We had a day tour in Coron and part of the itinerary includes a beach side picnic lunch at Smith…read moreBeach. Smith beach is immaculate. Since the beach is small in size, there is a limited number of boats able to dock on site aiding in crowd reduction. The waters are crystal clear with white powdery sand. Like most of the terrain, you are surrounded by picturesque limestone cliffs dating roughly around 180 million years. For 30 pesos (USD 50 cents), I scored some fresh coconut juice from the locals to eat with my meal. It was the perfect drink to keep me hydrated on a warm day. The vibe is very tranquil. If relaxation is your thing you could spend hours just laying out, getting your tan on or reading beach side. The waters are relatively calm and most of all warm. Fish sightings for sure and thankfully we did not encounter sharks.

This was our last stop on our half day tour of Palawan. We were fortunate to be the only ones here…read moreon a Monday afternoon. As our outrigger boat approached, we saw the jagged limestone cliffs, clear blue water, small white sand beach and a few man-made huts. We enjoyed the warm water and saw many huge starfish. On the beach we played with the two sweet resident kitty cats. It was a relaxing way to end our first day in paradise. TIP - It's all about timing, don't come when it's crowded, especially the weekends. You can switch around the order of your tour, so you can go to the next stop if Smiths is crowded then come back later. It helps if you can get here early before the regularly scheduled tours start (around 9am), or make it your last stop.

Tropical island in the Philippines [PALAWAN Philippines]…read more We dedicated a whole day island-hopping in Coron Palawan. It is one of the most amazing islands in the Philippines, with massive limestone peaks, multicolored lagoons, and great water activities like kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving. We rented a private boat for a day tour. There were nine of us. Coron town is authentic, rural and cheap! Perfect town with a great balance of delicious Filipino food, shopping, and cheap transport. We used tricycle rides to get around. All the restaurants we dined in had live music entertainment. Filipinos love to sing. We stayed in Bacău Bay Resort for four nights. It was peaceful since it was away from the main town. Our room was spacious and comfortable with modern amenities. Buffet brunch was included with the room. The locals were friendly and felt safe in the island. I absolutely loved shopping here too. Review #3369

What an amazing experience to visit a place that I've only seen in travel brochures. Palawan is…read moregorgeous with clear, blue water; coral reefs teeming with sea life and ship wrecks; white sand beaches; hidden lagoons and numerous islets to explore. My niece was able to get us a cheap 3 day package deal which included airfare, transportation to and from the airport, hotel accommodations with free breakfast, and one full day of island hopping with lunch included. It was an hour flight from Clark International airport and a 30 minute car ride from the Busuanga airport. The road to Coron Town Proper was long and winding. Since we arrived earlier than our check in time, we had lunch at the hotel's restaurant. Afterwards, we bought essentials at the convenience store on the first floor, then walked across the street to get water shoes (a necessity to protect your feet from the corals and to ensure your footing on slippery surfaces), a waterproof cover for our phones, hubby's swim trunks and my niece's sunglasses. My nieces and nephew were so excited to go snorkeling that they spoke to some locals. They introduced them to a boat captain who agreed to take us on a half day tour of Barracuda Lake, Hidden Lagoon and Smith Beach. My favorite spot was Smith beach which had white sand, lots of HUGE starfish and two friendly cats. The sun was setting which gave us gorgeous lighting for our pictures to capture our first day in paradise. The next day on our island hopping tour we went to Twin Lagoons, CYC Beach, Skeleton Shipwreck, Green Lagoon, Kayangan Lake, and Siete Pecados. Hubby's favorite spot was Skeleton Shipwreck with it's many colorful corals, exotic tropical fish, and of course, a 25 meter long Japanese ship that sunk during WWII. My favorite site, however, was the Twin Lagoons. It's best to go there early in the day when the tide is low, because you can kayak through a tunnel beneath the limestone mountain. We had to bend over backwards to be able to pass through, which gave us an opportunity to examine the interesting rock formations above us (please see video). On our last day, before heading home, my cousin and I climbed the looooong staircase to the top of Mount Tapyas. It took us about an hour for us to climb up and then down the 700+ steps. We took multiple stops to rest and take pictures. It was a nice climb, most of which was shaded by trees; it was an ideal spot to take in the width and breadth of Coron. Sadly, we must say our goodbyes. What I'm most grateful about this trip is the time spent with loved ones, and the opportunity to enjoy the simple things in life: the warmth of the sun on my skin, the wind through my hair, waves lapping at my feet, the gorgeous colors of the sunset and the welcoming rays of the sunrise. Life is good! Amen

