Home Away from Home: Tag Resort Coron Palawan Review + Island Hopping Tour

My first ever  Coron, Palawan trip was last December with DOT Mimaropa and it was an amazing experience, didn't think I'd go back soon-- this time for TAG RESORT Coron! Last August, I went back to this beautiful island paradise with a few PR & content creator friends. I already visited the resort last December, but it was just a quick peek. So when I got invited back by the resort itself, I was super excited! Best part? I get to stay in their luxurious Tadhana villa. Stories & photos below!

Puerto Princesa, Day 3 & 4: Baragatan Festival, 2-Day Itinerary & Scenic Restaurants to Try

Finally, here's the last installment of my Puerto Princesa, Palawan blog posts! On our last 2 days in the city, we visited the world-famous Underground River, scenic local restaurants, watched the Baragatan Festival, went to the Crocodile Farm, Baker's Hill & attended the launch of the Palawan Travel & Tour Fair. Stories & photos below!

Puerto Princesa, Palawan Day 2: Yamang Bukid Farm, Honda Bay Island Hopping & Iwahig Firefly Watching

Here's the 2nd installment of my Puerto Princesa, Palawan travel blog! I already shared with you photos and stories from our 1st day in the city, our 2nd day was dedicated to island hopping, visiting Yamang Bukid farm & resto, and then firefly watching at night. The weather was a bit gloomy, but that didn't stop us from having fun! Photos and stories below...

Awra at Cowrie Island

Puerto Princesa, Palawan Day 1: Arrival, Travel Requirements & Where To Stay

Last month,  I was fortunate enough to be invited again by the Department of Tourism Mimaropa for a media familiarization trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It has been years since I last visited this bustling urban tropical paradise, so I was really excited to go back! We visited a lot of places I haven't seen & been to before, and we also attended the Baragatan Festival. Here are stories & photos from our trip! Read on to know more...

Coron, Palawan Day 4: Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort

Ladies and gents, we have come to the end of my Coron, Palawan adventure! It was fun reliving this memorable trip, and I'm happy to end it with our wonderful stay at Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort in Culion, Palawan! Sharing with you photos of this paradise on earth, as well as our amazing experience. Read on to know more...

Coron, Palawan Day 3 & 4: Island hopping & Culion Tour

Here's the 2nd installment of my Coron, Palawan trip last December! As I mentioned in my first post, Days 1 & 2 were spent in town visiting different sights, accommodations & souvenir shops. On the 3rd day, we were finally allowed to board a boat and do some island hopping! And then on the 4th day, we were finally given a go signal to visit Culion & transfer to Sunlight Ecotourism Resort, which I can easily describe as paradise on earth. Read on to know more...

Kayangan Lake, you're such a beauty. :)

Coron, Palawan Day 1 & 2: Itinerary + Where to Stay + Souvenir Shopping

Last December, I was invited by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines via Kuya Melo to join their Coron influencers program/media trip. This trip was extra special & memorable because it was my first time visiting the island and it was one of my first media trips after the pandemic happened. I was so excited I couldn't sleep! Haha! In this blog, I will share with you all the places we went to, activities we did, accommodations you could stay in, traveling tips, and requirements needed. I will divide my posts into 2 because there's just so much to share hehe. So without further ado, let's start our journey to one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines - CORON! 

Experience Serene, Luxurious Seaside Living at Avara Nature & Yacht Club Palawan

Imagine this: The sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you’re just in the middle of a dream. But you’re not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waiting for you whenever you’re ready, anyway. That’s the promise of Avara Nature & Yacht Club—the easy life of the seaside. Read on to know more...

El Nido, Palawan Day 3: Activities & Island Hopping

On our last day, we finally were able to avail the free tour (c/o Bayview, thank you!) and experience the magic that is El Nido!:) Thank you Lord for giving us one whole rainless day to run wild and free! Made the trip (and my hacking nightmare) all worth it. We were originally booked for Tours A & C but because of the typhoon we were able to accomplish lang Tour A. Okay na din! Here are photos starting with my outfits....

El Nido, Palawan Day: Bayview Resort + Photo Diary

I have been to Palawan twice before (with Mich and then with family) but only in Puerto Princesa. I've always wanted to go to El Nido but I was always reluctant. Maybe because I've always perceived this place to be expensive and I really believed one must save at least P20k for the trip. Well, I was wrong. Let me break it down for you later. This trip fell into place when I got an invite from The Resort Bayview Hotel, El Nido to check out their place and experience the island as well as their amazing accommodation and facilities. I asked the Clingies if they wanted to go and they said yes! We just agreed on a date, confirmed it with my contact Jocel (thanks girl!), and we're set. Stories through photos starting with outfit shots from Day 1...

Palawan Photo Diary + Travel Tips

I know summer will be over soon, but I hope this post helps some of you who might be heading to the beautiful island of Palawan in the near future!:) I planned the whole trip and tried my best to lessen the expenses so we could all maximize our budget. This is my 2nd time to visit the beautiful city of Puerto Princesa (my 1st time you can read HERE & HERE) and grabe I'm so happy I was able to pull off the whole trip planning gig! Pwede na magtayo ng travel agency! They all went home delighted and itching to come back soon:) Let's start the journey!

