Imagine swimming in a lake so clear that you can see the bottom, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery. Imagine hiking up a trail to a viewpoint that offers a stunning panorama of the lake and the sea. Imagine exploring a hidden cave that reveals a glimpse of the ancient culture and history of the island. This is not a fantasy, this is Kayangan Lake, one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Coron, Palawan, Philippines.
Kayangan Lake is a natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is also one of the cleanest lakes in Asia, with crystal clear water and underwater rock formations. Kayangan Lake is part of the ancestral domain of the Tagbanua tribe, the indigenous people of Coron Island, who have preserved and protected the lake for generations. Kayangan Lake is not only a place of scenic beauty, but also a place of cultural and spiritual significance.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Kayangan Lake, such as how to get there, when to visit, what to expect, and what to do. You will also discover the best tours and packages that include Kayangan Lake, and other attractions near Kayangan Lake that are worth visiting. Whether you are looking for an adventure, a relaxation, or a cultural immersion, Kayangan Lake has something for everyone.
How to Get to Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake is located on Coron Island, which is about 20 minutes away by boat from Coron Town, the main town on Busuanga Island. Coron Town is the gateway to Kayangan Lake and other attractions in Coron, Palawan.
There are several ways to get to Coron Town from Manila or other major cities in the Philippines, such as by flight, ferry, or boat. Here are the pros and cons of each option:
- Flight: This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Coron Town. There are daily flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Puerto Princesa to Busuanga Airport, which is about 40 minutes away by van from Coron Town. The flight duration is about an hour, and the fare ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 pesos, depending on the season and the airline.
- Ferry: This is a cheaper but slower way to get to Coron Town. There are ferries from Manila, El Nido, and Mindoro to Coron Port, which is about 10 minutes away by tricycle from Coron Town. The ferry duration is about 12 hours from Manila, 4 hours from El Nido, and 6 hours from Mindoro, and the fare ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 pesos, depending on the class and the company.
- Boat: This is a more adventurous but less comfortable way to get to Coron Town. There are boats from El Nido and San Vicente to Coron Town, which are usually part of island-hopping tours or expeditions. The boat duration is about 6 hours from El Nido and 8 hours from San Vicente, and the fare ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 pesos, depending on the tour or the package.
Once you reach Coron Town, you can get to Kayangan Lake by joining a group tour, hiring a private boat, or joining a Big Dream Boat Man expedition. Here are the pros and cons of each option:
- Group tour: This is the most popular and affordable way to get to Kayangan Lake. There are several island-hopping tours that include Kayangan Lake and other attractions, such as Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D. The tour duration is about 8 hours, and the price ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 pesos, depending on the tour and the inclusions. The price usually includes the boat, the guide, the lunch, the entrance fees, and the snorkeling gear.
- Private boat: This is a more flexible and personalized way to get to Kayangan Lake. You can hire a private boat from Coron Town or from any of the hotels or resorts on Busuanga Island, and customize your itinerary and schedule. The boat duration is about 20 minutes one way, and the price ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 pesos, depending on the boat size and the destinations. The price usually includes the boat, the guide, and the snorkeling gear, but not the lunch and the entrance fees.
- Big Dream Boat Man expedition: This is a more adventurous and immersive way to get to Kayangan Lake. You can join a Big Dream Boat Man expedition, which is a multi-day island-hopping adventure that includes Kayangan Lake and other attractions, as well as camping, fishing, cooking, and cultural activities. The expedition duration is from 3 to 5 days, and the price ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 pesos, depending on the package and the inclusions. The price usually includes the boat, the guide, the meals, the camping gear, the entrance fees, and the snorkeling gear.
Best Time to Visit Kayangan Lake
The best time to visit Kayangan Lake is during the dry months of November to May, when the weather is sunny and pleasant, and the water is calm and clear. This is also the peak season for tourism in Coron, Palawan, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices.
The worst time to visit Kayangan Lake is during the rainy months of June to October, when the weather is unpredictable and stormy, and the water is murky and choppy. This is also the low season for tourism in Coron, Palawan, so you can expect less crowds and lower prices.
However, no matter what time of the year you visit Kayangan Lake, you should always plan ahead and check the weather forecast before visiting. Kayangan Lake is subject to weather conditions and environmental regulations, and may be closed or restricted at any time. You should also be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and the water, and follow the safety instructions and guidelines of your guide and the authorities.
What to Expect at Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake is a place of scenic beauty and natural wonder, where you can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities. Here is what to expect at Kayangan Lake:
- The hike: To get to Kayangan Lake, you have to hike up and down a trail that is about 300 meters long and 150 steps high. The hike is moderately easy and takes about 15 minutes one way, but it can be challenging for some people, especially those with health or mobility issues. The trail is paved and well-maintained, but it can be slippery and steep at some parts, so you should wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Along the way, you can admire the views of the sea and the cliffs, and spot some wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and lizards.
