Easy Day Hike @ Grand Kayangan Lake : Travel Guide + Budget

CORON, Palawan is best known for SNORKELING and KAYAKING. It is a first class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines with the eastern half of Busuanga Island, all of Coron Island and about 50 other islets stretching as far as Tara Island in the Northeast and Canip Island in the South. All of these islands are part of the Calamian Archipelago in Northern Palawan that separates the South China Sea from the Sulu Sea.

The Grand Kayangan Lake is named as the "cleanest lake" in the Philippines, 70% clear water and 30% salt water.  It is two of the lakes in Coron (out of 8) , open for public.   Before you can go there, you have to do a 10-15 minutes uphill climb approximately 300 steps toward the inland lake.  At the mid way, you can view deck overlooking the lagoon.  Another route for a lesser 30- 40 steps is by the Barracuda Lake.  A perfect place to snorkel, swim or float along.

It is surrounded by greenish karst of limestone cliffs maintained by Tagbanua tribesmen.

BUDGET

Entrance Fee :  FREE

Standard Boat Rates:

2000 php (2-4 pax)

2500 php (5-8 pax)

3000 php (9-15 pax)

Note:  The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.

Tour Guide Fee:  500 php

HOW TO GET THERE

Airlines

*Cebu Pacific. This airlines offers promos every now and then especially on Philippine holidays. Just be vigilant. Once you arrived Coron Airport, you take a van going to the city proper for 150 php.

"I subscribed for the GetGo. Go to this link to be updated of the promos."

https://www.cebupacificair.com/pages/sign-up-newsletter
*Philippines Airlines. This airlines has daily flights from Manila. The rate is not too high nor cheap.
*SkyJet Airlines. It has 3 flights everyday from Manila.

Boats/Ferries
*2GO Ferry. This is a famous shipping line. It has two trips (Tuesday and Friday - 1:30 PM) a week from Manila and Puerto Princesa to Coron. From Coron to Manila every Sunday and Friday at 4:30 PM.

"I've boarded this ship since I was a teener going to Manila from Cotabato City and vice versa. So far, by experience, its a five star for me."

From PPS to Coron, also two times in a week (Saturday & Wednesday - 11:50 PM). Coron to PPS every Saturday and Wednesday at 9 PM.

*Montenegro Lines has ferries between El Nido to Coron for 1,760 something. Check out their facebook page for more updated rates.

*Atienza Shipping Line. It has a ferry that sails from Manila to Coron every Saturday and Wednesday.

Around Coron
Within proper is 10 php per head.  Going to the airport 20 php per head.

SMART GUIDE & TIPS

*  Listen to the tour guide.  Follow his instructions.
*  Be watchful of your phase in climbing especially when the road is muddy.
*  Breathe in thru your nostrils so not to easily get tired.
*  Do bring and apply sunblock. Heat can burn skin.
*  Bring light pack during the island hopping.  Use water-proof bags.
*  Wear something to cover your head from the sun like wide-brimmed hats, caps, or shawls.
*  Take bottled mineral water for extra precaution on water.
*  Wear eye protection like sunglasses.
*  Just wear swimming attire.
*  Bring extra dried clothes or towel to dry-up.
*  Wear lip-balms to avoid lips from cracking.
*  Snorkel or kayak with a buddy.
*  Dispose wastes properly.