Hi everyone,
We (two adults, 74 and 70 years old) had already shared a travel journal about our first trip to the Philippines in February/March 2019 on this forum (https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9377175;search_string=carnet%20philippines). We had visited Manila, the Banaue rice terraces, Sagada, the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, Dumaguette), and on our way back to Luzon, the Taal volcano before returning to France. Delighted by this trip, organized by the French-speaking agency Alizé, we decided to further explore this beautiful country, this time focusing on Coron and Palawan.
Before writing this journal, I should mention that these are personal comments and don’t reflect any differing opinions. Without any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the visits, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations
We decided to return in mid-January 2025 and consulted three French-speaking tour operators to create a trip based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and budget. Comparing three operators helped us weigh their advice and make our choices. Only our first operator respected the budget, a second came close, and the third proposed a slightly more upscale trip. In the end, we chose the agency from our first trip. Our discussions helped refine our itinerary, and when we reviewed it point by point, the document provided was perfect, full of great tips. The most debated point was a 3-day, 2-night cruise between Coron and Palawan. We were tempted but worried about being the only "older" travelers among younger people and feared two uncomfortable nights. Reassured by our tour operator, we finally opted for this "exploration." We’ll come back to that later.
Once the choice was made and dates set, we booked our international flights with Cathay Pacific for 750 € per person, which offers the best schedules (short layovers) at an acceptable price for flights arriving in Cebu. Our trip started on February 25 and returned to Paris on March 15.
International flights
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Cathay does the job well, without frills. The service quality seems to have slightly declined compared to our previous trips with them. Hong Kong Airport is huge but very practical.
Note that not all airlines serve Cebu.
Recommendation: Fill out your Philippine entry form within 72 hours before your flight. This can prevent issues with the airline (possible boarding refusal) and saves a lot of time upon arrival (see the Philippine embassy website).
Domestic flights
For our two domestic flights—Cebu to Coron and Puerto Princesa to Cebu—our tour operator chose Philippine Airlines and their propeller planes. No problems there.
Day 1:
We landed around 12 PM (local time) after 17 hours of travel. A driver was waiting for us at the airport exit and took us to our hotel, intentionally chosen near the airport (Mandaue, about 10 minutes away) to help us recover and get a good night’s sleep before our early morning domestic flight the next day. The Mayoo Hotel, reasonably priced, was perfect for this. Large, beautiful room in a new building—clean, comfortable, with a spa. We could relax by the pool on the 16th floor and enjoy the city view. The breakfast was exceptional, and the staff was smiling, attentive, and helpful. An ATM in the lobby allowed for withdrawals. However, the hotel is in a neighborhood with nothing to see or do. We dined at the Korean restaurant K-GOGI across from the hotel—a real attraction and a great discovery.
Day 2:
After a restful night, we were driven to the airport around 6:30 AM for an 8:10 AM flight from Cebu to Busuanga (Coron).
The flight was uneventful. Upon arrival, we paid 200 pesos per person for the Coron tourist fee before a 40-minute transfer to our hotel: Natura Resort, located outside the city in a secluded spot. The setting is stunning—a beautifully maintained tropical garden, a pleasant pool, and the option to book massages. The cottages are tropical-style with thatched roofs, simple and unpretentious.
The owner, who speaks French, told us that given the heat and our ages, climbing the 721 steps to the top of Mount Tapyas wasn’t necessary. She gave us a few rooftop recommendations to watch the sunset over Coron Bay. After a good swim in the pool and a meal at the resort’s pleasant restaurant, we hired a tricycle to go into town. We were told it costs 150 pesos one way, and depending on the return time, it could exceed 250 pesos. But our driver gave us his WhatsApp number and charged the same price regardless of the time. He just earned two days’ worth of customers.
