CLIMBING MOUNT BALOY

Mount Baloy is located in the beautiful, mountain region of Valderrama on the west side of Panay Island. It’s in the Western Visayas of the Philippines in a long mountain range that spans almost the entire west side of Panay. The peak is one of three tough climbs in the region, which combine to form a series called the Trilogy.

Mount Nangtud (2,073m), Mount Madjaas (2,117m), and Mount Baloy (1,958m) are the three mountains in the Panay Trilogy. It’s a bit of a badge of honor for trekkers who are mentally strong enough to bag all three peaks in the trilogy.

In this blog post, I will give you all the information you need to know before attempting a climb on Mount Baloy. I’ll take you through the chaotic permit process, fill you in on what to expect on the trail, and also help you contact of the guide you will need for this adventure.

MOUNT BALOY HIKE DETAILS

• Duration: This trek is usually done over a minimum of three days and a maximum of five. Taking the out-and-back route makes it a bit shorter and easier to do over three or four days. Taking the circuit route usually adds an extra day or so to the itinerary as it is more overgrown and is an additional 15km.
• Incline: I did the out-and-back route, which ended up having a total of 2,800m of incline.
• Distance: The total for my out-and-back route was 30km.
• Difficulty: It’s a tough hike but not outrageous when it comes to physical difficulty. 2,800m of incline over three days isn’t extreme. However, the leeches, river crossings, constant rain, and overgrown terrain are what make this a 9/9 on the Philippines difficult scale.
• Permits: I will explain the permit process in-depth below. Basically, though, you will need a permit from the local indigenous community, the tourism office, the local search and rescue office, and then sign in at the police station. Think it sounds complex? Wait until I explain the order of events and process below!

WHERE IS MOUNT BALOY AND HOW TO GET THERE

Mount Baloy is on the western side of Panay Island. The main town you will stay in before climbing Mount Baloy is Valderrama. The jump-off is in a small, rural barangay in San Agustin.

My order of events was to travel from Ilo-Ilo by bike (you can use the Ceres bus, which takes three hours) to the turn-off for Valderrama. Then take a jeepney or tricycle for a few dollars up to Valderrama, which is a 15-kilometer journey inland. From Valderrama, you will ride a motorbike (500 PHP per ride) along a crazy, rural track for an hour to reach the Barangay of San Agustin. This is where you will begin the hike.

HIRING A GUIDE

Mount Baloy is a bit of a complex mountain to climb due to its official listing as an IP (Indigenous People’s) community. The rule is that you need to hire a guide from the Barangay of San Agustin.

However, this guide will provide no food, or gear, or have completed any guide training. They are more of the local accompaniment to protect their land. It is highly advised to hire a guide in Valderrama, who will be your actual guide and also provide the food and gear to the local guide from San Agustin. If it sounds confusing, it is just the beginning and I highly, highly recommend contacting my guide Benito Pagayanon.

Contact Benito here: Benito Pagayanon Facebook Page

Without Benito, my climb simply wouldn’t have happened for so many reasons. He organized everything, accompanied me to get permits, and food, organized the local guides’ logistics, spoke English, and was one of the most helpful and friendly people I’ve met in the Philippines. Here’s the breakdown of costs below as of 2022.

• 4000 PHP per group up to 5 for the local guide from the IP community of San Agustin.
• 3500 PHP per head to have Benito as your guide. All included. (Includes food, gear, and transport to and from Valderrama) The food and motorbike to and from Valderrama is about 2000 PHP by itself so this is quite a good price and may rise over the years. So basically it is 3,500 PHP per person with Benito and then your entire group of up to 5 will split the 4000 PHP of the local IP community guide.

PERMIT FOR MOUNT BALOY

I’ll try and make this as concise as possible. For me, the journey to receiving a permit was anything but concise.

1. Travel to the IP office in San Jose and receive the permit after presenting your letter of intent, which is basically a short, signed statement that you intend to climb the mountain.
2. Travel 60km to Valderrama and then to San Agustin on a 1-hr motorbike to present your letter of intent and permit from the IP office to the local elders. They will approve you to climb the mountain or not. They have the right to deny you access to climbing.
3. If you receive approval from the local community, take a 1-hr bike back to Valderrama, then a 60km jeepney journey back to San Jose to present the approval from the local elders to the IP office. They will then sign you off to climb.
4. Travel 60km back to Valderrama. Travel 1 hour by bike back to San Agustin and you are now ready for the climb.

It’s a very impractical process and with WiFi now in San Agustin, we were able to skip going back to San Jose one more time to show the approval to the IP office. We emailed it to them and they made an exception for us. This was thanks to Benito convincing them. If you book in advance with Benito, he will organize your letter of intent and help manage the permit so you don’t need to spend three days traveling around to get approved for the permit, this in itself is worth hiring Benito.

MY MOUNT BALOY VLOG

MY EXPERIENCE CLIMBING MOUNT BALOY

By cycle, I made my way to Valderrama in two days. The 150-kilometer journey from Ilo-City was broken up with an overnight stay in San Jose.

Upon arrival in Valderrama, I checked into the police station. They were unsure if Mount Baloy was even possible, and tried to convince me it had been raining too much. It hadn’t been raining too much and their reluctance would be a sign of things to come. They then sent me to the Mountain Rescue center, where I also signed in.

They called Benito, the guide and I waited there before he came to meet me and got a grip on the situation. Unfortunately, even with his contacts at the mayor’s office, it became clear we would need to go back to San Jose on the bus to get the initial permit from the IP office. It would have been great to read this requirement online before riding through San Jose on a bicycle.

The next day we rode the jeepney back to San Jose and got the permit. We also convinced the lady in the office we would email the permit from the local community in San Agustin rather than drop it back in physical form the next day.

That night we traveled all the way back to Valderrama and then by motorcycle to San Agustin. They approved our climb in a big group meeting of the elders that lasted more than an hour. It was emailed back to the IP office in San Jose and we began the climb the next morning. Sorry for that long story about a permit but that was the reality of the build-up to this hike.

After so much organization and preparation for this hike, it was great to finally set off and get started. The trail begins with about 20 river crossings. You will sometimes be up to hip height in the water or even higher depending on the recent rains. Along the way, you will pass a number of local fishing traps, which are huge structures built out of bamboo to trap fish in floods.

It takes about two hours to complete the river crossings and make it to the start of the uphill climbing. You will reach Camp 1, which is beside the river although it’s only used for hikers who start very late in the day. The local guides decided to just use flip-flops up until this stage but I opted to get my shoes wet, which I recommend from the first moment.

The next part of the hike is probably the most scenic. Following a winding path, you rise up a steep slope to look back over the gorge and the river you have just spent hours zig-zagging along. This section provided some of the best views of the hike. It takes about two hours of hiking in this section to reach the ‘Emergency Camp’, also known as Camp 2.

After just four hours, we reached Camp 2 at an elevation of about 800m. Little did I know, but this would be the last place where I wasn’t concerned about leeches. We set up camp on the little strip beneath the forest. There wasn’t much room here and I managed to set up my tent on a slight slope in the mud while the guys hung their hammocks nearby.

We rose early the next morning at Camp 2 and got ourselves packed up and ready for a big day. Our plan was to go straight from Camp 2 to the summit of Mount Baloy and then camp overnight at Camp 3. We set off up the open ridge, passing by the local, free-range cows. The incline on this day is pretty constant with 1500m gained to reach the summit.

The great thing about the dense nature of this trail is that even if the sun is out, you can avoid being exposed to the heat for the majority of the climb. However, what you cannot escape is the rain that is known to be a constant on Mount Baloy.

The other constant on Mount Baloy is the leeches. The locals had told me to expect leeches and I thought I’d come across a couple. Was I wrong! The leeches were intense. As soon as we reached the forest on the way from Camp 2 to Camp 3, they were everywhere.

I had more than 500 on me throughout the entire trip. Yes, I counted! While most of the leeches are small, they are hard to flick off.

They attach to your shoes and then crawl their way up your legs. It was disgusting and slowed us down a lot. It got to the point where there were so many, we didn’t remove them from our socks and only flicked them off if they crawled onto the skin of our legs.

After four hours and forty minutes, we reached Camp 3. It’s a wet, swampy little area inside the forest. Leeches were rampant. We set up our tents, had a quick pre-prepared lunch, and then made our way up for the summit push. It takes about an hour to get up to the summit from Camp 3.

On the way, you will encounter the ‘Snake Trail’. It’s essentially just a winding section of trail that has a lot of branches and roots tangled across the path, making it hard to progress. It’s nothing too technical and just forces a slower trek up to the summit.

At the summit, you actually have no view. There is a small plaque posted on a tree at the summit stating the elevation. This is where you get your photo for proof of completion!

Despite having no summit view, the entire area near the summit is like a mystical enchanted forest. Vines and moss are draped over twisted trees as fog rolls through and raindrops fall from the leaves. It’s very beautiful in its own way.

We then made the quick descent down to Camp 3, also known as Leechville, and got secured in our tents for the night. I watched as leeches crawled on the exterior of the tent, trying to find a way in to suck my blood. If you don’t like being soggy and wet or critters and bugs, this hike will be a nightmare for you. It’s a good mental challenge as you will be enduring some type of discomfort for most of the journey.

The next morning we set off and made it all the way back down to Camp 2 for lunch. We then traversed the river crossings and made it back to San Agustin in the early afternoon. We had enough time to catch the motorbike back to Valderrama to complete our 3-day trek of Mount Baloy! Here you need to sign out at the police office and the mountain rescue office.

I hope this was a helpful guide and that you have a decent understanding of the logistical requirements and physical requirements for a climb of Mount Baloy.

HOW TO GET TO CORON

Coron has an airport that more or less every single visitor comes in via. However, there is another option these days which is three-night island hopping journey from El Nido with Big Dream Boat Man that combines transit with adventure as you camp at islands along the way and explore during the day while making your way from El Nido. You can visit their website to look at the trips they currently have on offer.

However, most people do fly in with daily flights coming from Manila and Cebu. The airport is about 30-minutes from Coron Town where you will find your accommodation. The transport from the airport is a fixed rate and shared in a van with other tourists at $3 unless you pay for a private taxi. It is quite a fair and well-organized system where you won’t have to barter or get ripped off.

Okay, let’s get into this Coron Itinerary starting with your first day in Coron.

