A Journey Through Turquoise Waters, Hidden Lakes, and Island Magic: Uncovering the Layers of Coron

Hi Worldmappin Fam!
I'm here to continue sharing our getaway during our 28th anniversary. We explored two of the most famous tourist spots in the Philippines. I've already shared El Nido, now let's go to Coron.

We arrived in Coron with full happiness in our hearts. We went directly to our hotel, we stayed at Coron Westown Hotel. Because our time is limited, we chose to take it slow. We simply rested at our hotel. No tours, no tight schedules, just a moment to exhale. Sometimes, the best way to begin an adventure is by simply letting the place welcome you.

The next day our Coron story began. Our first stop was Balinsasayaw Reef. Hubby immediately dove into the cool, inviting water, obviously excited as he swam with satisfaction. As usual, I didn’t join him and just stayed in the boat, enjoying the light sway and serene surroundings.

Before reaching Kayangan Lake, we posed at the edge of the boat, taking a moment to snapped the awesome scenery. The tall limestone cliffs, the glassy water, and the untouched beauty of nature were too stunning not to capture. It was the perfect pause before stepping into one of Coron’s most iconic wonders.

We made our way to the crown jewel, Kayangan Lake. We hiked up a short trail and were greeted by the most iconic view in Coron. The lake itself was so clear, so still. Before we could capture these shots, we waited nearly 30 minutes in line. The long wait tested our patience. Even though it made us wait, the incredible scenery made every second of waiting worthwhile.

We went down to the Lake and we were amazed by the place. We dived immediately into its clear and cool waters. A perfect break, washing away the heat and reviving our energy.

Our visit to Barracuda Lake was unforgettable. Known as one of the most famous freediving spots, it has underwater cliffs and a thermocline. My husband dives in and explores the surface. He was in awe of the rock formations and the shifting water temperatures below. I took a jump into the clear waters too, but unlike him, I stayed near the surface, a little too nervous to go deeper. Still, just floating above those towering underwater cliffs, surrounded by the lake’s peaceful beauty, was an incredible experience on its own.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Sunset Beach, a haven of fine white sand and tranquil water. After eating, we set out on a kayak ride, sailing over the clear, calm waters as we viewed the island. Every turn revealed something beautiful, secluded spots, lush greenery, and quiet little coves.

Our last stop was the breathtaking Twin Lagoon, a true hidden gem. To reach the other side, we had to ride a kayak and pass under a low, small opening beneath a large rock formation. It was a fun and unique experience, we had to carefully lie down on the kayak to glide through the opening. When we came out into the second lagoon, the scenery opened up into a calm, enclosed paradise with tall limestone cliffs, which made the place feel like a secret sanctuary.

The next day, we went to Lualhati Park and enjoyed the calm view by the bay. And relaxed for a while. Someone told us that the mountain beside the park is called the “Sleeping Giant” because it looks like a man lying down. When we looked closely, we could really see the shape, it was like a giant resting peacefully. It was a simple but interesting moment that made our visit even more special.

We climbed Mt. Tapyas intending to reach the top, but I started feeling a bit dizzy when we got to the second level. So, we decided to stop and rest there instead. We didn’t make it all the way. The view from the second stop was already beautiful. It was still a nice experience.

Our last stop was the Maquinit Hot Spring. The place was filled with people enjoying the warm water and relaxing in the pool. We didn’t go in all the way, just dipped our feet and stayed on the side to enjoy the heat. After that, we walked around and explored the back area of the spring. There, we found a peaceful spot where the water was so calm it clearly reflected the mountains. It was quiet and beautiful, a nice surprise to end our day.

Our last day in Coron, after coming back from El Nido, we stayed at Corto del Mar. A quiet, Mediterranean style hotel in the center of town. Just what we needed after days of exploring. We just rested, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and looking back on all the fun memories from our trip. It was a simple but perfect way to end our adventure.

Photos taken using Samsung S21 Ultra
Collage using Canva