#moonkistinph

[onthecue]

Coron Island Tour (Ultimate Tour) | Coron, Palawan

It’s been a long while since my last getaway trip. I’ve been on house arrest for about three months because I was preparing for the board exam. I had to set aside all the traveling that I usually do, but it was indeed worth it.

Finally, December came. I’m free from all the responsibilities and I can wander again. For the first destination after months of lacking vitamin sea, I went to Coron, Palawan.

It’s my third time traveling in Palawan but I keep on falling more and more in love with it. Beautiful is such an understatement. 

I stayed in Coron for four days. This post is all about my Day One adventure.

My flight was scheduled to leave Clark International Airport (CRK) at 7:00 AM. I arrived at Busuanga Airport (USU) at 7:40 AM, twenty minutes earlier than my expected time of arrival. I prayed that my flight won’t get delayed or else my itinerary will be ruined. God even gave me a bonus of arriving early. Thank you Lord.

Upon arrival, I immediately called the hotel to book me a tour. Luckily, they were able to make things happen. There were still slots for joiners in a group tour. I was honestly nervous because I already spoke with tour agencies when I was planning this trip. I was told that boats usually leave around 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, depending on the destination. Good thing I was able to make it just in time.

While other tourists opt to chill in their hotel room on the first day and have the Coron Town tour in the afternoon, I decided not to go with that itinerary to maximize my stay.

For my first day, I booked the Coron Island Tour. Other agencies call it Ultimate Coron Tour. If I were to recommend a tour, I strongly recommend this one. This tour is worth your time and money, especially if you only have a few days to explore the town. 

Coron Island Tour is usually worth around ₱1,600 via Calamian Islands Travel & Tours and other agencies too, but I was able to book it at ₱1,200 via Laughtrip Travel and Tours.

This tour is the best way to see the highlights of Coron in just one day. There are about seven destinations namely: Balinsasayaw Reef, CYC Beach, Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Siete Pecados, and the famous Kayangan Lake.

These may be the different depending on the tour agency that you’ve booked and the people you’re with and the time that you have. But more or less, you’ll be able to witness the prime spots in Coron. It’s really important to listen to the tour guide - when it’s time to be back, be back on time so you can visit more destinations.

Our first stop during the tour was the Balinsasayaw Reef. I had no plans of diving, but our tour guide insisted that I should take a look because according to him, it was one of the best snorkeling sites in Coron. It would be a huge mistake to not see it. 

And he was right. 

Our second stop was the CYC Beach. Since I got so tired from all the swimming, I decided to stay in the boat and take photos instead. I was so exhausted to go down and swim all the way to the shore. From a far, you can see how white the sand is. I admired the beauty from a distance.

I took photos on the boat while waiting for the rest of the group to come back from the CYC beach.

In case you get hungry, there’s a floating 7-Eleven store (haha!) Kuya sells beer, chips, sodas, and iced candy too. I decided to get the mango flavored ice candy for only ten pesos. It was really yummy.

We rode the boat again and headed to the Twin Lagoon. There are two lagoons. The first one is where the boats dock. The second one lies beyond the a huge rock. When it’s low tide, tourists can swim underneath it, but when it’s high tide, you need to use the ladder in order to cross to the other side.

The fourth destination, Banol Beach, was also our lunch spot.

This is our lunch. Yum! I really needed to refuel my energy because I was getting tired from all the swimming already.

Laughtrip Travel and Tours has bad reviews on Facebook because of their food. They lack seafood (like mussels and crabs) compared to other tour agencies. But personally, I don’t mind. Considering that their rate for this tour was cheaper. I would still recommend this agency because of their funny and kind-hearted tour guides. At least, based on my experience. They really looked out for us and they kept on reminding us regarding the do’s and dont’s to prevent accidents from occurring - may it be related to sea urchins and jellyfishes to the use of life vests in dangerous spots. 

Some photos I took after eating lunch - still at Banol Beach.

Up next, we went to the very famous Kayangan Lake. Of course, everyone who visits Coron has this staple, overlooking photo. You need to climb around 300+ steps to get on top of the mountain where a viewing deck is located. Aftewards, you must climb down to the other side to get to Kayangan Lake proper.

Before heading back to the boat 📸

Unfortunately, this is our last stop. This is Siete Pecados. 

We weren’t able to go to the Skeleton Wreck anymore. But it’s alright, maybe next time when I get back, I can finally see and set foot on all the tourist spots in Coron.

Our tour guide shared the myth or history of this place. Long ago, there were seven siblings. They wanted to go to a bayle (ball or dance) across town and they needed to sail the boat. Their parents didn’t allow them. Since they were stubborn, they still pushed through with their plans. They weren’t able to successfully get to the other side. The seven siblings went missing. Years after, these seven rock formation appeared. Siete means seven and Pecados means offense or sin. Hence the name of this tourist spot, Siete Pecados.

The middle part of the rock formations is very rich in marine life. Siete Pecados is also great for snorkeling. 

