It's almost been a year since Angel from The Travel Buff , my brother and I booked this trip to Coron Palawan. I've been praying and patiently waiting for this time to come. I already filed a leave out of office one month before the trip. I prepared everything I need -- a larger bag, a powerbank, swimming attire, sunglasses and of course, enough money! Here it is! we just made it happen! Palawan is known to be one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines. Because of that, I am more than happy to have this pride in myself that these first times happened in Coron Palawan.
1. Flew out of Cebu
I am always teased to be the only family member who hasn't rode an airplane yet. Well, not anymore! Not ignorant of airplanes anymore! And, what else makes it special? I flew out of Cebu to Manila and to Busuanga. That means, I rode an airplane not just once but FOUR times in a row! Angel was the one who booked the tickets for us (my brother and I) since she has all the time and she was the one who found out about the airline promos. Going to Manila, we rode AirAsia and going to Busuanga from Manila, Cebu Pacific. So what are my expectations versus the reality of riding an airplane? Well, I was anticipating a lot of "turbulence". :D I heard that word a lot from people. I think I was just exaggerating it. :D It was normal, one hour ride and compared to what I was expecting, riding an airplane is not too dangerous. Now, if I have to choose, I would love to ride an airplane than a 6-hour-bus ride (not thinking about the fare lol).
2. Island Hopping
Island hopping is so mainstream in the Philippines these days. Our country is divided into islands and islets that's why, this activity is very popular. It's summer and I'm seeing a lot of people in Facebook with that in-the-front-of-the-boat pose as their profile pictures. Funny that at first, island hopping doesn't really appeal so much to me since I admit, I don't know how to swim. I'm afraid of jumping into the water. They said that's what they do when they go "island hopping". But, I realized it's far more than that! Aside from swimming, activities also include trekking, snorkeling and kayaking. ;)
If Mactan in Cebu is known to offer island hopping packages that includes these islands neighboring it: Gilutungan Fish Sanctuary, Caohagan, and Nalusuan, in Coron, a 1, 500 pesos wreck and reef tour already include more than 5 destinations: Siete Pecados, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Smith Beach, Las Islas de Coral and CYC Beach. Plus, bonus are those islands you see around going to those destinations. :) Now, I'm afraid that I will begin to compare this experience to my next island hopping experiences. Yes, I'm still hopeful. As of now, nothing yet can surpass my island hopping experience in Coron Palawan!
3. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is now my favorite! If I can only make this as a hobby, I would buy my own snorkeling gears, life vest and fins! I was once not so confident of using snorkeling gears since I do not know how to use it. The water might get through inside the goggles, to my nose and I would die. Haha exaggeration but it might happen! But! If nature is offering you such wonders down the water, who am I to refuse snorkeling? First time ever, in my life, I saw those gigantic coral reefs, swimming with those beautiful and colorful fishes! I am very thankful to God I experienced such thing in my life! I haven't seen a sea-urchin so big that I can already recognize it's eyes and mouth, a purple coral that looks like a brain of a human being. Others are so blue with so many branches together they look like a magical forest!
One thing in my mind during those times "Oh God! I am in a heavenly paradise!". The GoPro may not be able to capture them all for me, but I have those stored in the memory card of my mind! :D
4. Giraffes and Zebras
The very first thing that came to my mind when Angel invited me to this trip, I said to my brother, "Are we going to see the giraffes?!" At first he was like "That package is said to be so expensive". But I answered, "We still have almost a year to save!!" We are one of the luckiest guys to have successfully landed Calauit Island in Coron Palawan. Other tours failed to reach the place when the waves are becoming too big and dangerous. And so, the captain of the boat decides to go back.
Palawan is known to be the Last Frontier having these wild animals still present up to now since President Marcos ordered to bring these giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other creatures from Kenya to Philippines. It took a month of sea travel.
The original animals that were brought already died and what the currently existing animals are pure Pinoy breed. It means, these animals are the babies of those that were brought here. They are all born in the Philippines! The giraffes we've seen were Isabel, Von, and five others. We had the chance to feed and pet them. :D Also, we had a close encounter with the zebras!
5. Coron Itself
The most special thing is I've been to Coron! I've learned a lot of things going to another region, travelling another part of the Philippines. I've learned a lot about Coron and Palawan! Things are different when you are just reading about this in blogs and magazines compared to exploring these things first hand. Fresh and delish food, nice people, happy travelers and random foreign strangers! Those are the beautiful things I will never forget.Travel Philippines! Travel Palawan! Travel Coron! :D
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