CORON ITINERARY: DAY 1

Most people who visit Coron come for the epic island-hopping, SO it is best to get to that on your first day. Both TOUR A and TOUR B are equally epic with free-diving, snorkeling, and incredible lagoons of Coron Island. Both tours also include a seafood banquet lunch to eat on a beautiful island. I’ll give you a quick overview of what each tour includes. There is no ‘better’ or ‘worse’ tour, they are just simply to different snorkeling spots and beaches.

• Tour A: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Coral Garden Snorkel, Cyc Beach, Lunch
• Tour B: Skeleton Wreck, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Lunch
• Tour C: Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island, Lunch
• Tour D: Pass Island, Lusong Gunboat Snorkel, Lusong Coral Garden, Lunch

In this 3-day Coron itinerary, I will suggest doing either Tour A or Tour B and then on the other day to do either Tour C or Tour D. Tour A and B are quite similair so don’t do both of them rather choosing C or D for your second day of island hoppping. I’ve done all four and they were all great but I will detail them below.

KAYANGAN LAKE

TWIN LAGOON

Twin Lagoon in Coron, Palawan, stands as one of the most mesmerizing natural wonders in the Philippines. Nestled amidst towering karst cliffs, this pair of tranquil blue-green lagoons is connected by a narrow limestone passage, with one half hidden beneath the rocks, accessible only during low tide or by a short ladder climb. The unique mix of cold freshwater and warm saltwater in the lagoon offers a refreshing experience, making it a must-visit for every traveler seeking the untouched beauty of Coron. Twin Lagoon is part of Tour A.

CORAL GARDEN

The Coral Garden is a beautiful snorkel spot after the lagoons. Expect crystal clear waters, colorful corals, plentiful fish and a beuatifull backdrop of limestone cliffs. Coral Garden is part of Tour A.

BEACH LUNCH

The great part about every tour is that the team always cooks an amazing bbq and seafood lunch for the guests. It’s truly a feast in paradise with a great spread of food on a small bungalow on a white sand beach. The beach lunch is part of Tour A.

SKELETON WRECK

Skeleton Wreck is a 25m long Japanese supply ship that was hit by an airstrike during WWII by US airforce. The ship now rests at a depth of 5m ranging to 22m at the deepest. It is an awesome spot for free-diving or scuba diving as well as snorkeling on the surface. Skeleton Wreck is part of Tour B.

BARRACUDA LAKE

Barracuda Lake feels like a dream world. The entrance to the lake leads you along a path that winds through jagged rocks that look straight out of a movie before they reveal the beautiful, expansive Barracuda Lake. The lake is huge but swimmers enjoy an enclosed area of free-diving paradise in the deep waters. Underwater cliffs will blow your mind as you snorkel or free dive in this fresh-water lake in Coron Island. Barracuda Lake is part of Tour B.

RELAX AT THE MAQUINIT HOT SPRINGS

Only a 20-minute drive from Coron town in a tricycle is a hot spring oasis in the mountains. Amazingly the hot spring also has a view of the ocean and it is a salt-water hot spring. The sunset was beautiful and lit the sky up with deep pinks and purples.

I enjoyed it too much to get my camera out quick enough but this is what the hot springs look like. It is busy but there is enough space for everyone to chill around the edge. Sometimes I prefer places to be empty but the Maquinit Hot Spring had a really chill vibe with everyone enjoying their bath under the stars.

Coron Land Tour: Get to know Coron! Visit Mt Tapyas viewing deck, Maquinit Hot Spring and important sites around town. Great for a day off from snorkeling and island hopping.

CORON ITINERARY: DAY 3

It’s your third day on Coron and now I suggest getting a little adventurous because by now, you have seen most of Coron Island on the regular tours A and B. Pick either Tour C or D and go on a bit of a boat journey to some more off-beat locations. There will still be tourists around but it will definitely be more low key. Tour D, in particular, is very low key with shipwrecks, freediving, and snorkeling while Tour C is all about beaches and sandbars.

• Tour C: Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island, Lunch
• Tour D: Pass Island, Lusong Gunboat Snorkel, Lusong Coral Garden, Lunch

PLANNING A CORON ITINERARY: BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Coron, Palawan, hinges largely on the region’s tropical climate, which features a pronounced dry season and a rainy season. Typically, the months between November and May are considered ideal, with December to March being the peak tourist season due to cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. This period witnesses clear blue skies and calm seas, perfect for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving excursions.

Conversely, the rainy season, spanning from June to October, brings with it heavier rainfalls and a higher chance of typhoons. However, travelers who prefer a less crowded ambiance and are willing to navigate occasional showers might still find this off-peak season appealing, especially with accommodations often being more affordable.

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?

• Best Island Hopping Experience: (4 Days & 3 Nights) Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review.
• My Ultimate Travel Guide: Coron Travel Guide: 22 Awesome Things To Do
• A detailed activity schedule for you: Ultimate Coron Itinerary for 3-4 Days
• A comprehensive accommodation guide: 20 Best Places to Stay in Coron
• Best activity that is not in the water: Mt. Tapyas Hike for the best view in Coron.

Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:

• Read my blog post about Kayangan Lake
• Read my blog about Black Island
• Read my blog about Barracuda Lake
• Read my blog about​ Lusong Gunboat

25 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CORON

This blog post details all of my favorite things to do in Coron and tips on how to beat the crowds. I’m going to guide you through each of the best island-hopping options (Super Coron Island Hopping Tour) and also detail the best multi-day island hopping experience in Coron (Big Dream Boat Man)

I’ll also share a number of land activities that can be done on days you take a rest from island hopping. At the bottom of the post, you will also find my tips on where to stay in Coron before and after your island hopping tours. I’ll also share details at the bottom of the post about the best time to visit Coron and other Coron travel tips. I hope you are staying for an entire week and not just a few days because there are so many awesome things to do in Coron.

MOST POPULAR ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

The main attraction in Coron are the island hopping tours. Before we get into the itinerary, I’m going to share the most popular options below.

• From Coron Town, embark on the renowned Coron Island Hopping & Snorkeling Tour, visiting highlights like Pass Island and Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck. Classic tours feature must-visits like Kayangan and Barracuda Lake. This tour is quite cheap and a great group option for a day trip.
• The 4-day, 3-Night Big Dream Boat Man Island Hopping Trip offers a unique multi-day experience. This tour prioritizes early visits to popular spots like Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon to beat the crowds, then shifts to lesser-known jewels, allowing for activities like free-diving at WWII shipwrecks and camping on remote beaches.

BIG DREAM BOAT MAN 4-Day TRIP

The best way to see all of Coron is to join a 3-Night Big Dream Boat Man Island Hopping Trip in Coron. TRUST ME on this one. We did this trip and it was EASILY the best way to see Coron. We visited 15 different locations over the course of four days. It’s the best way skip the crowds and arrive early to visit popular spots like Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon BEFORE the crowds arrive. We visit locations like Lusong Gunboat Wreck and Black Island that regular daytrippers can’t reach.

Each night we stayed overnight at secluded islands in cabins and tents on the beach. Enjoy bonfires, drinks and a fun atmosphere. The best part of a BDBM Trip is that it’s not even that expensive. It includes all your meals, three nights of accommodation, all transport and all entrance fees. It works out only slightly more expensive than doing three days of island hopping day trips but you tick off all the best things to do in Coron.

HIKE UP MT. TAPYAS

Arriving in a new place, it’s sometimes tough to get your bearings to begin with. One of the best ways to figure out the layout of the town or city is to get to the highest viewpoint and take it all in. Coron has a great little trek that leads you up 742 steps to the summit of Mt. Tapyas. Don’t be intimidated, you can make it!

A Hollywood-style ‘CORON’ sign is perched on the hill below a giant cross. The cross is covered in lights and is quite impressive at night. The hike will only take 10-15 minutes and the view is worth the effort. My tip is to walk out the back for 30 minutes exploring the hill trails as it is quite beautiful out there too! From the summit we could spot the port, hundreds of homes built only a few feet above the water and we also had a great view of the ocean and surrounding islands.

Coron Land Tour: Get to know Coron! Visit Mt Tapyas viewing deck, Maquinit Hot Spring and important sites around town. Great for a day off from snorkeling and island hopping.

View full blog post: HIKE UP MOUNT TAPYAS STAIRS IN CORON, PALAWAN – PHILIPPINES

KAYANGAN LAKE

Kayangan Lake is by far the most popular spot on Coron Island and for good reason. You cruise into the ‘parking lot’, which in itself is an immaculate reef with crystal clear water. After parking the boat you take a short hike up the stairs to the viewpoint before clambering down the other side to reach the famous Kayangan Lake.

It’s a crystal clear freshwater lake with unbelievable underwater rock formations. It’s easily one of my favorite free-dive spots in the world. Make sure you head over the left side of the lake for the epic free-dive location. When looking at what to do in Coron, Kayangan Lake has to be at the top of the list of top things to do in Coron.

Kayangan Lake is part of the ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online. When I visited Kayangan Lake, there was no-one else around because we visited first thing in the morning on our Big Dream Boat Man Trip before the tourists arrived.

• It includes Kayangan Lake, Coral Garden Snorkel, Cyc Beach and Lunch

View full blog post: KAYANGAN LAKE IN CORON ISLAND, PALAWAN

TWIN LAGOON

Twin Lagoon is a stunning pool of water hiding amongst the breathtaking cliffs. Through a small gap, you can swim under the cliff and into Twin Lagoon. Once inside the lagoon, you are surrounded in all directions by the towering, dagger-like cliffs as you float away from your worries in a private swimming pool.

Twin Lagoon is part of the ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, Snorkel at Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon

SKELETON WWII SHIPWRECK SNORKEL

Something I was quite excited about was free diving at Skeleton Wreck. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Coron for free-divers. It’s a mostly intact WWII ship that found its resting place in Coron, Palawan. Thousands of fish surrounded the wreck and swarmed us as we swam.

To get down deep enough at the level of the wreck you will need to dive about 15ft but you can still get a great view from the surface. One of the guides managed to free-dive into the cabin of the ship and out of the window.

Skeleton Wreck is part of the ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B you can Click Here to check the availability and book online. It’s also part of the Big Dream Boat Man itinerary.

• It includes Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, Snorkel at Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon

View full blog post: EXPLORING SKELETON WRECK IN CORON, PALAWAN

LUSONG GUNBOAT SHIPWRECK SNORKEL 

From the surface, it doesn’t look like much but as soon as you dip your head underwater, the Lusong Gun Boat from WWII will blow you away. This huge ship is angled perfectly for freedivers because the rear of the ship is only about 2-feet deep while the nose of the ship is more than 20-feet deep. This means all levels of free-divers and snorkelers can get an up-close look of this sunken WWII ship. Barnacles, corals, and fish have taken over the ship as their home and if you are game you can dive through the panels of the ship!