We headed back to Coron town after visiting Siete Pecados. This caps off my Coron Island Tour. I loved everything about the places that we visited. 

Since I’ve been to all three areas of Palawan, if I will compare, Puerto Princesa is really great for island hopping. It offers tons of white sand beaches (and of course the Underwater River too!.) El Nido has better landscapes than Coron, if I’ll be completely honest. But I must say, Coron has really a diverse and rich marine life. The true beauty of Coron lies underwater.

Stay tuned for the continuation of my day one adventure in Coron. It doesn’t end here.

'Til my next moonkist adventure! 

[onthecue]

Mt. Tapyas & Maquinit Hotspring | Coron, Palawan

One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I had during my Coron trip was trekking in Mt. Tapyas. It’s a place to end the day. I would say that it’s better to climb this mountain during the afternoon. The view of the sunset as the light touches the city while the sky changes from color to color is beautiful. 

Still on my first day in Coron, I went to Mt. Tapyas right after the Coron Island Tour. Imagine climbing the stairs to reach Kayangan Lake and hiking Mt. Tapyas on the same day. It’s safe to say that exhausted is an understatement.

The trike ride costs 500 pesos – up to four people. The trike driver will take you to Mt. Tapyas and wait for you to descend. Afterwards, he will bring you to Maquinit Hotspring which is around 30 minutes from town proper. Considering how rocky the roads are going to the hotspring, that price is justifiable. Also, the driver showed us an ordinance regarding the fare. You can try to haggle if you want.

It’s impossible to visit Coron without noticing Mt. Tapyas. From a distance, you can already see an eye-catching sign spelling out the name of the town. Written in white capital letters, similar to the Hollywood sign with a huge cross standing right behind it, Mt. Tapyas welcomes tourists. 

Here are some of my tips before climbing Mt. Tapyas:

1. Google what time the sunset will be in Coron.

This is to ensure that you will be able to reach the summit before the sun comes down. It’s best to take photos of sunset on top of Mt. Tapyas. By knowing what time the sunset will be, you will be able to schedule your ‘resting’ periods throughout the climb.

2. Bring a bottle of water and a face towel.

It looks easier than it actually is. You will still get tired from climbing the flight of stairs, not to mention doing this under the heat of the sun!

3. Don’t forget to bring a camera or your phone to take photos.

When you reach the top, you will have a 360 view of Coron. The back part of the mountain looks a lot like Batanes. There is also an overlooking view of the town proper. Not to mention that it’s the BEST spot to capture the sunset.

4. Bring a flashlight

It will quite dark after the sunset and it’s harder to see the steps when descending Mt. Tapyas. Not all lamp posts have functioning lights so it’s safer to bring a flashlight or at least use your phones to guide your steps.

These photos were taken halfway through the climb. It takes around 723 steps to get on top. Compared to other mountains, it’s fairly easier to reach the summit because the of the aid of cemented stairs. Yes, you heard that right. You won’t have to walk through muddy slopes and you won’t need to hold on to rocks. There are also resting spots with benches every one hundred steps, I believe. Mt. Tapyas is really perfect for inexperienced hikers and unathletic people. However, as I’ve mentioned earlier, it’s not as easy as it seems. It’s still 210 meters high but it’s tolerable. It’s okay to take breaks a long the way as long as you make sure that you reach the top because the view is indeed rewarding. 

Reaching the top  - such a rewarding feeling! 

There are tons of views to capture. You get to see an overlooking perspective of the town.

The second and third photos are taken by my Minolta camera using Fujifilm Superia 400. #filmisnotdead 

Some photos taken using my film camera - just before the sunset!

You can also witness majestic view of hills and the sky.

Waiting for the sunset

The view is breathtaking, isn’t it?

We also saw the sky changed its colors from oranges and yellows to a touch of blues, subtle pinks, and oranges.

On the side of the mountain, it seemed like a view of Marlboro Hills in Batanes. I swear, Mt. Tapyas is worth the hassle!

Such a beautiful place to witness the sunset

At night, the sign lights up and it can still be seen from afar, even when it’s dark.

The last photo I took right before I go went down the mountain.

After trekking, I went to Maquinit Hotspring to take a dip. It’s quite far from the town proper and the roads leading to this place are very rocky. It was such a bumpy ride. 

The hotspring closes around 8PM. The last call for guests to come in is around 7PM. The entrance fee is priced at 200 pesos per head. No outside food and drinks are allowed. There are also tables and chairs around to put your belongings. 

The water is really scorching hot. After a few minutes, you’ll eventually get used to the heat of the water. I can’t imagine taking a dip here at noontime. The best time to visit is during the afternoon and night time. 

Swimming in the hotspring is so relaxing after a day’s worth of walking and hiking. It really helped lessen the pain on my legs and feet. It is really refreshing. It’s the perfect destination after hiking. Plus, the sound of the water flowing will make you feel at ease.

Don’t forget to bring a towel and dry clothes for the ride home. There are only changing rooms and I didn’t see any shower rooms. You can take a bath in your hotel room.