He dropped us off at the port where bangkas (local boats) gather for day trips. It was the end of the day, so there was a rush. A few shops around the port sold waterproof bags for marine excursions at reasonable prices (compared to back home), after some bargaining. We wandered the town’s alleys looking for the Top Hotel, whose rooftop is famous. Indeed, it’s perfectly located to admire the sunset and enjoy a refreshing drink.
We dined nearby at a small Chinese restaurant, then just had to call our driver to head back.
The night wasn’t entirely restful—our hotel had a soundtrack of all the countryside animals, and it seemed they had no set bedtime! :
Re: Return from a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Despite your warning at the start, your travel journal will certainly be a pleasure to read. Thanks!
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Thanks for your encouragement!
Day 3:
Another sunny day, perfect for exploring Coron Bay. We chose the "Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour," an excursion that covers the most famous sites in a single day! Before boarding our small bangka, we were offered masks and snorkels for rent (150 p), and without realizing it, we were lucky enough to be among the first boats to leave. This allowed us to avoid the crowds (like Disneyland on a busy day), which we encountered later when leaving Kayangan Lake.
One by one, we sailed from island to island, from giant cliffs to pristine beaches. Since I don’t remember the exact order of the visits, I’ll list the main sites we saw without any particular sequence.
Our journey took us to Kayangan Lake, known for its translucent waters, stunning underwater rock formations, and crystal-clear water. Next was Twin Lagoons, another marvel surrounded by cliffs and filled with turquoise-green waters. The two lagoons are separated by a massive rock wall, and the only way to move from one to the other is by swimming through a narrow passage.
Barracuda Lake is nestled within a set of limestone cliffs that drop vertically. Swimming there is a unique experience due to the mix of fresh water and saltwater currents, marked by a noticeable change in water temperature.
We enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch on the beautiful Beach 9. Fun fact: our guides started grilling fish on a barbecue set up right on the boat!
Another swim, a bit of sunbathing, and then we wrapped up our excursion with the coral reef gardens. Some of us even spotted two turtles!
A great day that gave us a first glimpse of the wonders of the Palawan archipelago.
Back at the port, we stopped by the Buhay Isla office, the organizer of our Palawan expedition, for a briefing before our departure the next day.
Re: Back from a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Coron-El Nido cruise: Day 4 to Day 7
The big moment has arrived. With a bit of apprehension, we head to the ferry port. Several checks before boarding: airport-style, then a drug-sniffing dog and a boat inspection to verify safety equipment. While waiting, the crew loads the boat with supplies and drinking water.
We’re 19 tourists with a 12-person crew (sailors, cooks, activity leaders). The welcome is warm, and we’re immediately put at ease: there are 8 French, 4 Dutch, 2 Chileans, 2 Australians, and 3 Americans. As expected, we’re by far the oldest. JJ, our head activity leader, gives us final instructions, introduces each crew member with their roles, and off we go.
We leave the port around 9:30 AM. Quickly, everyone settles in, gets comfortable, and starts getting to know the other passengers over a first breakfast. The crew is smiling, cheerful, and constantly singing (karaoke is a favorite pastime of Filipinos!).
Our boat:
Life on board:
Our luggage is stored in the hold and inaccessible during the crossing—everyone made sure to pack essentials (toiletries, change of clothes, towels, phone, etc.) in a waterproof bag available at all times. Masks and snorkels are provided.
After each stop, a small snack is offered. At noon, hearty meals are served on board or on a beach. The crew checked everyone’s food allergies, and vegetarians aren’t forgotten. The cooks get creative with plating and presentation.
Meals:
During the trip, some sunbathe on the upper deck, others play card games or improvise concerts with a guitar. In short, we’re never bored!
Re: Trip report: Philippines – Coron and Palawan
Our stops:
Again, I can’t say for sure the names of all the islands we’ll visit, but over three days we’ll set foot on about a dozen. Keep in mind that the itinerary can change from one cruise to the next depending on the weather, the captain’s preferences, and so each cruise is “unique.”
