It reels in my mind like magic; I've probably daydreamed it so many times while in reality, I was grueling my days at a desk, wishing this day will arrive sooner than later. I have to admit, this is going to be much of a challenge, though I'm willing to face it.
I'm travelling solo -- not just in one place, but in three municipalities. Here's my first set of stories from Coron, Palawan.
My hesitancy was undeniable. I keep on delaying my decision on where to go for my birthday week. I know I'll be back in Palawan; that's for sure. But I don't know how to plan it out. I know it's going to be pricey since this is a journey I relish myself as always. I don't know how to segment and stretch my stays at all, yet here I am, happily reporting to you, dear reader, that everything went incredibly great. And to my future self reading this, lessen your doubts and conquer your inner saboteur.
One day in July, I went and booked a flight. One way to Coron. I thought it was dumb, but I knew it can be done. I'll go to Coron, then El Nido, then to Port Barton.
This will be my set of stories from Coron.
| Day 1 | Flight to Francisco B. Reyes Airport, Arrival at Accommodation, Mount Tapyas, and Maquinit Hot Spring |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Coron Super Ultimate Tour |
| Day 3-ish | Transfer to El Nido via Montenegro Ferry |
My flight to Coron was eventful. I left home early as usual before my 11 am flight. There was some slight delays on the onboarding since the weather was not friendly in Coron at that time. Yet, thankfully, after a few minutes, we were ask to onboard — always the best feeling for me whenever I start my trip. There’s something exciting and thrilling about it, something you look forward as you picture yourself for the next few days of your own what’s nexts, what ifs.
I get to see the lovely islands from my window seat. Even my seatmate was fascinated that he took so many photos as well and showed it to his family right next to him on the other row.
The aircraft for Coron is quite small. I have yet to check the reason for it, but unlike the usual aircrafts with three seats on each row, the aircraft only has two seats. Also, if I remember correctly, there’s only 2 time slots for Coron flights via Cebu Pacific. So plan it accordingly. I was supposed to travel on October 9, but I didn’t since the time slots are not viable for me. Still, I enjoyed and maximized my first day in vacation through some of the spontaneous activities I get to do.
Started reading this during my trip and finished it right at the end of my trip, too!
Always checking here for the gates
Look at that amazing view from the window seat
This is where I first stayed: Mackey’s Hidden Inn in Coron town proper
Side notes: I started Coron quite a bit off. I left one of my favorite jackets at the airport -- unknowingly remembering it by the time I was near my Coron accommodation. I put things together and it seems like I did not leave it at the airplane; I left it at the airport bathroom. Oh, well. I will miss that jacket. That was the best jacket I would never get to use again.
Coron town proper view from Mount Tapyas. It’s so surreal to see this because the ray from the sunlight just screams heavenly.
Upon my arrival, I decompressed for a bit and decided to push through to Mount Tapyas despite the heavy downpour. From my stay to Mount Tapyas, it costs PHP20, extremely good deal if I'm being honest. The staff at the inn told me this so I wasn’t marked up higher than I should be.
Mount Tapyas was literally a difficult climb plus with the rain. I've thought of not pushing through but I ended up making it through the rain. My fit wasn't ideal as well since I left my jacket (this is going to be a recurring mention for this blog series, hahaha). My fit was for a non-rain walk and it failed. I'm just thankful I didn't get sick.