TAKE ME TO... TWIN LAGOON, CORON

World-famous

Twin Lagoon, with its crystal clear waters and limestone cliffs, is every traveler’s dream

BY CRISTIAN MABAN PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER HASENAUER

CORON, LOCATED ON the northern tip of Palawan, is the jump-off point for the world-famous Twin Lagoon. This pair of dazzling turquoise lagoons set against a backdrop of vertical karst walls is every traveler’s dream. The ‘dry’ summer months, around February to March, are the best time to visit to enjoy sunny days and clear, blue waters. Make sure to include Coron on your island itinerary.

Essentials

How to Get There. For the ultimate luxury and no-fuss travel, book a seat with airtrav.ph, which operates regular flights from Manila direct to partner resorts. Other local airlines like Philippine Airlines (www.philippineairlines. com) operate direct flights from Manila to Busuanga. From Busuanga, it’s about an hour by land to Coron Town, the jump-off point to your Coron adventure.

Getting Around. Depending on which part of Coron you’re staying, it’s relatively easy to get around town by tricycle or van. Island hopping tours are also available daily, weather permitting. Boat tours take you to Coron’s many beautiful islands, beaches, and spots like Twin Lagoon.

JY Travel and Tours offer Coron island hopping tours, tel+63 920 553 1710, @JYTravelandToursOfficialPage on Facebook.

What to Do There. Swim, kayak, or if your tour guide offers it: with your lifejacket on you form a line and lie down on your back, you grab and hold on to the person’s legs before you (and the next person holds on to your legs and so forth)—the tour guide is at the front of the line pulling you and your companions as you glide through water and float under the outriggers of the bancas.

At the lagoons, the water temperature at the top is warm and cool below, the result of the water from the sea meeting the cooler water from the subterranean river. And when the motorboats’ engines are off, you get this hauntingly beautiful moment when all you can hear is the lagoons’ incredible acoustics, probably what a mermaid song would sound like.

Where to Stay. There’s a lot of accommodation types available around Coron depending on your budget. Check out The Funny Lion (www.thefunnylion.com) or Bacau Bay Resort Coron (www.bacaubayresortcoron.com).

For a complete guide on “Top Things to Do in Coron,” visit our digital full screen version at issuu.com/ dorniermedia, InFlight Traveller Issue 27.

Christopher Hasenauer is a traveler, hiker, and photography enthusiast. For more of his photos, follow him on IG @christopherhas

Asia Grand View

Sleep easy in a low-carbon hotel in Coron, with stunning Coron Bay as your backdrop

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

LOCATED ONLY 35-MINUTES away from Busuanga Airport, one kilometer from Coron Town, and a few minutes walk to Dicanituan Beach, the 20-room Asia Grand View Hotel is beautifully enveloped by nature with lots of open grounds, views of Coron Bay and nearby Dicanituan Island. The hotel is an eco tourism hotel and bird sanctuary, so expect welcome conservation practices, from use of low-flow faucets, shower heads and low-water use toilets, use of solar water powered deep well main water supply and solar lamps in the garden, low wattage and LED lights, line-drying of laundry, a salt chlorinator for the pool, a canal built for rain catch, a water filtration system to ditch use of plastic bottles, among a long list.

ROOMS. The hotel’s deluxe and superior rooms all have a verandah, with views of the sea or landscaped garden and good-sized swimming pool. The rooms are designed in neutral colors, with wooden floors, ceiling fans and airconditioning, furnished with wooden furniture and cane or rattan chairs, TV, fridge, smoke detector and emergency lights. Each of the rooms is of a good size, clean, and beautifully designed using Filipino art and accents.

AMENITIES. For good food and the best views, dine

Clockwise from top left: Spectacular views at night with Coron Bay as backdrop, stay in this relaxing room, book a fun island hopping activity with the hotel, great service from any of the staff, and yoga with a view at the Bay View Bar & Restaurant. Asia Grand View offers an excellent range of Asian food and international cuisine. The hotel Roofdeck is the best spot to enjoy Coron’s unforgettable sunset while enjoying your meal and drinks.

