I’m an old-fashioned guy… I want to be an old man with a beer belly sitting on a porch, looking at a lake or something. — Johnny Depp

You haven’t experienced Coron, if you haven’t been to its karst swathed lakes.

According to a tourism officer we have talked to during my 2^nd time in Coron, there are more than 10 lakes along the Coron loop, only 2 of which have been opened to the public – Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake. These lakes are regarded hallowed places for the Tagbanuas (indigenous group of Coron) and are believed to be where spirits dwell.

Kayangan Lake is an admirable testimony as to how paradisiacal our country is. A seemingly endless sighting of limestone karts surround cerulean and sea green waters that unify delightfully. Upon docking at the entrance of the lake, an uphill trek leads to a spot with the very iconic view of Kayangan Cove (this is the one usually seen in most Coron/Palawan tourism ads). From here, an easy trek downhill takes one to clean emerald water of Kayangan Lake draped by limestone hills.

Kayangan Lake is said to be the cleanest in the country and among the cleanest in Asia. It is a mixture of salt and fresh or brackish water it is indeed a sight to behold with its crystal-clear waters offering up to ten meters visibility. One can snorkel or freed dive or just take a dip and be amazed with it’s under water beauty. There is also a wooden platform surrounding the banks of the lake, this also serves as a launching and resting pad for swimmers and divers.

Kayangan Lake’s utter splendour is really awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping that is why a lot of visitors frolic here to relax.

Where To Stay:

Apartelle de Gabrielle  –  #231 National Highway Poblacion 5, Coron, Palawan; Contact Nos: 02-7882468 / 0921-4520473 / 0921-4521009 / 0905-3640753; Website:apartelledegabrielle.webs.com

Balay Majika Lodge – Real Street, Poblacio 3, Coron, Palawan; Contact Nos: +63 919 3169030 / +63 9178563187 / +639087316543; Website: www.facebook.com/MajikaTours

Busuanga Island paradise – Km. 12 ,Hi-way, Brgy. Guadalupe, Busuanga Island, Coron – Busuanga Road, Coron, Palawan; Contact No. (02) 911 9180; Website: www.busuangaislandparadise.com

Coron Backpacker Gusethouse- Coron-Busuanga Road, Coron; Contact No: 0916 400 4871; Website: http://www.palawan-coron-backpacker.com

Coron Ecolodge – Calle Real Poblacion 2, Coron, Palawan; Contact Number: 0919 204 8824; Website: www.coronecolodge-palawan.com

Coron Gateway Hotel – Barangay Poblacion 1 , Coron, Palawan; Contact Nos: (+632) 887-7107 / 887-2420. Website: www.corongateway.com

Centro Coron Bed & Breakfast – National Highway, Barangay 4, Coron, Palawan: Contact Nos: 09277454625 | 09491414177; Website: www.centrocoron.com

Coron Village Lodge ­– Brgy. Poblacio 1, Coron, Palawan; Contact Nos: +639081089772 / 4252231; Website: www.coronvillagelodge.com

Princess of Coron Resort – Nueva Street, No.6 Barangay Poblacion, Coron, Palawan; Contact No. 0916 540 0288; Website: http://www.princessofcoron.com

How To Get There

From Manila, tourists who wants to visit Kayangan Lake can take a flight going to Busuanga. Upon reaching Busuanga, tourists should take a 40-minute land trip (usually a van) bound for Coron town proper. There are also various passenger ships that ply the Manila-Coron route. Once in Coron, hire boat for rental.