We drive off from the packing bay at Manila airport a couple of minutes
late on Saturday 18 March - Coron here I come! Immediately there is an
announcement on the a/c and that once we get in the air it will start to work.
Let’s hope it’s not too long as it’s hot wearing a mask!
We thud into Coron a good 10 minutes early. Now
the holiday really begins. The airport is small so within minutes of getting to
the arrival hall the bags arrive. I pay the PHP 200 fee then locate the hotel
shuttle.
I’m taken to the van basically immediately.
After a short wait we are off - the driver and I. The drive to the hotel is
close to half an hour. It’s a rather windy and uneven drive.
On arrival at the hotel the first thing I notice
is the amazing view. Wow! The receptionist and I go back and forth on what time
I should be arranging a shuttle for. Finally she agrees to me time of 10am.
There is NO need to be at the airport 2 hours before the flight. My room isn’t
quite ready, so I head to the restaurant for lunch.
I’m back in the land of beer being cheaper than
Coca Cola - suits me as I don’t really drink coke. For now it’s a Calamansi
drink.
My room is ready when I get back to reception.
I have a couple of hours relaxing and visiting
the dive shop for tomorrow.
As soon as I leave the hotel all the tuk tuks lined up outside the hotel offer their services - thanks but I’ll walk. Which I
know is a foreign term for the locals. I’m meeting Vale, Enrico and Delia in
the town center for dinner.
Along the way lots of people stop to offer their
services and all smile when I say no thanks and point to my feet. The area is
definitely a lot bigger than I expected it to be.
First stop is at an ATM, my bad luck from this
morning with this continues. I must call the bank later or tomorrow to find out
what’s going on. Let’s hope I can use a credit card for dinner.
V, E and D are at the restaurant when I arrive.
Korean BBQ tonight. It’s great to see them again! Good fun cooking the majority
of our food, which was all very tasty.
We wander around the streets before stopping for a drink at an Italian
Restaurant.
The journey back to the hotel is fun! Originally
I was told it would cost me PHP 30 by tricycle, perfect that’s what the
receptionist told me. I sit in and they say 50. Nope. Thankfully Vale, Enrico
and Delia are still behind me. In the end I get on with them. We drop them off
first then I’m taken to my hotel. PHP 30, perfect.
I’m woken before my alarm at 6am on Sunday 19
March. It still amazes me how people are so rude in hotels making so much
noise.
Breakfast is a slow affair - trying to wake up
and drink coffee so that I can take my sea sickness pill.
One sip of the coffee and I immediately wish I
had brought my own. Gross is an understatement.
I arrive at the dive shop right on time at 8am.
After getting all my gear together it’s time to try on the wetsuit. Never fun!
Thankfully it’s not super hot yet. Once it’s on it’s not coming off.
We have a good 30 minute drive on a speed boat
to the dive site.
Dive 1 is a fail unfortunately, my left ear
won’t equalise. After trying for a bit, I decide that’s it. Such a shame!
I don’t even attempt dive 2, I feel like my
diving this trip is over before it even begins. Buggar!
Lunch is given to us on the way from dive 2 to
dive 3. Once the divers are in the water the boat captain and I jump in to go snorkelling.
It’s super choppy and I end up stopping lots to
clear my snorkel but it’s nice to be in the water. We saw lots of fish. three
turtles (we think one we saw twice, great Oceania manta ray, a single barracuda
and many many more.
I had a couple of hours by the pool relaxing
before the intense sun got to me.
Early evening I walk to Vale, Enrico and Delia’s
hotel - the majority is easy walking with the last part straight uphill. The
views make up for it.
We enjoy a beer here before getting the hotel
shuttle to the town for dinner.
The first place we try is full and has people
waiting. Another time as we are all hungry.
We decide to head back to the place where we had
a drink last night. Our table is free. Excellent!
Finally I’m able to get cash out of an ATM!
Feeling like a normal person now.
We catch a tuk tuk from the Main Street, driver
says PHP 80 for all of us. Hmmm seems to good to be true so we question a few
times, he assures us that’s correct. Great! We drop Vale, Enrico and Delia off
at the bottom of their hill then zoom off. I hand over PHP 90 (easier as no
small change) and say goodnight. We totally got “ripped” off last night paying
PHP 120.
I’m woken on Monday 20 March just before 8.30am
by housekeeping. Unfortunately it had been a bery broken night as I was up not
feeling great at all. I’m putting it down to sun burn and not enough water.
Super glad I’m having a quiet day at the hotel today.
Breakfast is a slow affair - toast and apple
with a side of unpleasant coffee.
I’m getting ready to leave breakfast when I hear
the table next to me order a latte. Yes thanks, that will be me tomorrow.
I have the morning at the pool - super relaxing!
Jumping in and out of the pool when I get hot. On one of my pool visits I get
chatting to two ladies who are here for a couple of days as a side trip to their
work trip to Manila.
Early afternoon Enrico and Delia join me at the
pool. It’s a great afternoon being in and out of the pool. Late afternoon Vale
joins us.
