Coron offers more than a snorkeling experience

Coron, Palawan explodes with myriad beaches and island destinations, offering unforgettable experiences to visitors.

Coron forms part of the Calamian Islands, together with Busuanga, Culion, and several other smaller islands, many host diverse tourist spots and accommodations.

At the top of the list is Kayangan Lake which is the most-visited in Coron. Located on Coron Island, Kayangan Lake is famous for its clear blue water, regarded as the cleanest fresh water lake in the Philippines.

The lake is under the protection and maintenance of the local Tagbanua people. As a sign of respect, fishing and snorkeling is discouraged.

Scuba diving is discouraged because the lake has strong underwater currents. Use of life vests is required following a drowning incident a decade ago.

Getting to the lake requires a 10-minute hike up and down some 200 steps. Once you reach the top, it offers a pretty view of the nearby islands, as well as a cave.

Another popular destination in the Calamian Islands is Twin Lagoon, two bodies of water separated by a limestone barrier.

A narrow passageway appears below the barrier during low tide, a fun route though makeshift stairs have been installed for those opting for safety.

There are no jetties for transport. Tourist must swim to the barrier. The water is cool but the travel is worth it once arriving in the inner lagoon, which is warm by mid-day.

Use of life vest is also required though both lagoons are salt water, thus easier to float.

Tourists can have lunch in one of the many white beaches. One suggestion is Banol Beach, a small strip of white sand on Coron Island with high cliffs and Kalachuchi flowers.

Lined-up straw huts protect tourist from the sun while eating packed lunches brought by boats or cooked on the beach itself.

After eating, a dip in the bright blue waters makes a good substitute for dessert, ideal for snorkeling beginners.

Adventure-seeking snorkelers can dive at the nearby Skeleton Wreck, a Japanese vessel that was sunk by the U.S. Navy in World War II.

The beach has a great sunset view tempting tourists who just dropped by for a meal to stay for an overnight camp.

There are numerous places to go snorkeling and see beautiful corals that are home to hundreds of fish species. One of these offshore dive spots is the Twin Peaks Coral Garden south of Coron Island and the entrance to another tourist spot, Barracuda Lake.

The name is derived from two limestone formations emerging from the sea in an area that drops to nearly a hundred feet deep.

Colorful corals and a variety of fishes may be discovered at the shallow waters where sea turtles or pawikan may sneak up.

Beach-facing accommodations in Coron or any of the Calamian Islands will likely have accommodations for guests.