Mt. Tapyas is the second tallest mountain and one of the most important land features in Coron, Palawan being 210 meters above sea level. According to Hilbert Enriquez, VP of the Calamianes Association of Tourism Establishments, it's considered as one of the historical sites because during World War II, this served as the watch tower for the Japanese. They have soldiers to watch for US ships searching for them after they fled from Corregidor. Climbing up and down requires 721 cemented steps.It was said that a huge Jesus Christ statue resembling of that in Brazil's Christ the Redeemer was planned to be constructed there. A modest construction was made instead where visitors can rest, walk around and enjoy the amazing over-looking scenarios.
The greeneries of the mountain range and paths are breath-taking. Atop the mountain is the huge cross overseeing the entire poblacion. At the left side, you can see the Kayangan Lake, Twin Peaks and Lagoon, and Siete Piccados. On the right is the Calamianes group of islands.
ITINERARY
04:30 AM - 05:00 AM : Get Ready/Fetch-up by Tricycle/ETD Balai Binda
"Our group was so excited preparing for the next agenda. We were told to ready our thighs and legs for it because we will do one heck of a climb. City girls like us are not used to this kind of activity but hey we're up to the challenge. We wouldn't want to miss this beautiful spot. I got my things ready. Our tour guide and the tricycle came to fetch us. The weather was so nice. Just cool and fresh."
05:00 AM - 05:30 AM : ETA San Agustin St./ Quick "rice porridge" breakfast
"We stopped by a rice porridge "lugawan" store and there ate a quick breakfast. I love lugaw. It was good to warm our tummies. After 15 minutes, we arrived at the footage of the climb in San Agustin. Upon seeing the stairs, we were looking at each other with questions in our eyes. hahaha."
05:30 AM - 06:30 AM : Start Climb/ Rests/ ETA Peak of Mt. Tapyas/ Photoshoot in motion
"We began our climb slowly. The tour guide, was so cool to tell us the history of the Mount. It seemed easy for him to climb-up while we were panting already. We were wise enough to rest whenever we can. It's not about the speed anyway. We have to watch over each other's health too. But I love the climb. I was sweating hard, my thighs and legs hardened. It was good for the heart. Of course, we had taken our memories together."
06:30 AM - 07:00 AM : Just rest at the peak
"After an hour, we arrived the peak. It was heavenly. Seeing the sunset was perfect. We were amazed. Our tiresomeness was gone. How miraculous it is. Mindset is powerful. We had a relaxed ourselves there and just breathe-in the fresh air of the mountain. I believe it heals. "
HOW TO GET THERE
From ANY part of Coron town, just take a tricycle for P10 per head.
From the Airport, take the shuttle for P150. Look for Malvar St. Landmark is Iglesia ni Kristo.
SMART GUIDE & TIPS
Breathe-in thru your nostrils not mouth.
Climb at your own speed.
Rest if you must.
Listen to your tour guide to enjoy the history.
Do some warm-ups.
Wear light and carry light bag (preferably only for camera and some cash).
Bring bottled water to replenish thirst.
No special shoes is required. Just wear comfy shoes.
Wear shades or caps to protect you from the heat.
Bring extra small towel to wipe sweat.
