COVID-19 has kept us away from people and the things we love doing the most, especially travel. But with the country easing into recovery mode, movement restrictions are also gradually lifting. Now, we can dream again of packing our bags and embarking on new adventures.
As you begin planning your post-lockdown itinerary while searching for the best revenge travel rates you can get your hands on, do consider visiting one of the most beautiful island destinations this side of the world. There are plenty of reasons why Coron, Palawan ticks off all the right boxes on your travel list.
Here are a few:
The freedom and safety of open spaces
Talk about social distancing in breathtaking scenery! If you are one to shun crowded markets, parties, and places for the time being, look no further than nature’s sprawling playground of karst formations, white sand beaches, and lush landscapes.
The thrill of wreck diving
Divemasters hail Coron as one of the best spots in the world for wreck diving and once you see what’s beneath the surface, you’ll know why. At least half a dozen WWII Japanese ships rest in their aquatic graves at the bottom of the bay and they are teeming with artifacts and marine life.
Lakes, lagoons, and beaches
For swimmers, Coron has no shortage of magnificent bodies of water to explore. Plunge into Siete Pecados or the Twin Lagoons for a glimpse of the rich marine life, or trek inland and cool off in Kayangan Lake – one of the cleanest lakes in Asia. You can also soak up the sun on the shores of Malcapuya, Banana Island, or any of the other white sand beaches in the area.
Sunset at Mt. Tapyas
Climbing all 721 steps of this Coron town landmark is well worth it – especially when you are greeted with a sweeping view of the island below, bathed in the iridescent glow of sunset.
Tagbanua culture
The Tagbanuas are the stewards of Coron’s natural wonders. They are one of the oldest ethnic tribes in the Philippines, and their culture and customs color much of the landscape and way of life in this enchanted paradise.
Danggit lamayo, Bird's Nest Soup, cashew nuts, and lobster
Coron has its own share of food finds for the traveler. Sample authentic bird’s nest soup made with the edible nest of the balinsasayaw or native swiftlet, or dig into crispy danggit lamayo for breakfast. Fresh seafood, cashew nuts, and other delicacies can also be enjoyed to your heart’s content.
Accommodation options
Coron appeals to all kinds of tourists – from the budget-conscious backpackers who prefer homestay accommodations to family travelers in search of comforts offered by private island resorts.
Recently, a new destination resort just 20 minutes away from the airport promises to give visitors a rewarding luxurious yet homey experience when they check in.
TAG Resort and Leisure Complex opened its doors at the height of the pandemic in 2020, and mainly catered to local guests in its first few months of operation.
But with Coron ready to accept domestic and international tourists starting November 15, the resort is getting ready for busy times ahead.
“We are currently holding a Coron Reopening Sale, and we are slashing 50-60% off of our regular room rates from November to December 2021,” shares TAG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Stephen Tagud. “Now would be the best time to book your holiday getaway or even next year’s summer vacation, so you can take advantage of our affordable packages if booked until the end of this year.”
Green, grand, and gorgeous
TAG Resort has impressive amenities consistent with a luxury hotel, but with sustainable or “green” features such as double-filtered tap water, repurposed soap and shampoo containers, and an electric vehicle or e-trike that takes you around the resort complex among others. All hotel waste water and rain water is collected, treated and processed and re-used to maintain the lavish greenery around the resort. It has spacious rooms and suites with their own gourmet coffee machines, on top of standard features such as unlimited Wi-Fi, satellite TV, en suite toilet and baths, and minibars. The resort also has lagoon pools with surrounding cabanas, a poolside restobar, the biggest events ballroom in Coron, and a commercial strip with its own grocery and convenience store. “Our TAGpuan Commercial Strip also hosts a weekend street food fair where people can just hang out and enjoy delicious eats-on-the-go,’ adds Tagud.
For dining options, BunTAG Restaurant serves local and international cuisine, while Taza Coffee Shop offers local brews, light meals and pastries. Guests can also check out the various art pieces and upcycled furniture spread throughout the resort, or take selfies with the instagram-worthy Tanglaw or Tree of Light in the middle of their garden – a massive resin sculpture awash in fiber optic lights at night, created by Mindanao artist Kublai Millan.
“The resort is designed to be an experience on its own”, Tagud says. “We would like it to be not just a place where people room in after exploring Coron for a day. We want them to also relax and have fun discovering our resort’s unique features so they can fully enjoy their stay.”
To know more about their Coron opening sale, visit www.tagresorts.com.ph or check out their social media accounts (FB: TagResortCoronPalawan IG: TagResortCoron). You may also call their reservations desk at (0999) 891 8969 or (0927) 207 9056.
TAG Resort & Leisure Complex is located at the National Highway in Sitio Dipulao, Brgy. Poblacion 6, Coron, Palawan.
Coron Photo Credits: Chin Fernandez
