Coron: Through the words and eyes of Viajera Filipina Abril

 

CORON

Words and Photos by Abril

Potential. Seven thousand one hundred seven islands of ripe potential. The Philippines is home to pockets of paradise splendidly splayed all over the archipelago. She is gifted with diverse ecology, a gateway to nature’s bounty. She is home so familiar and yet much remains to be seen and discovered. She continues to weave magical dreams that find its way to reality one island at a time.

Traveling to Coron, Palawan is akin to experiencing nature’s grandest display of affection for man. One cannot help but whisper a prayer of gratitude for such beauty – crystal clear turquoise blue water, jungle, steep limestone cliffs, corals teeming with vivid colors, unperturbed aquatic life that carries life’s mysteries. It is truly a sight and site to behold!

Nestled in Coron Island is Kayangan Lake considered as one of the cleanest lakes in Southeast Asia. Underneath the immaculate brackish water are different limestone formations. They are like towers borne from the ground. Taking a plunge in this majestic lake felt refreshingly surreal. The Tagbanuas, an indigenous tribe, serve as gatekeepers of this island. Through the inhabitants’ diligent efforts, Palawan has been lauded as the last frontier of the Philippines.

Ten to fifteen minutes away from the mainland is a group of islets called “Siete Pecados”. It is a marine sanctuary bursting with rainbow like colors from the live sea corals to different species of tropical fish. Make sure to have your snorkeling gear ready to relish divine creatures of the sea. Thankfully, this gem of a place was spared from destruction when typhoon Haiyan made landfall almost two years ago.

When you are up for an adventure, island hopping is the best way to explore beaches in Coron. Malcapuya Island is a well-known beach in this part of the region. It is 1.5 hours Bangka ride from the Bayan. One can walk the entire stretch of the island. It has beautiful rock formations and fine white sand. A bed of giant clams is so closed to the shore. Perfect symbiosis amongst aquatic fish, sea grass, live corals, anemone and clownfish were observed. Truly, there is much to learn about life churning life.

Traveling infuses fresh blood and invigorates hopes for the future. It allows a person to pause, reconnect with his essence and his environs. It brings forth renewal, a fresh perspective on living.