Wreck Diving in Coron
Palawan may be known for its white-sand beaches and pristine waters, but Coron has more than these to offer. It has numerous wrecks that wreck diving enthusiasts can explore. Its seabed is the resting place of more than half a dozen Japanese ships that saw action during World War 2. It includes the Kogyo Maru, which was a Japanese freighter that carried a bulldozer, several bags of cement, and tractor. A shallower dive is the Olympia Maru which has now become the residence of lionfishes, puffer fishes, and batfishes.
Other wrecks that can be enjoyed by snorkelers would be the Skeleton Wreck -- so-called because all that's left are its ribs and keel. Another not so shallow dive which can be reached by freedivers is the East Tangat Wreck. The wreck is actually that of a gunboat called Tirukaze Maru. Trained divers, on the other hand, might be interested in the Irako (a provision store ship where you can still see pots and pans) and the Kyokuzan Maru (an army auxiliary supply ship).
The ships were sunk by American bombers who attacked the Japanese fleet who thought Coron Bay was a safer area compared to Manila Bay. One of these fatal attacks was on Okikawa Maru, a tanker carrying fuel oil. It became a floating inferno after the first bomb was dropped on September 24, 1944. It sank only after a second bomb was dropped on it on October 9, 1944. Another attack was on the Akitsushima, a seaplane tender. Despite being armed to the teeth with its gun placements, it sustained a direct hit on its port side hull.
Other wrecks that can be enjoyed by snorkelers would be the Skeleton Wreck -- so-called because all that's left are its ribs and keel. Another not so shallow dive which can be reached by freedivers is the East Tangat Wreck. The wreck is actually that of a gunboat called Tirukaze Maru. Trained divers, on the other hand, might be interested in the Irako (a provision store ship where you can still see pots and pans) and the Kyokuzan Maru (an army auxiliary supply ship).
The ships were sunk by American bombers who attacked the Japanese fleet who thought Coron Bay was a safer area compared to Manila Bay. One of these fatal attacks was on Okikawa Maru, a tanker carrying fuel oil. It became a floating inferno after the first bomb was dropped on September 24, 1944. It sank only after a second bomb was dropped on it on October 9, 1944. Another attack was on the Akitsushima, a seaplane tender. Despite being armed to the teeth with its gun placements, it sustained a direct hit on its port side hull.
Other Dives
Aside from wreck sites, Coron also offers natural wonders you can explore. Try lugging your dive gear up a cliff (don't worry, there are narrow, wooden stairs) and down to Barracuda Lake; the climb and descent takes about 15 minutes. What's unique about this lake is that the first four meters of its surface is fresh water. Beneath that is salt water. And when you go deeper, the temperature also changes as well as the color of the water. The lake also masks the presence of a cave, with lots of sediment and an entryway that comfortably accommodates just one diver.
Beneath Coron Island is Cathedral Cave. It is accessible from the sea and marked by a hole. You descend through the hole where it leads to the actual cave. Thankfully, rays of sunlight have penetrated the cave due to the collapse of part of its roof. Further beyond and through another entryway is another chamber with an air pocket. If you look closely as you get to the cathedral, you can see a few lobsters and cowrie shells.
For claustrophobes and non-divers, there's always Siete Pecados Marine Park. It is teeming with fish in all shapes and sizes, darting between and among colorful corals. Aside from fish, you can occasionally see turtles and -- stuck among some corals -- are sea urchins.
Beneath Coron Island is Cathedral Cave. It is accessible from the sea and marked by a hole. You descend through the hole where it leads to the actual cave. Thankfully, rays of sunlight have penetrated the cave due to the collapse of part of its roof. Further beyond and through another entryway is another chamber with an air pocket. If you look closely as you get to the cathedral, you can see a few lobsters and cowrie shells.
For claustrophobes and non-divers, there's always Siete Pecados Marine Park. It is teeming with fish in all shapes and sizes, darting between and among colorful corals. Aside from fish, you can occasionally see turtles and -- stuck among some corals -- are sea urchins.
Not just for divers
Coron town is not just for divers. For a relaxing bath out in the open, head to Maquinit Hot Springs. The saltwater pools are surrounded by mangroves, just at the edge of the sea. You can gaze at a blue sky, hued with a gorgeous sunset, or with stars smiling down on you. It would be just the place to enjoy the sensations of having warm water caress your skin.
If you want another refreshing swimming experience, head to Kayangan Lake. Kayangan Lake is about 70% freshwater and 30% saltwater. Just like Barracuda Lake, it can be reached by climbing through several steep steps over a cliff. However, it will take you much longer to get to Kayangan Lake than Barracuda Lake. The climb midway is already rewarding. Halfway through those steps, rest and take in the postcard-perfect scene overlooking Coron Bay. On your way to the lake, you can make a side trip to a dead cave or you can explore the cave within the lake itself -- the Awuyuk Kayangan Cave.
If you want another refreshing swimming experience, head to Kayangan Lake. Kayangan Lake is about 70% freshwater and 30% saltwater. Just like Barracuda Lake, it can be reached by climbing through several steep steps over a cliff. However, it will take you much longer to get to Kayangan Lake than Barracuda Lake. The climb midway is already rewarding. Halfway through those steps, rest and take in the postcard-perfect scene overlooking Coron Bay. On your way to the lake, you can make a side trip to a dead cave or you can explore the cave within the lake itself -- the Awuyuk Kayangan Cave.
For nature lovers, particularly birdwatchers, there's Kingfisher Park. As the name suggests, the park is inhabited by kingfishers. There are also several other birds and amphibians. Their habitat is composed of mangroves which allow you to go mangrove kayaking or even watch fireflies and bioluminescent planktons at night. You can also trek throughout the park, including an ascent to Lunes Santo or head to Kaluluwang Falls.
Aside from Lunes Santo, there's also Mt. Tapyas. Despite its height -- which gives a good view of the villages down below -- it can be reached even by those who aren't into trekking or mountain climbing. This is because the summit can be reached through concrete steps. Benches can also be found along the way for those who need to rest or don't have the stamina to reach the summit.
As always, when you hie off to an archipelago, expect to visit islands and beaches. Among those found in Coron are: Malcapuya Island, Bulog Island, Banana Island and Banol beach. Surrounding those islands are vibrant corals inhabited by fish of different shapes and sizes and other marine residents.
A special feature of Coron are the twin lagoons. The first lagoon is fed mostly by the ocean's sea water while the inner one, is a mixture of freshwater and seawater. There's just a crevice that connects both bodies of water. Visitors have an option to swim through the crevice or take the ladder over a cliff, on to the inner lagoon.
Aside from Lunes Santo, there's also Mt. Tapyas. Despite its height -- which gives a good view of the villages down below -- it can be reached even by those who aren't into trekking or mountain climbing. This is because the summit can be reached through concrete steps. Benches can also be found along the way for those who need to rest or don't have the stamina to reach the summit.
As always, when you hie off to an archipelago, expect to visit islands and beaches. Among those found in Coron are: Malcapuya Island, Bulog Island, Banana Island and Banol beach. Surrounding those islands are vibrant corals inhabited by fish of different shapes and sizes and other marine residents.
A special feature of Coron are the twin lagoons. The first lagoon is fed mostly by the ocean's sea water while the inner one, is a mixture of freshwater and seawater. There's just a crevice that connects both bodies of water. Visitors have an option to swim through the crevice or take the ladder over a cliff, on to the inner lagoon.