This jewel in northern Palawan, one of the province’s top destinations, is reportedly surpassing in tourist arrivals the capital city of Puerto Princesa, which boasts the Unesco-listed Subterranean River.
The Coron Natural Biotic Area is listed in the Natural category of the Unesco World Heritage Tentative List.
At the approach to Francisco B. Reyes Airport, one is struck by the number of islands dotting the sea; coral reefs visible through crystal-clear water; rolling landscape and red soil; fields more verdant, the rice leaf a deeper green.
There are two Corons—the first-class municipality occupying 2/3 of the island of Busuanga, the largest in the Calamian archipelago; and the island, 20 minutes away by motorboat, the third largest. The town is the commercial capital of the Calamianes. The island is the ancestral domain of the Tagbanua.
A Better Bargain
Vergara says Coron is a much better bargain than other niche tourist destinations where activities and sceneries are limited and you’d feel you have your fill after two to three days of stay. With Coron and environs, it seems you can’t have enough of them.
Also, if you’re Manila-based, it is nearer than other exotic island destinations—and cheaper, too.
Several Boracay establishments have recently opened in Coron, reveals Vergara. And its upmarket venues are cheaper than comparable accommodations on Boracay.
Visitors ranging from Orientals to Caucasians to domestic tourists swarm the town especially at around Aug. 28 when it celebrates its patron St. Augustine.
An afternoon tour of the town covers Lualhati Park, the reclamation area with dockyard and marketplace, the plaza, a souvenir shop, a kasuy factory, St. Augustine Church on sloping grounds, Maquinit Hot Spring, and, finally, the conquest of Mt. Tapyas.
The grassy peak is topped with a whitewashed giant cross and letters spelling “Coron,” lit at night. Tourists flock here to see the sunset, the town layout below, the neighboring islands.
Source : Inquirer
