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Showing posts with label Coron Village Lodge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coron Village Lodge. Show all posts

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Day 1 - Coron Family Vacation


Snippet of Coron

I woke up at 4:15am, we should be leaving at around 5:30.  It was the start of classes so we need to go ahead on time. We cannot afford to be late on our first ever family vacation via plane. hehe..

We took a cab, at exactly 6:15am nasa NAIA na kami. Si manong taxi driver kase, dami wento at grievances, alam lahat ata ng history ng Pilipinas, pero ang bilis niya mag drive di ba! 45mins lang from Valenzuela to airport! Whew, that was fast, indeed!

Going on board @ Cebu Pa
1 hour delayed ang flight. I started to worry, because we might cannot do all the supposedly itinerary on the first day.
Instead of 10:20, we arrived at Busuanga Airport past 11am.
Ma, we did it! (kabado kasi kami sa unang flight namin) Hahahaha..Welcome! Coron, PALAWAN!!
BUSUANGA (Coron) AIRPORT
I immediately looked for Kuya Joy, he was referred by Kuya Jhong na maging driver namin. (Sorry po, we're late.) Sanay na daw sila sa mga ganung eksena. After 30mins, we reached the Coron Town Proper. On the way, makikita mo agad ang kagandahan ng Palawan. Puro bundok at puno. Hmm..refreshing! As planned, we had a quick check- in to Coron village lodge then gora na ulit kami sa van to fulfill the DAY 1 island tour!

Kuya Jhong mentioned that he cannot go with us so he referred Kuya Jhun (bayaw niya) our official boatman for 2 days. 
After 15mins boating, we stop in the middle of the vast ocean. Sabi ko tuloy kay Kuya Jhun, "dito na po un? anu po meron dito?" and he said, "Opo mam, Siete Pecados po".  Hahahaha. aok.

Medjo disappointed ako nung una, kc that's already past lunch time and based on the itinerary, Banul Beach muna kami for lunch, I thought gutom na sina ma at pa.  Eh I cannot make any complains na, andun na kami eh. So, I wore my goggles for snorkeling and first dip into the water, napa W.O.W! talaga ako pag ahon! As in! I was mesmerized by the rich and colorful coral reefs I've seen at ang DAMING FISH!!! It was beautiful!

Siete Pecados - monitoring station
Ay grabe talaga, spell A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!
We love feeding fish
SCHOOL OF FISH

We were prepared, we brought bread pero we were surprised when we started feeding them, nagpuntahan silang lahat sa amin especially to ate.  Kaso ung itim, nangangagat daw. Hahaha..(Takaw).
Take note: Salty Water! 
Must- Haves: Bread, Goggles and UNDERWATER Cam. 
Ate bought Dicapac for us! Very good! Sayang talaga pag wala ka.

Photos by EMAN, Kuya Jhun's assistant!

Then I realized, the one I handed to Kuya Jhun na itinerary was the original one. I have a revised one na kase. So, okay na rin un. Okay talaga ang first stop, ang maki bonding sa mga fish at corals. It was past 2PM when we reached the next stop, the KAYANGAN LAKE, known to be the cleanest lake in Asia.

ENTRANCE TO KAYANGAN LAKE
We ate lunch here. Green ang tubig, malinaw! Kaso..
Take Note: Malamok!
Must - Haves: Mosquito repellant!
Our boatman prepared something unresisting sumptuous meal. The family enjoyed the lunch, while spraying to the max ng repellant. Hehehe..

Ensaladang Itlog, Seaweeds, Crabs, Fish for Lunch and etc.


After lunch, we started climbing according to Kuya Jhun, a less than 100 (two way) steps before reaching the Kayangan Lake.

TOP VIEW OF KAYANGAN LAKE
Truly, a breathtaking view!
MAGICAL WATERS

We do have images that only lens can capture!

CLEAR WATER OF KAYANGAN LAKE
We started swimming, the water was pretty deep approximately 10- 20 meters deep. When you're at the lake, the only thing you could do is enjoy the fresh water and the scenery. Pede atang inumin ang tubig dito, sa sobrang linis?! lol.


All you can see is the crystal clear water, rock formations and how it mirrors everything on the lake!!!!

ILOVEIT :)
We stayed one hour wallowing in the lake.  Mama, enjoyed here and blurted, "pupunta uli tayo dito bukas"?
Hehe, it seemed Mama really enjoyed swimming here ha! :) and so we all did.


ENTRANCE TO BARRACUDA LAKE


Limestones Cliffs at Barracuda

After 5mins boating, we were once again welcomed by the majestic ROCK FORMATIONS, signed that we are almost on our third stop, the Barracuda Lake.


