The long boat ride (1.5 hours) to these islands was worth it. The first stop was Malcapuya Island. We docked our boat on the back side of the island and made the short walk to the opposite side where the long stretch of white sand of Malcapuya and different shades of blue of the sea and sky made me want to stop time.
What's there to do in Malcapuya Island? The guide said there is a snorkeling area but I did not dare go as it looked too far and the waves were a bit strong. My friends and I just settled under the shade of coconut trees (some took a nap in a hut), and after a bit heeded the call of the sea for a swim, while waiting for the guides to prepare lunch.
The next stop, just a 10 minute boat ride from Malcapuya Island, was Banana Island, named so not because there were lots of banana trees (there were none) but because of the shape of the island. People were scattered under coconut trees and huts, some on hammocks, some cooling off in the sea, others busy floating face down looking at fish in the snorkeling area. (Tip: If you plan to go snorkeling in Banana Island, bring aqua shoes. The rocks along the shore of the snorkeling area are torture to bare feet.)
Another 10-minute boatride and we were in Bulog Dos, the third and last stop for the Coron Island Escapade Tour. My friends and I settled in the shallow water by the sandbar and just soaked without a care in the world for the duration of the stay.
Private tour or Join In tour? We knew the islands to be visited in the Coron island Escapade Tour would be a ways away (1.5 hours by boat), thus would be an expensive private tour, we decided to sign up for a join-in tour for Php1200 per person inclusive of boat, guides, lifejackets, lunch, and entrance fees. (Separate fee of Php 150 for snorkel and mask.)
Where did we book our join-in Coron Island Escapade Tour?JY Travel and Tours
19 Real Street, Coron, Palawan
yong_cj@yahoo.com
Would I recommend this tour operator? Yes. The guides are enthusiastic and the tour leaves on time.
Any downside with a join-in tour? The itinerary is fixed and you cannot dictate how long you want to spend on each island. But, private or join-in tour, the time to head back to the town of Coron is strictly followed as the Coast Guard is very strict.
Coron 2017
Coron Accommodation: Centro Coron
Starry Starry Night at Kingfisher Park
Coron Ultimate Tour with Calamianes Expeditions and Ecotours (DON'T!)
Coron Island Escapade Tour (you're here!)
Culion Historic Walking Tour and Snorkeling with Kawil Tours (soon)
Coron Accommodation: Zuric Pension House (soon)