The Best Adventure: Coron, Palawan, Philippines - Day 1

The Best Adventure: Coron, Palawan, Philippines

An adventure in the majestic places of the Philippine Islands

It was Bajoy and Rivo’s idea of going to a vacation. The date is set 11/09/2011 – 11/12/2011 and place is Coron, Palawan. Since it was plan the longest time, I volunteered to make the arrangement and call travel agencies. Luckily, the first Agency I message replied immediately – Coron Travel Tours / Coron Royale Tours. You Everything was set! 4 days / 3 nights accomodation and travel arrangement and plus plus.

Tour Package cost USD  105 (Php 4500)

Day 1

Departure from Manila 8:30

On the first flight was Me, Gerald, Jojo, Paul and my TL AG via Air Phil. Bajoy and Rivo have the reservation for Zest Air at a later time. As the usual scene, we will be waiting for AG (he got home 4am due to the demanding client). Jojo and I were rehearsing “LIPTON Icetea” commercial once AG arrive.

“define kanina, Kanina damo pa yan, ngayon puno na. Kanina naka crew cut pa ko, ngayon pang shampoo commercial na. at higit sa lahat bata pa ko kanina.”

And AG arrived, and the line (after the spiel – jojo was laughing the whole time)… …ano yun? My poor TL don’t know the commercial.  The flight only takes about 45 minutes.  

Terminal Fee USD 5 (PHP200)

Arrival to Busuangga

Our reservation is Amphibiko Lodge. It is nothing fancy but it suits the basic needs. Bed wasn’t great since they have the old type (bulgy, spring not aligned and not soft at all), they’ve got AC, TV and DVD, Hot water on the shower, bidet and a lil’ spaceous CR. The best thing I like is the lawanit inspired room and the friendly staffs. Forgot to mention, there are hogs right behind our room and some construction taking place in front.


Lolo Nonoy's Eatery


We couldn't wait for Bajoy and Makoy, we were really starving as we're Just-In-Time for the flight waiting for AG and we don't have the time to take a bite. So we decided to hit the town and look for some foodie goodie. Inah the Lodge Manager, says some restaurant and finally say the budget friendly Lutong-Bahay food house - Lolo Nonoy's Eatery. The food was just K, OK for me. It was good but not really that sumptuous for me. What could i expect from a Php 120.00 Meal? We had back to our resort and planned to take some sleep, specially for AG as he only have 2 hours sleep yet.


Climbing Mt. Tapyas 


Bajoy and Rivo arrived, I told them to eat in Lolo Nonoy's since we're already stuffed. So, we then took some rest. I was planning to tour around near vicinity at 4PM so I asked Gerald to alarm 3PM. At 2PM it was brown-out, no generator so we just stayed at the outside veranda (outside entrance). ohhh btw, i was waiting for Ate Brenda our official tour coordinator. At 2:30 while we Jojo was doing the posing and and all stuffs (AG as the photographer), Kuya Bong (Ate Brenda's brother) come over and talk to us. Since the whole day is our free time, Bong advice to take Mt. Tapyas and Hotspring afterwards. The group get ready for Mt. Tapyas since we don't have electric power yet.

That was one high stairs! ahhh... very tiring. Successfully, we were able to climb Mt. Tapyas. To my amusement, someone is working his way up to the tip with his bike (can't remember if i ask the name), about mid to late 20's, from average to rich, and cute fair to dark guy. We had some small talk and he is really generous to answer my questions. He will be riding his bike (big Mountain Bike) going down on the other side of the mountain. He say, he does it every other week. I really admire  his dedication and the fact that he is really brave.  

It was really tiring! On our way down, Bajoy is counting the stairs, nearly the last 50 steps, Bajoy saw a Rottweiler and just say "MAMA" and climb up. Paul suddenly interrupt and ask were is she on her count. Then all she say was "SH*T, di ko maalala". We were just laughing till we're down.


Maquinit Hot Spring


We ride a Tricycle going to Maquinit Hot Spring for PHP300, that's back and forth. Entrance to Maquinit is PHP 150. Since the climbing to Mt. Tapyas exhaust us all. We decided to take the dinner at Maquinit. Thanks to Bong for the advice. Along the way to Maquinit, you can buy lechon manok and rice. (you can bring food in Maquinit, except drinks). We eat first before we hit the steamy hot water. I was last to hit the water as I didn't bring board shorts with me and  i just cant jump in just wearing boxers so i waited till darkness covers the place. And there you go, i go near my groups area. The water is really hot but the smell (for me) is really not good. The Water smells like a dressed chicken.


Some of my guys like it, but for me NO. I don't really like the dressed chicken smell.


Tired but can still do something else, Me, AG, Gerald, Makoy and Jojo went out for some walks and food too.


We sleep early for Day 2 is jam pack of activities. We will have the island tour 8:30AM. :) Gotta sleep now. :)