A houseboat on Coron Island!
After a very short flight from El Nido, we touched down at the Francisco B. Reyes Airport on Busuanga Island. During this trip to the Philippines, We only travelled with carry-on-bags, however at El Nido, as the plane was very small, we were asked to check in anything larger than a small backpack, for no extra fee, which we agreed on. After collecting our bags and paying the “tourist tax” (250 pesos per person, cash only) we walked outside in order to hail a taxi, however were told: “No taxis, what’s your hotel?”.
Not having booked airport transfers with our hotel we didn’t think that they would be there, but they sure were. Apparently, this is how it works in Coron Town, there are small shuttle vans that run to and from the airport and specific times that you just jump on. Well, at least I didn’t have to explain where the hotel was and not long after, we arrived at out hotel, the Coron Town Traveller’s Inn.
We had booked one night in Coron Town before heading out to the island of Coron the following morning and whilst we booked a basic hotel where we were supposed to share two large beds between the four of us, we scored a free upgrade with interconnecting rooms. The following morning we were collected from the hotel and driven to the pier where we jumped into our private transfer to Coron Island and our accommodation for the following night, the Paolyn Houseboats.
These are, as the name suggests, floating houseboats nestled amidst the lagoons of Coron Island, offering a serene and unique experience in the middle of the pristine waters on the area. Upon arrival, we were immediately captivated by the beautiful colours of the water and its tranquil ambience. As it was too early to check in, we ensured that we made full use of what was available to us. Whilst Suz and Eloise had a swim in the beautiful and tranquil waters around the reception/restaurant houseboat, Xander and I grabbed a kayak and explored the area for a while.
Not long after we were allowed to check into our accommodation and were taken there by one of their small boats (everything is obviously done with boats, from the transfer to and from the restaurant to room service which was done via Whats app from your room). Upon arrival we observed that each floating houseboat appeared to have been constructed from a combination of bamboo and wood and that we had our own deck, dining area and a cosy interior.
We were all soon in the waters around our houseboat where we enjoyed some snorkelling and some more kayaking. And here is where our last shot from our video camera happened. I was out snorkelling and enjoying the area, shooting video at different location when I all of a sudden noticed that the screen wouldn’t turn on, I looked to the side of the camera and noticed that the USB charging port somehow had opened and realised that the camera was now filled with salt water. I knew that this was it for the camera, however I rushed back and rinsed the camera and SD card in freshwater, enabling me to at least save the footage already filmed, the camera however was done for and our video from Coron as such will be missing amazing footage from the following two days, but what can you do.
That night, after returning from a great dinner at the restaurant, where we were treated to a beautiful sunset, we sat at our houseboat and enjoyed the peace and tranquillity on offer, with only the sounds of gecko’s interrupting the silence.
The only drawback with these houseboats was the fact that we opted not to include A/C (as it would have cost us about $100 per night) and only relied on the fans that were provided. The night was hot, humid and there was no wind which made it difficult to fall asleep, however we eventually all fell asleep and after an early wake up call, enjoyed our pre-ordered breakfast on our own dining area.
That morning after breakfast, we got onto our own private tour which first took us to Kayangan Lake. After climbing to the top, where we were treated to some panoramic views, we descended to the lake where we all took a refreshing dip in the freshwater lake, enjoying the peace and quiet that this tour offered us as it arrived at the location before any of the tours from the mainland.
Our tour continued with stops at Barracuda Lake and a nearby beach that we again, almost had to ourselves, before returning to our houseboats where it was time to pack, check-out and enjoy some lunch. However, we left our luggage and all of us except Suz, went on the afternoon part of our private tour where we again were treated to more beautiful beaches and amazing snorkelling along the Siete Pecados Marine Park.
After returning later that same afternoon, we were taken to the mainland for our final accomodation, the Coron Bancuang Mansion. We were greeted by the friendly staff and showed to our rooms at the penthouse (we almost felt like royalty). These rooms offered plenty of space (and cool A/C) and offered great views from the balcony.
The following day Xander and I took part in the hike up to Mount Tapyas, climbing over 700 steps, to be presented with great panoramic views over the town, Coron Bay and the surrounding islands. A very hot and humid experience, but worth it and a fitting finale to our unforgettable journey.
The following morning we made our way to the airport where we flew back to Manila, had a last day and night at our hotel where we made sure to enjoy the pool with a few last Happy Hour drinks, before flying back home to Australia the following morning.
Coron was a great little stop along our trip to the Philippines and we had an amazing time at the houseboats where we were able to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy streets and everyday life and the ocean surrounding the island of Coron offered some of the best snorkelling that I’ve been part of. Would I return? Absolutely, there is still more to be explored and I didn’t even get a chance to fully explore the wrecks that the area have to offer for scuba divers!
