Philippines: Coron, Palawan. Spring Festival 2025

 Finally, Spring Festival rolled around, and we were able to get away for a few weeks. After last year's hideously successful yet far too short trip to the Philippines, I knew I was heading back as soon as I could. 

View from the top of the hill

First stop this time was Coron, Palawan. Famed for its crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets. Sounds perfect! I was staying just a little out of town, but even so, it was only about a half-hour walk to the marina and the 'centre' of town. It really is a tiny place that is completely set up for day tours for the tourists, which made it very quiet during the day and chaotic first thing in the morning and again about 6pm when the boats came back. 

I had booked 4 days here with only one day trip planned. It seemed smart given how busy things had been, especially with going home and then coming straight back into finals and parents meetings, I was shattered and very much looking forward to sitting on a beach with a book. 

First day, I wandered into town before climbing the hill to catch a sunset view (see above), which was knackering in the heat but worth it. 

Second, I took on the day tours. These have a bit of a reputation for being long and tiring days despite the stunning views. Coron has 5 basic tours with similar itineraries and 'themes' but all are basically stunning place after stunning place. 

Lunch stop

I was collected from my hotel and dropped at the boat park where we were split into groups and went to rent all sorts of gear. I opted out of the kayak but did take the snorkelling equipment. Experience has told me I am not great at snorkelling as I just cant get the hang of fins. Diving was a little different but still not exactly graceful. 

Our tour started with a quick stop at a reef before lunch. The reef, although small, was packed with life and very Finding Nemo feeling. Next time I come back, I will have a GoPro or something so I can properly document the stunning colours and fish swarms in which I found myself (yes, there will be a next time). 

We then moseyed off to the next three places on our list, all of which were stunning and defied belief. I cannot take credit for these pictures, but instead of the very chatty Chinese guy with all the toys on my tour. I think in truth, he was so excited to find someone who spoke Chinese, as his English was not so amazing. Regardless, his pictures are stunning and we had a fun day. 

We finished up with a climb to the viewpoint overlooking this. It was a hot, gnarly climb of 400+ steps, but worth it. 

So. Many. Steps. 

Our tour concluded at sunset, and we were back in the marina just in time. 

Obligatory sunset picture

And another