Maquinit Hotspring was my last destination. Afterwards, the trike driver dropped me off the hotel, I ate dinner, took a bath, and went straight to bed. I had zero energy left to explore the town after such a busy day! That’s the last of my day one adventure in Coron.

‘Til my next moonkist adventure!

[onthecue]

UP Vargas Museum | A Gem in Quezon City

It’s been a while since I last visited a museum. I’ve been meaning to visit the National Museum of Natural History and Mind Museum for a long while now, but I keep on putting it off because of the traffic. These places are a bit far from where I’m from.

Last week, I ran errands along Commonwealth and I just felt like I needed art in my system. I’m almost always in University of the Philippines - Diliman, but I never stepped foot in UP Vargas Museum. We always drive pass it, but we never had the chance to stop and take a look - until this one fine Friday afternoon.

It’s not difficult to find since the building lies right along the acad oval. 

UP has always been one of my go-to places every time I need to take a quick breather. Who would have thought that with these many trees, UP campus is in one of the biggest cities in the metro? 

Outside the museum, you can find a small cafe that sells pastries, snacks, and drinks. It’s also nice to hang out here. It’s very quiet and serene.

UP Vargas Museum has three floors. The ground floor is where the front lobby and reception area are found. Upon entry, you need to leave your bags in the reception area. Entrance fees are also paid here. If you are a UP student, alumnus, or a faculty member, you only need to pay 20 pesos. On Wednesdays, I heard it’s free. If you are an outsider, you have to pay 30 pesos. It’s very affordable and it’s worth your money!

Also located on the ground floor are stellar exhibitions. These are only temporary and they change from time to time. When we went there, the current exhibition that was there were Lost Paradise by Marta Moreno Muñoz and Project Island Hopping – Reversing Imperialism: Lander. 

Lost Paradise is a multi-screen video installation and I couldn’t share it with you guys but the message that struck me was all about being one with nature. I honestly freaked out at first because it was pitch black dark but the sound of the water, the waterfalls, the buffalos in the video, everything put me in a state of relaxation. It was beautiful.

Note that by the time you come here, these art pieces may or not be there anymore, depending on the schedule. But they will be surely replaced by another art exhibit that’s beautiful too - that’s for sure.

This art exhibit, Project Island Hopping, is an effort made by Taiwanese and Filipino artists. From what I understood, it was all about making art as a platform to express the relationship between invasion and being invaded - to resist the invasion rooted back in World War II yet still present up to now.

This is honestly a personal favorite.

The second floor holds the main gallery of the museum. This is where the permanent art collection is found. I stumbled upon paintings of classic Filipino artists like Juan Luna, Felix Hidalgo, Fernando Amorsolo, and many more. 

Admittedly, the second floor is quite small. You can roam around in twenty minutes or less. But you can really find great pieces of work here and most are dated back in the 1940s.

Unfortunately, the third floor was closed when we went there. Perhaps I can find out what’s in there when I visit UP Vargas Museum again.

If you want to drop by and visit, UP Vargas Museum is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays (excluding Holidays), 9AM to 5PM. You can also visit their official website and page to know the current and upcoming exhibits that they display.

‘Til my next visit! 

[onthecue]

Where I Spent My Long Weekend

Right along EDSA lies a tropical oasis literally in the heart of the city. A place like this exists amidst the chaos, traffic, and tall buildings.

For the Mother’s Day weekend, my family and I had a staycation at EDSA Shangri-La Manila. Just like any other Shangri-La branch that I’ve been to, this hotel will give you a vibe of both luxury and comfort. Indeed, you will get your money’s worth after experiencing a relaxing stay.

If you know me, I’m a sucker for art.

Here are some photos taken at the hotel lobby! What I like about this hotel is that it has a link bridge going to Shangri-La Plaza mall. So if you need to buy something from the grocery or the department store, it’s very accessible. You also have a lot of restaurant options and you don’t need to buy food from the overpriced hotel restaurant.

The garden area is really nice. Usually the pool area gets crowded but there are other spots that’s good for taking photos.

Here are some photos in the hotel room itself. There’s something about hotel rooms that makes my sleep a lot better than at home. Or is it just me? It must be the minimalist style of hotel rooms that makes everything so tranquil and relaxing. 

The following morning, we went to the pool area to swim. They had aqua zumba too for the mommies who wanted to do some cardio. I’m not sure if it’s just for Mother’s Day or they really offer aqua zumba on a normal basis.

My tip is to wake up really early so you can score good seats and umbrellas. It gets pretty crowded, as I have mentioned. It won’t be a hassle if you have a spot to leave your things, towels, and such.

I took advantage of the good lighting and the flower that fell from the tree.. 

These photos were taken before checking out. 

If you’re looking for a place for a staycation in the city, I highly recommend EDSA Shangri-La. This ain’t my favorite Shangri-La though, Shang Mactan is a lot bigger and better of course! But if you wanna relax and take a break from your routine, spend a night or two here just to feel recharged. 

Until my next moonkist adventure!