We take turns stopping at pristine beaches, snorkeling spots, and natural diving boards where the bravest jump from cliffs.
The Filipinos know the unique features of each island we visit and show them to us. They constantly keep an eye on safety, patrolling around the group in their kayaks. As for us, they’re incredibly attentive—sparing us extra effort by ferrying us to the spots in their canoes. We’re truly pampered.
If another boat is at the same spot, impromptu beach volleyball games break out in a cheerful atmosphere.
On one island, our guide raises awareness about protecting nature by inviting us to pick up trash washed ashore or left behind by careless tourists.
During a stop, the crew offers us a visit to the small village of Bulawit. A chance to see how life is organized in this remote place and discover the local flora (avocado trees, jackfruit, sugarcane, etc.). The locals are warm, and the kids challenge us to a wild and joyful basketball game. Fun fact: basketball is the king of sports in the Philippines, and oddly enough, almost no one here knows about soccer. In short, a great moment of sharing and fun.
Another highlight: diving on the wreck of a Japanese ship sunk during World War II. Fish and corals are starting to reclaim the site.
Evenings:
On the first evening, we settle into an island where a basic campsite has been set up. Everyone gets a stilt hut with just a simple mattress, clean sheets, and a mosquito net as the only "furniture." We have to wash in improvised showers—a large water basin and a ladle to pour water over ourselves. The toilets are cleaned using a bucket of water. After the initial hesitation, everyone joyfully gets into their ablutions.
A shelter is set up for pre-dinner drinks and meals. Rum flows freely. Some join the crew to help prepare the meal, which is always hearty and high-quality. Conversations flow, and songs fill the air. The more contemplative can admire the Milky Way and countless stars, as the spot has no light pollution. The night is gentle and calm.
In the morning, coffee is available for early risers. The time for a hearty breakfast is announced using a conch shell.
The routine is the same on the second evening. The campsite is a bit more comfortable, with "real" showers and decorated with flowers. The crew treats us to a beautiful performance: traditional dances and a stunning fire dance that’s almost professional.
Re: Trip report: Philippines – Coron and Palawan
Cruise recap
Our odyssey ends in Dipney port, northern Palawan. Vans chartered by the organizer take us to our respective hotels in El Nido, about a 40-minute ride away.
What to say about these 3 days? We were lucky to have gorgeous weather the entire crossing, pleasant fellow travelers, and above all, an incredibly kind crew who went out of their way to make sure we had the best possible experience. Every moment was a surprise: stunning landscapes, a top-notch vibe, and excellent food.
Crew and vacationers together:
All in all, an unforgettable experience we won’t soon forget.
PS: Good weather is essential to make this cruise exceptional. The week before ours, some crossings were canceled. The ones that went ahead in the rain weren’t exactly a walk in the park.
We stayed at El Nido Coco Resort and took advantage of the lush setting to relax. After the cruise, we didn’t feel like doing any of the tours (A, B, C, D). For us, it was all about chilling by the pool, exploring the bay, and checking out Corong Corong Beach. It’s a nice beach, but we didn’t feel like swimming because of all the boats.
We settled for sipping cocktails at the hotel’s beach bar while enjoying the stunning sunsets.
A quick stroll through town, which was quiet in the morning. Apparently, the town livens up in the evening and gets pretty festive at night. At the local market, we enjoyed delicious fruits (pineapples and mangoes) prepared by the vendors. A perfect opportunity to say that the best mangoes we’ve ever had were in the Philippines.
Re: Back from a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Thanks Jean Claude for this super interesting travel journal!
Especially that cruise, which really lets you get off the beaten path.
Keep up the good work!
Jacques
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Thanks for following along. It really helps and encourages me to keep writing—I was feeling a little lonely!
The cruise was definitely the highlight of our trip.
We had every possible advantage: amazing weather, great travel companions, and a top-notch crew. We were pretty nervous because of our age, but everyone—both fellow travelers and the crew—accepted us and helped us out in every way.