Lusong Gun boat is part of  ISLAND HOPPING D TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online. This was another spot we visited as part of the Big Dream Boat Man itinerary and enjoyed the entire wreck to ourselves.

• It includes Snorkeling Lusong Gun Boat, Coral Garden Snorkel, Snorkeling, Visit Pass Island

BANANA ISLAND

Banana Island is an incredibly chill spot with coconut trees lining the white sand beach. This island is hammock central and the perfect place to unwind in the shade for a siesta. This is a great island for a kayak, snorkel and swims in the beautiful warm water the Philippines if so famous for.

Banana Island is on the itinerary of Tour C along with Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Island Lunch.

RELAX AT THE MAQUINIT HOT SPRINGS

Only a 20-minute drive from Coron town in a tricycle is a hot spring oasis in the mountains. Amazingly the hot spring also has a view of the ocean and it is a salt-water hot spring. The sunset was beautiful and lit the sky up with deep pinks and purples.

I enjoyed it too much to get my camera out quick enough but this is what the hot springs look like. It is busy but there is enough space for everyone to chill around the edge. Sometimes I prefer places to be empty but the Maquinit Hot Spring had a really chill vibe with everyone enjoying their bath under the stars.

Coron Land Tour: Get to know Coron! Visit Mt Tapyas viewing deck, Maquinit Hot Spring and important sites around town. Great for a day off from snorkeling and island hopping.

NORTH CAY CAMPING

We arrived at the North Cay on our Big Dream Boat Man Trip for the last light of the day and it was some of the best conditions I have ever had for aerial photography. I headed off to check out our ‘glamping situation’, which was a tent with a mattress, sheet, and pillow. It was one of the best nights sleep I’ve had in a while as a soft breeze came through the top of the tent. There are toilet and shower facilities on the island.

Just before sunset, we took on our guides in a 2v2 basketball match and somehow squared with them at one game apiece in a game we won’t forget soon. Great fun with great people. Sunset was spent at the viewpoint on a small hill before we ventured back to the camping area, lit a bonfire and shared some drinks under the stars.

Breakfast was served by the crew on a table and chairs on our private stretch of beach during the first light. It’s moments like these where you pinch yourself and wonder if it’s a dream. Our time on the North Cay was incredibly relaxing and a great time with the crew!

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man. To visit the website to check the tour itineraries, costs and availability of dates you can click here: Big Dream Boat Man Website.

BLACK ISLAND 

When we arrived to Black Island there was only one other boat there with two people chilling in a hut. We docked the boat and I went for a flight with the drone in another unforgettable aerial session.

Looking directly down from the top of the cliff was an angle that just blew my mind as I saw the scale of the cliffs compared to our boat. We snorkeled here with some epic conditions for free-diving, amazing clarity and a wide variety of corals. 

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man. 

View full blog post: EXPLORING BLACK ISLAND (MALAJON ISLAND) IN CORON, PHILIPPINES

BLACK ISLAND CAVING

After our snorkel, we headed inland onto Black Island to check out the caves. The first cave was huge with at least 40-feet between floor and ceiling. Two crystal-clear pools shone as the morning light flooded into the cave. You can swim and even cliff jump into both or simply admire the stalactites and rock formations from within the depths of the cave.

We then headed down to the other end of the beach and climbed up through another cave this time emerging onto a private beach around the corner where our guides met us with snorkel guy and the SUP. We explored this area and laid out on the beach. These were dream moments, isolated in paradise.

MALCAPUYA ISLAND CORON

Our last island to visit on our adventure was Malcapuya. A stunning stretch of sand, lined with coconut trees made the perfect spot for our afternoon chill session. There is a little viewpoint on the left side of the beach and caves to explore on the right. Coconuts are harvested by locals who free-climb the trees and cut the coconut. It doesn’t get any fresher.

Malcapuya Island is part of  ISLAND HOPPING C TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Snorkeling, Private, Banana Island Lunch

IGHT STAY

Pass Island was another camping spot on our Big Dream Boat Man Coron Island hopping tour. Like with North Cay, we arrived just in time for the golden hour and I enjoyed the aerial view will chilling under a coconut tree. On the island, there are a few huts where you sleep and bathroom facilities. A basketball court and sunset viewpoint are the other highlights on this tiny private island for you and the crew to enjoy.

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man. To visit the website to check the tour itineraries, costs and availability of dates you can click here: Big Dream Boat Man Website. 

View full blog post: PASS ISLAND IN CORON PALAWAN (OVERNIGHT STAY)

DIBUTONAY ISLAND

Dibutonay Island was another secluded island with a great reef for snorkeling. It had one section of reef that was separated from the island and bursting with fish, marine life and unique coral. After a long morning of snorkeling, we ended up almost passing out on the beach only to be revived with a fresh coconut from the crew legends.

MALTATAYOC ISLAND

Maltatayoc Island is beautiful sandbar but we had come for the underwater world. Here we searched for and found multiple stingrays and the crew told us small black-tip sharks (not dangerous) are often spotted in this area. The snorkeling was amazing again and by this point, I was in awe at the level of reef and snorkeling spots in the region famous for its cliffs and lagoons.

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man.

Just around the corner from the Lusong Gunboat shipwreck is a phenomenal snorkeling spot. Our guide Anthony described told us it would be one of the best snorkeling spots we had ever seen and we weren’t let down. Huge corals of all different colors blanketed the ocean floor before a dark drop-off invited free-divers to explore further!

Lusong Coral Garden is part of  ISLAND HOPPING D TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online. This was another spot we visited as part of the Big Dream Boat Man itinerary and enjoyed the entire wreck to ourselves.

DITAYTAYAN ISLAND

On the final morning of our Coron island hopping tour expedition with Big Dream Boat Man, we headed off to Ditaytayan Island. While most boats stop at the beautiful sand bar we headed around the back side to explore the beach and what we found was a lot (I mean A LOT!) of trash.

Together with the crew, we collected three huge garbage bags of trash to take back to Coron Town. It was great to see the crew pushing for this and it’s something they try and do on every trip. We also snorkeled here in another amazing reef location before exploring the sand bar and the beaches on Ditaytayan Island.

SUNSET LAGOON AND CAVE

Our final stop was to the Sunset Lagoon and Cave. Once again we magically arrived with the perfect lighting just like the entire trip. The aerial photography here blew my mind again as I pushed the distance limits on the drone.

The lagoon is a small inlet, with towering cliffs closing in around you. We went for a paddle on the SUP before snorkeling into the incredible cave that is like a private room within the cliff once you swim inside!

This location was visited as part of our 3-day/4-night Coron Island hopping experience with Big Dream Boat Man.

SIETE PECADOS MARINE PARK

Next stop was a snorkel at Siete Pecados. The coral was like an underwater fossilized forest. Each snorkel is always different and this was no exception. Starfish, hundreds of different fish and fluorescent coral.

Siete Pecados is part of the ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Kayangan Lake, Coral Garden Snorkel, Cyc Beach and Lunch

ATWAYAN BEACH

Atwayan Beach is one of the designated lunch spots on the island-hopping tours. Honestly, the island lunches are one of my favorite things to do in Coron. We ate in a small hut on Atwayan Beach while looking out over the glistening bay.

CYC BEACH

We threw down the kayak and paddled a whole hundred yards to Cyc Beach. A reggae crew drank, sang and played music on the shore. We chatted for a while before exploring the mangroves and rocky coastline.

Cyc Beach is part of the ISLAND HOPPING A TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Kayangan Lake, Coral Garden Snorkel, Cyc Beach and Lunch

BULOG DOS ISLAND

Depending on the time of day you visit will depend if the sandbars connect. I climbed to the top of the hill and almost destroyed my camera in a tumble down the rock face after my handhold crumbled. I knew I wanted a better vantage point of the whole scene and in the end, I think it was worth it.

A higher-end resort lays claim to most of the land on the island but it is a great place to visit. I have a thing for sandbars too so I was in heaven.

Bulog Dos Island is part of ISLAND HOPPING C TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Snorkeling, Private, Banana Island Lunch

BANANA ISLAND CORON

Lunch was at Banana Island which might need to be renamed ‘The Hammock Island’. We enjoyed another amazing spread for lunch including oysters, squid, grilled pork, salads, and fruit. After lunch, everyone got into the hammocks and had a mini siesta in the shade.

I am terrible at relaxing and switching off but even I hung out in the hammock for twenty minutes. The awesome part of touring with Casa Fidelis was the lax schedule. If we wanted to a hammock for an hour it would have been fine.

Bulog Dos Island is part of ISLAND HOPPING C TOUR you can Click Here to check the availability and book online.

• It includes Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Snorkeling, Private, Banana Island Lunch

SOUTH CAY

The South and North Cays are both prime camping spots. We camped on the north but we could see another small group with a bonfire camping on the South Cay just across the way on their own little private island. Take the kayak over from the North Cay if you are up for an exploration adventure.

WHERE IS CORON

Coron is a stunning gem located in the Palawan archipelago in the western Philippines. It is part of the Calamian Group of Islands, positioned roughly 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the main island of Palawan.

While Coron itself is a sought-after destination for its pristine lakes, vibrant marine ecosystems, and historic World War II shipwrecks, it’s also strategically located in proximity to other notable Philippine spots. South of Coron is the celebrated El Nido, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons. Further south lies Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital, home to the UNESCO-listed Underground River. Coron’s location, combined with its intrinsic beauty, makes it a pivotal point for travelers eager to explore the wonders of Palawan and the broader Philippines.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CORON

The best time to visit Coron, Palawan, hinges largely on the region’s tropical climate, which features a pronounced dry season and a rainy season. Typically, the months between November and May are considered ideal, with December to March being the peak tourist season due to cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. This period witnesses clear blue skies and calm seas, perfect for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving excursions.

Conversely, the rainy season, spanning from June to October, brings with it heavier rainfalls and a higher chance of typhoons. However, travelers who prefer a less crowded ambiance and are willing to navigate occasional showers might still find this off-peak season appealing, especially with accommodations often being more affordable.

WHERE TO STAY IN CORON TOWN

Coron Town is the base for all of your adventures in Coron. In Coron Town you have the bars, restaurants, transport, places to book tours and you are close to Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring. It is also just a $3 shuttle to the airport. Below are my three picks plus one all-inclusive resort (I’ve stayed multiple times) that includes private island hopping.

