrilled for the island tour ahead—sunscreen was definitely a must, as the heat can be intense.
By 8 AM, there was a knock at my door to inform me that the service was ready. I refilled my water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour and headed out.
We went straight to Lualhati Park, the departure point for island tours. My travel agency offers several tour packages like Tour A, Tour B, Ultimate, and Super Ultimate, each featuring different sets of island attractions.
I availed the Ultimate Tour package, which includes seven attractions—the second most extensive option. We left the port around 10 AM after waiting for all passengers to join the boat.
Before setting off, we were given the option to rent a kayak or a snorkeling set. The clear kayaks cost PHP 1,500 for the entire day, while the colored ones were PHP 1,000. Snorkeling sets were available for PHP 150. I highly recommend renting both to maximize your island tour experience—you won’t regret it.
The weather couldn’t have been better. The sun was shining brightly, perfect for exploring Coron’s famous spots. After about 12-25 minutes, we arrived at our first destination, Twin Lagoon, a must-visit gem in Palawan.
This is where having a kayak makes all the difference. The lagoon is vast and better explored while gliding over its calm, emerald-green waters. Swimming is an option, but kayaking is much more convenient and enjoyable.
Our boat dropped us off at the designated docking area, where everyone launched their kayaks. Since I was traveling solo and inexperienced with kayaking, I asked the tour guide to accompany me, and he graciously agreed.
Twin Lagoon is truly breathtaking, with its serene waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. It’s a unique attraction where two lagoons are connected by a narrow passage you can explore by swimming or kayaking.
I also took the opportunity to ask the guide to snap a photo of me and decided to give kayaking a try myself. It turned out to be easier than I thought—once you get the rhythm of paddling, it’s quite fun! I ended up enjoying it more than I expected.
Our next destination was Kayangan Lake, a breathtaking freshwater lake celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and towering limestone cliffs. Often regarded as one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines, it provides a tranquil escape that’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply soaking in its beauty.
Reaching Kayangan Lake requires a short hike, involving steps that lead to the iconic photo spot before descending to the swimming area—a total of about 700 steps round trip. Once at the lake, you can snorkel, dive, or just float in the pristine waters, marveling at the serenity around you. I appreciated that this wasn’t our first stop, as Kayangan Lake tends to be crowded in the morning. By the time we arrived around lunchtime, the crowd had thinned, making the experience more peaceful and enjoyable. We left just before 1 PM.
Back on the boat, we enjoyed a delicious lunch included in the tour package. The spread featured pancit canton, shrimp, mussels, squash with vegetables, a large fish, rice, and watermelon. Most of my companions were foreigners—only three of us were Filipino. The food was flavorful and satisfying, leaving me feeling pleasantly drowsy.
Our next stop was Sunset Beach, where we took a short break. The beach was completely empty when we arrived, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Small huts dotted the shore, providing a cozy space to rest, chat, and unwind.
Our next stops were the snorkeling sites conveniently located near each other: Las Islas de Coral, Reef Garden, and Skeleton Wreck. With our snorkeling gear ready, we eagerly jumped off the boat to explore the vibrant underwater world.
To ensure everyone felt safe and comfortable, the tour guide had us form a line, pulling us along as we snorkeled. Since I wasn’t confident in swimming and was traveling solo, I positioned myself first in line to stay close to him for guidance. Meanwhile, most of my companions, being strong swimmers, ventured off to explore on their own and rejoined us later.
The underwater scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The vibrant corals, colorful marine life, and unique landscapes were a feast for the eyes. If you plan to visit, I highly recommend bringing a waterproof camera to capture the magic beneath the surface.
We spent about an hour exploring the area, and I discovered that diving skills are a huge advantage here, particularly at Skeleton Wreck. To fully appreciate the submerged shipwreck, you need to dive deeper, which adds an extra layer of adventure.
Our final stop was CYC Beach, the perfect place to unwind. We relaxed in the shallow waters while the boat drifted slowly nearby.
A fun highlight was the unexpected arrival of a floating vendor, offering drinks like soft drinks and beer, along with snacks and chips. Our tour guide jokingly referred to it as a “floating 7-11.” The vendor cheerfully called out, “No one’s gonna buy? Then goodbye,” which made everyone burst into laughter.
We returned to Lualhati Park around 5 PM, tired but exhilarated from the day’s adventure.
Back at my accommodation, I took a quick rest before heading out to explore for dinner. I decided to try a local kitchen where I ordered their famous Chicken Mee Goreng, and it did not disappoint—it was absolutely delicious! For anyone visiting, I highly recommend checking out this restaurant and giving their Mee Goreng a try. It’s packed with flavor and a perfect way to end a day of exploring Coron.
