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.
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!!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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