• The Funny Lion (Good Atmosphere): The Funny Lion is a boutique resort in Coron that I visited several years ago. Let’s just say that beer from the hot tub with one of the best sunset views in Coron is about as good as it gets. It’s ultra-modern and has a spa, pool, and immaculate rooms. The rooftop bar and dining is an awesome place to be after a long day of island-hopping in Coron.
• Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (Value): Located by the bay in Coron Town, this upscale hotel features an infinity pool which makes for a picture-perfect sunset view (Possibly the best sunset hotel view in Coron). If you want comfort and luxury at the same time this place is for you. It has its own private dock so you just leave straight to the island-hopping tours from your hotel room!
• Casa Fidelis Resort All-inclusive (Includes private island hopping): I had the most amazing stay at Casa Fidelis. The villa had a large patio area that looked out over the garden. Stepping stones led you from the room to the dining area, where we had decadent spreads of gourmet food for every meal. Casa 

HOW TO GET TO CORON

You can access Coron town via plane or sea. The town hosts Busuanga Airport (USU), which doesn’t cater to international flights. Hence, you’ll initially need to land in major Philippine cities like Manila or Cebu and then catch a connecting flight.

For those aiming to explore both El Nido and Coron, a convenient option is the ferry service linking the two destinations. This journey is reasonably priced at 1,800 Peso and lasts just a few hours.

Alternatively, for a unique experience, embark on a 4-day Boat Trip from El Nido to Coron, treating yourself to views of the stunning, lesser-known islands en route.

LUSONG GUNBOAT IN CORON

It’s one of the several stops on the Coron Island Hopping & Snorkeling Tour. I visited Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck on my 4-day, 3-Night Big Dream Boat Man Island Hopping Trip and it was one of my favorite stops

LUSONG GUNBOAT SHIPWRECK HISTORY

The Lusong Gunboat, found near Lusong Island in Coron, Palawan, is one of the several World War II Japanese shipwrecks in the area. The waters around Coron are known for these wrecks, remnants of the Imperial Japanese fleet that took refuge in the area during the war. In 1944, as part of the broader Pacific campaign, American forces targeted these Japanese vessels in a series of airstrikes. These attacks resulted in the sinking of multiple ships, creating an underwater graveyard that has since become a haven for divers.

The Lusong Gunboat is one of the more accessible wrecks, lying in relatively shallow water. This makes it an excellent site for snorkelers as well as beginner divers. Over time, the gunboat has transformed into an artificial reef, with corals colonizing its structure and a variety of marine life calling it home.

LUSONG GUNBOAT SHIPWRECK FREEDIVING

We arrived at the Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck and our guide had told us that it was only 2-feet underwater but also 25-feet underwater. I didn’t know quite what to expect after hearing those measurements.

When we first got a glimpse from the boat we could see a small outline of a bit of the wreck on one side. Our guide told us to wait till we were in and we would understand. Boy, was he right!

As soon as we hit the water it was right there. A huge gunboat from WWII encrusted in corals, barnacles, and marine life. It was magnificent and incredibly breathtaking because of the sheer size of the ship.

LUSONG CORAL GARDEN

Just around the corner from the shipwreck is a beautiful reef known as the Lusong Coral Garden. Here you can find crystal clear water with incredible visibility. There is a huge variety of coral that grows up and down the drop-off wall. Many guides claim that Lusong Coral Garden is the best snorkeling site in Coron where the colorful Corals outnumber the fish. 

There is a really handy current here that pushes you along the shelf so you almost don’t have to kick with your fins if you and your guide can manage to drop in at the right spot. I was really surprised by just how good the snorkeling was at this site.

WHERE IS THE LUSONG GUNBOAT SHIPWRECK

The Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck and Coral Garden are located on the southwest side of Busuanga. Although they are close to the coast of Busuanga they are much further from Coron Town that Coron Island. Most tours don’t get out there so it is still a pretty quiet spot although dive boats and snorkel groups to visit it daily.

Compared to the thousands that frequent Coron Island this is a gem worth visiting if you are trying to avoid the crowds. I have pinned the location of the Lusong Gunboat shipwreck and 

 

Pass Island is a small island off of Busuanga in Palawan, Philippines located near the Calamianes Islands. It is about 1.5-2 hours by outrigger boat from Coron Town. I have pinned it on the map below so you can understand where it is in relation to Coron Town (Busuanga).

 

HOW TO GET TO PASS ISLAND

There are two main ways to get to Pass Island and I’ll share them all but I personally visited on a tour with Big Dream Boat Man on a 3-day expedition of Coron.

1. From Busuanga (Coron Town): From Coron Town there is one great Coron Island Hopping & Snorkelng Tour, which includes a visit to Pass Island. The regular tours such as the Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour include the classic spots like Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake.
2. Big Dream Boat Man (How I visited): Big Dream Boat Man is a 3-night Coron island hopping tour expedition that is different from the rest. Instead of battling the crowds, the sea of life-jackets and the lines, Big Dream Boat Man takes you to the hotspots such as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon before the crowds come. After spending one day at the hotspots, Big Dream Boat Man veers away and guides you on an expedition to some of the hidden gems such as Pass Island and off-the-beaten-path locations in Coron, which in my opinion were equally as impressive if not more so than the famous spots on Coron Island. We free-dived at WWII shipwrecks, camped on secluded beaches, swam with stingrays, counted the stars from the beach at night and ate like kings during our island hopping tour with Big Dream Boat Man.

   If you want to read the big blog post about my Big Dream Boat Man 4-day journey you can head over to read that by clicking here.

ACCOMMODATION ON PASS ISLAND

On Pass Island, you can camp or rent one of the bungalows for about 1000 PHP per night, which is about $20 USD. Inside the bungalow is a fan, a mattress, pillow, sheets, light and an electrical outlet. To be honest that is all the essentials right there and might we could have a great night sleep, charge our gear and be ready for another day of exploration.

I had a really great nights sleep here on Pass Island and woke up for sunrise feeling relaxed and ready to go. Note: There are also bathrooms including showers and toilets for your use while on the island. 

WHEN TO VISIT PASS ISLAND

When we arrived it was perfectly in the golden hour, no-one else was on the island and it was truly a tropical paradise. Our boat pulled in and we sat beneath the coconut trees and watched the pastel sky before relocating to the hill to watch the final moments of sunset. The isolation of this island paired with its white sand, coconut trees, and incredibly calm atmosphere make this one of the most beautiful spots to visit near Coron Island.

It’s best to visit in the dry season not only for the weather but for the calmer seas. In the wet season, the ocean can be unpredictable and big waves can be tough to handle in the outrigger. During the day the island can get busy. With our Big Dream Boat Man trip, we didn’t see any other tourists because we arrived just before the end of the day and left after sunrise to enjoy the best moments on the island with no crowds.

WHAT TO DO ON PASS ISLAND

• Basketball and volleyball court: We had a great basketball match with our guides on the court here at Pass Island
• Sunset Viewpoint: At the back of the island is a little hill that looks out over the ocean towards the sun and is the perfect spot to grab a beer and watch the sunset.
• Snorkeling: Like all spots in Coron, there is some great snorkeling to be done near Pass Island with corals and fish plentiful.
• Hanging out on the beach: With beautiful white sand and coconut trees, Pass Island is the perfect place to relax, read a book and work on your tan.
• Flying: If you are fortunate enough to have a drone, Pass Island is spectacular from the air and you will get a unique perspective of just how amazing the reef and water clarity is.

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?

• Best Island Hopping Experience: (4 Days & 3 Nights) Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review.
• My Ultimate Travel Guide: Coron Travel Guide: 22 Awesome Things To Do
• A detailed activity schedule for you: Ultimate Coron Itinerary for 3-4 Days
• A comprehensive accommodation guide: 20 Best Places to Stay in Coron
• Best activity that is not in the water: Mt. Tapyas Hike for the best view in Coron.

Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:

• Read my blog post about Kayangan Lake
• Read my blog about Black Island
• Read my blog about Barracuda Lake
• Read my blog about​ Lusong Gunboat

Above the surface, this is the ‘postcard view’ of the region and arguably home to the most popular viewpoint in Coron. Underneath the surface, it truly feels like a dream world and the snorkeling is incredible. The best way to get to Kayangan Lake is on the Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour, which includes visiting Barracuda Lake aswell as many other snorkeling spots and beautiful beaches.

WHERE IS KAYANGAN LAKE

Kayangan Lake is located on Coron Island. Coron Town is where all of the tourists stay and it’s actually on Busuanga. It gets a little confusing but all you need to know is that you will be staying in Coron Town and taking a boat over to Kayangan Lake and Coron Island to visit all of the other lagoons, snorkel spots and shipwrecks on a tour such as the Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. You can see on the map below where Kayangan Lake is in relation to Coron Town (Busuanga).

 

HOW TO GET TO KAYANGAN LAKE

The simple answer about how to get to Barracuda Lake is: By Boat

You will most likely be staying in Coron Town, which is where the hotels, bars, restaurants, and airport is located. The next question is about which boat. There are lots of Coron Island Hopping Tours available and they range in price. Options are:

• Full-day Island hopping Group Tour
• Private Island Hopping Trip
• Big Dream Boat Man 3-Day, 4-Night Island Hopping Trip

KAYANGAN LAKE TOUR PACKAGES AND DAY TRIPS

Kayangan Lake is part of Island Hopping Tour ‘B’. This means that as a solo or budget traveler you can visit Kayangan Lake as well as multiple other locations on a day tour for a cheap price including lunch! I highly recommend Tour B and of course Tour A and have done them both.

To book your ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $35 USD)

• It includes Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake, Banol Beach, Snorkel at Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon

The best way to avoid the crowds at Kayangan Lake is to arrive before they do! This four-day expedition make sure you visit all the tourist spots before the tourists and then you sleep on secluded islands in cabins and tents throughout the region. To book your Big Dream Boat Man Expedition you can Click Here or if you want to see my detailed blog post (and my most epic drone photos ever) you can visit my blog post about my experience: BEST ISLAND HOPPING BOAT TOUR IN CORON: BIG DREAM BOAT MAN REVIEW

MY EXPERIENCE AT KAYANGAN LAKE

Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan is an awesome spot to hang out for several hours if you like to explore. While most tourists on the Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour will snorkel for 20-30 minutes and move on there is actually a lot to see and do here. There’s a cave that most people don’t know about, epic free-diving and of course the famous viewpoint.