I grew up in Southern California and l also lived in Hawaii for two years, so I've got high…read moreexpectations when it comes to beaches. CYC beach looks better from afar: white sand beach lined with mangrove trees, surrounded far and wide by shallow turquoise waters and coral reefs. Our boat was anchored far from shore; but we were able to stand on the bottom with the water level just below our necks (I'm 5'2"). Hubby has been an aquarium hobbyist since he was young, so he's looking for sea-life. Lots of sea urchins here; but he didn't see much else that caught his eye. Be careful where you swim because there are certain spots where the little fish nip at you, maybe they're protecting their nests? One very interesting thing about Coron as a whole is that in many places where you go swimming, you'll experience alternating currents of warm water and cool water: it's the weirdest sensation (and no, no one peed in the water). So comparing this to other beaches in Coron, it's just ok.

One of the most beautiful beaches I've been to!…read more As recommended by a local we spent the day at Nacpan Beach, which was well worth the trek. Since we were staying in El Nido, it's about 45 minutes north, so we hired a driver to take us here. Once we got off the highway to where the beach is located, you go through a rural town so the roads were really muddy and wet from the rainfall earlier that day. And since we were in a tricycle it was a bumpy ride! But so worth the trip. Clear water with crashing waves and it's spacious. We came on a weekday and though there were a lot of people, it didn't feel at all crowded since the beach is so long. Along the beach are restaurants, small stands with drinks and snacks and places to rent boogie boards and other swim gear. We spent half a day here and we didn't even want to leave. The water was so nice and warm, and all you wanted to do was swim and hang out. I hardly spent any time laying out on the sand since the water was so nice, but many people do, as it's such a relaxing and calm beach. If you're staying in El Nido - Nacpan Beach is a must-visit! Loved every minute I was there.

Bummer our Plan A was cancelled due to high waves & high winds. We looked for an alternate 45…read moreminutes from El Nido and this was Nacpan Beach. This is a pretty remote location. We were able to have a driver in a tricycle bring us out here and wait for about 1 1/2 as he has family in the area (lucky us). He went to see them and hopefully he returns at a suitable time. Nacpan Beach is gorgeous, but unfortunately the currents were too strong to allow people to go swimming. They also have a small restaurant on the beach. I ordered grilled fish (mackerel) & Garlic rice. The fish was Only 150 pesos. Go figure 2 pieces of whole fish for 150 pesos what a great deal. The only problem is they move at island speed. It took almost 45 minutes Normally this wouldn't have been such a problem but our driver was suppose to be back in an 1 1/2hr and he actually showed up earlier (go figure Filipino time)

Angel, Tinadoy, Ryan, and I'm forgetting the rest of the crew who helped us on the Dennis One on…read more3/3/25. This crew was simply the BEST. Very wholesome, funny, easy-going crew that put our experience above ALL. Please ensure you reciprocate with a review as this helps them out tremendously. Also - if Calamian Islands is reading this, could you please somehow ensure the rest of the unnamed crew gets recognized? They embodied the soul of the Philippines of enjoying life together and its something that brought the entire boat together as a group. The waves were a bit rocky on one of the snorkel spots, and Angel was able to pull 3 of the others along with him. The crew and some of us were making fun of how exhausted he was but its all in good teasing. But that just shows how much care they have for us and each other. This is a very extensive physical journey so please be prepared for that. Bring swimming shoes but you can do the whole thing in slides/slippers. Also, I don't have a good control on my stomach so look to purchase Lomotil for this trip if you can. This is an excursion I will remember for the rest of my life. And its simply the top one I was excited for when visiting Busanga/Coron; and it simply lived beyond those expectations. Imagine a day full of swimming and at the end, you cap it off with a sunset and some turon (Filipino deep fried sweet banana dessert) You know what you like. Adventurous? Do it. Swipe and figure it out later.

