The most beautiful natural sites to discover Mimaropa

It is a long white sand beach quickly accessible from the center of El Nido, by tricycle or even on foot. There are a lot of boats and swimming is not ideal, especially at low tide, but people come here mostly for the beautiful sunsets, the picturesque view of the surrounding islands and its length, more than 600 meters, is conducive to a pleasant stroll. However, several restaurants, bars and hotels have settled along the beach. It remains a beautiful beach where it is interesting to make a stop.

It can be reached in five minutes from the centre of the city. Tables and benches are installed for picnic. It is a superb beach of fine sand, ideal for bathing or snorkeling.

The main reason travelers come to Coron (Busuanga) is to discover the surrounding islands, such as Coron Island, considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines (would it be an exaggeration to say in the world? We'll let you be the judge). Between lagoons, lakes, turquoise waters and karst cliffs, the landscapes are majestic and of rare beauty. The most beautiful sites open to the public are the Small and Big Lagoon (Twin Lagoon). The water is cold on the surface, but warm at depth due to the presence of numerous underwater hot springs. Snorkelers can set their sights on the Siete Pecados spot (100 PHP entrance fee). Beautiful coral and plenty of fish. One of the region's major attractions are the crystal-clear lakes of Barracuda and Kayangan. Barracuda is an excellent site for scuba diving and snorkeling - you can expect to see... barracudas, of course! Admission costs 150 PHP. To get to Kayangan, it's a bit of a climb, but you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Coron Bay. And the water is unbelievably pure - it's said to be the cleanest lake in the country. A magical site. The other lakes are off-limits to visitors, out of respect for the indigenous Tagbanua tribes who live on Coron. For snorkeling, we recommend Balinsasayaw Reef, a spot where you can observe magnificent corals and a host of multicolored fish, including clownfish playing in their anemones. A magical place.

As in El Nido, island hopping is the best way to see as many sites as possible in a single day. All hotels and agencies in Coron offer them. These group tours last around 8 hours and include lunch, entrance fees to the sites and transfer from the hotel. The tours are fixed; here are a few examples:

The Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour: the most comprehensive, we'll see the seven most beautiful sites: Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Peaks Coral Garden, Beach 91, Balinsasayaw Reef, CYC Beach and Twin Lagoon. Approx. PHP 1,800.

Coron Island Ultimate Tour C : Siete Pecados, Kayangan Lake, Skeleton Wreck, white sand beach (Banol, Atwayan, Smith or Beach 91), Twin Lagoon, Coral Garden and Cyc Beac. Approx. PHP 1,700.

Coron Tour B: Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, a white-sand beach (Banol, Atwayan, Smith or Beach 91), Skeleton Wreck and Reef Garden. Approx. PHP 1,400.

Please note. All the boats leave at the same time in the morning, and we regret the crowds at the sites, although we understand them (we come to Coron mainly for island hopping). Rest assured, however, that the crowds in no way detract from the spectacular beauty of the scenery and the magic of the experience.

For greater peace of mind, autonomy and flexibility in choosing which sites to visit,opts for a private boat tour. Approx. PHP 4,000/person. This also allows you to request an early morning departure and avoid the crowds at the sites.

Smart tip : all agencies in Coron Town offer roughly the same services, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices a little. Another tip is to bring your own mask and snorkel (rental available), as well as a waterproof pouch to carry your phone to the various sites. Last but not least, protect yourself from the sun if you don't want to end up a crayfish at the end of the day.

Classified by Unesco, the Apo Reef is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world (after the barrier reef in Australia) and the largest in the Philippines. It is to dive in the heart of this magnificent natural park that one goes to Sablayan essentially. The reef consists of three islets, Apo Island, Apo Manor and Cayos del Bajo, surrounded by white sand beaches. On Apo Island, a lighthouse offers a 360 degree view, it is superb. Nearly 400 species of fish including sharks, manta rays and giant napoleons - one of the largest fish, which can reach 2 meters, live more than 30 years and is part of those fish that change sex during their life, they are born female before becoming for some males. But also, there are more than 200 species of corals that inhabit these dizzying seabeds. Located at 34 kilometers from Sablayan, it takes about two hours by banca to reach Apo Reef. Since Apo Reef is very exposed to the weather, it is sometimes impossible to get there, especially during the rainy season. Therefore, prefer the season from October to May. If the reef is renowned among divers as one of the most beautiful dive sites in the country. Apo Reef is also a natural paradise for all others, as walking on the white sandy beaches of Apo Island, watching the birds, climbing the lighthouse, swimming in the crystal clear waters or kayaking are all forms of enchantment.