Freediving at Kayangan Lake

While it is now compulsory to wear a life jacket at Kayangan Lake (two tourists died doing some pretty full-on freediving so they tightened the rules for snorkelers) you can still get away with free-diving here. I usually hang out by the edges of the left side of the lake, put my life jacket on a rock and free-dive down by the cliffs underwater.

This underwater landscape is up there with my favorite snorkel/free-dive spot in the world. Epic jagged rocks make you feel like you are on the moon as you dive deeper. Make sure you are cautious as it is a freshwater lake so you will be significantly less buoyant than in salt water making it harder to return to the surface.

If you are not 100% sure in your swimming/free-diving capabilities please keep your life jacket on. Technically everyone needs to keep it on but those rules are for the masses and I’m willing to bend them knowing that there is very small to no-danger for ME  while I do basic freediving at this part of Kayangan Lake. I made this video on my last visit to Kayangan Lake while on the Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour.

Snorkeling at Kayangan Lake

Of course, the most popular activity at Kayangan Lake is snorkeling. Most tourists will keep their lifejackets on and check out the underwater cliffs from above. Snorkeling at Kayangan Lake offers a unique experience, unlike any other freshwater dive.

Touted as one of the cleanest lakes in Asia, Kayangan’s crystal-clear waters provide a pristine window into a mesmerizing underwater world. One of the standout features is the majestic rock formations that lay submerged beneath the surface. These ancient stone structures, sculpted over eons, form a surreal underwater landscape, teeming with pockets of marine life. Gliding over these natural monoliths gives snorkelers the feeling of exploring an alien realm, making every dive in Kayangan Lake a memorable adventure.

Awuyuk Cave at Kayangan Lake

On the left side of the lake, quite near to the boardwalk is Awuyuk Kayangan Cave. It is about 10-meters to swim through and in parts in pitch black. It’s a short adventure but pretty exciting and best done with a guide. Looking back out towards the light from inside the cave is a scene not to be missed.

Kayangan Lake Viewpoint

The famous viewpoint of Kayangan Lake is actually not of the lake funnily enough. The viewpoint is at the top of the stairs before you head down towards Kayangan Lake and actually looks out to the area where the boats are parking. It is beautiful and the water clarity is so good that you can see the cliffs continue down below the surface. In peak times there can be a line here, which can be pretty hectic but if you come early in the morning it is much more relaxed.

How to avoid crowds at Kayangan Lake

The best way to avoid the crowds at Kayangan Lake is to arrive at opening time, which is 7 am. You can do this by hiring a private boat or going with Big Dream Boat Man. If you join a regular group tour you will inevitably be there at peak time most likely.

Big Dream Boat Man (How I visited): Big Dream Boat Man is a 3-night Coron island hopping tour expedition that is different from the rest. Instead of battling the crowds, the sea of life-jackets and the lines, Big Dream Boat Man takes you to the hotspots such as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon before the crowds come.

After spending one day at the hotspots, Big Dream Boat Man veers away and guides you on an expedition to some of the hidden gems such as Kayangan Lake and off-the-beaten-path locations in Coron, which in my opinion were equally as impressive if not more so than the famous spots on Coron Island. We free-dived at WWII shipwrecks,  camped on secluded beaches, swam with stingrays, counted the stars from the beach at night and ate like kings during our island hopping tour with Big Dream Boat Man.

Make an inquiry/booking: To visit the website to check the tour itineraries, costs and availability of dates you can click here: Big Dream Boat Man Website 

If you want to read the big blog post about my Big Dream Boat Man 4-day journey you can head over to read that by clicking here.

KAYANGAN LAKE ENTRANCE FEE

Your entrance fee for Kayangan Lake is most likely organized by your tour operator but the system is not that you need to buy the tickets in town before you arrive. They are trying to regulate things more these days so that is how it works. The fee is 300PHP per person, which is $6 USD. This fee will rise year over year

In this Guiting Guiting Trekking Guide I will detail:

• How to get there
• Where to stay
• Permits
• Guide
• What to pack
• Share my experiences, photos, and videos from the trek

HOW TO GET TO SIBUYAN ISLAND

Sibuyan Island is quite remote and is the hardest island to reach out of the main islands on Romblon. This is purely because it is the furthest from Tablas, the main port in Romblon Province. However, it just takes a few ferries from Tablas to reach Sibuyan.

Things to consider are that the ferries often leave once per day at 8 a.m. or early in the morning. This means if you try and skip from Tablas to Sibuyan in one day it could be impossible as you need to get to Romblon on the first ferry and then there are no more for that day. Therefore identifying the ferry schedule is important.

My advice and what we did is to stay on Romblon Island for a few days, (which you should anyway) and then take the morning ferry over to Sibuyan. Going back from Sibuyan you can take a morning ferry to Romblon and then the midday ferry to Tablas. We even took it one step further and took a sunset charter boat to Carabao, so we made it all the way from Sibuyan to Carabao in one day.

Flexibility is possible in Romblon Province but once you go past Romblon Island and are looking for transport to and from Sibuyan it seems that the once-daily ferry is the only real option on most days. It costs only a few $USD and takes about an hour to cross over to the other island.

WHERE TO STAY IN SIBUYAN ISLAND FOR TREKKING MT. GUITING GUITING

Magdiwang: The port is quite near where you will want to get accommodation before and after trekking Mt. Guiting Guiting. The best town to stay in for your Mt. Guiting Guiting trekking base is Magdiwang.  From the port, you can take a tricycle to Magdiwang for just a couple of dollars.

In Magdiwang you have a few options of where to stay. We originally had been told to stay at Sanctuary Garden Resort. It was fully booked so we instead managed to find a room at a little hotel called Ranchers Place.

Ranchers Place did the job for us. It was a private room for $20 USD. The room was pretty basic but had a working A/C, a small private bathroom and that’s about it. You don’t come to Magdiwang to enjoy a resort.

We stayed one night before our trek and one night after so we just slept and prepared for our trek. There is pretty much no WIFI on Sibuyan Island as of 2019 and if you can get 3G/4G anywhere thank your lucky stars. We did grab a few bars from time to time but for the most part, just enjoy nature because you won’t be spending much time online!

San Fernando: We arrived at San Fernando after a long, bumpy journey and stayed at the Seabreeze Inn. The owners were super nice and it was right on the beach. The rooms were pretty basic, which was fine as it only cost about 800 pesos per night for double occupancy with a/c. They also rented us a motorbike for $10 USD per day.

NECESSARY PERMITS FOR TREKKING MT. GUITING GUITING

The best way to organize the trip is to have one of the local guides organize the logistics such as DENR permit and hotel arrangements. The best Guiting-Guiting guide is Jayson Tangco who knows the mountain like the back of his hand. You can contact him to be your guide by messaging him on his Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/jayson.tangco.5

Our guide organized our permits and such but it is possible to do without a guide so I thought it was necessary to put this bit of information here. You need to go to the DENR office, which is near Sanctuary Garden Resort. Here you just tell them you want to hike and I believe we paid 500 pesos each for the permit.

It was actually funny because in typical Philippines style, they DIDN’T rip us off. They said it would cost 1000 pesos for the DENR permit. We assumed they were saying 1000 pesos each, which was $20 USD so it seemed reasonable. We handed over 2000 pesos together and the guy laughed and handed back 1000 pesos, explaining that it was 1000 pesos total.

It’s pretty common in the Philippines to NOT get ripped off in situations like this, which is one of the reasons it is my favorite country in the world. It’s one thing to have beautiful scenery but to have a population who for the vast majority are so damn honest and full of integrity is something you can’t fake. It’s part of the nature and character of Filipinos!

WHAT TO PACK FOR TREKKING UP MT. GUITING GUITING

Mt. Guiting Guiting was for us, an overnight adventure. We camped below the summit on night one, woke up early on the second day, and trekked to the summit before coming back down all the way to Magdiwang the next day. Therefore we had to take camping equipment and enough food for two full days.

The weather was cold at night and hot during the day so we needed both types of clothes. We also sweat a ton due to the humidity so that was another factor to consider. We carried all of our own gear although many people had porters, so we packed light. These are the things you will need to pack:

• Good hiking shoes or trainers.
• Two pairs of socks
• Pants and or shorts (Two pairs because one will be wet/sweaty after day one)
• T-shirt ((Two pairs because one will be wet/sweaty after day one))
• A jacket for at night
• Rain jacket or poncho
• A tent (We had one between two of us so one person carried the camping gear and the other the cooking gear)
• Sleeping bag
• Cooking equipment such as stove, gas cylinder, plate, cup, fork, spoon
• Food depends on you whether you want to take rice and canned foods or prefer just to do bread and food items you don’t need to cook. Many people cooked rice and had adobo but you can do it more easily by taking bread and things you don’t need to cook. It really depends on the person. I prefer not cooking and eating dry foods as it saves the hassle when it is just overnight.
• Camera gear
• Power Bank

MORE ROMBLON TRAVEL GUIDES:

• Tablas Island: 20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON TABLAS ISLAND
• Sibuyan Island: 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON SIBUYAN ISLAND
• Carabao Island: 5 THINGS TO DO ON CARABAO ISLAND
• Romblon Island: 17 THINGS TO DO ON ROMBLON ISLAND
• Cresta de Gallo Island: CRESTA DE GALLO ISLAND, ROMBLON – EPIC DAY TRIP
• Hiking G2 (Guiting Guiting): TREKKING MT GUITING GUITING (G2)

MY EXPERIENCE: SKELETON WRECK IN CORON

I did Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour, which costs about $35 USD for the whole day including lunch and multiple locations like Twin Lagoon (price as of 2022). Skeleton Wreck was one of the many awesome locations on our tour. 

Our boat rolled up to the Skeleton Wreck and we couldn’t see much from the surface but once we rolled over the side into the crystal clear water we could see the entire shipwreck. At the very shallowest, the ship was submerged only 5 meters below the water, which made it perfect for snorkelers and freedivers to explore. At the deepest the Skeleton Wreck was more than 20m deep.

The wreck was encrusted in coral and barnacles while fish swam about the wreck in abundance. There are a few small windows and inlets into the shipwreck, which those who are skilful at freediving can enter and exit the inner areas of the ship. Our guides did this with ease while most tourists floated on the surface watching people dive up and down.

It is a truly amazing experience to be able to get up close and personal with a WWII shipwreck. I really enjoyed this experience despite it being a pretty crowded spot. Thats par for the course in Coron. Everything is amazing but some spots can be pretty crowded.

