Phoenixperience

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Calamian Isles… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga, Palawan) Part 6 of 7

Coron Island Hopping

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Part 7 of 7 Calamian Isles… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga, Palawan)

Dive link helped me with my island hopping itinerary as well as the transport. All I had to do was ride my rented outrigger boat, rate depends on how big the available boat is, ranging from P1,500 - P2,500 good for the day. I was sent off like a kid on my first day of school, reminding me about my snorkeling/diving gear, that there were entrance fees P100/person-P200/person (minimal donations for upkeep) to be collected for most of the stops and they even packed up my lunch and drinks.

Coron Island or Higantes as the locals call it appears like a sleeping giant from a distance, upon close inspection you’ll see that Higantes is made up of small beach strips, caves, coves and lagoons. The ancestral roots of the Tagbanua tribe could be traced here and has been said to have occupied this land for a little more than 3,000 years.

Malwawey Island
Off the western side of Coron Island is where you can find Skeleton Wreck aptly called for the small wrecked ship that lies beneath. It has fine white sands, a good snorkeling site that serves as appetizer for the day’s thrills.

Twin Lagoon

Mother Nature always seizes to amaze me. Most often the splendors showcased have caused palpitations, momentary disassociation from reality, and at times when I think my heart just came to a halt from such beauty another sight of grace jumpstarts my ticker in an instant. Some take it for granted and considers the experience only as a playful activity. It was different for me, the slow approach to twin lagoons held me captured by the limestone cliffs formed eons ago. Twin lagoon is a wonder. How two different bodies of water (fresh and salt) come together, the science of thermo cline at work was a treat in my lifetime. I saw and felt the difference as I was swimming through and under a gap going to the other side of the lagoon and it was simply amazing.

Scenic Kayangan Cove and Crystal Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Cove is a masterpiece. I could hardly believe that such a place existed in real life. I was surrounded by rock formations and crystal clear waters that I only get to see in movies. It was so inviting that a humungous monitor lizard swam in the midst without a care in the world. Boats were docked, boatmen and tourists eating their meals either preparing for the steep climb of 300+ steps to Kayangan Lake or a reward for doing so. If you’re not so fond of heights, just don’t look back.

If you must grovel, do so because Kayangan Lake is something you shouldn’t miss out on.

Kayangan Lake or blue lagoon is the cleanest lake in all of Asia, I just hope it stays that way with the traffic of tourists. Halfway up to the lake is a cave/view deck where you can see Kayangan cove in all its glory, truly breathtaking.

Still a little winded, I pushed myself on to satisfy my long overdue curiosity. Upon seeing the lake I instantly wanted to rip my clothes off and jump into the water clear as glass. It mirrored the view of the cliffs while it gave me a clear sense of its depth. The curious shrimps and playful needle looking fish that have grown accustomed to having visitors kept me company. Nature sounds of trickling water, birds chirping excitedly, even whispers are echoed by the acoustic environment. It is even more enchanting to see it under the moonlit sky as it reflects magical romance between La Luna and the lake.

Barracuda Lake

Barracudas live in shallow tropical waters and can grow 6ft long and a foot wide. They are fierce looking creatures with prominent fangs that’ll scare you halfway to the Pacific. Their fearsome appearance and stories of old have given them such a bad rep. This is where the lake got its name, stories told of a resident giant barracuda. I had second thoughts whether to test the waters or just enjoy the site from the boat. The boatmen said it was safe and though the thought of being prospect of a snack for a barracuda was unsettling, I took their word for it and dove in. The lake itself enveloped you in its tranquility. I felt safe in its calm and beauty. One can even climb the jagged rocks for a better view.

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Palawan…Wet Wild Wonderful

Part 7 of 7 Calamian Isles… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga, Palawan)

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Friday, March 9, 2012

Calamian Isles… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga, Palawan) Part 7 of 7

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Part 2 of 7 Calamian Isles, Palawan… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga)
Part 3 of 7 Calamian Isles, Palawan… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga)
Part 4 of 7 Calamian Isles, Palawan… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga)
Part 5 of 7 Calamian Isles, Palawan… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga)

Part 6 of 7 Calamian Isles, Palawan… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga)

Part 7 of 7 Calamian Isles, Palawan… Heaven on Earth (Coron and Busuanga)

Banol Beach

There are two Banol beaches in Coron island, “Banol nga mabael” (Big Banol) and “Banol ng maite” (Small Banol). The slice of paradise I was referring to was the small Banol strip.