Based on what I've read, Barracuda skeleton found here that's why it's being called, " BARRACUDA LAKE". Ang Sabi ko dati, hindi kami lulusong dito if we are the only people here, good thing marami kami that time so I grabbed my snorkeling gear and dip into the freshwater again! This time hindi ako na pa WOW sa ganda, I was startled by what I see under! I almost freaked out when I dip into the water, kase and dilim!!! Katakot pala, parang any moment, may hihila sayo sa ilalim.


Water Visibility: 35- 40 meters deep. Dark/  murky.
Positive: Perfect site for divers
Must Haves: Life vest! Wear it always, if you are not a good swimmer.




But still, Barracuda did not stop to amaze us. With its non-stop rock formation and beckoning blue- green clear water, picture taking and swimming in 30 minutes was not enough. 


It may sounds creepy like an old saying that Barracuda could still lives here, but definitely, one that cannot be missed when you visit Coron!



 Next stop, twin Lagoon.


No pictures taken inside the twin Lagoon.
Kuya Jhun told us that we cannot bring our SLR inside and there's no way to put it anyway, at least we can bring Dicapac with us. 

Papa get in first pero bumalik din siya agad kase he felt something in his underarm.  He exclaimed that his underarm was aching. 
When Mama, Mavic and I followed, we felt something is itchy. It's like something was biting our back. Haha, ang kati talaga.  


Shots from Dicapac

When the three of us reached the other side of  the lagoon, at the back I heard Ate Diane shouted, "Kuya tulungan mo ko, kuya..tulungan mo ko." I was hurriedly go back to check what happened to her. Kanina daw may na i- spot- ang jellyfish ang mga tao doon. Ah, e asan na sabi ko?

"Wala na, pinatay ko na" Eman proudly said to us. 
"Oh, pinatay mo na, ang bilis ah!" Sabi ko. Nabigla ko kase di namin nakita. Ang bangis talaga ni Eman. So un, thank God, that's good to hear pero ang kati talaga. Papa encouraged us to go back instead kase there's nothing you can hold on to or something that you could able to walk- through pag kaylanga mo, as in wala kang kakapitan so we immediately went back to our boat and sped off to our last stop.

I wondered how big yung pinatay ni Eman na Jellyfish kase nangati kaming lahat! But the most affected nang kati ay si Papa.  Papa shown to us his underarm. Ay, grabe namantal.  It swollen already;  formed a circular small bites. tsk..tsk..

Entrance to pristine "Banul Beach"
Enjoy!! White Sand! YUHOOO!
Banul has fine white sand beach. We've seen fishes also here, good for snorkeling.
Can't just get enough of the nice picturesque of the beach
"Proper DESPOSAL" was incorrectly written at their signage. Which only means, be socially RESPONSIBLE!
Show your etiquette people. Do not leave your trash anywhere.
Coron's Sunset @ Banul Beach

What a wonderful day! Loads of swimming, snorkeling and eating!  
Eating to the max after so much fun in water in four stops!

On our way back to Village Lodge, time for dinner!


Day 1 - Actual Expenses



Per group
per pax
Lunch
635
127
Boat Rental
1500
300
Snorkeling gear (2) for whole day
300
60
Entrance Fees
Siete Pecados
300
60
Kayangan Lake
1000
200
Barracuda
500
100
Banul Beach
500
100
Tricycle
40
8
Dinner
645
129
TOTAL
5420
1084


Originally, the entrance fee to Siete Pecados is P100 each. But since the caretaker was dreaming that time when we're about to leave and pay, Kuya Jhun gave us discount na lang so that's make us P300 only. Thanks Kuya Jhun! 

To view, please click our day 2!
 
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Coron, Palawan - 3D2N Family Itinerary

Three months prior to the agreed family vacation, I booked at the Cebu Pacific Air.  Don't get me wrong ha, but this vacation is all FIRST - time experienced to me. From booking of the flight schedule, flying on a plane and dealing with a boatman for our island tour were all FIRST to me. So it was all mixed emotions but mostly I was soooo excited! You cannot imagine how fulfilling it was for me to organize such vacation.

Here's our ticket:
Yeah, it was kinda higher than others but what else can you ask for, you'll be enjoying the best vacation you ever have with your FAMILY, whatever and how much you'd spend for, it is PRICELESS!

