Destination: Coron, Palawan - 7

Welcome to Skeleton Wreck island. This small island hosts some sunken Japanese ships during World War II. Many believed that some Japanese ships contained some treasures and were lost to the sea.



The buoy is anchored to a sunken ship where a portion of it is visible the moment you go under water. OMG. It was my first time to dip my face in an open sea and so many unwanted thoughts entered my mind. Yes, I saw that part of the ship that everyone saw likewise. At first I was awed by the sight but moments after that, eerie thoughts and feelings rushed in. It was like a bottomless pit and I simply could not imagine what lies beneath the dark water.



Silly thoughts but I was no longer comfortable. I just could not shake my fears away. Maybe my imagination is killing me slowly. Hehe. I simply comforted myself to swim near our boat. Somehow, I felt safe. On the contrary, I was somehow rejoicing because I had been trying to conquer my fear and honestly speaking, this was my very first time to be out in the open sea that deep. It never occurred in my wildest imagination that I would be doing a thing like this one. My insurance was my life vest. It made me feel safe.



The blue water always give me a spine-chilling moment. I am trying to figure out way back then what caused this trouble and it seems like I will never outgrow this fear. I had been deliberately trying to conquer this fear, little by little and I don't know what will make me overcome this one. I got jealous about people enjoying the water. I am jealous about them that they can enjoy the swim and have fun exploring the depths. What a shame.

Destination: Coron, Palawan - 6

After the Twin Lagoon, we went to Banol beach. It is one of those beaches that are scattered at the foot of the mountain. We happened to pass by several beaches and there were actually some people maintaining these beaches.



It was already high noon when we arrived here and it was time to enjoy our lunch. I don't care much about the red meat. I preferred the fish. Yummy.



It was really a great experience when you are enjoying your vacation together with the food that you normally don't prepare. I usually look forward to sea foods when I go for a vacation and out here, the taste of fresh sea food was absolutely fantastic. At the same time, we eat our food with delight while enjoying the scenery. How I wish I can do this time and again.



After having our lunch, we went for a swim unmindful of the scorching heat of the sun. It was vacation time and I for one, did not mind at all if I'll turn black. Hehe. I simply want to enjoy my stay here.



The water was clear and it was a perfect time to swim except with the heat of the sun. What I enjoyed the most on this beach was the experience of feeding the fishes. Yes, there were fishes. Even on the shore, they don't mind mingling with us. On the deeper part, there were even bigger fishes of different colors and family. I brought a fistful of rice and slowly scatter them in the water which the fishes cheerfully ate. It was a delight seeing them gather and eat here at the open sea. Wonderful.



After some time, aside from the local tourists, foreigners joined us. They came by kayak and it was a good show seeing them race toward the shore. How I wish I'll have the courage to do the same out in the open sea. Hehe.



After parking their stuff, they don't actually mind if locals will borrow their kayak. And some members of our group grabbed the opportunity of a free kayak ride even for just a limited time only.



And before we left the beach, a member of our guide happened to catch a fish, a lapu-lapu. If it could had been a bigger one, it would be good to cook it with enough broth to savor and enjoy its wonderful taste. Hmmm. Yummy.

Destination: Coron, Palawan - 5

Our first stop was the famous twin lagoon. The place was cool. I should say it is a hidden paradise. If you are not from this place, you may not have a clue that such a wonderful place exists behind the mountains.



Since the lagoon is hidden behind the mountains, only the waves coming from the boats can be experienced. Otherwise, total calmness of the lagoon can be felt. And it was an amazing experience on my end. How I wish that time that I was in solitude when I came here. Wishing. Hehe. It would be a total soul enriching experience being alone in this kind of wonderful place. Most probably, I won't mind staying in a raft, lying down and facing the sky, closing my eyes and forget all my troubles, and let the nature take control over me. Wow!



When we arrived here, there were already several boats anchored near the mountain side. And yes, tourists had really a great time exploring the place.



It could had been fun learning how to paddle a kayak. But since our packaged tour was on a tight budget, kayaking was not included. And it was very expensive to rent a kayak here.



And twin lagoon has a big surprise for all of us. We were simply anchored that time on the first lagoon. The second lagoon was on the other end of a tunnel and you have to swim across a tunnel in order to reach it. Oh, my. That would be a dreaded news for me. I don't know how to swim in a shallow water, what more in a lagoon like this one where the color of the water is blue. It could be several feet deep.



Majority of the group can really swim. Only a few of us cannot. Pity. When most of them plunged into the water and headed towards the tunnel, I was wondering if I'll give it a try or regret it for a lifetime. It will be a now or never moment.



Anyway, I had my life vest with me. Definitely, I will float in water. Hehe. My fear of the depth and my desire to explore the place were like angels and demons whispering to my ears. My demons told me that I will be soon engulfed by the water and that I cannot sustain my way towards the other end. My angels encouraged me to fight my demons away. And so, I plunged into the water. You just can't imagine the fear I felt that time.



A couple of my group preferred to stay on the boat. They were too afraid to give it a try. And since I cannot bring my camera to the other end, I simply took my sweet time in conquering my fear and headed towards the tunnel. The tunnel was a couple meters long and has enough space to move around. But the rocks on the tunnel are sharp so you have to be extra careful as you make your way to the other end. During high tide, the passage to the tunnel is not possible unless you are going to swim under water towards the other end. Dreadful.

Anyway, when I reached the other end, it felt like I was on a different world. It was surrounded by mountains and it would be a perfect getaway place. The second lagoon was totally isolated and if not for the tunnel, you'll never know that such a wonderful and extraordinary place like this one actually exists. Truly, it is a part of heaven on earth.

Destination: Coron, Palawan - 4

From Coron port, we took a jeepney ride. Our contact owns the Coron Village Lodge. We will be staying here mostly for two nights because during day time, we will be out exploring the island and the sea.



After checking in and before going to the sea, we enjoyed first a hearty breakfast. They served a traditional breakfast. Tapa, danggit, fried egg, and rice was just perfect for that day. Some of my colleagues enjoyed the treat together with coffee. Don't mind me. I can live without coffee. Hehe



After a quick breakfast, we had to prepare to go out to the beach right away because the sun was already hot and we were already late for our itenerary. We don't want to miss a thing.



And when everyone was set to go, off we went to Lambingan bridge. Lambingan bridge is not really that far from the lodge. All it takes was a five minute walk to reach it. No sweat.



When we arrived there, we had to wait for the boat. Our contact was not able to settle a boat ride ahead of our arrival and so we wasted some precious time waiting for the boat. After the long wait, we had to split into two groups because of the boat capacity.



After waiting again for the second boat that would carry the second group together with our food for lunch and merienda, we took off. Everyone got excited. Yes, definitely this would be fun.



And as part of the safety measures, everyone was required to stay still and wear their respective life jackets. We thought first that it would be a smooth ride but from time to time, waves slowed us down.

Destination: Coron, Palawan - 3

The sunrise that we had witnessed while still in the sea promised great and bright days ahead of us. Actually, it was summer and definitely the sun will be shining brightly the whole day through.



And right after the sunrise, we became more excited because we had been seeing islands along the way. It was a clear signal that we were approaching Palawan already.



People rushed to the view deck, wanting to have a good view of the scenery. It seemed like everyone had this kind of ecstasy because of the beauty that surrounds them.



And finally, we arrived safely at the port of Coron, Palawan.



Everyone was in frenzy mood. Everyone wants to disembark the soonest but we had to patiently wait. And while waiting, we simply enjoyed the view while still on the view deck of the ship.



And the long wait was over. We finally set foot on the island of Coron.