HOW TO GET TO SKELETON WRECK

The simple answer about how to get to Skeleton Wreck is: By Boat

You will most likely be staying in Coron Town, which is where the hotels, bars, restaurants, and airport is located. The next question is about which boat. There are lots of Coron Island Hopping Tours available and they range in price. Options are:

• Full-day Island hopping Group Tour
• Private Island Hopping Trip
• Big Dream Boat Man 3-Day, 4-Night Island Hopping Trip

SKELETON WRECK TOUR PACKAGES AND DAY TRIPS

Skeleton Wreck is part of Island Hopping Tour ‘B’. This means that as a solo or budget traveler you can visit Skeleton Wreck as well as multiple other locations on a day tour for a cheap price including lunch! I highly recommend Tour B and of course Tour A and have done them both.

To book your ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B you can Click Here to check the availability and book online (It’s just $35 USD)

• It includes Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake, Banol Beach, Snorkel at Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon

The best way to avoid the crowds at Skeleton Wreck is to arrive before they do! This four-day expedition make sure you visit all the tourist spots before the tourists and then you sleep on secluded islands in cabins and tents throughout the region.

To book your Big Dream Boat Man Expedition you can Click Here or if you want to see my detailed blog post (and my most epic drone photos ever) you can visit my blog post about my experience: BEST ISLAND HOPPING BOAT TOUR IN CORON: BIG DREAM BOAT MAN REVIEW

WHAT IS BIG DREAM BOAT MAN?

Big Dream Boat Man is a 4-day, 3-night Coron island hopping expedition that is different from the rest. Instead of battling the crowds, the sea of life-jackets and the lines, Big Dream Boat Man takes you to the hotspots such as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon before the crowds come.

It’s a locally run company, I’ve met all the staff and their families and we’ve even done cleanups together on Mount Tapyas in Coron. They’re good, genuine people.

After spending one day at the hotspots, Big Dream Boat Man veers away and guides you on an expedition to some of the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations in Coron, which in my opinion were equally as impressive if not more so than the famous spots on Coron Island. We free-dived at WWII shipwrecks, camped on secluded beaches, swam with stingrays, counted the stars from the beach at night and ate like kings during our island hopping tour with Big Dream Boat Man.

Make an inquiry/booking: To visit the website to check the tour itineraries, costs and availability of dates you can click here: Big Dream Boat Man Website 

In this blog post, I am going to share with you the reasons why you might want to consider a 3-night Coron expedition compared to the regular day-trip. I’ll detail the locations I visited with Big Dream Boat Man and also the other locations and tour itineraries they offer  (I’ve visited those locations also).

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and hope you enjoy your trip with Big Dream Boat Man if you choose to head out on the best Coron Island hopping tour, which will surely be the highlight of your Philippines trip.

CORON ISLAND HOPPING TOUR ITINERARY WITH BIG DREAM BOAT MAN

Below is the general itinerary you can expect on the trip (So many places to visit!) but the guides are always changing things up slightly when they find new epic spots or to avoid the crowds. These itineraries aren’t set in stone but they guys are usually flexible if there is a certain spot you REALLY want to see or stay longer they can put it to the group to see if it can work out.

The reality is that you get to visit SO MANY awesome spots in just four days because you don’t waste time transiting to and from the mainland each day and there’s no need to battle the crowds. Just look at the infographic I made below and you can see that we visited 17 different spots on our 3-day, 4-night Coron Island Life with Big Dream Boat Man.

BIG DREAM BOAT MAN EXPEDITION vs ISLAND HOPPING DAY TRIP

As you walk around Coron Town you will see posters and promotions everywhere for the island-hopping tours such as the Ultimate Coron Island Hopping Trip. I won’t lie, these day tours are still incredible. I’ve done more than five day trips in Coron because you don’t always have four days to explore and it is significantly cheaper at around $40-$100 depending on which tour your select. However, these tours are marketed to the masses and all follow the same itinerary. It can be a bit chaotic, touristic and in some cases a bit of a let down as it just gets so busy and crowded. If you are short on time and on a budget, just hit this link and book the tour and you will have a GREAT day: Coron Island Hopping Trip.

However, if you have a few days to spare and enjoy avoiding the crowds, group trip atmosphere, bonfires at night, activities, games and secluded beaches and lagoons…. don’t book that daytrip just yet. There is an alternative to regular tours.

Big Dream Boat Man recognized that there were a lot of people looking to avoid the crowds at the hotspots and also see some quieter but equally epic locations. They decided to create an alternative itinerary that avoids the crowds at the hotspots by visiting early in the morning or in off-peak times and exploring other locations that aren’t even on the radar for the regular tours.

The cost of the tour is of course much more than the regular 8-hour day trip but for about $500 USD as of 2023. Everything is included from your 3 nights of accommodation, all meals, equipment. The vibes are unreal and I honestly came back at the end of the trip feeling so alive and stoked about our adventure. I’ve traveled a lot and done my fair share of tours. I finished this one feeling like I’d been on one hell of an adventure and that it was worth the price.

Make an inquiry/booking: To visit the website to check the tour itineraries, costs and availability of dates you can click here: Big Dream Boat Man Website. They do book out a few weeks in advance so definitely reserve your post once you decide you want to go.

BIG DREAM BOAT MAN ITINERARY

I did my tour in March 2019 with the co-founder Krish and guide Anthony. The guys on board changed the itinerary slightly because I had already visited Kayangan and a few spots twice previously but most of the other places you can expect to see on your tour if not more.

I will add info in about Kayangan and other regular spots on the itinerary so you can know what to expect. Get ready to be blown away by just how epic Coron is. Even looking at these photos as I create this blog transports me back to this magical trip.

KAYANGAN LAKE

Kayangan Lake is by far the most popular spot on Coron Island and for good reason. You cruise into the ‘parking lot’, which in itself is an immaculate reef with crystal clear water. After parking the boat you take a short hike up the stairs to the viewpoint before clambering down the other side to reach the famous Kayangan Lake. Visiting Kayangan Lake with Big Dream Boat Man meant we were literally the only people there snorkeling as we went early in the morning!

It’s a crystal clear freshwater lake with unbelievable underwater rock formations. It’s easily one of my favorite free-dive spots in the world. Make sure you head over the left side of the lake for the epic free-dive location.

View full blog post: KAYANGAN LAKE IN CORON ISLAND, PALAWAN

TWIN LAGOON

Twin Lagoon is a stunning pool of water hiding amongst the breathtaking cliffs. Through a small gap, you can swim under the cliff and into Twin Lagoon. Once inside the lagoon, you are surrounded in all directions by the towering, dagger-like cliffs as you float away from your worries in a private swimming pool.

SKELETON WWII SHIPWRECK SNORKEL

Something I was quite excited about was free diving at Skeleton Wreck. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Coron for free-divers. It’s a mostly intact WWII ship that found its resting place in Coron, Palawan. Thousands of fish surrounded the wreck and swarmed us as we swam.

To get down deep enough at the level of the wreck you will need to dive about 15ft but you can still get a great view from the surface. One of the guides managed to free-dive into the cabin of the ship and out of the window.

View full blog post: EXPLORING SKELETON WRECK IN CORON, PALAWAN

VIVIAN BEACH

For lunch, you can always expect a huge spread of kinds of seafood, meats, and salads with Big Dream Boat Man. Josh and I are vegetarian and the chef catered to us for the entire trip with lots of variation and hearty meals. Vivan Beach is probably the most scenic lunch spot of your life with jagged cliffs surrounding lunch huts on a tiny white sand beach.

LUSONG GUNBOAT SHIPWRECK SNORKEL

From the surface, it doesn’t look like much but as soon as you dip your head underwater, the Lusong Gun Boat from WWII will blow you away. Like many of the stops on our Big Dream Boat Man trip, we had this spot completely to ourselves as you can see in the drone photo.

This huge ship is angled perfectly for freedivers because the rear of the ship is only about 2-feet deep while the nose of the ship is more than 20-feet deep. This means all levels of free-divers and snorkelers can get an up-close look of this sunken WWII ship. Barnacles, corals, and fish have taken over the ship as their home and if you are game you can dive through the panels of the ship!

View full blog post: LUSONG GUNBOAT SHIPWRECK & LUSONG CORAL GARDEN IN CORON

CORAL GARDEN REEF SNORKEL

Just around the corner from the Lusong Gunboat shipwreck is a phenomenal snorkeling spot. Our guide Anthony described told us it would be one of the best snorkeling spots we had ever seen and we weren’t let down. Huge corals of all different colors blanketed the ocean floor before a dark drop-off invited free-divers to explore further!

BANANA ISLAND CAMPING

Banana Island is an incredibly chill spot with coconut trees lining the white sand beach. This island is hammock central and the perfect place to unwind in the shade for a siesta. This is a great island for a kayak, snorkel and swim in the beautiful warm water the Philippines if so famous for.

SOUTH CAY

The South and North Cays are both prime camping spots. We camped on the north but we could see another small group with a bonfire camping on the South Cay just across the way on their own little private island. Take the kayak over from the North Cay if you are up for an exploration adventure.

NORTH CAY CAMPING

We arrived at the North Cay for the last light of the day and it was some of the best conditions I have ever had for aerial photography. It took me an hour and two batteries just to get off the boat and stop flying. What the others didn’t know is that I had just enjoyed the reef, water, and islands more than anyone with an hour-long aerial tour in the golden hour. After I pulled myself together I headed off to check out our ‘glamping situation’, which was a tent with a mattress, sheet, and pillow.

It was one of the best nights sleep I’ve had in a while as a soft breeze came through the top of the tent. There are toilet and shower facilities on the island.

Just before sunset, we took on our guides in a 2v2 basketball match and somehow squared with them at one game apiece in a game we won’t forget soon. Great fun with great people. This is what Big Dream Boat Man is all about! Sunset was spent at the viewpoint on a small hill before we ventured back to the camping area, lit a bonfire and shared some drinks under the stars.

Breakfast was served by the crew on a table and chairs on our private stretch of beach during the first light. It’s moments like these where you pinch yourself and wonder if it’s a dream. Our time on the North Cay was incredibly relaxing and a great time with the crew!

BLACK ISLAND

After packing up early at North Cay, we headed to Black Island. The water was so glassy it was reflecting like a mirror as we edged ever closer to the ominous looking Black Island. When we arrived there was only one other boat there with two people chilling in a hut. We docked the boat and I went for a flight with the drone in another unforgettable aerial session.