This kind of cruise can be done for shorter or longer durations, in either direction, and even with other organizers for very similar prices.
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Port Barton for 3 days
A reckless driver takes us from El Nido to Port Barton—the trip usually takes about 3 hours, but he does it in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Along the way, we get caught in a heavy downpour. It only lasts 10 minutes, and that’s the only rain we see during our entire stay!
Port Barton is a laid-back beach town with no pretensions. It attracts a lot of young travelers drawn by the affordable prices and the joys of the sea. We’re staying at Ausan Beach Front Cottages—a pretty grand name for a very average hotel. Its main perk is being right on the beach, facing the sunset. Another plus is that the prices for meals, drinks, and rooms are more than reasonable. The beach is lined with hotels, massage parlors, and vendors selling day cruises. We’re warned not to swim because of jellyfish. Some locals assure us they’re harmless and even pick them up with their bare hands to prove it. We don’t try it.
On the second day, we join a classic tour of the bay. When we get back, we can’t resist a little massage.
We stop at the main spots in the bay: Twin Reef, Turtle Spot, Inaladelan Island, Smart Island, and Starfish Island.
Twin Reef is famous for snorkeling.
Inaladelan Island/German Island—a small island with a stunning white sand beach.
Turtle Spot, where you can spot sea turtles—but we don’t get that lucky.
Smart Island, connected by a sandbar to Maroday Island. A really beautiful spot.
Finally, Starfish Island—a sandbar where you can see lots of starfish. Lunch (a beach barbecue) is included in the tour.
After returning, we can’t resist another little massage.
On the last day, we’d been advised to visit Long Beach, which stretches 14 km (the longest in the Philippines!), but it’s inaccessible by land due to landslides. We could’ve reached it by boat, but the price seemed too high (4500 pesos).
Instead, we hire a tricycle (600 pesos) to take us to Pamuayan Falls. We ask the driver how much extra it would be to add Coconut Beach and White Beach. We get the whole package for 1000 pesos without even negotiating.
He drops us off about 1 km from the falls, near a little stall where we’re asked to make a donation to help preserve nature. Then we follow a river and hike to the waterfall. It’s about 10 meters high, with a natural pool perfect for cooling off.
On the way back, we stop to buy bananas and have pineapple and mangoes prepared for lunch.
We take a rocky, waterlogged road to the beaches, and the driver works some real magic. Our first stop is White Beach—a wild beach lined with coconut trees. There aren’t many people, and the water is amazing. We enjoy our fruit, but it attracts some wild goats who love mango peels.
Then we backtrack to Coconut Beach, just as peaceful. It’s a beautiful beach with pigs roaming freely along the shore, adding a unique touch to our visit. Note that you have to pay an entrance fee to access these beaches.
Back at the hotel, we sip cocktails and eat dinner while watching the sunset.
Re: Trip report: Philippines – Coron and Palawan
Hi Jean-Claude,
It’s true that this destination isn’t as busy as others (Africa, for example), where the exchanges are livelier and more motivating.
Anyway, you were really lucky with the weather because this year’s start was pretty disastrous weather-wise, with catastrophic flooding in Palawan in February. When we arrived at the end of February, the weather was just starting to stabilize.
Jacques
Re: Trip report: Philippines – Coron and Palawan
Thanks for checking in. I’m not writing for nothing!
We were actually really worried for a long time when we checked the weather. Luckily, for various reasons, we ended up delaying our trip by 15 days. The people who went before us had terrible weather—lots of cruises were canceled or, even worse, went ahead in awful conditions.
As for us, 17 days of sunshine with just 10 minutes of rain!! Calm sea, perfect water temperature
As I mentioned earlier, this was our second trip to the Philippines. And I regret not going sooner. The country is stunning: seeing the Banaue rice terraces in the sunlight is the most beautiful landscape I’ve ever seen—and I’ve seen a lot, as you can tell from my profile.
