Coron Island is best known for the eight out of twelve Japanese supplies shipwrecks that were sunk by the United States Navy during a massive air bombing campaign during World War 2. These ships were sunk at depths of 10 to 43 meters and some of the wrecks are 160 meters in length, with most of the ships still intact (a dive at the Irako Wreck, a Japanese refrigeration ship reveals pots and pans in its galley.) The water is incredibly clear and perfect that you’d be able to spot different species of fish like the yellow fin tuna, groupers, scorpion fish and lionfish. Beautiful corals and more fish inhabit other wrecks like the Okikawa Maru, Akitsushima, Kogyo Maru, and the Olympia Maru amongst others. The best part of diving in Coron is that it is not overrun by tourists; it was so that Coron was considered as one of the world’s best kept secrets in wreck diving – the high concentration of wrecks in one area, the water quality, and the spectacular marine life puts Coron on top of any global diver or adventurer’s list
But Coron is not just about diving; kayaking the Twin Lagoons (Big Lagoon (above) and Small Lagoon) is a must for a newbie to the area – one must kayak through a small hole which is only accessible during low tide to get from the Big Lagoon to the Small Lagoon. The water is fantastic- the lagoons are the meeting place of freshwater from the hills of Coron Island and saltwater coming in from the bay which makes an interesting mix.
Of the several lakes in Coron Island, only Barracuda and Kayangan lakes are open to visitors. The island is virtually protected by the native Tagbanua tribe (Coron Island is considered as part of their ancestral domain) and access to the other lakes is prohibited. Barracuda Lake (supposedly named after its resident barracuda) is another interesting dive spot, the water of the lake changes from cold to hot depending on the colour of the water in its depths. To get there, one must climb up towering limestone karsts for 15-20 minutes- in full gear. Ouch!
Kayangan Lake (above) on the other hand – is more accessible, although the climb up the mountain can be a bit strenuous, it does afford a spectacular postcard perfect view of Coron Bay – literally. Kayangan has been honoured as one of the cleanest lakes in Asia, and for a reason. The lake is surrounded by more jungle clad-limestone karsts formations, and its water is so clear one can see the bottom for several meters from the surface.
The island of Culion, a former leper colony, is also within the same area- and it does have that charming Pacific island village-like atmosphere and is steeped in the fairly recent history: sort of a place of exiles for people afflicted with the dreaded disease. On the other side of Busuanga Island, is the island of Calauit, a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan which was established by then Philippine strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos in response to an appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African Wildlife when the late dictator attended the 3rd World Conference in Kenya.
As of March 26, 2009, commercialization is finally creeping up in this area. Plans are afoot to turn one of the islands in the group into, God forbid, another Phuket- a true tragedy if that happens, considering Phuket was considered by a survey of the National Geographic as in state of disrepair due to its over-commercialization and development. By 2012, they are going to turn the 55 hectare Diwaran Island and part of the Coron Reefs into the “single largest integrated island resort in all Asia.”
http://tourism-philippines.com
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