Banol is home to Tita Herminia a native Tagbanua who takes care of the beach. She keeps it pristine, sifting the sand, picking up dried kalachuchi flowers, loves having company and doesn’t mind some picture taking. I love the place so much and missed Tita Herminia’s kind heart and stories that I went there everyday during my stay renting an outrigger just to be there. A gracious host and a darling, she wanted a copy of my picture with her to remind her of me and my accidental funnies that she adored, I told her that I will return with her picture as “pasalubong” gift and she acknowledged with the sweetest smile. It was genuine and rare nowadays that I feel blessed sharing a moment of my life with my kindred.

I could use all the positive adjectives to describe this place and yet it wouldn’t be enough.

Palawan has a lot to offer yet if I were to choose just one, Banol would be my place under the sun.

Other Significant Sites

Siete Pecados (Seven sins)

Legends have it that seven sisters went out to swim against their mother’s wishes and consequently drowned and from them arose seven islets from the sea. I just know my mom would not stop referring to this legend once she learns of it. I understand that she worries about me and my strong inclination for misadventures, that when she does she will have a field day of it.

Siete Pecados is my 7^th heaven. It is definitely the site for ultimate snorkeling/skin diving. It is a garden of corals and fabulous marine life just bursting with unimaginable color.

I have gone Scuba and skin diving in many parts of the world but I can say Siete Pecados has the most spectacular array of marine life I have ever seen. Cautioned by the story and how I will not hear the end of it from my mother, I’m a bit hesitant to tell of my up close and personal encounter with a walo-walo a snake-like fish with a zebra pattern that slivered its way toward me underwater. Scared out of my wits I swam like there was panic at the disco, amazingly like a flying fish I flew in the boat and gave the boatmen something to remember me by. It’s funny now when I recall it enduring more scrapes and bruises from the struggle to get on the boat than an actual bite.

Caluit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1976 by then President Ferdinand Marcos after attending the 3^rd World Conference in Kenya that addressed nature conservation, this ground serves as new home for exotic animal species from Africa like giraffes and zebras and refuge to indigenous animals such as the Palawan Bearcat and Calamian Mouse deer (the smallest deer in the world). Four hours by boat from Coron town or take an alternative route a two and a half hour land trip including a few minutes banca ride across Biniktikan River from Busuanga to Calauit preserve. Quite a steep spend either way so I suggest you look for a group to share the cost and to experience island safari with.

Maquinit Hot Springs

Day’s end, there’s nothing like a hot bath. Feeling the cold from my wet clothes and tired muscles from all the action, Maquinit Hot Springs offered a therapeutic 38-41 degrees Celsius of relaxing waters. The first toe dip made my skin crawl up but as my body tempered its way through I indulged on being stewed. It gradually took my cares away and found myself rejuvenated soon after.

Manila life can somehow numb and suck you out to dry and I can say that Calamian Isles especially Busuanga and Coron were responsible for letting me feel again. Other worthy sites to explore are Dimakya Island, CYC Beach at Cagbatan Island, Kalambuyan Island, Kalachuchi Island, Banana Island, and Coral Garden for a chance to gather one’s self. Go back in time when you visit 12 principal dive sites of Japanese ships that were bombed on September 24,1944 in a US Navy action by Admiral William Halsey’s fleet taking with them their war stories as they sunk 40-50 meters from the surface. YKR (Yulo King Ranch) reputed as Asia’s biggest Cattle Ranch, Uson island for trekking or Mt. Darala for a test of will, Culion Island for the museum and Church built atop an old Spanish fort. A former Spanish colony turned leper colony once the largest concentration in the world now transformed as an emerging city in the south.

Calamian Isles is just icing on the cake and I’m not even done with it. Palawan consists of tiers of ooohs and aaahs just waiting for the time to be explored. It leaves a taste to be craved for and indulge in. Jacques Cousteau the father of modern underwater exploration and premiere nature lover had a piece and he loved it and so have I. I don’t mind having another slice and another after that. Grab a piece! Enjoy your slice of Heaven on Earth!

Side Bar:

Domestic Airlines with flights to Busuanga

Zest Air: www.zestair.com.ph

Tickets and reservations: (632)855-3333

Cebu Pacific: www.cebupacificair.com

Tickets and reservations: (632)702-0888

Seair: www.flyseair.com

Tickets and reservations: (632)849-0100

Tours and Accommodations

Dive Link Resort: www.divelink.com.ph

Telephone numbers: (632) 376-2048; (632) 387-2019

Mobile: 0918-9072577; 0918-9261545; 0918-9261547