Coron, Dream Island in the Philippines

The very best destination in the Philippines, Coron Island. There are two most popular tourist spots in the Palawan area; the first one is Coron and the second is Puerto Princesa. Personally, I prefer Coron to Puerto Princesa. Coron offers better chances for snorkeling and scuba diving and affordable accommodation as well. This photo is taken with iPhone4. Far from fancy DSLR cameras. Any ordinary digital camera will take this kind shot. 

Look for any tour guide in Coron island and they will take you this spot. Since this area is always bustling with foreigners busy taking pictures, avoiding the peak season, which is early April and late December, will be a good idea. 

Day tour to these small uninhabited islands costs about 700 to 800 peso, including lunch and entrance fees. The tour starts at around 8 in the morning and ends at around 4 pm. What a deal! Less than $30 for a day trip with lunch. 

I'm sure that Coron should be the first destination when you travel in the Philippines. Cebu or Boracay would be a no match for Coron. 

If you can't swim, sign up for a swimming class right now or you will regret it when you come here. 

Don't forget to buy waterproof camera case or waterproof camera. Adding a bit more on your budget definitely pay you off greatly.

Underwater sports in the Philippines, Puerto Galera

You don't need to scuba dive in order to see some fish in Puerto Galera. Rent a decent snorkeling gears and plunge yourself in the water. Fish are everywhere here. If you don't miss the best snorkeling spot around Puerto Galera, renting a banka. Any boatman will bring you to the best snorkeling spot nearby. Renting snorkeling gears and a banka for two people will cost about 2000 peso, which is about US $50.

I used iPhone4 and a waterproof case when I took this video. Ask your boatman to prepare a piece of bread and feed it to the fish. Once you drop a small piece of bread, a school of fish will follow you almost immediately. Fish-feeding is much more fun than it seems. 

CoCo Beach Resort in Puerto Galera, near Manila tourist spot

Puerto Galera would be the best choice if you don't have much time in Manila. Unlike going to Cebu or Boracay, trip to Puerto Galera is fairly simple. one bus ride from Manila to Batangas pier and another boat ride to Puerto Galera. No need to book your flight or accommodation. White Beach and Sabang Beach are the most popular destinations when it comes to Puerto Galera. These two places are always packed with people doing scuba diving and drinking. If you want to just relax and do nothing, Coco Beach would be your number one consideration. 

Coco Beach Resort is still a part of Puerto Galera but it is a private resort, exclusive for its own customers; no is no one bugging you for the night activities and hopping tours. 

If you are not familiar with bus rides in Manila, you can ask Coco Beach front desk to add shuttle bus service to your budget. The shuttle leaves at Diamond hotel at 6.30 in the morning everyday. Once you arrive at Batangas Pire, you will transfer to a bangca, outrigger canoe, also arranged by Resort. One way ride to CoCo Beach Resort, including shuttle and bangca, is 800 peso per person. 

Consider that the rainy season start from late May and lasts until mid October. Everyone wants to have this sky for the vacation but not everyone checks the weather report.  Finally, it's Coco Beach Resort.

The gigantic size of this private resort is impressive.

 The resort offers 101 activities to its customers; reading activity list took me some time. Some activities are free and others are not.

 The resort has several restaurants and each one has its own specialties. Main restaurant nearby swimming pool serves dinner buffet as well. Surprisingly meals in the restaurants are quite affordable. The price for each meal varies from about 200 to 300 peso.  

If you are into scuba diving, you can book your diving at the diving shop in the resort. Each dive is $35 including everything you need. I personally recommend this resort to anyone who is looking for overnight trip from Manila. Like I say it's always fun to know Philippines.

Coco Beach Resort website-Transportation page link
http://www.cocobeach.com/getting-there.aspx


Coco Beach Resort is just one-click away!

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