Lincoln Lewis discovers what’s on offer on land in Coron, Philippines
While the Philippines is famous for its limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Lincoln Lewis discovered that the main towns - often only treated as springboards to the islands - are actually packed with culture and local flavours, proving that the best island adventures don’t always begin on a boat.
Location:
Coron town, Busuanga, Philippines
Cost:
Ellen’s Travel & Tours www.facebook.com/ellenstravelcoron
Coron town tour starts at $20 per person including entry into Maquinit Hot Springs and transfers
Buluang Fishpond www.facebook.com/buluangfishpondcoronseafoodrestaurant Open daily, 2pm - 10:30pm
Tag Resort Coron Palawan www.tagresorts.com.ph
Rooms start at $120 per night
Lagoon pool rooms start at $220 per night including breakfast
Correct at 18.07.26
Highlights:
Coron township on the island of Busuanga is an hour’s flight from Manila, capital of the Philippines. Travellers are typically drawn to the white sand beaches, clear water and marine life, a dream destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lincoln discovered that staying on land for a day offered a rich perspective into Coron’s unique character and was well worth taking the time to slow down and explore.
Navigating Coron Town is best done by local tuk-tuk. Lincoln found these custom-designed tricycles to be the ideal mode of transport, offering an open-air breeze plus a view of the bustling streets. A stop at Saint Augustine’s Church revealed the influence of Catholicism in the region, dating back to the arrival of the Spanish in 1561. They came to the archipelago in search of spices and left a religious legacy that remains central to daily life.
No exploration is complete without tasting the local cuisine. Lincoln tucked into a bowl of Sinigang, a fresh fish soup made with the catch of the day. Despite the tropical heat, soup and rice are staples that Filipinos embrace with every meal. For his base during the trip, Lincoln checked into the Tag Resort not far from town. There were plenty of different room options, however he particularly enjoyed the Lagoon Pool rooms, which allow guests to slip directly from their room into the water. With a happy hour that runs from 10am to 5pm, the resort has really worked out how to keep guests happy and relaxed all day!
Exploring further afield, Lincoln visited the Maquinit Hot Springs. As one of the only saltwater hot springs in the world—and the only one in the Philippines—it provided a uniquely natural soaking experience surrounded by mangrove forests. He was fascinated to learn about the spirulina thriving in the mineral-rich, heated waters, adding a layer of natural wonder to the visit.
To wrap up his trip, Lincoln tackled the 700-step climb up Mount Tapyas to catch the sunset. It was a physical challenge, but the panoramic reward perfectly summarised his time in Coron. His journey was a balance of spiritual history, fresh local cuisine, unique geothermal wonders, and breathtaking heights, proving that Coron is a destination offering far more than just tropical beaches.
