It's Sunday and I'm sitting here on my old squeaky office chair with it's worn down wheels just about to give up, just pondering what to do with the day. The weather has been outstanding for weeks, in fact, this May has been the warmest May ever recorded in Denmark and it's been absolutely delightful (unless you are a farmer, then it really sucks because it's also been the driest, but I'm not a farmer so it's okay).
This Sunday however is grey, slightly cool and doesn't even have the fortuity to grace us with just a little rain for our hard tried fields. In short it's a really boring Sunday and I'm finding myself drifting away to more exciting places, loosing myself in memories of places I'd much prefer to my current location.
Maybe some of you aren't familiar with the Philippines, maybe you are, in the great grand picture it doesn't really matter that much. I mean, if you are familiar you'll see my pictures and you'll nod in recognition, maybe even share in on my daydreaming for a short while, and if you are unfamiliar you might be awed by what you see and maybe even put the Philippines on your bucket list for future travels. Whatever is the case I'll still feel I've somehow enriched your day in one way or another, and that is ultimately the reason why I write this, that and the sweet sexy SBD obviously.
A little note on Coron before we get started. Coron is a small cluster of islands just north of the quite well known Palawan island. It's reachable by ferry from El Nido on Palawan, from Manila and possibly also from the island of Mindoro though I don't know for sure and by plane from Puerto Princesa, Manila and Cebu.
The group of islands consist of three big islands with the island of Busuanga being the biggest and most accessible of them all and the smallest Coron being almost completely inaccessible except for a few natural tourist attractions. It's well visited by backpackers who are here to dive and do islandshopping as it's pristine waters hold amazing coral reefs, beautiful beaches and an incredible animal life.
The islands have much more to offer though and should you ever find your way here I'm 110% sure you will not be disappointed.
I can hear you yell now "GET ON WITH IT!" and you are absolutely right.. here are my top 10 reasons to visit Coron as presented in my amazing photography skills.
1. The Lagoons
The lagoons of all the islands are a wonder of nature and you can't help but feel totally awestruck as your bangka captain navigates the boat into through a maze of reef, underwater cliffs and shallow water.
2. The Diving and Snorkeling
Diving, both scuba and free, and snorkeling is world class in Coron. One of the unique underwater experiences is to swim or dive with the native Dugong (Philippine manatee) in the water north of Busuanga but almost all dive sites are rich on marine life.
3. Renting motorbikes to drive around Busuanga
While in the main city there was a large amounts of tourists for the island hopping etc. but as soon as we got on a bike and drove off we hardly saw any tourists. Driving around is challenging since the roads in some parts are really bad but at the same time it opens up a lot of beautiful beaches, hidden waterfalls, caverns, amazing views and much more.
4. Chasing waterfalls
We love to chase waterfalls and Coron doesn't disappoint in this regard either. Though the waterfalls aren't that big or impressive they are definitely charming and beautiful. Some of the falls requires a little pathfinding and sense of exploring to find but you manage to pin them down they offer true serenity.
5. The nightlife
Much of the nightlife is reggae inspired and the whole island has a really chill vibe as the darkness takes over. Also, as everywhere in the Philippines, Red Horse beer is available here and that's all you ever really need.
6. The beaches
The Beaches are many, too many to count or even begin to describe and while I wish I had the time to tell you all about them it would take weeks to be done. The picture is from a secluded beach up north west called Ocam Ocam beach that we reached on our bikes. The water is shallow about 500 meters out until you reach the reef but the view is absolutely fantastic. We stayed in a cottage on the beach and while there was no fan, no AC, dogs barking, hens and cocks being noisy and a small army of mosquitoes it was a surreal and memorable experience.
7. The food
The food is typical Filipino, both on dry land and on sea. I know many people doesn't think highly of the local cuisine but I love the Philippine food and happily loose myself, specially when it comes to on-board food while island hopping.
Ps. Check out the cheesesticks at the various restaurant, they are such a tasty snack!
8. The lush rich jungle of the islands
Inland on the islands the jungle and highland plains prevails leaving most of the islands covered in a lush green blanket. Most spectacular is the plains surrounding the airport in the morning when the fogs rolls through the valley over the flat plains with the mountains peaking up over the mist on both sides.
9. The sunrises and sunsets
I don't feel like I have to explain this one too much.. These islands are just perfectly picturesque and at dusk and dawn even more so.
10. Exploring and sharing with loved ones
I was lucky enough to have both my girlfriend
and my brother and his girlfriend to come along and explore these wonderful islands with me. It's an experience we can cherish for year and years to come and it's something we'll all have together.I'm all for solo adventures but on my older days I really appreciate sharing my travels with my loved ones.
That's all for now, hope you enjoy my small tales, the picture and my amazing writing skills! I know I enjoyed making this for you so I hope you are either dreaming yourself away with in me either memories or expectations.
