Coron, Palawan has been dropping jaws for years and it is no surprise why. A great place to start is not always by jumping on the first island hopping tour. Why not start by exploring the beautiful island of Coron?
The Coron town tour, run by K-Tours, is a half-day tour that gives you an option to explore Coron town, its major landmarks, people, dialect, and culture. This tour is a convenient, easy way to experiencing Coron Town. They have a complimentary free pick-up service from your hotel located as all good tour should. From the Asia Grand View Hotel, where we were staying, we were picked up by the shuttle van and taken to our first destination.
Coron Town Tour Review
Coron Souvenir and Gift Shop
Our first stop took us to the Coron Souvenir and Gift Shop. It is here that you can find cheap souvenir items like key chains, magnets, woven bags, necklaces, bracelets, basket weavings, mugs, chandelier, tapestries, wood carving, shirts, and other accessories. The place is huge as trinkets shops go, I must say it’s close to being the size of 10 regular Filipino souvenir shops combined.
I was busy looking for some handmade Dreamcatchers but couldn’t help noticing other tourists buying pasalubongs such as key chains, bracelets, and necklaces with shells. Other necklaces have pearls but I’m quite sure they are not real.
Even so, it is good to wear for fashion and special occasions. They have a handmade basket and a flower vase with a nice color combination. I think you can also use this in your office to hold pencils and pens. A nice way to remember your Coron Holiday.
They also have bags in different styles and colors all monogrammed with Coron Palawan. When you shop here, make sure you haggle and not pay face value, especially if you are picking up multiple items. Souvenir shops are full of all the expected touristy things to spend your money on.
Gary was a little disappointed with the shop. He found it too touristy… the first stop on the town tour is a souvenir shop for you to spend your money…
He wanted to see the sights, not visit shops. Needless to say, Gary didn’t buy anything. “I want to see the sights first before I know it is worth buying a souvenir to remember the trip…” were his words of wisdom…
Lualhati Park and Town Center
The Lualhati Park is Coron’s very own bay walk with the inspiring beauty of the scenic Coron coastline.
It’s a quiet, spacious area where you can sit and relax or grab a bike and ride around. But, most of all, enjoy the views that Coron Town offers.
There is also a zip line in the area. It is basically just a park where you can do some photo-ops. You can enjoy the view of ’Sleeping Giant’ – A unique formation of mountains resembling a man sleeping. Can you see it in the pictures below?
According to our tour guide, the park is part of the reclaimed area the government built to serve as the main docking point for boats and ships going in and out of Coron.
From here you’ll get a good vantage view of Coron Island, as well as of Mt. Tapyas, one of the highest peaks in town.
You can also ride a zip line that crosses above the water near the shore. It looks like an exhilarating adventure, with your feet almost touching the water and all, but I’m sure I’ve seen a better zip line around the country.
It’s also here where you’ll find the wet and dry markets of the city, as well as the tourism office. If you’re up for some afternoon grub during your city tour, there are a lot of hawker stalls and small restaurants nearby. Best to go in the afternoon to do sunset and people watching while eating local ice cream bought from the vendors surrounding the park.
Nice place, very scenic but not enough shade (and too many people trying to sell you sunglasses, hats, and water-proof bags). This is also a meeting place or place to gather tourists who are part of other tours. Also a tricycle bay. Haha!
Coron Town Tour Review
St Agustine Parish Church
The Coron Town Tour continues. After seeing a bit of the more “urban” part of town, we headed straight to St Agustine Parish Church.
Strategically located in the town center and the only Catholic church in Coron Town makes this church is one of a kind… At least in Coron.
The church was built in 1901 and had major renovations throughout the years. When we visited, there were no other people so we had some quiet time to meditate and reflect. It looks really small but when you get inside it has a very nice interior, a golden altar, and paintings on the ceiling which I suppose were just painted recently.
I love the facade and the interior of the church. It was clean and – despite being in the town center – it was very peaceful. It also has an Adoration Chapel. It is open all day. They have English and Tagalog mass but very few schedules, especially on Sundays.
If I’m not mistaken, local says, St. Agustine only has 4 schedules on Sunday: 06:00 AM, 08:00 AM, 05:00 PM, and 06:15 PM.
Mount Tapyas
Next was on to Mount Tapyas…
We were given 45 minutes to see the sights and, believe me, it took every one of those 45 minutes to trek to the top. It serves as a popular viewpoint that offers sweeping panoramas over the surrounding islands.
At 210 meters with over 700 steps to the top, it is one of the most dominant mountains in town. Towering over the Poblacion, its trail is easily accessible on foot.
The challenging climb to witness the amazing sunset is definitely worth it. The steel cross can be found at the center of the spacious viewing deck. A few benches were also provided offering climbers some rest.
Everyone was waiting with their cameras and phones to get the best sunset photos. We enjoy the panoramic views of Coron town, the bay, and the rugged coastline.
Take some video and photos then stagger back down to the base… On our return, we discovered that we were the only ones in our group to have made it to the top.
The others only made it to the 200th step. So, on our return, we were told they had already eaten the tour-supplied dinner and we waiting for us. We had to eat our dinner as we drove to Maquinit Hotsprings.
Coron Town Tour Review
Cashew Factory
We had a 5 mins stopover at Cashew Factory before we headed to Maquinit Hotspring. The Cashew Factory isn’t an actual factor despite what the name claim…
It is actually a local shop that is famous for its high-quality cashew nuts. Managed by ‘Nanay Lita’, the Coron Cashew Harvest has been featured several times by local media.
We wondered at first why it was included in the Coron, Palawan Town Tour but upon getting there, we understood why.
Aside from its hospitable host – Nanay Lita- the cashew nuts were made fresh! Trust me, they were indeed! They have several flavors or varieties including Garlic Cashew and yummy Brittle.
Maquinit Hotspring
Finally, our last destination is Maquinit Hot Springs where we enjoyed a warm and therapeutic dip. After our hike to the view deck of Mt Tapyas, a nice cool lake swim is what Gary was dreaming of…
Imagine his face when he dove into the 40 degrees Celcius waters of the HOT springs (Yes Gary, That is why they called it HOT springs). I loved it and found it ideal after a morning’s traveling and trek up from Mt Tapyas.
It is located in the southeast of Busuanga Island and is a mere bumpy 45-minute ride away (Oh, did I say “bumpy”?.. Hmmm, I meant “really bumpy, dirty, dusty”).
Maquinit Hot Springs is one of the few hot saltwater springs in the World. Surrounded by mangrove trees, the pool is quite large and has two smaller pools cascading into it with unique rock formations around it.
The main pool can accommodate at least a hundred people and two smaller pools that can hold at least 10. Towards the tier-layered swimming pools of hot fresh spring water, one will notice the algae growing on the rock wall of the pools an indication that this water through hot is livable to these organisms.
Whatever fatigue we gathered on our trek in Mt. Tapyas, was all drowned and washed away by the therapeutic water that flowed from the underground. It provides different health benefits and relaxing effects on the body and mind.
Coron Town Tour Inclusions:
- Air-conditioned van
- Light snacks with bottled water
- All Permits and Entrance Fees
- Services of a licensed tour guide
- Government Taxes
Tour Activities
- Easy trekking
- Souvenir shopping
- Hotspring dip
Last words
This is a great tour if you are wanting to check out the town and surrounding land area. The Coron Town Tour when down without a hitch. Comparing this tour to island hopping…. well, I love the water and so if it was a choice between the Coron Town Tour or an Island hopping tour… I would take island hopping.
If you have done the Coron Town Tou, we would love to hear from you. Feel free to share your experiences.
Other Coron Tours
3 Responses
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