Text by Donna Patricia Manio, Philippines
Images by Artem Levy
Known to be one of the Philippines’ true gems, Coron is world-famous for its clear, blue waters and white sand beaches. It’s the perfect place to start if you want to fall in love with the country all over again.
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While a witty descriptor of traveler behavior post-pandemic, the term “revenge travel” fails to capture what going places really gives a person: A sense of adventure. Much needed solace. A renewed sense of wonder. A reprieve from the wear and tear of life.
It feels more enriching to approach the idea of travel as transformative instead of something obligatory that stems out of years of being cooped up or even from the pressure of producing “content” for social media. Travel is a spiritual experience in which the traveler connects with the destination.
Visiting Coron, Palawan in the post-pandemic era is a balm that soothes a person’s soul. With its many natural wonders and a vibrant local scene, it’s easy to see why many international and Filipino travelers are getting to know this island paradise again.
Going to unknown places may be jarring to some, so it’s helpful to find the most comfortable set up as possible. Coron’s Tag Resort and Leisure Complex is a wonderful spot for both solo and group travelers. The complex’s design embraces the natural beauty of its surroundings: it doesn’t feel artificial or intimidating. In such an environment, it’s easy to let one’s guard down and simply relax.
Guests are immediately welcomed by a relaxing atmosphere. The lobby’s tropical design is mixed with colorful contemporary art, a clear signal that both relaxation and fun are priorities in the resort. A vast lagoon pool, which faces the beachfront is a soothing view for visitors. And past the pool and cabanas is the beach, its white sand and crystal blue waters always inviting and captivating. Setting eyes upon these sights is enough to engulf anyone with a sense of calm. Finally, a sweet reprieve in an island paradise.
The resort is also expansive; those who want to ease into island living can do so without being jolted into doing the many attractions in Coron right away such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, jetskiing, or eating out at the many small restaurants that have mushroomed in the town proper, each one serving different cuisines of the world from Filipino to Italian to Japanese to Thai.
It is quite lovely to take leisurely strolls in the resort, amongst its cabanas and villas. For those who wish for some time alone, the Villas are the perfect getaway. Some of them, like mine, have direct access to the lagoon pool and all that needs to be done is open the back door and jump into the cool water. There are floating tables, for those who want to enjoy snacks or drinks in the water. In this place, everything is optimized for leisure, relaxation, and convenience. The villas are understatedly luxurious with their tropical minimalist interiors— it’s easy to imagine why people wouldn’t want to leave and explore the island right away: it feels like home or an upgraded version of it, the upgrade coming largely from the beach.
The horizon is blue on blue against white sand, the very best of island living. The shoreline at Tag is a wonderful prelude to exploring the rest of Coron. After steadying oneself at Tag, it’s easy to go on many adventures from there. Most sites are approximately 25 to 45 minutes away.
To commune with nature, there’s the pristine Kayangan lake, also known for the limestone formations surrounding it. The hike to this spot is worth it for the view alone and the way there is almost as pretty: trekkers are treated to lush foliage and mountain views as they ascend to the pinnacle, where the view is the best: varying shades of blue on the sea and sky, outlines of white sand, and limestone mountains speckled with green.
Those who wish to snorkel or go scuba diving are in for a treat at Barracuda Lake. The water in this area is emerald green and is beloved by freedivers for the underwater caves, rock formations, and even marine life. To really experience the place, one must be brave enough—and well-trained, if not supervised— to dive into the deep waters. Sure, a novice may enjoy it, but most likely won’t get the full experience. Nonetheless, a visit to this lake is worth it for true nature lovers and those who want to marvel at how vast and wild nature really is. Being in such a place gives a person a sense of how small we may be in the grand scheme of things, it’s easy to be in awe.
After swimming in Coron’s lakes and beaches, travelers can return to their second home and unwind at Tag’s restaurant or bar to cap off a long day of adventure and appreciating nature. The meals are hearty and filling, perfect treats from a long day of enjoying life: grilled seafood, chicken, sauteed vegetables. The drinks are just as refreshing as the sights of Coron, concoctions that are more than enough to quench one’s thirst and lift one’s spirits.
This is what a typical day would be like in the island paradise of Coron, Palawan: soothing, awe-inspiring. Many stay for days and even weeks to discover more. It’s no wonder it’s so easy to fall in love with Coron, to keep on returning to it. It is a place so inviting and to equate travel there with revenge would be a mistake. Experiences here aren’t to be approached with frantic greed, but with an open heart that welcomes a multitude of possibilities for serenity and wonder.
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