Calamianes Expedition Tours is one of the tour sign up places here in Coron Town. Pick a package,…read moresign up, the next morning, show up bright and early at their office. Make sure you're ready for an adventure because you're definitely in for a darn good time. We signed up for their one day, 5 to 6 spots for snorkeling, swimming and a bit of hiking even. Everything that you'll be needing can be rented at their office where everybody first meets at bright and early in the morning. If you don't already have one in hand, you may rent snorkels and or water shoes. Then your they'll take you to the boats where there you meet your crew and your guide. I'd also like to mention our group that day was awesome. We all connected right in the beginning when we all met for free complimentary. Americans, Local Filipinos, Czech, Germans,, all interacting and having a darn good time. Coral Gardens, CYC beach, Twin Cove, Hidden Lagoon then Last but not the least, Kayangan Lake. All of the spots that we went to were very beautiful. The corals were all lively and had tons of colorful fishies swimming around. The CYC beach was really cool as well, swim out from the boat into the beach and enjoy the whole island by yourselves. Twin cove was really nice, our guide says that a Napoleon fish frequents that spot, and if we're lucky we get to see it swimming around. This is where we had our picnic in the boat as well. It was a really nice buffet style lunch, came with bottled water. After lunch we did some diving off the roof of the boat. That was some good fun. Then hidden lagoon to experience some Thermaclimb. Kayangan lake was definitely a fitting end to a wonderful day snorkeling and island hopping. Thank you very much Calamianes Expeditions for a wonderful experience. You really know how to put together a great Coron Snorkeling experience. You guys are definitely one of the best tour experiences here in Coron Town Proper.

Very fun lagoon that can get pretty crowded since it is the first stop of the A tour. Recommend…read morecanoeing and checking out the small water path that is straight and then veers a sharp left. It can fit a canoe but it will be tight. Ask your ship crew members to help with pictures. They always do an amazing job.

Big Lagoon, little Lagoon, Secret Lagoon and on and on, there are lagoons on all four El Nido…read moretours. As the name says this is big , long and a must do with a kayak. Firstly, your tour boat isn't going to take you inside you need to rent a kayak, about $6 and let you guide take you in because he knows the place and all the hidden cliff openings and side section that you will miss if you go it alone. You need to slowly float down the crystal clear water from the entrance and into the lagoon and truly appreciate the natural beauty around you. Because most likely this will be a once in a lifetime advangure for you.

I attended this beach for a family reunion a day after Christmas. My first impression was the…read moreamount of people around. Of course it was a day after Christmas. My first impression was the amount of trees available to provide shade. More in the pavilion areas seemed new. They were covered spaces. The bathrooms were pretty clean and in a new building. There was another newer building that people were able to rent out. It seemed that there were investments in the area to build up. This is a good thing. It seemed crowded, but considering the time it is understandable. Here is the problem. I was told that across the street were a lot of shops and restaurants. I just saw a bunch of empty buildings. If there is more money put in the area, I can't wait to visit again and see it.

Aroma Beach may not be as beautiful as other beaches I've been to in the Philippines and beyond,…read morebut it'll always be dear to me because of the memories I have of swimming and picnicking here with my family and going to bonfires at night with my uncles and his friends when I was a child. We often walk to this beach from my parents' house to get some exercise in the morning. It's about a 2 km walk each way and then we swim in the West Philippines Sea to cool down. The water must be in the high 70s to low 80s, so very pleasant. The water is clean and clear but the sand can be rocky, so best to take water shoes with you. No need to worry about getting cold. If you come early enough (around 7 am) you can catch the guy who sells Taho (soy pudding with caramelized syrup and tapioca pearls). So good! Otherwise, bring your own food. We often bring pandesal and other good stuff to the beach if we decide to have our breakfast or lunch here. You'd see people grilling pork belly, fish or Filipino BBQ skewers in makeshift grills on the weekends. This beach has so much potential! If only the past mayor of San Jose hadn't ruined it by letting these karaoke bars set up shop on the beach a few meters from the water, and if only the current mayor would make it a priority to clean up the beach, this beach would be the jewel of San Jose, Occ Mindoro. On a positive note, the new Mayor is in the process of moving all the karaoke/restaurant huts that are on the beach to the other side of the road. The people of the island of Mindoro have decided to ban single use plastic bags. This too can be only good for this beach!

