Above are pictures taken from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 before plane boarding and in Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga, Coron, Palawan.
DAY 1: Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring
Going to Mt. Tapyas, you'll have to climb a 710-step stairway. The climb would take about 30-45 minutes depending on your pace, but according to my tourguide, they can climb it in ten (10) minutes. Make sure to bring a bottle of water and face towel with you. You may opt to stay at the top until sunset to experience a breathtaking view of the Coron Islands. At the top is the famous Coron giant Cross that lights up every night. Entrance fee for this spot is Php100/pax.
After the climb, refresh yourself into a hot spring bathe at Maquinit. You'll need a tricycle ride for about 15-20 minutes to reach the place. There are cottages there that are free for use ( included in your entrance fee of Php100 / pax). Please take note that bringing of drinks (sodas, liquors, etc) are not allowed but you can buy them at the store near the gate. The spring temperature ranges about 30-40 degrees Celsius.
DAY 2: Siete Pecados, WWII Ship Wreck, Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Beach 91, Twin Lagoon, CYC Beach
First stop is the Siete Pecados, a group of seven small islands believed to be the remains of seven Tagbanwa children who drowned according to a myth told by the tour guide. At this spot you can do snorkeling and fish feeding. Entrance fee is Php100/pax.
Next is the WW II Ship Wreck. At this spot you can see a remnant of a Japanese ship after the American attack last September 24, 1944. You can see the wreck even by using your goggles.
After engaging yourself to a piece of History, you can relax at Kayangan Lake (a.k.a. Blue Lagoon). Upon payment of Php200 entrance fee, you have to do a small trekking. At the middle of the trek, you can see a very good view of the Coron Islands usually printed on post cards. The lake is tagged as the "cleanest lake in the Philippines". You can do rafting and snorkeling at this spot.
If you want to enjoy a semi fresh and semi salted water lake, you can go to Barracuda lake as your next destination. Entrance fee is Php100 and you'll do a little trekking with limestone rock formations. Please be careful as the rocks are sharp and your pathway is only made up of 2x2 coco lumbers. The lake has also its very relaxing view.
You can take your lunch at Beach 91 or Banol Beach. The beach has lots of limestone rock formations on both sides with white fine sands. The view is perfect and also relaxing. By the way, entrance fee is again Php100/pax.
Another spot with picture perfect view is the Twin Lagoon. It would be best if you'll be visiting this spot on a low tide for you to cross the lagoon with an ease. In case of high tide, you'll need to swim for about 2 meters deep to cross to the other side. Entrance fee is Php100/pax.
As your last stop for the day, the perfect spot is the CYC Beach. CYC stands for Coron Youth Club. This is the only tourist spot in Coron with no entrance fee. At this white sand beach you can also enjoy views of mangrove (bakawan) trees.
DAY 3: Coron Town Tour and Souvenir Shopping
If you still have the luxury of time, you can do a Coron town tour and souvenir shopping on your last day. You can go to PAG-ASA building and have your souvenir picture at the huge CORON word. Visiting Coron during Yuletide season can give you a chance of witnessing the giant Christmas tree. There are several things that you can do at Coron if budget is not a constraint on your vacation. You can rent jetskis, have a henna tatto, and a lot more. The best treats or "pasalubong" to bring home from Coron is their plain slated cashew nuts (kasuy) and danggit (dried fish). A new baywalk style plaza is being developed at Coron that would be the next night attraction at the island.
Seafoods at Coron are common and truly mouthwatering. You can try giant crabs, squids, shrimp, etc. There are several restaurants that serves Filipino food such as Sisig and Bulalo. I personally recommend the Kawayanan Grill.
OPTIONAL DAY 4: Banana Island, Malcapuya Beach, Calumbuyan Island, Coral Garden, Gunboat
First stop for Day 3 is the Banana Island. The island is 1 hour away from the Coron Islands. The name was derived from the shape of its shoreline that resembles the shape of a banana. Entrance fee is Php200 and you can enjoy the white sand beach and perfect view of the ocean.
Malcapuya Beach. This is the best beach I have ever seen so far. The white sands are very fine and the water is very refreshing. The views are also picture perfect. You can also try to do pictorials at the view deck of this island. According to the tourguide, the owner of this island is Mr. Ed Reyes , the owner of Datu Puti Suka. The island was named after his wife. Entrance fee is Php200.
Third stop is the Calumbuyan Island. You can take your lunch at this island as dining tables are provided. This island is 1.5 hours away from Malcapuya. You can enjoy snorkeling and see a vast diversity of corals. By the way the entrance fee again is Php200.
At Calumbuyan, you might think that you already seen the best of the Coron coral reefs. Wait until your boatmen direct you to the Coral Garden. Here you can see more glowing coral colors and shapes and more sea creatures.
At you last stop before going back to Coron Islands, you can snorkel again for a remnant of an American ship tagged as the Lusong Gun Boat. The wreck has a more appealing view than the WW II ship wreck.
