Philippines

July 2023

The Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,107 islands to explore!

Check out below Coron, Cebu, Borocay, and El Nido. We came to celebrate our dear friends Scott and Leanne's wedding

Coron

Coron is in North Palawan in the Philippines and known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and world-class WWII-era wreck diving, and laid back charm. It has some of the most incredible freshwater lagoons and spectacular shallow-water coral reefs

On September 24, 1944, a group of 10 to 12 Japanese ships were sunk by American warplanes in Coron waters as they retreated from Manila Bay. These shipwrecks comprise what is considered today as one of the best dive sites in the world. This has been included in many lists of the world’s top dive spots by trusted publications, including Forbes Traveler Magazine.

🏘️ Hotel

Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel
- Best hotel on the island according to the locals)
- Great location as it was easy to get Tricipods to get to the town

Things to do

Take an island-hopping tour to visit some of Coron’s beautiful lakes and lagoons such as Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, and Twin Lagoon.
- The Ultimate Coron Tour is the best one!
- We did the Viator private boat tour which takes you to the places by speedboat. However, you can rent boats when you get into town via Filipino boats which go a lot slower but it's a 1/3rd of the price
- Kayangan Lake Accessible by a steep 10-minute climb, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kayangan are nestled into the mountain walls; underwater is like a moonscape
- Twin Lagoon is where you want to Kayak to

Visit some of Coron’s beautiful beaches
- Banana Island
- Banol Beach
- Malcapuya Island
Go snorkeling or scuba diving at one of Coron’s popular dive sites
- Siete Pecados
- W Divers Coron.
Explore Coron Town and try some local cuisine.
Visit Mt Tapyas for a hike and a great view of the town and surrounding islands.
- Mt. Tapyas is the second tallest mountain and one of the most dominant land features in Coron. From the town proper, you can quickly get a view overlooking the entire village and coast by a 15-20 minute climb up concrete stairs to the view deck.

Relax and soak in the Maquinit Hot Spring.
- 30 minutes away from the main town proper by tricycle is in a mangrove forest beside the sea. It is said to be one of the very few natural saltwater springs in the world.
Diving Coron
- Barracude Lake (Crystal clear waters, thermoclines and haloclines)
- Iran Shipwreck - snorkel site of a Japanese shipwreck

Transportation

Tricyipods- $50 Pesos each way
Scooters

Restaurant recommendations by locals

Lobster king
Island boy grill
Great food at our hotel Baya Restaurant
Funny Lion restaurant
Bam bar- live music at night
Hop Hostel - sunset view over Coron

Cebu

🏘️ Hotel

Shangri-La Cebu

Things to do

OSLOB WHALE SHARK WATCHING & SNORKELING
- 4 hour drive to Oslob from Cebu
MACTAN ISLAND BOAT HOPPING TOUR
Kawasan Canyoneering
- https://kawasancanyoneeringsb.com
- 3 hour drive from Cebu
Highlands Activities
- Temple of Leah
- Sirao Flower Garden
- Lavie in the Sky
Fort San Pedro
Megallan's Cross- Basilica Del Sto Nino
The Heritage of Cebu Monument
Trek to Cebu’s famous Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete
Nustar resort and casino
- Mont 32 Michelin restaurant

Boracay

WHERE WE GOT ENGAGED!!

🏘️ Hotel

Henann Crystal Sands
Shangri-La Borocay

Things to do

White beach
Water activities- parasail, snorkel, sunset sail
Island hopping
- Magic island for cliff jumping
- Crystal Cove
- Crocodile Island- Scuba
Key hole spot
Hike Mount Laho
ATV to the mainland
Puka Beach

Restaurants

Station 1

Donenoo Korean BBQ
Sunny Side Cafe***
Los Indios Bravos (gastropub w/ steak)
BarLO (gastropub)
The Pig Out**

Station 2 (mid)

Cha Cha’s Beach Cafe**
Aplaya (Italian)**
Mesa (Filippino)
Don Vito (Italian)
Backyard BBQ
Tres Amigos (mexican)
Bunbun (cheap but good noodles!)
Meze Wrap (Mediterranean)
Hanoi Pho (Vietnamese)
Momo Ramen
Royal Indian Curry House
Two Brown Boys (best burgers)
The Ruf Resto Bar (rooftop)

Station 3 (south)

8 By the Beach
Nagisa (sushi)
Guiseppe (pizzeria)**
Cafe Maruja***
Pares Hilton (late night Filippino)
Sunny Side Cafe***
Nonies (healthy)
Sensi (Italian)

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido in Palawan, Philippines, is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and diverse wildlife.

🏘️ Hotel

Calypso Beach Hotel Matinloc Room

In Corong-Corong, in front of the High School, take the way going down to Nay Aster pension. Continue on this way and then turn left. Continue 30 meters, Calypso is just after Banig resort (google maps link).

Things to do

Island Hopping
- The main activity for most visitors is island hopping. There are four standard tours: Tour A, B, C, and D, each offering a unique set of islands and attractions.
- Tour A and C are the most popular ones.
- Kayaking in the Big and Small Lagoons**: The Big and Small Lagoons are stunning locations with turquoise waters. Rent a kayak and paddle around these serene waters.
Nacpan Beach
- Often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Nacpan Beach is a must-visit. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and even camping.
- Order a van to get there. It will take about 30 minutes. Tricipods will take you 45 minutes
- Angkla Beach Club and Boutique Resort has great views and food
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving**: El Nido is home to diverse marine life and is an excellent place for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can explore stunning coral reefs, meet a variety of fish, and if you're lucky, you might even spot sea turtles.
Hike to Taraw Cliff**: For those who like a bit of adventure, you can hike to the top of Taraw Cliff. The hike is quite challenging, but you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the town and Bacuit Bay.
Visit El Nido Town**: The town itself is a great place to explore local Filipino culture, with lots of restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach**: This beach is known as the best place to watch the sunset in El Nido. You can relax at one of the beachfront bars and take in the beautiful view.