Exploring Mt Tapyas & Maquinit Hot Spring in Coron, Palawan

As part of our trip to the Philippines for TBEX, we were invited on a press trip to Coron, Palawan by the Tourism and Promotions Board, Philippines. If you’re unsure on what TBEX is, read up on our first experience and thoughts on whether you should go too.

Every time we mentioned we were going to Coron, everyone gasped with excitement for us 😍

We vlogged our daily experiences whilst in the Philippines, this post focuses on our hike up Mt Tapyas, soaking in the Maquinit Hot Spring and exploring Coron town with a one night stay at The Funny Lion.

After a quick flight with Cebu Pacific Air from Manila to Busuanga Airport, we were greeted with a refreshing cucumber drink by the friendly staff at The Funny Lion. Even though we only stayed one night, we absolutely loved the aesthetics and quality of the service of the hotel. Plus that infinity pool was so inviting 😍

I had my first experience eating Lato Salad (sea grapes) and I’ve never tried anything like that in my life. I’m sad that I won’t be able to eat it again until our next visit to the Philippines…

I’ll come back for you Lato salad 💖

After a healthy lunch, we climbed 721 steps up Mt Tapyas which lead to an amazing view of Coron and the other islands, which we would later visit on our island hopping tour.

From sweating it out in the heat, we drove 20 minutes to Maquinit Hot Spring. I’m not sure about you, but after hiking in the heat, the last thing on my mind was taking a hot bath; but it was actually quite refreshing! The salt water is actually really good for you and you can just dip in and relax with the cute scenery of the fairy lights in the trees. I’d probably suggest visiting in the evening though, as I’m still not sure about taking a bath in the midday heat.

When driving through Coron town, we saw an insight of the lifestyle and culture of the town, which really caught our eyes photogenically. There was so much noise, colour and activity all happening at once, I’m pretty sure we had our cameras pointing in all directions!

Taken out of the back of the car – eagerly trying to get a shot of the town. I didn’t realise we were about to stop in the next ten minutes.

Before heading back to The Funny Lion to catch up on some sleep, we had a feast at Santino’s Grill restaurant. If you’re ever in Coron, I’d consider putting this on your list, as it’s a great local recommendation as a place to eat. I spoke to our driver and he mentioned that when his brother’s in Coron, they always end up going there to eat — so if you needed the seal of approval, there it is!

We’d like to thank Tourism Promotions Board of Philippines and TBEX for arranging our trip. We felt that we really had a true experience of Coron and what it has to offer. I hope you enjoyed reading this post and watching our vlog experiencing Northern Palawan.

Catch up our next post about our island hopping experience and how we fell even more in love with the Philippines. We captured some beautiful photos of crystal clear lakes and snorkelled our way on islands 🚤🌴

Our first experience at TBEX

Attending TBEX Asia 2016 in the Philippines was the best decision we've made this year! Read about our incredible experience, including inspirational people we met and the amazing hospitality of the Philippines!

Pre-BEX tour: Photowalk in Intramuros

Follow our photowalk around the most historic and photogenic part of Intramuros, Manila; through Muralla Street towards Baluarte De San Diego and San Augustin Church.

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