Confirmation No.               Booking Date                      Status 
T88RVM                               Wed Mar 16, 2011              CONFIRMED Flight Details



MANILA ( NAIA Terminal 3 ) to                                              BUSUANGA ( Francisco B. Reyes Airport ) to
BUSUANGA ( Francisco B. Reyes Airport )                          MANILA ( NAIA Terminal 3 )
·         Departure: Monday, Jun 6, 2011 , 0920H                    .     Departure: Wednesday, Jun 8, 2011 , 1410H
·         Arrival: Monday, Jun 6, 2011 , 1020H                         .     Arrival: Wednesday, Jun 8, 2011 , 1510H 
.          Flight No.: 5J 529                                                          .     Flight No.: 5J 532

Guest Details
Guest Names                                                                                        Address
  • MS MICHELLE JUMAWAN (Travelsure)                     Contact Numbers
  • MS DIANA JUMAWAN (Travelsure)                                             
  • MS MELODY JUMAWAN (Travelsure)                         639084640678(telephone)
  • MR VICTORINO JUMAWAN (Travelsure)                   639178720233(mobile)
  • MS MARIVIC JUMAWAN (Travelsure)
Payment Details
  • Base Fare: PHP 13,240.00
  • VAT: PHP 1,669.80
  • CCF: PHP 600.00
  • Aviation Security Fee: PHP 75.00
  • Go Lite Fee: PHP (1,000.00)
  • Insurance Fee: PHP 1,250.00
  • PC: PHP 0.00
  • Total: PHP 15,834.80
  • Payment Type: RS (APPROVED)
  • Date: Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011
  • Transaction ID No.: 70096335
  • Payment Amount: PHP 15,834.80
  • ……

We had a debate on where the family should stay and what itinerary we will get. Since we had a budgetary vacation, Ate Diane made a cost comparison of cheapest lodge/hotel and boat rental for the island hopping. We chose to have DIY (do-it yourself) itinerary na usong -uso sa Coron. In fact, karamihan ng makukuha mong itinerary ay DIY. Though we had a table comparison already, I was not contented so I did search for myself.

I started calling different lodging -in which offers cheapest but pleasant accommodations and after a few weeks of looking, I decided to book at the Coron Village Lodge. What attracts me most para kunin ang Village Lodge ay ang free-wifi access, overflowing coffee/ tea and not to mention, all the reviews I've got in the net that they have the cleanest room maintained for their guest.

And for the island hopping, I chose to trust Kuya Jhong which from what I read from other blogs, he is nice and very mabait daw! Plus points, he has pictures talaga with his guests and he is always very accommodating pag tini- text at tinatawagan ko. I was so satisfied and happy that we were able to do what we want.  Sa iba kase you cannot customized the tour, eh I wanted to have 1.5 island hopping so availing Kuya Jhong's tour, we were able to do it the way we planned it.

Just to give you an idea, please do check this itinerary so you can plan your own + expenses:







   Per group
   Per pax
Day 1
11:30
to
12:30
Quick check- in @ Coron Village Lodge






Room for MA/PA 1 Queen size bed
2600
1300




Room for MMD with 2 beds
3200
1066.67

12:30
to
1:00
Boating Travel (Boat Rental c/o Kuya Jong)
1500
300

1:00
to
2:00
Siete Pecados
750
150

2:00
to
4:00
Kayangan Lake  + Lunch
500
100

4:00
to
4:30
Barracuda
1000
200

4:30
to
5:00
Twin Lagoon
500
100

5:00
to
5:30
Banol Beach
500
100

5:30
to
6:00
Boating Travel (To Coron Proper)
500
100

6:00


Lodge and Dinner
750
150



11800
3567
Day 2
6:30
to
7:30
Breakfast
750
150

7:30
to
9:00
Boating Travel (Boat Rental c/o Kuya Jong)
3000
600

9:00
to
11:00
Malcapuya
1000
200

11:00
to
1:00
Banana Island + lunch
1750
350
:
1:00
to
1:30
Bulog Dos
500
100

1:30
to
2:00
Malaroyroy
500
100

2:00
to
3:30
*Shipwreck
500
100

3:30
to
5:00
Boating Travel (To Coron Proper)
-
-

5:00


Lodge and Dinner
750
150



8750
1750
Day 3
4:00
to
4:30
Early breakfast
750
150

4:30
to
5:30
Mt. Tapyas (To catch sunrise)



5:30
to
6:00
Going Hot Spring



6:00
to
8:00
Maquinit Hot Spring
500
100

8:00
to
10:00
Time to wander at Coron Town Proper



10:00
to
11:00
Early Lunch
750
150

11:00
to
12:00
Rest / Prepare for Departure



12:00


Going Back to MANILA







2000
400





22550
5717

Excluded:
rate per
pax



Tip to boatmen
Room Accomodations



Tricycle 8.00

Terminal Fees NAIA- 200 / 
Busuanga 20.00



Van transfer expenses 300/way




First Day at Banul Beach

Click the link below to see the DAY 1 Adventure
Day-1 in Coron, Palawan

Second Day at Malcapuya Island

DAY 2 - Coron Palawan 

Last Day - hiked in Mt. Tapyas

Last Day

More pictures to come, that is for sure!
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