We decide to have dinner at the hotel. I decide
on beef, broccoli and rice. It was lovely sitting outside watching day turn
into night. One night I really need to see sun set from my balcony.
I’m back in my room just after 7.30pm, it’s been
a great chilled day. Time for a shower then continuing the relaxation.
Thankfully I’m feeling better and am sure after a good nights sleep I’ll be
right as rain tomorrow.
It’s a relaxed start to the day on Tuesday 21
March. So nice not having time pressures.
As soon as I get to my table for breakfast I
order a latte. Fingers crossed it tastes good!
I end up not having the latte - won’t bore you
with all the details but let’s just say it was strange!
My shoulders and upper back are a little red
still from yesterday so I decide to return to my room and relax on my balcony.
Aah proper (ish) coffee!
Mid afternoon I head down to the pool for a swim and super late lunch.
It’s so pretty sitting here staring out at the
sea. Such a shame there isn’t more sun umbrellas.
Early evening I head to V, E and D’s hotel. A
step uphill walk off the street! Thank goodness for a breeze.
We take the hotel shuttle into the town to the
Italian restaurant we tried to go to two nights ago. Before leaving we had the
hotel call and make a reservation.
Dinner was tasty!
Like previous evenings we wander the streets,
stopping outside Bam Bar to listen to the live music for a bit.
Enrico is left to negotiate with the driver of
the tuk tuk. Finally an agreement is made - PHP 80 for 4 of us. Bingo! Once we dropped
V, E and D at the bottom of their hill we are off. I’m asked if I’m alone. I
hate lying but need to be safe so tell Kevin (tuk tuk driver) that my friends
are back at the hotel. I’m then asked where my husband is. Aaah. No husband
thank you.
The stars are in out in full force this evening
- it’s super peaceful standing on the balcony watching them.
My alarm wakes me at 6.30am on Wednesday 22
March, there has been a lot of noise overnight so feel like more sleep is
needed! But alas no, we are off on a day tour today so need to get up.
The restaurant is packed when I arrive at
7.20am! I force coffee and food down.
We had been told to be in our separate
receptions at 8am for a pick up anytime between 8am and 8.30am. Helpful to
narrow it down….. Vale, Enrico and Delia were to be collected before me and
would be messaging me once they got picked up.
8.27am and still nothing (other than them saying
they are waiting as well).
A few minutes later I’m told they are getting
close. Great!
Refer to the Day trip blog for todays trip.
On arrival back at the hotel I rush to my
balcony to see sun set. I have a feeling I’m too late.
Yep I am. Buggar! The sky is still amazing
though. Tomorrow I really must be on the balcony much earlier.
San Miguel Light is calling my name. Straight to
the restaurant I head.
It takes me much longer to decide what to eat.
Time to feel clean again!! It’s a chilled rest
of the evening.
Thursday 23 March I’m woken early by the dogs
outside but manage to go back to sleep for a bit. Love not rushing when the
last few months have been so hectic.
Enrico, Delia and I had planned on going to a
local beach (where you can drive there) but on reading the reviews we decide
against it. Instead they will come to my hotel and hang out.
Breakfast is a nice slow affair.
I enjoy the view, breeze and coffee while
waiting to Enrico and Delia to arrive.
We are straight to the pool when Enrico and
Delia arrive. And relax!
After a late lunch they head off and I continue
relaxing.
Early evening I head to the dive shop to get my
refund. As I had expected I end up having to pay extra charges - at least I get
most of my money back.
I enjoy watching the sun set from my balcony. A
sight that never gets old!
As it’s starting to get darker I walk to Vale,
Enrico and Delia’s hotel. On arrival the girls are having a pedicure - Enrico
and I enjoy a drink looking down on Coron town.
My hotel had had no luck in booking the Spanish
tapas restaurant for dinner - we decide to try our luck.
Their hotel shuttle drops is nearby - we have no
issues in getting a table. Within half an hour the upstairs area is full.
Dinner is tasty! I would say it's the best meal we
have had in Coron.
When the bill comes its cash only. Aaah of course!
Vale is on tuk tuk negotiations - within minutes
we are set. PHP 90 for us all.
Herbert (our tuk tuk driver) has disco music going. Before I get out
I’m asked what we are going tomorrow. Very very good question! We chat through
some options and in the end exchange numbers. Let’s see what will happen.
It’s been another great day in Coron!
I’m woken early on my last full day in Coron
(Friday 24 March). It’s another stunning day in paradise!
Breakfast isn’t as crazy as previous mornings
which is nice. The coffee is still terrible!!
We decide we’ll try the snorkeling area today.
Herbert our driver from last night has confirmed he’ll collect is at 10.30am.
It’s going to be an adventure that’s for sure!!!
Herbert is waiting for us outside - time to get
our adventure on! First stop is a shop that hires masks, flippers
etc for Enrico and Delia.
Back onto the tuk tuk we go. Next stop is for
petrol.