These islands are an ideal place for a day trip. The bay is located in Santa Lourdes (Tagburos), on the east coast of Palawan, 10 km from the capital's docks, and is made up of several islets with outcropping reefs bordering beautiful beaches, favorite spots for swimmers and divers. These lands are called Cowrie Island (shells); Bat Island, home to bats that hang in the mangroves; Lu-Li Island, visible only at low tide (derived from lulubog-lilitaw meaning "floating" and "sinking"); Meara Island, a peaceful private island; Starfish Sandbar Resort, known for its white sandbar and clear waters with starfish (you can camp there if you have your own equipment); Snake Island and its long stretch of white sand in the shape of a snake; Pandan Island with its white sand and coral reefs; Senorita Island, a place where lapu-lapu fish are bred; Arrecife Island, with its white sand and luxury hotel (the Dos Palmas Island Resort).

Getting there. Jeepneys and tricycles run the Puerto Princesa-Tagburos route daily (40 minutes). At the Santa Lourdes de Tagburos port (10 km north of Puerto Princesa), fishermen rent their motorboats for islandhopping. The nearest one can be reached in 30 minutes. All travel agencies in Puerto Princesa also organize day trips to Honda Bay: it's not expensive and everything is included!

Nagtabon Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand, more than 800 meters long and surrounded by crystal clear waters. It is located at one hour drive from Puerto Princesa. Still preserved from the influx of tourists, it reigns there a certain softness of life which invites to the relaxation and the contemplation. That of marvelous sunsets, for example. Be careful between October and February, the waves are too strong but otherwise it is possible to swim and surf. A camping site is not far away for those who want to prolong the pleasure.

Its rich forest and splendid views of El Nido sunsets characterize it. The island of Lagen is home to a trail that leads across the island: you can see varans, macaques and snakes! It is also an island of majestic calaos.

It has many small bays along its coral-lined coastline, including Calmung bay in the East. There are good spots throughout the coast for snorkeling. You can also venture to Secret Beach, a beach that you can only swim through through a hole in the cliff: careful attention to the rise of water.

It is considered a real paradise. Two huge rocks climb the guard on each side of the island, crowned with palm trees and tropical plants that adorn a beautiful beach.

This beautiful island offers visitors a short walk to reach a beautiful point of view. Birds can be observed early in the morning or late in the day. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and it is an area suitable for snorkeling.

The main characteristic of this mushroom-shaped island lies in its cave, which turns into a cathedral and is illuminated by its breakthrough nave.

Its coral gardens are among the most beautiful in the vicinity of Palawan and make it one of the divers'favourite destinations. In the mysterious cave of the Palace of Neptune to the west of the island, stalagmites and stalactites parallel other strange formations.

Its deep coastline leads to remarkable inner lagoons, often accessible only by boat. You can reach the famous Small lagoon only by swimming or kayaking. It is surrounded by cliffs interspersed with vegetation, while changing in almost artificial waters. The entrance to the Big Lagoon is very impressive: The waters are very shallow, once inside, the depth gives this time a deep green colour to this almost perfect circle surrounded by cliffs. This island is an inescapable one.

It is the largest and highest island in the archipelago of Bacuit, with a peak of 600 m. It hides a lagoon behind its lush vegetation. it is a place known for snorkeling. A confetti that looks like paradise.

It serves as a shelter for boats during inclement weather. The bay is very colourful with all the bancas on the beach.

It is called the island of romance for its perfect beach, idyllic sunsets and colourful marine life along the coral reef.

Seen from the sky, it looks like a louche; it is one of the pleasant stops during navigation between islands of the archipelago. It is also a popular spot for divers.

At 31 meters high, it is the highest waterfall in the province, in Vilaflor, on the road that leads to Calapan (15 km from downtown Puerto Galera). This series of small waterfalls flows into a natural pool where a bath is very invigorating. The environment and the views are worth the detour, especially during the week when the place is deserted. The falls are named after the tamaraw, the iconic dwarf buffalo endemic to Mindoro Island. It is highly threatened with extinction, today only a few hundred individuals remain.

It offers a well-located beach near a reef suitable for snorkeling. In the north-west of the island lies the picturesque bay of Binangculan, with its green beach. It is one of the best diving sites around El Nido. Turtles and barracuda often show it.

The beaches are confined to the west of the island. Some of them are equipped with very quiet and charming resorts, in a traditional style. Small hotels are gradually being built. The most popular beaches are located after San Pedro, like Ginablan. The most beautiful beach of Romblon, Bon Bon Beach, stretches like a ribbon of sand in the middle of crystal clear waters, it is magnificent, with its immaculate white sand. Very little frequented because of its isolation, it is located back from the road, about 3 km from downtown (barangay Suwa).