Day 1 - Airport + Firefly Watching

whats so funny guysss

summer nails

my mom before her failed walking shot. lol

BOARDING!!! so handsome my Herschel backpack!:)

Booked everyone via Air Philippines! Got a cheap flight for P1,300 roundtrip. :) You also have to prepare P200 each for airport tax.

touchdown Palawan!

group pic!

Free pick-up service by Ysabelle Mansion! :)

the father and his bff - mr.san miguel. Lol

outside our room

our room

 For our accommodation, I chose Ysabelle Mansion coz they have a huge room that fits 8 people including breakfast. We only paid P3,200/night for the room or P800 per person!:) It only has 1 bathroom but they have a common bathroom outside that's clean naman. You can always force the boys to use that. Haha.

Went Firefly watching again after a quick dinner at Kinabuch. I forgot how much it was but it was definitely cheaper than my last Palawan trip with Mich. If you can though, choose a guide who looks young and smart (hehe). Our guide, the last time Mich and I went to Palawan, was amazing and well researched and prepared. This time I spent all night complaining coz I felt ripped off. Parang nagmamadali our guide to get us back and didn't really felt glad we were there. Haha. :/ 

Day 2 - City Tour + Underground River

hearty breakfast!

only took one photoe and wasn't able to see what's inside :/ maybe next time!

Made a quick stop at Binuatan Creations where we were taught how to make handcrafted bags and acccessories! I will definitely come back here the next time I go to Palawan. I'm still dreaming of that pretty handbag I saw but didn't buy. :/

Trying out weaving! it looks easy but it's hard as hell! Effort grabe! 1 million years before u finish 1 bag!

si ate chill na chill

the showroom. heaven!

laptop bags

tote bags for I think P150

took this home! perfect for the beach!

lakas maka postura!

this is it! this is the bag I still dream of. Heh.

MITRA HOUSE

mahangin sa labas te?

lovely houses at Baker's Hill where we bought pasalubongs!

with my bro

We then proceeded to Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm. It's a penitentiary where prisoners roam freely. Parang bakasyon engrande lang. It's like a huge compound or subdivision complete with stores and a church and houses! I heard some prisoners come back even after they're released to earn money by selling pasalubongs. In fairness, swerte the prisoners here para lang silang nagreretreat lang sa tagaytay.

where the prisoners roam freely. bakasyon lng!

minimum security compound

an inmate took our photo. bongga! haha

inside the recreation hall

refreshments!

for sale:)

we were lucky enough to catch the dancing inmates in action!:)

aliw na aliw lang si ate

thanks for dancing for me! chos

Miles, my bro-in-law, bought this shirt for P400. Lakas makastatement

Headed to the Crocodile Farm next! You have to be on time though coz there are tour intervals. Fee is P40 per person.

the chikas

skin & skeletal remains of a giant crocodile captured during the 1990's after it ate a child. afraid

tanks where baby crocs are nurtured. para silang nagsto2p dance!

and this is where THE BOSSES are! can you spot the big guy?

parteh parteh!

adorable bearcat!!!

which you can pet for P20.

mich and her new pe, table ang peg?

After the tour, you are free to wander around the area to check out other unique animals. Since were in a hurry we had to pass. Booo. Guests can also try crocodile meat sa canteen. NO THANKS.

sayang i didn't buy this!

We only paid P1,200 for the whole city tour (P150 each), not bad na!:) We then proceeded to the much awaited Underground River tour after!:) Instead of getting the usual P1500+ package per person, I just asked help from our van driver. He secured the permit for us a few days before we arrived for P150/person. He scheduled us at 2pm so we ate lunch first at a nearby seaside restaurant. Lunch buffet was P180 per person. We paid P700 for the boat that took us to and from the island where the underground river is located. Of course we also had to pay for the van. I think we paid P3k. It's still way cheaper if you add it all up and divide among the group.

waiting for our boat

i asked them to carry me coz high tide. Like a boss!. haha

cute ng bayawak (monitor lizard) noh! gapang galore lang sha towards us. Okay, I freaked out. Shet.

class picture

We had to wait for 20 minutes before walking towards the underground river waiting area. So many tourists that day! Look...

waiting

cirsologo daw oh! ikaw ba yan mich??

We went island hopping the next day!Just paid P1500 for the van rental plus another P2k for the boat. We decided to just have our food catered (c/o our driver, he has contacts) and paid P200 per person. :) It was still cheaper than the standard P1500 per person charge for Honda Bay tour.

you can rent snorkels and diving gears here!

our van! hit me up if you wanna get their contact details:)

our boat

bought this sachet sunscreen for P50! Pwede na for SPF 50

pandan island!

So we decided to just skip the other islands and headed straight to the nicest of them all, Pandan Island!:) This is the best place to do snorkeling coz the beach is gorgeous and they have shower rooms & pwede na toilets. We rented a cottage for P400. 

Headed straight to the airport afterwards. Bitin! But it was definitely a trip to remember. Always is whenever I'm with my fam. Our next trip: Singapore! I cannot cannot wait.:)