The hotel also has a spa, the perfect place to recharge after a day of island hopping. The hotel is near the docking area for boats going on island hopping tours. Maquinit Hot Springs is 3.7 miles away, Mount Tapyas, 0.8 miles, and the public market, 0.9 miles. Get in touch with the front desk to help you arrange tours, diving, water sport activities and trips to explore the Calamianes islands. You can play billiards, table tennis and darts at the hotel, and bike hire is available. Room service is available and there’s free WiFi.

GOOD TO KNOW. From recycling, responsible waste management to energy consumption and the conservation of the local environment, Asia Grand View Hotel makes sure that it continuously develops and follows sustainable practices. What’s more, plants and trees are maintained to provide shelter for local birds including the spot-throated woodpecker, longtailed shrike and the blue-headed Racquet-tail parrot, considered a threatened species. Guests are welcome to spot them while in the resort.

HOW MUCH? Rooms are from Php7,500 a night.

Asia Grand View Hotel, Governor’s Avenue, Jolo, Barangay 5, Coron, tel. +63 917 550 7375, +63 917 550 7373, +63 969 538 5830. Visit www.asiagrandview.com, @AsiaGrandViewHotel on Facebook

Mountain View Garden Inn

A sanctuary for the soul, a haven of serenity in Coron

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

MOUNTAIN VIEW GARDEN INN has some of the best views of Mt. Tapyas, a magnet for trekkers who want to get a glimpse of the whole of Coron from the mountain peak. The inn is also a great place for watching Coron’s sunset and sunrise. Located a few minutes away from bustling Coron Town, Mountain View provides peace and quiet, as well as the convenience of having town amenities such as shops and restaurants within walking distance.

ROOMS. There are 33 rooms in total, catering to solo backpackers, couples, families and groups. Rooms have

Clockwise from top left: Pictureperfect view of the inn above and the pool below; relaxing space with nature as your backdrop; and one of the spacious rooms, perfect for big groups comfy beds, air conditioning, TV, and private toilet and bath. Mountain View is also popular for corporate retreats and team building activities.

AMENITIES. The inn has a good sized pool, perfect to cool off during the summer heat. There are sun loungers and tables around the pool area. The hotel also arranges island hopping tours and offers holiday tour packages bundled with accommodation.

HOW MUCH? Rooms start from Php2,500 for a solo traveller; Php4,750 for a big group of five people, plated Filipino breakfast included. To get the best seasonal rates, contact the resort directly.

Mountain View Garden Inn is along Tapyas Road, Coron, Palawan. For bookings, call +63 920 553 1710, email yong_cj@yahoo.com or message on Facebook @MountainviewgardeninnCoron

From left: interiors done French bistro style; owners Mael and Analy with InFlight Traveller team, and a musttry on the menu, Rib-eye steak with French fries and salad sidings

Amihan Bistro Coron

A taste of France while on the island — from classic boeuf bourguignon to French meatballs pasta, served with excellent French wine

Setting

INSPIRED BY PARISIAN family bistros, Amihan Bistro Coron aims to transport you to France through its setting and flavours. Think red checkered tablecloths and French bistro chairs, simple, elegant decoration, and warm lighting to set the perfect mood for lunch or dinner.

WHAT NOT TO MISS ON THE MENU. This is the best place for classic French food from boeuf bourguignon, French beef stew made with red wine, the croque monsieur or crunchy ham and cheese sandwich, goat cheese salad, to buckwheat galettes. French owner Mael — who set up the restaurant with foodie wife Analy — found his love of cooking started while learning to cook with his mother. He recommends meatballs with home made fresh pasta (Php490), using his mother’s recipe, the House slow cooked pork confit (Php560), and the home made pork rillette spread, perfect with drinks before dinner.

For dessert, definitely the delicious crepe suzette flambé with Grand Marnier. For your caffeine fix, the cafe gourmand or tea, served with a side of small desserts including homemade creme brulee. Price per order ranges from Php180-560.

Not to be missed is Amihan’s selection of fine French wine, all meticulously selected to pair perfectly with dishes on the menu. Choose from a glass of house wine Cabernet Sauvignon (Php280) to a bottle of Côtes du Rhône (Php1,750). Or try the red merlot, bordeaux, Carignan, white and pink wine. End the meal with aperitifs or digestives from France, from Pastis, cognac, to calvados.

SERVICE. Delightful, friendly, and attentive. You couldn’t ask for more.

VERDICT. The best French food and experience on the island.