Looking directly down from the top of the cliff was an angle that just blew my mind as I saw the scale of the cliffs compared to our boat. We snorkeled here with some epic conditions for free-diving, amazing clarity and a wide variety of corals.

View full blog post: EXPLORING BLACK ISLAND (MALAJON ISLAND) IN CORON, PHILIPPINES

BLACK ISLAND CAVING

After our snorkel, we headed inland onto Black Island to check out the caves. The first cave was huge with at least 40-feet between floor and ceiling. Two crystal-clear pools shone as the morning light flooded into the cave.

You can swim and even cliff jump into both or simply admire the stalactites and rock formations from within the depths of the cave. We then headed down to the other end of the beach and climbed up through another cave this time emerging onto a private beach around the corner where our guides met us with snorkel guy and the SUP. We explored this area and laid out on the beach. These were dream moments, isolated in paradise.

DIBUTONAY ISLAND

Dibutonay Island was another secluded island with a great reef for snorkeling. It had one section of reef that was separated from the island and bursting with fish, marine life and unique coral. After a long morning of snorkeling, we ended up almost passing out on the beach only to be revived with a fresh coconut from the crew legends.

MALTATAYOC ISLAND

Maltatayoc Island is beautiful sandbar but we had come for the underwater world. Here we searched for and found multiple stingrays and the crew told us small black-tip sharks (not dangerous) are often spotted in this area. The snorkeling was amazing again and by this point, I was in awe at the level of reef and snorkeling spots in the region famous for its cliffs and lagoons.

PASS ISLAND OVERNIGHT

Pass Island was another camping spot on our Big Dream Boat Man Coron Island Hopping Tour. Like with North Cay, we arrived just in time for the golden hour and I enjoyed the aerial view will chilling under a coconut tree. On the island, there are a few huts where you sleep and bathroom facilities. A basketball court and sunset viewpoint are the other highlights on this tiny private island for you and the crew to enjoy.

View full blog post: PASS ISLAND IN CORON PALAWAN (OVERNIGHT STAY)

DITAYTAYAN ISLAND

On the final morning of our Coron island hopping tour expedition with Big Dream Boat Man, we headed off to Ditaytayan Island. While most boats stop at the beautiful sand bar we headed around the back side to explore the beach and what we found was a lot (I mean A LOT!) of trash. Together with the crew, we collected three huge garbage bags of trash to take back to Coron Town. It was great to see the crew pushing for this and it’s something they try and do on every trip.

We also snorkeled here in another amazing reef location before exploring the sand bar and the beaches on Ditaytayan Island.

SUNSET LAGOON AND CAVE

Our final stop was to the Sunset Lagoon and Cave. Once again we magically arrived with the perfect lighting just like the entire trip. The aerial photography here blew my mind again as I pushed the distance limits on the drone.

The lagoon is a small inlet, with towering cliffs closing in around you. We went for a paddle on the SUP before snorkeling into the incredible cave that is like a private room within the cliff once you swim inside!

CONCLUSION

That was our trip and believe it or not that was all just in a few days. I am still lost for words and struggle to explain the epic nature of Coron. The island hopping tour of Coron with Big Dream Boat Man was the best expedition to see the sights in a natural way, with good people, good vibes and lessor no crowds. I can’t recommend these guys enough and really support their vision and the ethos of the company.

If you do want to book a trip with Big Dream Boat Man I suggest doing it in advance as they do book out a few weeks ahead of time. It’s usually booked out if you only decide to book the trip when you arrive at Coron as you may do with the basic daily island hopping tours.

Make an inquiry/booking: To visit the website to check the tour itineraries, costs and availability of dates you can click here: Big Dream Boat Man Website

BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR CORON ISLAND HOPPING

The optimal time for island hopping in Coron is during the dry season, from November to May. During these months, the weather is typically favorable, with sunny skies and calm waters, making it ideal for boat travel and exploring the stunning lagoons, lakes, and beaches of the islands. While the peak tourist months of December to March offer pristine conditions, they can be crowded. To strike a balance between good weather and fewer tourists, consider the shoulder months of early November or late May.

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?

• Best Island Hopping Experience: (4 Days & 3 Nights) Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review.
• My Ultimate Travel Guide: Coron Travel Guide: 22 Awesome Things To Do
• A detailed activity schedule for you: Ultimate Coron Itinerary for 3-4 Days
• A comprehensive accommodation guide: 20 Best Places to Stay in Coron
• Best activity that is not in the water: Mt. Tapyas Hike for the best view in Coron.

Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:

• Read my blog post about Kayangan Lake
• Read my blog about Black Island
• Read my blog about Barracuda Lake
• Read my blog about​ Lusong Gunboat

HIKING MOUNT TAPYAS

Mount Tapyas in Coron is a popular spot for travelers and locals alike. With 700+ steps to the summit, this hike promises rewarding views of the town, bay, and distant islands. As you plan your ascent, myMount Tapyas Hiking Guide will provide practical tips, what to expect on the trail, and how to make the most of your trip to the top. Will you be hiking for sunrise or sunset?

MOUNT TAPYAS ENTRANCE FEE

There is no entrance fee for Mt Tapyas, which is great as it encourages tourists and locals to get out, get active and enjoy the view.

Just before you reach the top you can cut to the right on a new path so you can look up the hill towards the summit. Here you will be right in front of the ‘C O R O N’ sign, similar to that found in Hollywood. It is very recognizable and you can see it from Coron Island while you are out island hopping.

This is a great spot for photos in both directions. We took photos here years ago before the path was placed here but now it is very easily accessible. 

MT TAPYAS CLEANUP – ADVENTURE BAG

Coron is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. It was my third time returning to Coron but my first visit back since I started the Adventure Bag Movement. I decided to organize a quick clean-up of the most popular sunset spot on Coron, Mt. Tapyas. 

A small but determined group, the twelve of us set off up the stairs. There had been reports that the trail was clean and that there was daily maintenance of the trail. I wasn’t worried because we hear these nervous comments before every cleanup only to collect thousands of pieces of trash. This hike was no different.

We immediately found a little dump site off to the side of the stairs and filled 5-6 huge garbage bags within minutes. After clearing this site we headed up the stairs. 

Krish was our tour guide on our Big Dream Boat Man tour and went beast mode collecting 12 huge garbage bags of trash in 1.5 hours. The rest of the crew combined for another 10+ bags to total almost 25 giant garbage bags of trash on a short hiking trail.

WHERE TO STAY IN CORON TOWN

Coron Town is the base for all of your adventures in Coron. In Coron Town you have the bars, restaurants, transport, places to book tours and you are close to Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring. It is also just a $3 shuttle to the airport. Below are my three picks plus one all-inclusive resort (I’ve stayed multiple times) that includes private island hopping.

• The Funny Lion (Good Atmosphere): The Funny Lion is a boutique resort in Coron that I visited several years ago. Let’s just say that beer from the hot tub with one of the best sunset views in Coron is about as good as it gets. It’s ultra-modern and has a spa, pool, and immaculate rooms. The rooftop bar and dining is an awesome place to be after a long day of island-hopping in Coron.
• Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (Value): Located by the bay in Coron Town, this upscale hotel features an infinity pool which makes for a picture-perfect sunset view (Possibly the best sunset hotel view in Coron). If you want comfort and luxury at the same time this place is for you. It has its own private dock so you just leave straight to the island-hopping tours from your hotel room!
• Casa Fidelis Resort All-inclusive (Includes private island hopping): I had the most amazing stay at Casa Fidelis. The villa had a large patio area that looked out over the garden. Stepping stones led you from the room to the dining area, where we had decadent spreads of gourmet food for every meal. Casa 

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?

• Best Island Hopping Experience: (4 Days & 3 Nights) Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review.
• My Ultimate Travel Guide: Coron Travel Guide: 22 Awesome Things To Do
• A detailed activity schedule for you: Ultimate Coron Itinerary for 3-4 Days
• A comprehensive accommodation guide: 20 Best Places to Stay in Coron
• Best activity that is not in the water: Mt. Tapyas Hike for the best view in Coron.

Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:

• Read my blog post about Kayangan Lake
• Read my blog about Black Island
• Read my blog about Barracuda Lake
• Read my blog about​ Lusong Gunboat

ROMBLON ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE

Romblon Island had arguably the best beaches of all the islands in the Romblon Province, which made it a much more relaxing island. However, it also had its fair share of waterfalls, island hopping, and epic viewpoints. I put together this list of the awesome things to do Romblon Island.

It’s an Island …. and an entire region

Don’t be confused. Romblon is the province, which is made up of Romblon Island, Sibuyan Island, Carabao Island, Tablas Island, and another 15 or so smaller land masses. So when you hear Romblon, people may be talking about the province but generally, people call it ‘Romblon, Romblon‘ when they are referring to the Island of Romblon itself.

HOW TO GET TO ROMBLON, ROMBLON ISLAND

Romblon Island is a little tricky to get to but that’s a good thing. It keeps the masses at bay. We flew from Manila to Caticlan and then took a ferry to Tablas (where we explored for a week) and then a ferry to Romblon Island. There are multiple options for you to get to Romblon but no real airport. The closest airport is on Tablas Island.

• Fly into Tablas and then catch a ferry to Romblon Island. (Check the ferry times because sometimes it is only in the morning or only on Thursdays and Tuesdays or some other random schedule. It can be quite hard to do a double transit within one day and you may need to spend a night and catch the ferry the next day if you don’t time it well.)
• Catch a ferry from Tablas or Sibuyan Island. A direct ferry from either Sibuyan or Tablas goes straight to Romblon
• From Manila, you can take an overnight ferry to Tablas and then a ferry to Romblon.

It really depends on where you’re coming from but getting around Romblon Province can be quite tricky. The best way to do it is to book while you are there so that way you can ask the locals about the best way and route. Obviously, you may need to book your in and our routes beforehand but you can work around those as we did. I wish I could give you more solid advice but it’s a bit hectic and depends on where you are coming from.

WHERE I STAYED ON ROMBLON, ROMBLON ISLAND

We stayed at Stone Creek House, which is a boutique apartment in the middle of the town (Poblacion). You can check it out by clicking this link to the listing for Stone Creek House. It was our base for our five days on Romblon Island and Carlos, the owner, also organized our motorbikes and island hopping experience.

BONBON BEACH

Bonbon Beach on Romblon Island in the Philippines is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world. It’s definitely the best beach in the Romblon Province and the sandbar makes it an iconic location in the region.