We also visited Bohol and Siquijor, islands that are well worth the detour.
Only the big cities, Cebu and Manila, were a bit underwhelming.
El Nido was crowded, but it *is* peak season.
Far fewer people in Port Barton and Sabang (next episode coming soon).
Re: Trip report: Philippines – Coron and Palawan
Sabang
We hit the road toward Sabang (a roughly 3-hour van transfer). It’s a great chance to soak up local life and enjoy the scenery.
Our home for the next two days: the Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, a luxurious spot right on the beach with a gorgeous pool and lush garden.
From our balcony, we can take in the stunning beach—long but almost completely deserted. We spend the whole afternoon chilling under the coconut trees, lulled by the sound of powerful waves. We alternate between dips in the sea and quick swims in the pool.
Why Sabang? It’s a laid-back village with no pretensions, but it’s also the jumping-off point for boats to the famous underground river, jungle treks in the national park, and wildlife spotting (165 bird species, many of them endemic to Palawan).
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
The underground river:
We walk along the beach to reach the port where the bangkas leave for the underground river.
The entrance fee, including transport and an audio guide, is 1,100 pesos. Individual passengers have to wait until there are enough people to fill a boat. Priority is given to groups arriving in vans from Puerto Princesa.
It’s a real procession of bangkas heading toward the river. A roughly 5 km ride takes us to Saint Paul Beach. Along the way, you can spot numerous coves and completely deserted beaches where it would be nice to dock.
We cross a small forest and arrive at the cave entrance. Everything runs like clockwork: we put on life jackets, protective helmets, and pick up an audio guide before boarding a rowboat to avoid polluting the cave.
Only the boatman has a flashlight on his helmet to light up the spots indicated by the audio guide—there’s no other lighting along the underground route. Everything is done to protect this cave, which is listed as the seventh natural wonder of the world. Unfortunately, we can only navigate the first 1.5 km, even though the cave stretches for 8 km. The place is stunning. The show starts at the cave entrance, continues with the discovery of numerous stalagmites and stalactites with poetic names, rocky cavities sculpted by rushing water, and the charm of sailing through an otherworldly dimness.
To return to Sabang, some decide to walk back through the forest (5 km), but we opt for the boat. We have lunch at a buffet restaurant near the dock for a reasonable price.
The afternoon is spent lazily by the pool.
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Puerto Princesa
Our vacation is coming to an end. A van takes us to Puerto Princesa, the largest city in Palawan (400,000 inhabitants). We’re back to heavy traffic.
We book a city tour, but it’s outsourced to a specialized agency, and it doesn’t match what we expected. The van picks up tourists from different hotels, and the guide asks passengers to choose between the crocodile farm and the Palawan Butterfly Eco-Garden and Tribal Village. Most vote for the crocodile farm, even though we wanted to see the latter for its tribal dance show.
The farm has limited interest: a few crocodiles in dirty, poorly maintained ponds, some snakes, and birds.
Then we head to Mitra Ranch, where we still wonder what there was to see besides a view of part of the city. Plus, it’s particularly dirty.
We stop at Baker’s Hill, a famous bakery. This stop is interesting because the place has created a sort of amusement park with original decorations that delight the kids. You can also see beautiful exotic plants displayed nicely.
Puerto Princesa (continued)
What wasn’t mentioned in the tour description were the stops at souvenir shops we could’ve done without. We end our tour at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, dazzlingly white. All the doors are open, which ventilates the space and offers a bit of coolness.
We’re staying at Hôtel Carpe Diem. The rooms are tastefully decorated. The tropical garden is absolutely stunning.
The only downside is that it’s far from everything.
For a quiet afternoon, we have the choice: private pool or shared pool.
We go for the private pool that comes with our room.
We’d been advised to finish our evening at the Baywalk, but we don’t feel like leaving our cozy spot.