Amihan Bistro, B complex, Real Street, Barangay 3, Coron, Palawan. For reservations, contact Analy or Mael at tel +63 939 406 4618, +63 927 023 5679, email amihanbistrocoron@gmail.com. Find them on Facebook @Amihanbistro. Open from Sunday to Friday, closed on Saturday

Bacau Bay Resort Coron

AMENITIES. Amihan Restaurant serves local and international cuisine made with locally-sourced and organic ingredients, while Pugon Café serves delicious classic Italian food. Take a dip in the pool or relax at the Isla Pool Bar or head to the Serena Pier Bar for a sundowner. The resort has its own private jetty, spa, gym, and meeting rooms for corporate clients and private banquets.

WHAT’S IT LIKE

THE VIBE HERE is palpably, pleasingly slow. Turn off your devices, kick off your shoes, and lounge by the pool kind of slow. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, 1.5 hectares of green and open spaces, the 80room hotel overlooks Coron Bay and outlying islands. Walk past the resort’s main entrance to lush greenery, and a gorgeous shimmering pool tempting you to jump right in. If lounging by the pool is on your itinerary, there are lounge chairs and parasols. The pier bar and mangrove forest are easily popular spots, too. And so are the Isla Pool Bar and Alon Spa.

ROOMS. There are 80 modern rooms, of which 64 are Deluxe Rooms, 15 Premier Suites, and one Presidential Suite — each one with a balcony with views of Coron Bay, and either a king or queen-sized bed, an LED TV, and mini bar.

The Presidential Suite is extraordinary — the biggest at 144 sqm — complete with two bedrooms, a living room, and a veranda — it’s perfect for families or big groups.

HOW MUCH? The Deluxe Room for two is from Php6,500 (about US$115), the Premiere Suite from Php8,125, and the Presidential Suite from Php12,125. Make sure to contact the resort directly for the best deals and their latest promos!

Bacau Bay Resort Coron, Governor’s Drive, Sitio Jolo, Poblacion 5, Coron, Palawan. Email reservations @bacaubaycoron.com, visit www.bacaubayresortcoron. com, tel. +632 7759 9888 local 1876 and mobile +63945 385 7702

Clockwise from topmost: Explore the many islands of Coron. Below: Go kayaking; or simply find the best spots to chill; after a fun day exploring the islands, enjoy a hearty lunch with newfound friends

JY Travel and Tours

Book your next tour with one of Coron’s pioneer tour agencies and experience the best that Coron has to offer

BASK IN TROPICAL PARADISE

CORON IS WORLD-FAMOUS for its beautiful beaches, World War II wreck diving, and limestone formations — no wonder many call it a tropical paradise. Coming here is not complete without hopping on a boat and touring its many scenic spots, from Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoons to Balinsasayaw Reef. The best tour guide to show you around is JY Travel and Tours.

AFFORDABLE, QUALITY TOURS. Plan your trip and book iconic island hopping tours to discover hidden lakes, kayak your way around lagoons, and snorkel through colorful coral gardens and discover rich marine life. Choose Coron Tour A that includes Kayangan Lake and View Deck, Las Islas de Coral, Sunset Beach, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, and CYC Beach or Tour B with Baraccuda Lake, Smith Beach, Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon, and Reef Garden. Or opt for the Escapade tour and discover the best that Coron has to offer including Malcapuya Island, Banana Island and Bulog Dos Beach. There’s also the Reef and Wrecks tour that will take you through some of the most beautiful coral reefs and historic wrecks that have become home to a rich, diverse marine life. Tour rates start at Php900.

They also offer tour packages beyond Coron: JY Travel and Tours’ El Nido packages from Php3,999 per person, Puerto Princesa packages for as low as Php2,799 per person.

PERSONALIZED TOURING EXPERIENCE. Unlike generic tours that will take you around the same spots, JY Travel and Tours offer a more personal approach to making sure you have the best time! More than mere guests, you’ll be treated like friends when you come aboard the boat. You’ll be treated with utmost priority and with the kind of hospitality Filipinos are known for. Tour guides are local experts when it comes to uncovering the gems of Coron, and you’ll learn more about the islands rather than just tour them.

JY Travel and Tours Coron packages start at Php2,399 per person. They also offer El Nido as well as Puerto Packages. To book, get in touch with them today!