coron: banana island

Banana Island -- our second one to step into on our second day in Coron. Our boat docked at the side of the island, and upon getting my feet into the ground, I immediately liked it the moment I saw the green grass sprawled ahead of me.

When we turned to meet the rest of it, I secretly crumbled inside, with so much awe. Hammocks tied up into the coconut trees facing the deepest of the blue I can imagine. We were given a lot of time to enjoy this home-y island, and of course I cannot miss the luxury of lying down into one of those precious hammocks.

While waiting for lunch, we walked further along, and saw a couple of nipa houses. One of them was empty, so we sat on the porch, talked whatever that came to mind, mindlessly watched people passing by, totally detached from the concept of time.

Maybe next time, I would book another flight to Coron and just spent the whole stay in this island (even though I don't know if there are houses for rent in here haha).

Another hour passed by doing nothing, the kind of nothing that still has actual meaning: staring at the sea, watching a couple set up their picnic mat on the beach, hunting chickens to take photos of, attempting to take a nap. And then it was time again for another tummy-filling lunch! :)

Lunch was very good and had me wanting to attach another set of intestine in my stomach just so I could eat more of the fresh seafood and liempo. We found an empty tree house and spent the rest of our food coma in it while listening to music. I like moments like these when you don't feel the need to talk and you feel everyone knows it and does the same. Nature has its own way of silencing us in a beautiful way.

coron: bulog island

coron: kayangan lake

The first time I went to Coron, the one spot that stuck with me long after the trip was over was the luminous Kayangan Lake. I was so enamored by it that I considered it the most beautiful place I have ever been to, in the Philippines. Four years later, it still got a hold of me, and I am amazed how it did not change one bit.

One thing to be noted though, the path to the lake is tricky. Her beauty needs to be earned, you know, by climbing up a hundred plus steps, and then descending to a hundred plus more of uneven stones. By the time you reach the wooden platform to catch your breath, it is going to be taken away again by the sight of the clearest waters surrounded by the rocky mountains and trees. Welcome to a pocket of paradise! :)

The best part: we had the lake all to ourselves until dusk. I carry with me a wonderful, peaceful moment lying down on the raft, softly paddling through the waters with my hands, and just being still and afloat. It was the perfect moment to cue in that Louis Armstrong song: And I think to myself, what a wonderful world. Hahaha, it really calls for being highly dramatic.

TIME TO SET

I will end this year for my blog with photos of an amazing sunset we were gifted on the end of our first day in Coron. As the path on our way back to town was surrounded by scattered islands, the changing of hues of the sky made it difficult for me to focus my attention to one side alone. In my left is an unbelievable silhouette of an island with the orange outline, and to my right was the sight of another rock formation painted with colors of pink, light purple and orange. It was a feast for the eyes.

It is in moments like this that I am reminded of the kind of abundance I have in life, and that I need not to worry too much of it sometimes.

Happy New Year to you! :)

coron: banol beach

After a few minutes of lada-di-das in CYC Beach, we were summoned back to our boat to hop on the next island: Banol Beach. The insanely beautiful view approaching the island was more than enough to feed my vision: trees randomly sprouting from the rock formations, undeniably clear water and nipa huts nestled just a foot or two away from the white sand shoreline.

However, our bodies needed to be fed too, and demanded real food haha. After we found shade from the harsh noon light, it was not long until food was served in our hut. Pritong Isda, Inihaw na Liempo and fresh seaweeds, partnered with a bowl of soy sauce, calamansi and tomatoes is how I spelled perfection at that time.

I hoped to cap off the meal with an afternoon nap, but as I was lying there, I ended up staring at the sea instead.

coron: cyc beach

With only three days to spend in Coron, we coordinated our island tour quickly just as we have settled our bags in the hotel. It started by a tricycle picking us up, delivering us to the dock, and then ushering us into our own boat. This was around lunchtime, so the sun is pretty hyped up, and with twenty minutes to spare while we sail to our first island, we spent it putting sunblock on in slathers.

The sight of the rock formations in the horizon did not leave us until our first stop, CYC Beach.

This photo did not come out as I have expected, because the colors are much better as I have seen it! I have posted a similar shot on my Instagram with no filter for proof :)

While our two accommodating boatmen/tour guides stayed to start cooking our lunch (yes, they can cook on the boat!), we went down and walked through the crystal clear water until we reach the shore. And just as we did, I was immediately welcomed by two sweet dogs! Heehee.

I circled the beach which was surrounded by a lot of mangrove trees and more rocks. The texture in them was so photogenic, the Ektar helped me capturing them as I have intended :)