Hi Jean-Claude
We’d decided to skip the underground river on our itinerary because we were worried about overcrowding. In the end, did it seem okay?
Jacques
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Yes, it's well organized, and if you're staying in Sabang, you can try to go before the vans arrive from Puerto Princesa or later in the late morning or afternoon.
Re: Trip report: Philippines – Coron and Palawan
Cebu
As a precaution, we decided to head to Cebu the day before our return flight.
A Philippines Airlines ATR took us there in the late afternoon. A short flight of about 1 hour.
We hit the traffic jams typical of big cities again. We stayed at the Elizabeth Hotel, which is only worth it because it’s downtown, close to the massive Ayala shopping mall. That’s where we had dinner, by the way.
Our last day in the Philippines: we ordered a Grab (the Asian equivalent of Uber) to get to the Basilica of the Holy Child. Once there, we couldn’t enter the grounds because our clothes were deemed not modest enough. This was the first time this happened to us, and unlike some places (mosques, Hindu temples, etc.), there was no option to borrow or rent modest clothing, as is common elsewhere. From the sidewalk, we could see an outdoor mass and the devotion of the faithful. We settled for visiting Magellan’s Cross nearby—a wooden cross erected by the first explorers when they arrived in Cebu, housed in a chapel open to the elements.
In the square, there’s a small market overflowing with exotic products—guaranteed freshness and fragrances. We enjoyed one last coconut there.
Back to the mall for some last-minute souvenir shopping, and then we headed to Mactan-Cebu Airport. The terminal is very airy, decorated with lovely wooden statues and models.
The international departures area wasn’t too crowded. The return flight was uneventful, though the Hong Kong–Paris leg lasted over 14 hours—it felt *really* long. All that’s left now is to adjust to the 7-hour time difference.
Summary:
Very positive overall. We were lucky with the weather: 17 days of sunshine! Our trip was well-organized by the tour operator, though they were completely hands-off. We received our flight tickets the day before each flight, but everything else was in the travel journal and went as planned. A word about Filipinos: they’re smiley, helpful, cheerful (always singing), and unlike in other destinations, there’s no aggressive solicitation here.
The food: the fruits are delicious, local dishes are okay but nothing special—far from the flavors of other Asian countries (Thailand, Vietnam).
And, as you’ve gathered, the highlight of this trip was the cruise.
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Thanks for this lively trip report.
In 2019, we took our first trip to the Philippines, which really thrilled us (Camiguin, Bohol, Siquijor, part of Negros). When people think about traveling to Asia, the Philippines tend to be overlooked. Yet, it’s a stunningly diverse country where every island is different. Palawan has been on our radar for a future trip, so I took advantage of your story to jot down a few notes. Thanks.
Re: Return from a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
To thank you, Jean Claude, your shared experience is always a pleasure to read, along with the many photos that enrich it.
It’s really valuable and generous of you.
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Hi there, and thanks for all these photos! Married to a Filipina, we haven’t been back since late 2019. COVID effect... We’re hoping to go next year and still need to plan our itinerary—your route is inspiring, who knows?
Re: Feedback on a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Hi Larri,
Thanks so much for this travel journal! We’re planning a trip for early 2026 but haven’t set the itinerary (or even the location) yet.
Unless I missed it, I didn’t see the budget for this trip (aside from the flight ticket)?
The cruise really appeals to me (I’ve done one in Komodo before). I assume there are lots of companies—did the agency handle the bookings, or did you do it yourselves?
Planning for February 2026—is that peak season?
Since I have some flexibility in choosing dates, I’d love to pick a month in low or mid-season while still "hoping" for decent weather. What’s your take?
Re: Feedback on a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Hello and thank you for your comments.
Cost: around 1900 € per person excluding airfare; the agency handled everything (quite well, actually) after many exchanges.
The cruise is offered by different local companies (at the same price); it can last longer if you wish. But good weather is essential. Of course, it goes both ways.
