Day 1: Arriving in Coron

Coron City, with its turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and laid-back vibe, delivered an unforgettable few days in the Philippines. After our traumatic ferry ride (see previous blog), we all settled on very easy dishes for lunch, and lots and lots of water. After checking into Blue Waters Inn in the early afternoon, we took a tuk-tuk up the mountains to Maquinit Hot Springs–the only known saltwater hot springs in the Philippines (and yes, they are super hot, with one spring reaching 40°C!) Apparently, these springs have therapeutic and healing properties, which we definitely needed. In all seriousness, Maquinit Hot Springs are beautiful, but a little too hot to enjoy. As the sun set, we settled on a wooden table, played cards and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.

Day 2: Super Ultimate Tour

Bright and early on Day 2, we embarked on the much-anticipated Coron Super Ultimate Tour because, of course, we couldn’t just settle for the Ultimate Tour. We visited five destinations throughout the day, all offering a unique perspective of Coron’s charms and beauty. First up, we visited Barracuda Lake (no, there are not many known barracudas in the lake), which is towered by limestone cliffs and is home to incredible underwater rock formations. Interestingly, the water is a mix of both saltwater and freshwater, so we had some buoyancy challenges while snorkelling there. It was a beautiful start to the day. We also tested my waterproof phone case and got creative with some underwater snaps. 

Next, we ventured to Twin Lagoon, where we kayaked through a narrow passage to discover the hidden inner lagoon, surrounded by towering rocks, trees, and some local houses. The water sparkled in endless shades of blue and green, so clear it felt like you could see 30 metres to the bottom! However, it was a challenge to get back to the boat through the outer lagoon, as we paddled against the current. It would have been quite entertaining listening to Nic and I chanting “left, right, left, right, left, left, left, left…” as we coordinated our steering. At least it was a free workout!

For lunch, we stopped at the stunning Sunset Beach, where we enjoyed a feast of grilled seafood, fried chicken, noodles, salad, and tropical fruits beneath bamboo huts. It was the perfect place to recharge and get to know more of our tour members. We met Stefan and Dieter from Berlin and Cologne, respectively, and a lovely couple from Italy. It was so nice to spend the day with Stefan and Dieter and share stories and travel recommendations. Stefan only had one thing to say about Australia… “It’s f*ing expensive, right?” Not wrong.

We ventured out to Smith Coral Garden where we tried to snorkel. Unfortunately, the strong current made it difficult to swim out to the coral garden and back without swallowing half the sea. From what little we managed to see, this spot would be a must-visit under calmer conditions. Shortly after, we arrived just off the coast of CYC Beach, one of the only public beaches in Coron. With its white sand and shallow blue waters, it’s an inviting spot—if you can fight the current from the boat to the shore! Nic and I decided to relax on the boat while the boys entertained themselves by backflipping off the outriggers.

Our final stop of the day was Kayangan Lake, a swimming spot with emerald-green waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The trek to the lake involved climbing over 300 steps and navigating through plenty of other tourists. After another swim, we joined the queue for a photo with the iconic Coron backdrop (a must-do, judging by the line!) To top it all off, we kayaked one last time in the Kayangan Lake surrounds, talking about what we should have for dinner. By this stage, we were all ready to go home… and sleep. Before heading back, we enjoyed a quick snack on the boat—a sweet potato skewer [covered in sugar] that gave us a little “pick me up” after a long, adventure-filled day.

Once back on land, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved dinner at Salud Mexican, where we might have over ordered tacos, rice bowls, and burritos. Nicola and I enjoyed the hugest frozen margaritas I have ever seen! YUM! Exhausted, we called it an early night.

Day 3: A Relaxing Farewell

After two active days, we (meaning, I) allowed ourselves to sleep in on our last day in Coron, easing into the morning with no rush. Nic, Jake, and Pat braved a humid run and I stayed behind to blog and reflect on our adventures. Later, we wandered through the local markets, picking up a few souvenirs before getting far too hot. With the afternoon free, we booked a massage and then found an air-conditioned café to unwind, playing cards and sipping cold beers. In the evening, we trekked up Mount Tapyas, climbing 720 steps to be rewarded with a panoramic view of Coron Island at sunset. After the climb, we enjoyed a late dinner and re-packed our bags, ready for our flight (note: NOT ferry) to Cebu the next morning.

Our Only Day in Cebu City

Our whirlwind day in Cebu City began with a late-night arrival, where Pat and I dined separately to Nic and Jake as we were staying in different accommodations. The next morning, we reconvened at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, an iconic Christian symbol of Cebu, and started our day of city exploration. Cebu City was bustling due to the conclusion of the annual Sinulog Festival, a vibrant celebration honouring Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, which marks the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines.

We wandered through Cebu’s historical sights, including Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, and the National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu, where we learned about the importance of fishing and boat craftsmanship in the Philippines, Filipino culinary culture, the traditional way of life of Indigenous Filipinos, and the historical shipwrecks off the Philippine coast that carried cargoes of pottery, china, and other valuable trade items. It was also fascinating to learn about the Spanish Colonial Period and the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines–fittingly relevant during the Sinulog Festival. Our sightseeing was cut short when groups of Filipino school kids, visiting from smaller provinces, began asking us for photos. They were all so kind and enthusiastic–all with different stories–but their requests made us feel like minor celebrities and left us in need of a break!

With the temperature soaring to 32°C and humidity making it feel closer to 39°C, we sought refuge at Ayala Centre Cebu, which had everything from fashion stores to grocery stores, and a great meal at The Social, where we played yet another round of cards (because, what else?) Later, Pat and I walked to Nic and Jake’s apartment with some beer before heading out for dinner and later for cocktails at Verified Rooftop Bar & Lounge soaking in the city’s night scene (which wasn’t very vibrant given it was a Tuesday). 

Now, we’re in Moalboal, Cebu and it’s shaping up to be our favourite stop so far!

If you got to this point, thanks for reading! It’s a long one.