Thursday, April 18, 2013

The Pristine Lake of Kayangan

Coron trip
[Feb.26-28, 2013]
This clandestine gem was so worth the trek. 
Well, for us, a great adventure always comes with a tiny bit of drama. Just a tad of drama so to say.
We could say we have gotten used to this little 'delays', because we never miss out on them in all of our trips.
So, this was our second day in Coron, Palawan and we were so excited to finally see everything about this place. This day was solely scheduled for island hopping in our exclusive boat. We were on a budget trip but we were not really willing to share our boat with others so we can go to as many destinations in our own time. We even wanted to start as early as 7am, but the coordinator of our trip suggested that we go by 9am. They said they still have to cook our food. Okay then!When we got to the port, we met with our guide, had our life vests on and met our very kind-hearted boatman who even lead us in prayer. Weee! Our excitement was way over the top! To the islands we go!!! Aaaaaaaaand............ suddenly the boat's engine did not start. Our old boatman, pulled the trigger harder the second time. Aaaaaaand..still nothing happened.Three to four other men went near our boat and helped the old man's boat to start. After several attempts, they informed us that the boat's battery was the problem. Hmm...alright, then let's replace the battery! The old man's son was asked to run and buy a new one. So we waited, at the same time we reminded ourselves that it's gonna be fine. Everything will work out well as it should. After what seemed like forever of waiting, this boy came back and talked to the old man's wife who was at the port. It turns out, a new battery would cost as much as 3k up if I'm not mistaken. Woah! So what now?????!!!! My friend and I were definitely running out of our precious time, the very little time that we have left in Coron. And of course...we were running out of patience. I was not going to sit and wait anymore, so I said, calmly, of course, can we just transfer to another boat? I explained to all of them our sentiments of having so little time in Coron that we wanted to make every minute count. Thank heavens these people were very good-hearted, they kept apologizing for all the inconvenience and finally agreed to let go of what was suppose to be their profit for the day. They gladly referred us to another boat. They even bought us some snacks to make up for the "almost" 2 hours that we lost. Yes, it was nearly 10am! Imagine our anxiety, regret and frustration.
 Anyhow, here we are, on our way to our first destination. Our original itinerary included Banana and Malcapuya Island in the morning and Coron Loop in the afternoon. But that's not going to happen now, is it?! All I requested...no...begged... was to be able to go to Kayangan Lake. So here we are..
 Pose and smile as if nothing happened. We were just so relieved that we are moving already.

 After all of the sadness soon comes happiness.....when we got to this area, it was like all of our negative vibes flew away. This is so beautiful!!
 This was actually nearing the entrance/docking port of Kayangan Lake. But would you look at that view!
 Takes your breath away!
When we go to the port, we were told that the lake was a few minutes of trek away. We had to leave the boat and trek our way to one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines. They say, if you have not gone to this place, then you have never gone to Coron. Who wouldn't want to miss this place anyway?!
 After the knee-shaking trek of going uphill and downhill several times, we now have a glimpse of the magnificent Kayangan Lake. What they say is true, the water is crystal clear.
It has a certain calmness about it that as soon as you dip your toes in its cold brackish water, you feel all your worries subside. Everything about this place is a cure for the soul. 


 As soon as I had my life vest and snorkel and mask on, I immediately hit the water.
It was deep indeed but because it is so clean and pure, you can clearly see the bottom and all the little fishes swimming around. 
 We enjoyed every single minute swimming in the lake's refreshing cold water.
 We felt like our souls were cleansed and washed anew. We are humbled yet again by the wonders of God's creations. 'Til then Kayangan Lake!
 On our way back, we had to pass by this viewing deck. This is not actually the view of the Lake, rather this is the view of the area where the boats are docked.
This turned out to be the most photographed location in Coron. 
A souvenir photo for myself..fail. More like a silhouette. Who cares!I was here! Lol!
 A huge map of Coron behind us...
Back to the boat and off we go to our next destination: Pass Island.
Not Banana, nor Malcapuya Island. Find out why in my next post =)

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