Second chance.
Coron is undoubtedly one of the best tourist spots not just in the Philippines but in Asia as well. With its clear blue water, fine white sand and naturally nice people, it is a place worth visiting.
It was summer of 2006 when I first came. Back then, direct flights were rare and relatively costly. No promo flights so people had to really save up to book a flight. Traveling was a little expensive.
It was fairly different then. Scarce is a comparison to describe then and now. No expensive hotels, no tour packages, just plain backpacking. Few local tourists flock the area as Boracay, Cebu and Davao were (or for some - are) the IT places.
I was given the opportunity to take that second chance. A lot has changed. It became a little touristy but still somehow preserved its natural beauty. Tour agencies increased in numbers. Exclusive island hotels, fancy restaurants and middle-ranged bars sprouted like mushrooms. You can avail boat tours at inexpensive costs. Roads are far better than the dusty, and mostly muddy during rainy season. Central market is more organized. Local residents have become aware of the better income of selling souvenirs than fishing and farming. It was conveniently nice but progress came with a price. And that rhymes too!
If you're the usual backpacker, you tend to avoid a mob trying to share that tranquility you intended to have. Hence, it was Coron to be your choice and not Makati or Hong Kong. I wanted to be selfish to only have the spot I used to have. I remembered staying in Banol beach the whole day, alone (well, plus the caretaker). There were a few tourists who came and went but the royalty of having your own beach for a day was indeed splendid. A travel book and my trusty old Ipod classic were the only modern items I brought with me. Sun covered me with tanned skin, the sand became my exclusive playmate, and the pristine water washed away those metropolis anxiety. All these are still present, but with other people to share them with. I wouldn't mind sharing the place however I do not appreciate the trash and noise pollution they created. Talk about trash, they have a lot in CYC beach. The local government should do something about it.
My top 5 (easiest) ways to fall in love with the place:
1. Explore Kayangan and Barracuda lakes.
2. Sunken ship wreck dive.
3. Swim the underwater cave connecting the Twin Lagoon.
4. Relaxing at Banol/Banana beach.
5. Gorge-in in their seafood bonanza is a must.
Traveling alone could be both expensive and inexpensive. It is wise to share tour packages, talk with the locals for those off-the-beaten tourist destinations and get that local price. But one of the best experiences as a lone-free-spirited traveler is to meet new people from the different parts of the world. It is inexpensive to be acquainted with the coolest people. I met fellow travelers Arturo (Spain), Carolina (Columbia) Shannen and Collin (USA) and Cheska from Quezon City. We paid P645 each for a whole day tour inclusive of lunch. We blended well and so we decided to have the wreck dive tour. I felt eerie at first but eventually got used to it. It's like Titanic live. I would definitely do it again, again and again. Too bad the underwater cam (film) I used was busted so the great shots where stored only in my memory. But good thing, some of them were in my USB. :)
Definitely fell in love again the second time around.
