Palawan: Malcapuya Island, Pass Island and Banul Beach

While Coron, Palawan may not be as popular as Boracay or Cebu as a summer destination, it is quickly becoming famous and with good reason. Its white sandy beaches and clear blue seas are probably one of the most beautiful in the world. The fact that it isn't as commercialized or crowded with tourists, only adds to the serene experience of being in a place relatively untouched by modernization.

                 

                                                                   Malcapuya Beach.

Coron is perfect for those who just want lay down at the beach and just chill. It can also be enjoyed by those who want swim in very blue, crystal clear waters - I swear, the water was so clean, it was almost glass-like! There are no bars and restaurants here, just time to relax and be one with nature.

Ocean meets the sky. View on the boat while island hopping.

Our stay in Coron Village Lodge included packed lunches as part of our tour itinerary. When I heard the "packed lunch" I immediately imagined Styrofoam containers with rice and the usual viands. So imagine my delight when I saw that packed lunch actually meant lunch buffet packed in plastic containers. There was sooo much food and a healthy variety of meat, veggies and seafood! Yum! :) 

There's supposedly a sandbar (strip of sand surrounded by two water on two sides) on Malcapuya Island. But at the time that we were there, it was low tide (I think?) so there was no sandbar. The walk to the place was scenic though.

Rocks instead of sand on the beach! Still pretty though.

I was intrigued by this tree that grew on the shore of the beach because of the shape of its roots. 

Where the sandbar is supposed to be, but alas, it is nowhere to be seen.

A sand dollar! So pretty and delicate! After doing some google-ing, contrary to popular belief that sand dollars are similar to shells or corrals, a sand dollar is actually a living creature in the same family as starfishes and sea cucumbers.

Pass Island

Frisbee at Pass Island. The receptionist at our hotel told us that Pass Island is known for its activities like banana boat and helmet diving. But when we went there, we didn't see any of these. (Maybe it was because it was drizzling?). Oh well, frisbee was fun anyway. 

Starfishes at Pass Island! Disclaimer: my friend arranged the starfishes to be all in a row.

Banul beach

Banul beach was our last destination before leaving Palawan on the same day. This picture was taken very early in the morning (around 8 am?) that's why it looks a bit dreary, but I think at a later time the beach would be more summery. Also I saw a picture of Banul beach where cherry blossoms were blooming on the trees. I think this happens during summer. Imagine that, cherry blossoms on the beach.