Bonbon Beach in Romblon is located only 3km from the Poblacion (main town). I even jogged here one morning from my accommodation, Stone Creek House. There aren’t too many epic beaches like this one on the doorstep of the main town and the ferry port!

The main drawcards for the beach are the crystal clear water but mostly the sandbar, which links the island of Romblon to Bang-og Island. It is possible to cross the sandbar to the island at low tide but you must be careful not to get stuck out there when the tide rises and the sandbar becomes submerged. At high tide, the sandbar is about waist deep, and at low tide, it is obviously fully exposed.

Flying the drone at Bonbon Beach was incredibly fun. To see the sandbar from the air was just one of those travel moments you never forget. For me the picture defines paradise. Crystal-clear water and a sandbar lead to a mysterious, uninhabited island. It doesn’t get much better and is definitely drone heaven.

View the full blog post here: BONBON BEACH SANDBAR

FORT SAN ANDRES

Fort San Andres is an imposing lookout over the Poblacion (Main town) of Romblon Island in Romblon Province. The 17th-century Spanish Fortress is now a crumbling reminder of the rich history of Romblon.

The journey up was not incredibly hard but it was a very steep, long set of stairs. Along the way, the gardens on either side of the stairs are magnificent and well-manicured. Statues and hedges create a magnificent entrance to Fort San Andres.

When we reached the top the guard was just about to close the gates. We had just made it up in time to catch the sunset out over the ocean. You are allowed to climb to the roof of the Fort and from the roof, we sat on the walls and watched the sun disappear into the horizon.

View the full blog post here: FORT SAN ANDRES SUNSET VIEWPOINT

TALIPASAK BEACH (SAN PEDRO BEACH)

Talipasak Beach also known as San Pedro Beach Resort is one of the hidden gems of Romblon Island. Hidden away down a side road, this beach has a really peaceful atmosphere. A cafe sits amidst the trees behind the beach while benches and hammocks are ready for you to laze away the day in the shade of the beautiful trees overlooking the crystal-clear water.

Talipasak is just down the road from Bonbon Beach and while it doesn’t have the sandbar it makes up for that with its unique atmosphere. We really liked hanging out at Talipasak and having a coffee in the cafe before setting up a spot in the shade of the trees. Only one other group joined us while we were at the beach.

The water was crystal clear and contrasted spectacularly against the palm tree-lined hills behind the shore. If you go for a short swim you can even find a small bay, which you really will get to enjoy entirely to yourself!

View the full blog post here: TALIPASAK (SAN PEDRO) BEACH

TIAMBAN BEACH

Just around the corner from Bonbon Beach is another little gem called Tiamban Beach. It has more crystal clear water, few crowds, and palm trees. It’s a classic Philippines beach that ticks all the boxes. We hung out for quite a while and chatted with some locals, enjoyed a coffee from the small cafe, and really soaked up that causal Romblon beach vibe.

REGGAE VIBES AGPANABAT SEA TURTLE SANCTUARY

We drove south from the main town for about 30-40 minutes when we passed a place called Reggae Vibes. Nothing much was going on out the front but it seemed to be some sort of shop or cafe. We decided to check it out and walked in.

A lady yelled and welcomed us in. She had recognized Nic from his photos of Tablas and Romblon on Facebook! She introduced herself. It was Rose!

From the shore, the ocean looked great but it’s hard to tell how good a snorkeling spot will be from the surface. Rose lent us a mask and we went out one by one to check it out. It turned out to be one of the best snorkeling spots in the whole Romblon Province!

The coral was huge and the clarity was insane. From the surface, I could see the coral over 15 meters away with ease.

The area is part of a sanctuary and some of it is sectioned off by buoys to protect the corals and marine life. However, a big part of the ocean is open for snorkeling. A small wooden hut sits out in the ocean and is used as a lookout during the evening and overnight to make sure no one is fishing in the sanctuary.

View the full blog post here: AGPANABAT SEA TURTLE SANCTUARY SNORKELING

LAHUNG ROCK FORMATION

The Lahung rock formation is an epic little spot hidden off the road. It is the site of the old Pawikan (Sea Turtle) sanctuary, which is temporarily closed. A small hut sits right on the edge of the shore with a big drop down and out to the right is a beautiful rock arch. The sun sets right over the arch, making for an epic sunset viewpoint!

LIBTONG FALLS

Libtong Falls is an off-the-beaten-path waterfall on the island of Romblon in Romblon Province. We found out about it from a local and set off in search of the waterfall for a morning adventure.

We walked along a beaten path for about 10-15 minutes up a slight incline. All the while we could hear the sound of running water to our left as we followed the flow upstream. We made a short descent, still following the path, and made our way down below the canopy. Before us was beautiful, it’s layered seemed to go on forever.

View the full blog post: LIBTONG FALLS AT SABLAYAN POINT

COBRADOR ISLAND HOPPING

The island has so many amazing beaches like Bonbon, Tiamban, and Talipasak but if you want to get on a boat and go exploring, there are some true gems nearby if you head out on a Romblon Island hopping tour to Alad, Cobrador, and Lugbon.

Our island hopping tour was 1500 pesos for the entire boat and a day of island-hopping at our leisure. The price of the boat was fixed.

We were only two people but if we had of brought ten people the price would remain the same. 1500 pesos was equivalent to $30 USD, which made it $15 each for an entire boat to two of us! Pretty good for not having a group.

This included a pick-up and drop-off to the port, which was only a 10-minute walk anyway. Lunch wasn’t included but we bought some fried chicken, rice, and drinks in the town before we left for just a few dollars.

View the full blog post: ISLAND HOPPING TOUR: ALAD, COBRADOR, LUGBON

• ALAD CAVE

Our first stop was to cruise along the coast of Alad, an island about 20 minutes from Romblon Island. We had heard about some caves but like all good things in the Romblon Province, we had no idea where they were. I don’t think we found the caves we had been told about but we snorkeled along the coastline and found some pretty cool caves of our own! We jumped off the boat and climbed deep into the back of this cave that seemed to go on forever!

• MARAKAY MARAKAY CLIFF JUMP

I think I found heaven. Marakay Marakay cliff jump was an island purely dedicated to a diving board. Our boat pulled up right next to the island, where cement stairs are built into the island. Normally with cliff jumping in the Philippines, it is a battle to get back up the cliffs and to avoid cutting yourself on the sharp rocks.

At Marakay Marakay it can’t get any more convenient. From the boat, a pathway leads right up to the diving board. Jumping off, swimming to the stairs and climbing back up to the board was a circuit I completed multiple times. This was a spot I wasn’t expecting on our Romblon Island hopping tour but what an epic spot to enjoy all to ourselves for over an hour!

• COBRADOR BEACH

Cobrador Beach was beautiful, with crystal clear water and mountains in the distance. Cobrador Beach is often referred to as Naguso Beach, which is the local name. It was eerily quiet, no people on the beach, no vendors, no one at all.

We almost didn’t know what to do! We took a seat and just took it all in. Island hopping to a remote island, from an already pretty remote island. Sun is out, water is transparent and life is good.

• TINAGONG DAGAT

Our boat docked and at a small beach and there was a bit of a rock wall and some cliffs. We couldn’t quite figure out what the situation was. After jumping out of the boat we climbed through a small arch and into a bit of a lagoon. We then headed through a cave, which opened up into a tiny lagoon or ‘Hidden Sea’.

It was amazing to sit in what is essentially a natural hot tub in peace while listening to the waves smashing into the walls on the outside.

• LUGBON BEACH

It was time for lunch and we had circled back to be close to the Romblon Island Port. However, we stopped off at Lugbon Beach to chill under the palm trees. We had brought our fried chicken and rice for lunch. Sitting under the palm trees on the sand, we chatted with some locals who were selling coffees and pastries, which made for a perfect dessert.

The palm trees on Lugbon were epic and reminded me of some of the island hopping in Coron. Further down the beach was a cool bamboo pier that I believe was being used for supplies to the massive hotel that is under construction.

KIPOT RIVER

The entrance to the Kipot River is literally someone’s front yard. We walked through their yard as the kids played and the parents said hello. Wandering past huge pigs and other farm animals, we began to wind our way down to the river. It is a very short trek but quite steep and slippery.

At the bottom of the trail, we had our first glimpse of the Kipot River. The emerald color of the water was stunning and the atmosphere was quiet and relaxing.

View the full blog post: KIPOT RIVER

DOLPHIN BEACH

On any other island, it would be known as the top beach but Dolphin Beach comes well out of the top 3 things to do on Romblon Island. But you can’t overlook cool spots just because you have a Bonbon around the corner. Dolphin Beach is still a great spot to check out for an afternoon hang session.

MARBLE QUARRY AND WORKSHOP

In a matter of unplanned events, we visited a remote marble quarry in Lio Bay and then went to check out the marble being crafted by talented artists. I’ve documented the whole random adventure in a full blog post, which I have linked below. Basically, we ended up in a random village, stumbled upon an epic marble quarry, became friends with the whole village, flew the drones, and then checked out the finished marble products on the way home!

View the full blog post: ROMBLON MARBLE QUARRY AND WORKSHOP: SELF-GUIDED TOUR

CAJIMOS POINT SUNSET

This is another sunset point we found thanks to our trusty friend Google Satellite Maps. We always look for cool viewpoints and reefs and this inlet looked pretty interesting.

Once again we drove through a village that had no idea what the hell we wanted driving down a dead end. Intrigued they watched on as we had a good old time flying over a pretty epic spot. The sunset wasn’t bad either!

DRONE HILL WITH THE KIDS

I won’t throw the location of this place up, because it was literally someone’s backyard. We thought we had found an epic spot to drone from at sunset, which we had, but it was on someone’s property. We asked them if we could jump in and hang out on their hill.

The kids of the neighborhood joined us out on the hill as we drained battery after battery, shooting outrigger boats, sunsets, and palm trees. These are the sunsets you remember!

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?

• Best Island Hopping Experience: (4 Days & 3 Nights) Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review.
• My Ultimate Travel Guide: Coron Travel Guide: 22 Awesome Things To Do
• A detailed activity schedule for you: Ultimate Coron Itinerary for 3-4 Days
• A comprehensive accommodation guide: 20 Best Places to Stay in Coron
• Best activity that is not in the water: Mt. Tapyas Hike for the best view in Coron.

Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:

• Read my blog post about Kayangan Lake
• Read my blog about Black Island
• Read my blog about Barracuda Lake
• Read my blog about​ Lusong Gunboat