lakwatsa

It’s been a long time since I wanted to visit Coron, it’s only now that I got the chance to do so. I was so excited that I packed my things few days prior and make sure that all my photography equipment is in camera bag. However, we arrived late at the airport and we missed our flight sched. Very unlucky for us because Cebu Pacific only serves 1 flight to Busuanga per day. So we need to rebook to next day’s flight. This should serve as a lesson to travelers particularly to those first time plane passengers. Don’t follow 1 hour before flight, follow 2 hours prior flight to be safe. Hehe.

Day 1

Going to Coron is easy. Just take a plane heading to Busuanga and from Busuanga (Francisco Reyes Airport) , there’s a lot of Van there waiting to drop you off Coron Town proper. In town, there’s a lot of place to stay which offers different amenities and package suited for different kinds people and budget. Most of them is only walk-distance from each other. However, I suggest that you research or browse the internet first few days before heading to Coron on places to stay or visit so your precious time will not be wasted in deciding place to lodge in. There’s a lot of blogs out there regarding Coron. Else, you will also find few travel and tours shop along Coron Town national highway. Coron Town is so small that you can explore the place by foot in few minutes. So no need to worry much about places to stay, restaurant, bank, market, souvenir shop, etc…

Krystal Lodge

Of all the places I’ve searched on the web, Krystal Lodge is the one that caught my attention. Not to mention that two of my die-hard-traveler friends stayed here. So I guess, they have reasons and it’s for me to find out why. Hehehe.

At first, I’m kinda hesitant to go here judging the entrance itself. I’ve been travelling a lot and used to “good to the eye” accomodation. I thought it’s not nice to pass thru the houses of local Coron villagers. But I was wrong. Sometimes, first impression is nothing if you don’t give yourself a chance of rational thinking.

The owner is very nice and kinda wondering what the hell I’m doing there (in a good way.. hehehe). All rooms except for one are all occupied by foreigners. And most of the time, her customers are foreigners who really appreciates the place better than Filipinos do. When she showed me the room/cottage, it was love at first sight. There’s no TV nor aircondition but it’s really cool in the area. Fresh sea breeze is what you paid for here. Rooms are fresh and clean. Ambience is nice. Rate is so cheap. Water supply 24 hrs. The owner is one of the nicest person I’ve met in my whole life.

The only downside I see here in Krystal Lodge is they don’t offer food. So you need to go out everytime you wants to eat but I don’t see it as a major problem because there’s a lot of restaurant outside. 3-5 minute walk will give you the following restaurant:

– Amphibiko (Arrggg I forgot the exact name) – Japanese food
– Bistro – European/Italian food
– Nonoy’s – Filipino food
– others….

One of the best photos I took in my entire life was shot during my stay here in Krystal Lodge. As a photographer, I’m not expecting to have a good sunset view here but to my surprise, God gave me a chance to appreciate sunset in Coron. Sometimes, one or few photos is enough to make your travel worthy.

Krystal Lodge at night

Will I be back ? Definitely… as this time of writing, I’ve been browsing Cebu Pacific’s flight and my schedule. Hehehe…

Will I recommend this place to stay in Coron? – Well, it’s a matter of preference. If you like city comforts like aircondition, tv, hot and cold shower then this place is not for you. In my case, I love close to nature experience when I travel and Krystal Lodge answer my needs. Sea breeze, above water accomodation is kinda rare. I enjoyed my stay here and the owner is really nice. Oh, by the way, they have free wifi and too bad I didn’t bring a laptop during my stay.

Tips: Find the cheapest place you can find in Coron because the main dish here is Island Hopping. Going to islands will eat almost your entire day so staying in expensive lodge/hotel/ or resort is kinda not practical unless you can afford it.

Krystal Lodge
Mobile: 09282252090 / 09284108074
Telefax: 02-4536343
e-mail: raymondlangit@gmail.com