I am one of the people who took the chance to buy Cebu Pacific Airlines’ super pass sometime in July 2021 and so, traveling in a short notice is quite easy for us – my friends and I. Looking back with the year it was, 2021 – I felt so lucky that despite the pandemic – following LGU’s travel and safety protocols – I’ve been to places and I am grateful for those experiences.
sunbathe at Malcapuya Island |
On this trip, we opted for more budgeted, relaxing, yet managed to visit and explore the island. Looking for a place to stay was quite a challenge because even though they are available on booking app, some hotels were not open yet. Good thing, we called the hotel first prior to booking to save time and ensure that they were DOT-accredited. You know, it was already a hassle to travel during pandemic due to inconsistent travel requirements and protocols so it’s better to secure everything is legit. It was a 4 nights and 5 days getaway in the island hence, we opted for two different accommodations.
First thing first, before you’ll get a QR Code provided by the local government unit of Coron, you need to submit the following considering that you are Fully Vaccinated Traveler (though, it might change from time to time):
1) VaxCert (Get it from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph) or Vaccination Card
2) Valid ID
3) A negative RT-PCR Result (Swab or Saliva) within 48-72 hours
4) Approved DOT-Accredited Hotel Booking
5) Approved DOT-Accredit Tour Booking (yes, it is a MUST!)
6) Approved S-Pass Travel Application
Once you have it, you’re good to go. By the way, airlines won’t allow you to board without those. Moving on, for the first 2 nights, we booked at Nanay’s Vacation House via Airbnb (link here). We got the loft type apartment with kitchenette, dining area and beds good for 4 persons – way enough and suited for us! It is strategically located near McDonalds – quite a rough road uphill, most likely, 200+ meters away from the main road. And yes, McDonalds become our easy fix for a hungry tummy after a long day.
relaxing at Maquinit Hotspring |
Since we arrived past 4 o’clock in the afternoon, we went to Maquinit Hotspring for a relaxing treat. Water temperature ranges from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius that’s why it is very recommended to visit at night, 6pm onwards and after a tiring day of roaming around. For sure, your sore muscle will be relaxed after a hot dip at Maquinit Hotspring. By the way, we just rented a tricycle that brought us there and waited for us to brought us back to our accommodation. We paid 600 pesos for the tricycle and 200 pesos per person as an Entrance Fee; ticket is available until 6pm only. Just after we took a shower, one by one, we dozed off in no time – thus, the planned dinner and beer session became a dream. 😊
📍 Malcapuya Island |
Woke up feeling refreshed and energized, we were so ready for our Day 2. It was my 3rd visit in Coron and never been yet to Malcapuya Island. Island Hopping with Malcapuya Island in it was the priority then, on our 2nd day – we had the Island Hopping, Tour C – which includes 3 islands to visit such as Bulog Dos Island, Banana Island and Malcapuya Island. At the right side of Bulog Dos Island, there is the Two Seasons Coron which is a dream to stay there, quite expensive and private, maybe soon.
📍 Bulog Dos Island |
Banana Island is where we had our lunch. It so freaking hot and yet, we didn’t bother to enjoy ourselves basking under the sun. The food prepared by the boatmen were so delicious. Lastly, we headed for Malcapuya Island and stayed there a bit longer compared with the two. It was a beautiful island, buko juice were sold at 50 pesos and everything was just fun new experiences. Obviously, I had fun floating and playing with the waves.
📍 Banana Island |
We had our sumptuous lunch at Banana Island and stayed there for a couple of hours. |
📍 Malcapuya Island |
Since we were going to check out the next day and transfer to another accommodation, we planned for sunrise hike at Mt. Tapyas and so, we slept early to prepare for an early call time. And. We. Did. It. Woke up 4:00AM for sunrise hike. Mt. Tapyas is roughly around 1 km away from Nanay’s Vacation House and we walked from there so we could have our warm up. After 30 minutes or so of walking, we reached our destination and the journey of 700 plus steps begun. Don’t forget to bring your water, fellas! You’re welcome.
📍 Mt. Tapyas |
rolling hills of Mt. Tapyas |
The view was stunning as I could see the town of Coron; definitely, it’s worth the “pagod” plus you can just chill on top and appreciate its beauty. It’s a breathtaking view.
the squad! |
On our way home, we walked again so we can buy “pasalubong” which is cheaper than in the town proper, we’ve got to taste different flavors, too – from sweet with jackfruit to original flavors of cashew nuts. As soon as we reached in our accommodation, I took a nap – was so sleepy and tired... err... tired that I slept off. 😴
I woke up just in time to prepare for check-out! But before heading to the next accommodation – The Bay Area Coron – we had breakfast slash lunch at McDonalds. And yes, there will be a part 2 for this post, stay tuned! 😉
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✨ 4N/5D Chill and Relax Itinerary in Coron, Palawan ✨
Day 1 - Manila to Coron
▫️Checked-in at Nanay's Vacation House
▫️Maquinit Hotspring (Entrance Fee: Php200 per person)
▫️Checked-in at Nanay's Vacation House
▫️Maquinit Hotspring (Entrance Fee: Php200 per person)
Day 2 - Island Hopping (Tour C)
▫️Bulog Dos Island
▫️Banana Island
▫️Malcapuya Island
Day 3 - Chasing Sunrise
▫️Mt. Tapyas
▫️Checked-in at The Bay Area Coron
Day 4 - Island Hopping (Tour A)
▫️Kayangan Lake
▫️Green Lagoon
▫️Quin Reef
▫️Sunset Beach (Atwayan Beach)
▫️CYC Beach
Day 5 - Coron to Manila
▫️Coffee at Cafe Socorro
▫️Lunch at Two Season's Bay Area Coron
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