MANILA, Philippines — The beauty of Coron, Palawan is multiplied by the many beaches and island destinations off the municipality, many of them as stunning as the next.
Coron is part of the Calamian Islands along with Busuanga, Culion, and several other smaller islands, most of which host either tourist spots or accommodations.
There is much to visit and do within the Calamian Islands. Here are a few select destinations and activities.
Kayangan Lake
If the name isn't familiar — unlikely given the lake is arguably being the most-visited place in Coron — its photos certainly will be.
Located on Coron Island, Kayangan Lake is famous for its clear blue water, which is mostly fresh and is considered the cleanest in the Philippines.
The lake is under the protection and maintenance of the local Tagbanua people. As a sign of respect, fishing and snorkeling is discouraged.
Scuba diving is discouraged as the lake has strong underwater currents and the use of life vests is required following a drowning incident a decade ago.
Getting to the lake requires a 10-minute hike up and down some 200 steps. Once you reach the top, it offers a pretty view of the nearby islands, as well as a cool cave.
Twin Lagoon
Another popular destination in the Calamian Islands is Twin Lagoon, the two bodies of water separated by a limestone barrier.
A narrow passageway appears below the barrier during low tide, making for a fun route in the water, though makeshift stairs have been installed for those opting for safety.
Because there are no jetties for boats, tourist will need to swim to the barrier. The water is cool but the travel is worth it once arriving in the inner lagoon, which is warmer in the middle of the day.
Like Kayangan Lake, the use of a life vest is required though both lagoons, being salt water, means it is easier to float.
Related: A gateway to Coron's islands with a touch of Maldives
Banol Beach
Travelling can make one hungry, so why not have lunch in one of the many white beaches Coron has to offer?
A suggested location is Banol Beach, also called Banul Beach, a small strip of white sand on Coron Island with high cliffs and Kalachuchi flowers that make for a great upon entry alone.
Lined-up straw huts keep tourist safe from the blazing sun while eating packed lunches or cooked on the beach itself with food brought on boats.
After eating, a dip in the bright blue waters makes a good substitute for dessert, ideal for snorkeling beginners.
Snorkelers wanting more of an adventure can also drop by the nearby Skeleton Wreck, a Japanese vessel that sunk by the U.S. Navy during World War II.
The beach also has a great sunset view that tourists who initially just dropped for a meal may be tempted to camp overnight.
Related: The Lind Hotels to open properties in Coron, Siargao
Twin Peaks Coral Garden
There are numerous places to go snorkeling around the Calamian Islands and see the beautiful corals that are home to hundreds of fish species.
One of these offshore dive spots is the Twin Peaks Coral Garden south of Coron Island and the entrance to another tourist spot, Barracuda Lake.
The name is taken from two limestone formations emerging from the sea in an area that goes nearly a hundred feet deep.
Within the shallow water are colorful corals and many fishes to be discovered — if one is lucky, a sea turtle or pawikan may pop up.
In fact, most beach-facing accommodations in Coron or any of the Calamian Islands will likely have spaces for guests to snorkel.
The Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort taking up the entirety of Naglayan Island has two beaches where guests can go diving: one ideal at high tide and far out from the beach and the other closer to shore and the jetty.
Editor's note: The trip to SETIR was hosted by Sunlight Hotels & Resorts. At no stage does the host organization has a say on the stories generated from the coverage, interviews conducted, publication date, and story treatment. Content is produced solely by Philstar.com following editorial guidelines.