To say the Coron Islands in northern Palawan are paradise is almost an understatement they are simply magical and enchanting.

The crystal clear waters are so inviting you will want to jump in, even if you do not know how to swim.

Composed of 180 islands, Coron is the gateway to the 680-island Calamianes Group of Islands in northern Palawan. The Philippines has 7,107 islands, 1,780 of them are in Palawan.

The signature image of Coron Islands at the Kayangan Cove. Pic: Cocoy Sexcion.

I swear I never have seen so many limestone rock formations majestically rising from the sea. They are so close to each other you will get lost in the maze of these islands. Their razor sharp edges are dotted with plants and shrubs and covered with sturdy trees that thrive on these rocks. Take away the plants and trees and imagine magnetite on a piece of bond paper propped up by a magnet from below.That is how the islands in Coron were formed by nature over millions of years.

The lagoons that dot the Coron Islands are as pristine and refreshing as they come. The Twin Lagoons are among the most accessible just 20-minute ride across the main island of Busuanga in the town of Coron.In the middle of some of these islands are lakes accessible only by climbing man-made rock stairs. Not far from Twin Lagoon is Barracuda Lake, which is still unspoiled by the rapidly developing town of Coron. It flushes out to Kayangan Lagoon and if you are a technical diver, you can dive your way out from Barracuda Lake to Kayangan and see the same limestone rock formations buried underwater.

The limestone rock formations of the islands have made Coron so unique in the Philippines.FOTOS BY EDWIN ESPEJO

Kayangan is a Cuyonin term which means the entrance to the 13 lakes of Coron Island (which should not be mistaken for Coron town, one of the two towns in the main island Busuanga). Tourists have access to only two Kayangan and Barracuda of the 13 lakes, which are all connected underwater.

Kayangan Lagoon is by far the most photographed among Corons many attractions. A climb of 100 steps brings you to the viewing deck from where you can take some selfies or capture the towns most iconic image. From there, you go down to the hidden lake.

You can end your first day in Maquinit Hot Spring, reputedly one of just two saltwater hot springs in the world. Take a dip and enjoy natures mineral-rich steam bath.

Here is the original post:

The Coron Islands: An unspoilt paradise in the Philippines