Magalawa Island, Palauig, Zambales

I researched for weeks, read blogs, browsed throughout the internet - and all I read was that Magalawa Island is a nice place to visit... quoting bloggers' words "its all worth it". I even learned of the story of the two rival resorts: Ruiz Camp Resort vs. Armada Resort. Plus photos from Google were aaamazing.

Oh well. Those blogs were 90% of the reasons we decided to go to Magalawa Island.

So we planned to go one weekend, fixed our budget and packed our bags. We opted to stay at Ruiz Camp Resort because we cannot contact Armada Resort (no one is answering their cellphone). Its a good thing though, we got the best service from Ruiz Camp Resort.

Our expenses were (for 8 pax):

Gas - P 1,425 (we brought our own car)

Toll - P 816 (round trip)

Parking - P 200 (parking for Ruiz Resort looks safer than Armada's, there is a guard at the entrance of the compound)

Accommodation - P 1,700 per head for nipa hut (4 pax)

                                  P 1,400 per head for tent pitching (4 pax, we brought our own tent)

Included in this package are:

- 5 mins. boat ride from Luan Port (priced at P 100/head but this is free if you will get the package)

- 4 meals (this is supposed to be Lunch-Dinner-Breakfast-Lunch, but we arrived too early at the island and they let us eat breakfast instead of the lunch meal for the next day)

- Snorkeling

Ruiz Camp Resort personnel and caretaker (Mang Mulo) are veryyy accommodating. I salute you guys! They always serve our meals on time, and every meal there are 3 types of dishes. Even after our snorkeling, they never failed. Its as if they know when we are hungry. LOL.

The beach however, is a different story.

The sand, yes, that's cool. Different from other parts of Zambales which are mostly grey. But the beach itself is MEH.

I don't know if those are called plants or seaweeds but they are yuckyyy.. They even have mold-like thingies on the leaves. They are all over the place. I'm not sure though if these are seasonal, we might have gone there at the wrong season. ITS EVERYWHERE! I guess its because of the lack of waves and movement at the shore. But I still think this could be fixed. The locals could clean this up with a net or whatever, just so as to lessen (if not eliminate) those leaves. Hindi naman ako maarte, kadiri lang talaga yung molds sa dahon. I didn't even dare to cross the deeper part of the sea to get on to the balsa, I was so scared I could step on something deadly.

But Magalawa Island is photogenic. That I can say. We managed to still capture its beauty somehow. Its white sand and its perfect blue green waters.

I'm sorry to say this. I honestly think the island is a bit overrated. No offense. I'm just letting this out for future travelers out there. If you are bringing kids, or love to swim - this island is not for you. Yes, it could be worth it. It is budget friendly, 2k per head. But make sure you bring with you a fun company, you would be dead bored if you wouldn't. Or you might be stung by a jellyfish if you'd insist on swimming.

But in case you still want to experience camping at a budget-friendly price here in Magalawa, I strongly suggest you go with Ruiz Camp Resort.

It could have been better. I just hope the locals in that area would help clean up the shore. I know its not their fault, but they earn from tourism over there, they could at least try. #justsaying

The Island of Coron, Palawan

Recently named the best island in the World, Palawan is truly a majestic place to travel to. Compared to other islands I've been to, the islands in Coron are never too crowded - maybe because there are a lot of places to go to. You will never run out of places to visit. "So many things to do, so little time!" Which is why it will be worth it coming back to this piece of earth to find serenity and peace.

Our first adventure: We climbed Mt. Tapyas and its 700++ steps to view the spectacular sunset. There were resting spots in between where you can stop, sit, and take a deep breath. Don't forget to bring water because I swear, its super tiring! I almost didn't make it on top. LOL!

 After that tiring hike to Mt. Tapyas, relax yourself at the Maquinit Hot Spring for a P200 fee per pax. You won't feel sore the next day if you do this. Natural hot springs are the best.

The next day, we took a boat ride to go to Kayangan Lake - known as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. True to its reputation, it is clean. You have to hike a pile of rock stairs to get to the lake though.

It is most beautiful in the morning. You can take the best picture during that time since there are only a few people, it gets a little crowded after 10 AM.

Fish feeding and snorkeling. There is a spot where you can see a sunken Japanese Warship under water. It's so creepy it feels like the ship from Pirates of the Caribbean, goosebumps!

Another hike to Barracuda Lake.

By the way, you have to pay Php 50 per pax for each of the spots you will visit. I know, I know, a bit pricey if you will visit 5 or more islands. I hope Coron will give tourists packages that pays for the whole thing and make it a little hassle-free.

For your Coron island hopping, you may contact Mr. Marvin Tayco (boat owner) at 0915-611-1974 or 0998-163-2539. They offered us an affordable rate for four and prepared a yummy lunch for us. One of the boatman went with us as our tour guide.

We stayed at Coron Westown Resort. Spacious and cozy rooms, staff were accommodating and ok. I love their bathroom, it is sooo big! Choose rooms beside the pool on the ground floor for easy access.

Travel light if you can. There are no scanners in Coron's airport so they look at your bags manually.

Ooohh I love Palawan! :) Definitely going back, for the beaches next time.