Island Harmony: The Charms of Coron, Palawan

You know that feeling when you step off a plane, take a deep breath, and you can just tell you're somewhere special? That’s exactly how it felt landing in Coron, Palawan - a gem tucked into the Calamian archipelago, just a quick hop (about an hour) from Manila.

Coron is the kind of place that looks like it belongs on a postcard: dramatic limestone cliffs, electric blue waters, coral reefs so colorful they don't look real, and sunsets that make you stop mid-sentence. Honestly, it's one of those places that makes you wonder if you accidentally wandered into a dream.

DAY 1. Checking In, Soaking It All In

For our quick 3-day, 2-night escape, we stayed at El Rio y Mar Resort, and let me just say - it was perfect. Peaceful, tucked away in a quiet bay, with calm waters stretching out into the horizon and hills rolling gently in the background. Exactly what you want when you’re looking to leave the noise of real life behind.

From the airport, it was an easy ride: a private van took us to a little dock, and then we glided across mangroves on a 30–45 minute boat ride. It already felt like an adventure - the kind where your shoulders drop two inches because you're so relaxed.

When we pulled up to the resort, the staff welcomed us with a traditional song and ice-cold drinks, making us feel like family coming home. After a quick check-in, we found ourselves in our Casa Cabana room, just steps from the beach. I could hear the waves even from bed.

We wasted no time diving right in - literally. First up was snorkeling, where the water was so clear it felt like floating through glass. Fish of every color swam around us, and the coral was like an underwater garden. Later, still buzzing with energy, we decided to hike up to Hunter’s Peak.

Now, imagine this: flip-flops on, the sun setting behind you, and a local guide (shoutout to Kuya Jun!) leading the way up steep, narrow trails. It took about an hour, with plenty of stops to catch our breath and soak in the view. We hit the summit just in time to catch the sunset - fiery oranges and purples splashing across the sky. Honestly, it was one of those moments you don’t even try to take a picture of because nothing could do it justice.

After racing down the trail before it got pitch black (talk about a mini adrenaline rush), we capped the night off with a big dinner, cold drinks, and live music under the stars. That first day was pure magic - and somehow, we knew it was just the beginning.

DAY 2. Island Hopping Dreams

Google Maps | Coron, Palawan

If Day 1 was a beautiful introduction, Day 2 was full-blown love. We spent the entire day hopping from one jaw-dropping spot to the next, each one somehow topping the last.

Photo by Franz C. Trinidad.

Twin Lagoon was our first stop. Picture two serene lagoons hidden among giant limestone cliffs, connected by either a creaky little staircase (if the tide is high) or a daring swim under a rock archway (if the tide is low). We swam through the cooler surface waters into a pocket of warmer, almost bath-like temperatures beneath — it was wild, like Mother Nature showing off.

Next up was Barracuda Lake, or as the locals call it, Luluyuan Lake. Before jumping in, we ate lunch in a stilted hut overlooking water so clear it looked like it wasn’t even there.

Getting to the lake meant climbing a little path through more limestone formations (by this point, my flip-flops were real MVPs).

Swimming in Barracuda Lake was a trip. The temperature shifts as you swim deeper, from cool to almost 100°F, thanks to a crazy mix of saltwater and freshwater layers. We didn't dive all the way down, but even near the surface, you could feel it - like the water had a heartbeat of its own. The underwater landscape was otherworldly: dramatic limestone walls disappearing into deep blue nothingness.

Just when we thought the day couldn't get better, we arrived at Kayangan Lake. Known as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, it’s that place you've probably seen on Instagram - a perfect mix of turquoise water, craggy cliffs, and a picture-perfect viewpoint after a short, sweaty hike. We swam, explored hidden caves, and floated in the quiet, feeling like tiny specks in nature’s masterpiece. Visibility was so good you could practically see your own future.

Our final stop was Siete Pecados, which turned out to be more than just a snorkeling site - it came with a story. According to local legend, seven sisters once defied their mother’s warning and ventured into the sea, only to be claimed by a powerful current. The next morning, seven small islands appeared where they had vanished. It added this layer of bittersweet beauty to the already stunning underwater world filled with swaying corals and schools of fish.

By the time we got back to the resort, we were sun-kissed, salty, a little tired, and completely in awe.

DAY 3. One Last Morning in Paradise

For our final day, we decided to slow things down and really soak up the last bits of paradise. We lingered over breakfast and coffee by the beach, letting the warm breeze and ocean views sink into our bones.

Later, we hopped into kayaks and paddled around the bay, laughing (and sometimes veering totally off-course) as we explored. It was the kind of morning that didn't need an agenda - just you, the water, and a heart full of gratitude.

We spent our last few hours lounging by the pool, ordering another round of mango shakes, and promising ourselves we’d be back.

Coron wasn’t just a trip - it was a full-on love affair. The colors, the calm, the kindness of the people - it all wove together into something unforgettable. It’s the kind of place that quietly imprints itself on your heart, so even after you leave, a little part of you stays behind, floating somewhere between the cliffs and the sea.

And honestly? I can't wait to go back.