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PHILIPPINES
Coron: A Destination for True Nature Lovers
Join three winners of the Asian Geographic Images of Asia photo contest as they
discover sublime beaches, beautiful lakes, and exciting caves
Coron is the third-largest island in the Calamianes,
a group of islands off the northern tip of the
Philippine province of Palawan. Scattered about
its rugged, limestone terrain are a dozen lakes,
several of which have deep underwater tunnels
that connect to the ocean. Popular with divers for
its World War II wrecks, Coron is also an attractive
draw for visitors who love white sand beaches and
towering limestone cliffs. Images of these natural
rock formations against the sparkling blue waters
are always jaw-droppingly gorgeous on a bright
sunny day.
For the talented winners of the 2022 Images
of Asia photography competition, the stunning
Azril Aari
beauty of Coron was the backdrop for a thrilling
ASIAN Geographic expedition, a grand prize
provided by competition sponsor, the Philippine
Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). Three
Malaysian photographers – Chan Ee Lin, winner
of the “Black and White” and “Street and People”
categories; “Wildlife” category winner Mohd
Safuan Salahudin; and pro shooter Azril Aari, who
enjoyed the trip on behalf of “Mobile” category
winner Mohd Samsi Sumairi – joined a TPB
representative and Asian Geographic staff for a
healthy dose of sunshine, snorkelling in pristine
waters, and basking in the ambience of good
company and hearty laughs.
▾
Aerial view of the Twin
Lagoons surrounded by
rocky cliffs, Coron
 Mohd Safuan Salahudin
Chan Ee Lin
Mohd Safuan Salahudin
Azril Aari
{ day 1 }
MANILA
We spent our first day and night in Manila, and
were taken on a historical tour of the city, including
Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, and
Baluarte de San Diego.
Intramuros
A centuries-old district surrounded by
fortifications, the “walled city” of Intramuros
enclosed the whole of Manila during Spanish rule,
from 1571 to 1898. Any other towns or districts
lying beyond the walls were independent and were
only incorporated as part of the capital in the early
20th century.
Fort Santiago
This fort is one of the most historically significant
sites in Manila. Named after the patron saint
of Spain, Saint James (Santiago in Spanish), it
defended the Spanish Government during their
rule in the country. It was also the hub for the spice
trade between the Americas and Europe. During
World War II, however, the fort was overtaken by
the Japanese Imperial Army, who used its prisons
and dungeons to massacre and torture hundreds of
thousands of civilians.
111
▴ Clockwise from Top Left
Manila Cathedral in
Intramuros; Fort Santiago;
Casa Manila; Baluarte de
San Diego
Casa Manila
Also known as Manila House, Casa Manila brings
the visitor back to the days of the Spanish colonial
era, showcasing how a wealthy Filipino family lived
in Intramuros. Furniture and fixtures were sourced
from Europe and China, and the original crystal
chandeliers and painted murals also revealed the
elegant and luxurious lifestyle that the family
enjoyed in the 19th century.
Baluarte de San Diego
This bastion in Intramuros was part of a fort meant
to defend Manila from invaders coming in from
the southern bayside boundary. An earthquake
in 1863 destroyed it, leading to its eventual
abandonment. The fort was later buried under
layers of soil during the American colonial period,
which saved it from the ravages of the Battle of
Manila in 1945. It was excavated in 1979, restored
in 1992, and is now an archaeological park.
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Azril Aari
▴ ▾
Mount Tapyas Maquinit Hot Springs
{ day 2 }
CORON
After transferring to Coron and checking into the
Asia Grand View Hotel, we set our sights on the The most popular lookout point in
two most prominent attractions, Mount Tapyas and Coron, Mount Tapyas gives you an
Maquinit Hot Springs. almost 360-degree view of the town
Mount Tapyas
The most popular lookout point in Coron, Mount
Earth Explorers Travel and Tours

Tapyas gives you an almost 360-degree view

of the town, rolling hills, and the surrounding
islands. You’ll have to work for it, though, as it’s a
challenging climb up around 750 steps to enjoy the
panoramic vista. If you make it up to see the sunset,
you will be rewarded with a nice breeze and a giant
steel cross that lights up at night.

