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Summer in the Philippines is the best time to check out the white sand beaches of the country. One of the more popular summer destinations is Coron in Palawan province. Planning your trip early on and very carefully will give you one of the most memorable vacations that is easy on the budget.

It’s very tempting to go straight to a travel agent to book your vacations. But if you’re Internet savvy enough you’ll know that booking airfare and hotel accommodation is very easy. And will let you save money in the end.

If you’re planning a Coron Palawan trip, you can reserve plane tickets online via SEA Air or Asian Spirit, which are the only commercial Philippine airlines that fly to Busuanga island where Coron is. There are flights daily but these are small Dornier planes so you better make reservations early in the year, like January to February.

Another, and cheaper, way to reach Coron is via SuperFerry which sails on Fridays but also returns to Manila on Sundays. Ergo, this mode of traveling is only good if you plan to explore the islands for a week. Otherwise you have to contend with a 2 days/1 night trip.

Which is not advisable as there are more to do than frolic a day away on the powdery white beaches.

Coron inns and accommodations are also easy to find on the web. When our group took the trip, we made our hotel resort booking online at Kokosnuss Garden Resort and Restaurant. Kokosnuss is one of the most popular resorts in Coron especially among tourists, most probably because of its online booking service.

The resort is German-owned, each cottage is made from local materials so it’s like staying in a bahay kubo. The staff were very friendly and will gladly arrange for you different guided tours to the key tourist areas around the island.

There are other resorts and inns that you can search on the Internet. Club Paradise Island Resort is for travelers who can afford luxury vacations. The resort is nestled on Dimakya Island in Coron and perfect for honeymooners or divers. But cheap Coron accommodation for the budget traveler is not at all hard to find.

Coron Palawan Points of Interest:

Coron Island – the Coron Island tour will take you around this mystic sanctuary for a chance to snorkel, dive, or spend the day in an isolated beach area — you’re own private island.

Cayangan Lake & Barracuda Lake - these are beautifully hidden lagoons and bays that are maintained by the native Tagbanua tribe of northern Palawan. There are other lagoons that are off-limit to tourists because they are national protected areas.

Mt. Tapias & Mt. Tundalara – Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy climbing these peaks. At the top of Mt. Tapias is a giant cross that is lighted at night. It can be reached through the 300-step stairs or go through the backdoor for some 30-40 minutes hike. Once atop, you have a 360 degree view of Coron town and the nearby islands.

Mt. Tundalara, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult to climb. The 640 meter high mountain (the second highest in Palawan) requires a guide who can bring you and your friends to the peak in 3 to 4 hours.

Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary – Located in the northern Calamianes Islands is home to exotic and endemic species of animals. Calauit sanctuary was established by former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos to shelter animals given as a present by the government of Kenya. To this day, the island is populated by giraffes, zebras, and hundreds of migratory bird species.

Wreck Diving Sites – Coron is one of the best locations to go diving. In 1944 some 120 US Navy bombers caught a Japanese convoy at anchor in northern Palawan. Some 11 (and more yet undiscovered) World War II Japanese wrecks await divers under the vast Coron Bay.

So whether you like nature or the white beach, Coron Palawan has everything to offer. Go to Coron for its breathtaking tourist sites, cashew nuts, and great value accommodation. Oh, and did we mention the people are extremely nice, too.

Tags: Palawan, Coron Palawan, wreck scuba diving