Indeed, February is peak season (higher hotel prices, usually good weather), but apart from El Nido, we didn’t really notice it.
If you have time for your trip, you can also check out my first itinerary (see the start of this post) with the rice terraces and the Visayas.
I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.
Best regards,
Larri
Re: Feedback on a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Hi Jean-Claude,
Thanks for your two travel journals—I read them back-to-back with great interest.
The Philippines is one of our potential travel plans. Since we’re not familiar with the country, I’m more drawn to your 2019 itinerary—except for the 400-step climb, which isn’t really our speed these days...
Best regards,
Edith
Re: Feedback on a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Hello and thank you for your kind comment.
Refresh my memory—where are the 400 steps?
I can confirm it was a truly beautiful route (2019), with a real crush on the rice terraces (when the weather’s nice, it’s exceptional).
Like you, I’ve traveled a lot (see my profile), and I only discovered the Philippines quite late, but I loved it.
Thanks again,
larri
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Good evening,
Sorry about that—it’s actually 240 steps at the "Chocolate Hills," I might’ve exaggerated a bit, but it’s still a lot!
The rice terraces are always a stunning sight. We saw some in northern Vietnam last October, just before the harvest, and it was a gorgeous golden hue.
Best regards.
From what I remember, the 240 steps were easy, and I’m not exactly a big athlete anymore.
I’ve seen a lot of rice terraces (Vietnam, Bali, etc.), but never as stunning as the ones in Banaue under the sun! The only downside is the distance from Manila.
Re: Trip report from the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
From what I remember, the 240 steps were easy, and I'm not exactly a big athlete anymore.
As for the rice terraces, I've seen plenty (Vietnam, Bali, etc.), but never as beautiful as those in Banaue under the sun! The only downside is the distance from Manila.
Hi there,
Thanks for this amazing travel journal. My trip to the Philippines was back in 2017—brings back memories. Palawan is definitely our goal if we go back [;)]
That said, I just got back from Vietnam, and the rice terraces there (Mu Cang Chai or Tu Le) are even more breathtaking (and especially endless in every direction) than Banaue’s. It hurts to say it because Batad’s amphitheater is one of the most beautiful natural sites I’ve ever seen [:)]
Il n'y a pas de problème sans solution... et si il n'y a pas de solution, il n'y a pas de problème !
Re: Feedback on a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Hello and thank you for reading.
I completely agree with your comment that "the Batad Amphitheater is one of the most beautiful natural sites I’ve ever seen." That’s exactly what I wanted to say.
After that, everyone has their own tastes, and I can only judge based on what I’ve had the chance to see.
Re: Feedback on a trip to the Philippines: Coron and Palawan
Hi Larri,
Thanks for this really great travel journal!
I’m heading there next February and I’m looking for a reliable local agency for the Coron/El Nido cruise.
Do you happen to know which one you used for your cruise?
We traveled with the agency Buhay Isla.
They offer the cruise in both directions.
There are other agencies that run this cruise too. Prices and services are similar.
Around 300 € in 2025.
Have a great trip!
Only the boatman has a flashlight on his helmet to light up the spots indicated by the audio guide—there’s no other lighting along the underground route. Everything is done to protect this cave, which is listed as the seventh natural wonder of the world. Unfortunately, we can only navigate the first 1.5 km, even though the cave stretches for 8 km. The place is stunning. The show starts at the cave entrance, continues with the discovery of numerous stalagmites and stalactites with poetic names, rocky cavities sculpted by rushing water, and the charm of sailing through an otherworldly dimness.
Then we head to Mitra Ranch, where we still wonder what there was to see besides a view of part of the city. Plus, it’s particularly dirty.
We stop at Baker’s Hill, a famous bakery. This stop is interesting because the place has created a sort of amusement park with original decorations that delight the kids. You can also see beautiful exotic plants displayed nicely.
