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Waking up to spectacular rock formations in Coron

Karst limestone rock formations makes the Calamianes group of islands unforgettable

The Cuyo Loop
Coron is in blue
In October of 2006, I visited the remote islands of Cuyo and Culion in Palawan for a photography assignment and passed Negros and Iloilo in transit. This is my account of that journey.

This is the 12th of a series One of the best things to see here in Coron is the approach to the island while passing through the spectacular karst limestone cliffs that comprise the islands of the Calamianes group of North Palawan. “There’s no need to go to Halong Bay or China for the same natural wonder. Its just here in Palawan.” And the best time is early in the morning as the sun is still a few degrees from the horizon. Its golden rays striking the greenery and yellow to gray walls of rock. Only a boat ride can give you this pleasure.

However, coming from Cuyo the previous night, I looked out into the sky and seems the weather is foreboding. Dark clouds are gathering early and I am a bit concerned that my shoot of the church in Culion might be affected. But for a moment I decided to enjoy the view and worry later.

More karst limestone rock formations comprise the islands that seem to rise from the waters
More karst limestone rock formations comprise the islands that seem to rise from the waters

It’s the third time for me to be here and each time I gaze on these rock formations rising up the waters I just feel in awe. Everytime. Wow! There’s no need to go to Halong Bay or China for the same natural wonder. Its just here in Palawan.

Motorized transport like this one plies the waters of the Calamianes to bring people and goods to the different islands
Motorized transport like this one plies the waters of the Calamianes to bring people and goods to the different islands

Early in the morning, motorized pumpboats already crisscross the waters to bring people and goods to their destinations. While these are just starting their day, fishermen are already returning from their night – dawn work. From a distance, the white Superferry against a backdrop of green is slowly cruising its way to Puerto Princesa.

A boy looks out into the magnificent view early in the morning
A boy looks out into the magnificent view early in the morning

And for a passenger aboard a small ship? Its a wonderful time to end one’s boat trip. Just look out the window and enjoy.

15 thoughts on “Waking up to spectacular rock formations in Coron”

  1. ganda nga talaga dyan. hindi pa ako nakapunta dyan. sa barko palang sulit na sulit na.

  2. Nice shots there! The one with the kid looks really dramatic =)

  3. love the photo number 3. great as usual!
    pakiskisa ko sa imong kuko be. haha. para atleast bisag point and shoot cam, great pud ang result.

  4. “There’s no need to go to Halong Bay or China for the same natural wonder. Its just here in Palawan.”

    I agree. Now, if we could just bring the chinese and the vietnamese there, and of course, their food.

  5. well, i tend to agree with what you said bai. to be fair, maganda rin yung halong karsts but our waters are so much more pristine 🙂

  6. I like Coron very much and I enjoyed my time there and consider it as one of my favorite place here in the Philippines. But to be fair, Halong has thousands of Karst which makes it beautiful as well since Coron’s karst is only a fraction of what Halong Bay has though Coron has the better ocean waters.

    As for China, Yunan has Karst as far as the eyes can see as well but it’s located in the mainland with the picturesque village along the great lake which also makes it different from what we have here.

    I guess each place has their own unique beauty and character as well despite the sameness

  7. dong, you should make a visit. its one of the pristine areas in the country. pero there are plans to develop it big time.

    islander, sige bai, kiskis lang kung magkita ta 🙂

    oman, og, well, as far as karst formations are concerned, Bacuit or Calamianes have these.

    ferdz, tama ka, each place has their own unique beauty.

  8. Haven’t been to you blog lately but the new look rocks! (pardon the pun hehe).

    Coron’s high on my list of places to visit… Thanks for sharing bro.

  9. estan, astig ng bagong template! all in all okay na okay tong template. punta ako dun pag may dslr na ako. ipon muna ako.

  10. Nice new face lift… Dr. Vicky Belo’s work? 😉

  11. allan, dong, sidney, its time for an overdue update.

    Sidney, its not Belo’s, its Jubel’s arthemia theme!

  12. bryx

    nindota uy!

  13. norahd

    Hello again Estan! As far as provincial tourism is concerned, Coron is giving El Nido a run for its money…

    Cheers..

  14. the 1st pic, which part of Coron island? southernmost tip? i dont recognize it

  15. estancabigas

    Yes, Coron Island.

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