My dear friend Guy Mazzoni has created an amazing foundation in Palawan (…read morewww.guymazzoni-foundation.org ) to help support the impoverished local community of fishermen and their families. In 2014 Guy built Terra Nova a private retreat on a 16 hectares (40 acres) secluded peninsula, 30-45 min by boat south of El Nido village. This incredible property started this year to host paying guests who contribute to the foundation via the proceeds of the rental and all-inclusive upscale stays. The foundation supports education, healthcare programs, as well as sustainable farming and aquaculture, to provide for the freshest produces to Terra Nova's guests, a solid education and an additional income for the local communities. I myself and other renowned coaches, as well as yoga and meditation practitioners, regularly lead exclusive coaching retreats there with selected entrepreneurs, CEOs and top executives looking for a total mind and body reset, enhanced vision clarity, or better integrated leadership skills. The property can be rented to 4-5 guests (2 couples and 1-2 kids or 4 adults) - all inclusive stays (full board accommodation, farm to table food, beverages, island hopping with the GM foundation own boats, various activities, airport transfer) - minimum 4 nights https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10048675

Myself and two friends stayed at Terra Nova in July 2016 for 4 nights. It was one of the most…read moreincredible holiday experiences we have had, which happened mainly by coincidence. Looking for accommodation in El Nido, we debated pretty dingy options in El Nido town and very pricey isolated options on some of the small islands in the bay. Unsure of what do to, by chance, we stumbled upon Terra Nova on AirBNB without much knowledge about Guy Mazzoni or the foundation. Luckily for us, it turned out during our stay Guy was actually at Terra Nova, and we had the pleasure of getting to know him and hear his fascinating stories and vision for Terra Nova and the foundation. The foundation goal is to help and enrich the lives of the local fishing communities dotted along the Bay of Cataban which have largely been overlooked from the tourism and development of El Nido about a 45 minute boat ride away. Life in Limiangcong is tough, without many basic resources or opportunities, and Guy and the foundation have been involved in many facets of daily life from providing basic medical care facilities to employment opportunities and career training at the foundation. Seeing this and getting to immerse ourselves and interact with the local community made for a trip much more impact-full than just enjoying the beautiful scenery surrounding us at a beach resort. During the days, we took the boat to go to the village of Liamiangcong, a small fishing village about 15 minutes away. We walked around the town and visited the schools and markets as the only tourists there and got a feel for a real, functioning local village. Many of the Terra Nova staff are from there and poking around the side streets we bumped into some of their parents, siblings and former staff. Other days we took to boat to other small remote villages in the area to explore, to different beaches in the area to swim and have a picnic lunch, or snorkelled at the new land Guy has bought for the foundation. Boating back we tucked into little bays and inlets along the way, taking in the view and scenery of Palawan. Once we stopped at a small island where we bought a basket of coconuts and drank from them on the boat, while in the evening back at Terra Nova the chef made a nice desert with the meat from the coconuts. Relaxing in the late afternoons back at the villa, we would swim or kayak in the afternoon waves nearby. The villa at Terra Nova is beautiful, done to a very high standard, split into two well appointed rooms with a lot of attention to detail in the decor and cleanliness. We spent most of our time on the large patio right outside the room where we ate our meals at the dining table and relaxed in the recliners with a cold beer watching the heavy afternoon storms roll by. The staff are absolutely fantastic, with the chef preparing fresh local fish and adobo dishes each meal. Jhove was excellent at coordinating our stay and planning our arrival and departure, which we changed several times during our stay. The rest of the crew were very nice and proud to show us Terra Nova and the surrounding area. As one of the first guests of the foundation, we really enjoyed our stay and found it a much more enriching experience to connect with the local people. At the pricey resorts around Palawan, you can certainly enjoy the beauty of the island but you will miss the connection to the land and people creating a lasting memory. It was great to learn that the cost of our stay is treated as a donation to the foundation and used to further Guy's programs. It definitely turned out to be a special, unique experience and we hope to stay in touch with Guy and remain active in the foundation. My friends and I are already discussing some potential dates to visit again and see the progress Guy has made at Terra Nova and the foundation.