Dicalubuan Island (Coron, Palawan, Philippines)

A beach is not only a sweep of sand, but shells of sea creatures, the sea glass, the seaweed, the incongruous objects washed up by the ocean. — Henry Grunwald

Dicalabuan Island, or more popularly known as Banana Island, is one of the many pristine islands in Bulalacao, Coron, Palawan. It is called Banana Island because it looks like a submerged banana from a distance (however, there are no bananas planted in the island).

Going to the island requires a 2 – hour boat ride (a wet and wild one, at least for my experience) from Coron mainland. This island paradise brags powdery white sand and azure clear waters plus a sandbar that goes under water at high tide. It is definitely a good spot for snorkelling (we saw baby sharks during our stay here), and great view of both the sunrise and sunset.

The island is owned by a happy couple – Mr. Henny and Mrs. Violeta Gallego. They offer a basic accommodation within the island with their fan room native cottages. There is a restroom inside each cottage. However, there were no toiletries and towels provided (so make sure to bring your own). The generator-powered electricity within the island runs from 6:00 in the evening until 6 in the morning.

Banana islands beach maybe shorter than it’s neighboring Malcapuya Island, however, the marine life I personally thinks is better over. More so, the infrastructure are a bit more well developed.

During our overnight stay here. We spent the daytime swimming and snorkelling. We also went to explore some parts of the island. There were some rock formations at one part of the island and some wrecks that are good for photography