Maquinit Hot Springs

After the arduous climb up Mount Tapyas, this is
the perfect next stop. Maquinit Hot Springs is one
of the few in the world that are purely salt water.
Surrounded by mangroves, and heated by an active,
underwater volcano, the water stays at a constant
37°C to 40°C. The soothing waters will really help
to ease those aching muscles.

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{ day 3 }
ISLAND HOPPING
Kayangan Lake
A popular spot for photographers, this freshwater
lake has fascinating underwater rock formations,
caves and islets. The water is exceptionally clear, so
you can enjoy the rock formations from the surface
and other viewpoints around the lake. The boat ride
there is just as picturesque, and the short, uphill
climb to the lake provides amazing views of the sea.

Barracuda Lake
It’s no surprise that this lake earned its name due
to the schooling barracudas that locals would

Azril Aari
often see. Spotting them requires a fair amount
of luck, but it was our lucky day! A lone, curious
barracuda swam a slow circle around us and then ▴ ▾
disappeared, and we even shot a video to prove it. Baracuda Lake Team shot at
Kayangan Lake
Among divers, the lake is known for its dramatic
thermoclines, transition layers between warmer
mixed water at the surface and cooler deep water
below. Even from the surface, you can see the
shimmering in the water from the thermoclines. The water is exceptionally clear, so
Once you’re in the water, you can also observe you can enjoy the rock formations
a halocline, a thin but distinct line between the from the surface and other viewpoints
saltwater and freshwater layers. around the lake
Sol Foo
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Siete Pecados Marine Park Skeleton Wreck

Only a few minutes’ boat ride from Coron
Harbour, Siete Pecados Marine Park is pristine and
the waters are so clear, you can see an extensive
field of healthy staghorn corals smothered in
colourful reef fish. As water visibility can extend up
to 80 metres, snorkellers can also feast their eyes
on the underwater scenery. The park sees many
visitors a day, but strict enforcement of rules keeps
the area litter-free and the corals flourishing.
The steel keel, ribs, and stringers are all that remain
of this 25-metre-long Japanese supply ship situated
in Coron Island’s northwest corner. The vessel was
hit by a US Airforce airstrike during World War II,
and its bow now lies at just five metres below the
surface, with the stern resting at around 22 metres.
Because the water is so clear, snorkellers can easily
spot it from the surface and challenge each other to
freedive down and touch the bow.

Twin Lagoons
Surrounded by limestone cliffs eroded over
thousands of years, these two stunning lagoons are
an essential stop on any island-hopping adventure
from Coron. The lagoons are separated by a narrow
cliff that you can scale at high tide or do a short ▾ Clockwise from Top Left ▶
Snorkelling at Siete Malajon Island
swim-through underneath. If you don’t fancy Pecados; Twin Lagoons;
swimming, there are kayaks for rent as well. Skeleton Wreck; team shot
in a cave at Kayangan Lake
Mohd Safuan Salahudin

Chan Ee Lin
Azril Aari
Sol Foo

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{ day 4 }
TIME TO RELAX
Malajon Island
More commonly known as “Black Island”, this
island has imposing limestone cliffs that look
dark and mysterious from a distance even on a
bright, sunny day. But as the boat draws closer,
you’ll see a long, beautiful stretch of beach, and
friendly coconut palms swaying in the wind. The
island’s main highlight is its caves. One had a huge
opening and inviting, shallow pools inside. The
wall textures and stalactites were stunning. You
could walk through another cave and emerge
onto a private beach. In short, it is the perfect
spot to switch your phone to plane mode, lie back
and daydream.
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Azril Aari
{ day 5 }
BACK TO MANILA
We enjoyed our final hours in Bonifacio Global
City in Taguig, around 10 kilometres southeast
of Manila. A US military camp during the
American colonial period, the area was returned
to the Philippine Government in 1949, and as
Fort Bonifacio, became the headquarters of the
Philippine Army. Half a century later, work began
to transform it into a mini-metropolis, and today it’s
a clean, modern financial business district complete
with towering office buildings, malls, restaurants
and bars. Bonifacio Global City is a great place for a
walkabout adventure and was an exciting end to our
memorable trip to the Philippines. ag
HOW TO GET TO CORON
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and a
boutique airline called Sunlight Air ensure
easy and frequent access to Busuanga
Island. Flights are slightly over an hour and
it takes about a half-hour drive to reach
Coron and various resorts.