It’s great to be seeing more of everyday Coron life.
I’m surprised when we arrive at the entrance to
Siete Pecados, I had totally expected to be driving for longer. We pay the fee
and are shown to our boat and driver (Victor). Herbert joins us too which is
nice.
Victor is our snorkeling guide - he takes us
around two of the islands. Wow! Such a huge array of fish and coral. Amazing.
Time to head back to the main island now.
We decide to stop by Cabu Beach, where we had
thought we might have gone yesterday. It’s a short 10 minute drive away.
After paying the fee to enter we pull up by a
little hut. Being out of the sun is heaven. Enrico and I both comment at the
same - it’s nothing special. I wonder what the hype is all about.
We have a small break in the shade before
telling Herbert we are ready to leave. He seems a bit surprised.
The journey home seems to pass by quickly. We
are on a main road for the majority of the trip. We drop Enrico and Delia at
the bottom of their hill then drive around the corner.
As soon as I get back to the hotel I drop off
the beach towel, find a pool seat, stand under the shower to get rid of the
salt then immediately jump into the pool. Bliss.
Sitting here relaxing I start to realize my
calve muscles are burnt. Not good! Will need to be putting lots and lots of
moisturiser on tonight.
I pack a small amount before walking to V, E and
D’s hotel. Where is the breeze when you want and need it??!!!
We take their hotels free shuttle into the town.
Our destination tonight is Bam Bar, which is a Tiki bar with live music surrounded
by small restaurants.
We notice there is Aperol Spritz from one place
- yes thanks we’ll have 3.
We order food from 3 different little shops.
Strangely my food arrives first and I was the last to order.
Other than the heat (no air flow or fan) it’s
nice sitting here listening to the live music.
The sun burn and lack of air circulating is
starting to get to me. Time for me to leave! Bloody sun burn!
I manage to get a tuk tuk to take me back to the
hotel. We get a couple of minutes down the road then hear a pop….the driver
pulls over and we both jump out. Flat tire. Ooh no! After a few minutes he
tells me not to wait around, I try to get another tuk tuk. Doesn’t work out so
I decide to walk home. Thankfully it’s relatively bright with others around.
Aah walking into my room the a/c is bliss.
Saturday 25 March I wake to the sound of oxygen
tanks being filled for the days diving. Next time!
At 8am I’m called by reception to speak about my
pick up. It’s been less than 12 hours since the last calls so I’m unclear what
has changed. Aaah they made a mistake when I checked in - the collection time
for the transfer to the airport is either 9am to 9.30am or 10am to 10.30am.
Super annoying! I’m going to risk the 10am to 10.30am one and hope and pray
everything goes aok. I’m already checked in online, on arrival at the airport
need to do bag drop.
For now I’ll focus on finishing the packing.
Breakfast seems kind of empty today which is
nice.
I take one final long look at my view - this
will absolutely be missed!
Check-out goes smoother than I thought it would.
Although I’m told “my room is clear” twice. Still no idea what that means as I
know I took everything.
I ask where to wait for the shuttle to the
airport and am told it’s already outside. Ooh interesting.
I have zero idea what shuttle I’m on as we
depart at 9.47am. So much to see along the way. Including two herds of goats,
numerous tuk tuk’s and amazing countryside.
We arrive at the airport within 30 minutes of
leaving the hotel at 10.12am. There doesn’t appear to me that many people
around.
To enter the airport we need to show our
passport and ticket then pass through security. It’s such a tiny airport!
Standing here waiting to drop my bag I’m already
sweating - there is zero a/c or air flow. I’m asked to read the four security
questions then answer them. This is a new one for me but ok.
The check-in attendant is extremely thorough
explaining that I need to be at gate 3 at boarding time; that I’m required to
show this boarding pass and my passport and finally that my bag tag is on the
back of my boarding pass. Would be super helpful for those who have never travelled.
Bag and I separate. Standing in line for
security again I’m asked to show my passport and boarding pass. That’s 3 times
in less than 10 minutes. Whoops my lighter is taken off me. Very strange as I
was able to travel with it from HK. Not sure what I’ll be doing tonight if I
sit on my balcony - need those mozzies to stay away!
Entering the passenger only area there are at
least 3 big fans attempting to cool us down. One positive is I’m not in the
sun. SO SO glad I didn’t come to the airport earlier.
I still have a good hour before boarding so
decide to waste time getting a coffee at the only coffee shop with seating. As
I’m walking up the stairs the heat hits me. Nope this isn’t going to work. Back
now I go and find at seat basically in front of one of the fans.
For some strange reason I can’t hotspot off my
work phone - time to download the Grab app so at least I can get to the hotel
later. This absolutely helps pass the time as it takes forever and numerous
tries. Finally I have Grab!
As soon as the plane lands people start lining
up at the gate, no thanks. Instead I’ll enjoy the fan for a bit longer.
My week in Coron wasn’t what was planned but
ended up being a great time! It’s a stunning part of the Philippines.