- The viewpoint: At the halfway point of the hike, you will reach the famous viewpoint of Kayangan Lake, which is one of the most photographed spots in Coron, Palawan. The viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the lake and the sea, framed by the limestone cliffs and the greenery. The viewpoint is a great place to take photos and videos, but it can also be crowded and busy, so you may have to wait for your turn or share the space with other visitors. The viewpoint is also a good place to rest and catch your breath, before continuing your hike to the lake or back to the boat.
- The lake: At the end of the hike, you will reach the main attraction of Kayangan Lake, which is the lake itself. The lake is a large and deep body of water, with a surface area of about 8 hectares and a depth of about 70 meters. The lake is filled with fresh and salt water, creating a unique and diverse ecosystem. The lake is also surrounded by limestone cliffs and caves, creating a majestic and serene atmosphere. The lake is a great place to swim and snorkel, but you have to wear a life vest at all times, as the lake is deep and has strong currents. You can also explore the lake by kayak or paddle board, but you have to rent them from the vendors or bring your own. You can also relax and picnic by the lake, but you have to bring your own food and drinks, and dispose of your trash properly.
- The snorkeling: One of the best things to do at Kayangan Lake is to snorkel and see the underwater world. The water is so clear that you can see up to 10 meters deep, and you can spot various fish, corals, and rock formations. You can also see the thermocline, which is the boundary between the warm and cold water layers, creating a blurry and wavy effect. The snorkeling is suitable for beginners and experts alike, as the water is calm and shallow near the shore, and deep and challenging near the center. You can bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent them from the vendors or the tour guides. You can also join a guided snorkeling tour, where you can learn more about the marine life and the ecology of the lake.
- The cave: One of the most intriguing and mysterious attractions at Kayangan Lake is the cave that is hidden behind the cliffs. The cave is accessible by a small opening near the water level, and you have to swim or kayak to get there. The cave is dark and narrow, and you have to use a flashlight or a headlamp to see inside. The cave is also sacred and historical, as it contains some artifacts and paintings that belong to the Tagbanua tribe, who used to live and worship in the cave. The cave is a great place to explore and discover, but you have to be respectful and careful, as the cave is fragile and protected. You can also join a guided cave tour, where you can learn more about the history and the culture of the Tagbanua tribe and the lake.
Kayangan Lake Tours and Packages
If you want to visit Kayangan Lake and other attractions in Coron, Palawan, you can choose from a variety of tours and packages that suit your budget, preference, and schedule. Here are some of the best tours and packages that include Kayangan Lake:
- Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour: This is the most popular and recommended tour that includes Kayangan Lake and other attractions, such as Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Siete Pecados, Banol Beach, and Coral Garden. This tour is perfect for those who want to see the best of Coron in one day, and enjoy a mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. The tour duration is about 8 hours, and the price is 1,800 pesos per person. The price includes the boat, the guide, the lunch, the entrance fees, and the snorkeling gear.
- Private Boat Tour: This is a more flexible and personalized tour that allows you to customize your itinerary and schedule, and visit Kayangan Lake and other attractions at your own pace and preference. This tour is ideal for those who want to have more privacy and control over their trip, and avoid the crowds and the hassle of joining a group tour. The tour duration is up to you, and the price is 3,000 pesos for a small boat (up to 4 people), or 4,000 pesos for a big boat (up to 8 people). The price includes the boat, the guide, and the snorkeling gear, but not the lunch and the entrance fees.
- Big Dream Boat Man Expedition: This is a more adventurous and immersive tour that takes you on a multi-day island-hopping adventure that includes Kayangan Lake and other attractions, as well as camping, fishing, cooking, and cultural activities. This tour is suitable for those who want to have a more authentic and memorable experience, and connect with the local people and the environment. The tour duration is from 3 to 5 days, and the price is 15,000 pesos for a 3-day package, or 25,000 pesos for a 5-day package. The price includes the boat, the guide, the meals, the camping gear, the entrance fees, and the snorkeling gear.
Other Attractions Near Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake is not the only attraction that you can visit in Coron, Palawan. There are many other attractions near Kayangan Lake that are worth visiting, such as:
- Barracuda Lake: This is another lake on Coron Island that is famous for its thermocline and its barracudas. Barracuda Lake is a smaller and deeper lake than Kayangan Lake, with a surface area of about 1.5 hectares and a depth of about 40 meters. Barracuda Lake is also filled with fresh and salt water, creating a unique and diverse ecosystem. Barracuda Lake is a great place to snorkel and dive, but you have to wear a life vest at all times, as the lake is deep and has strong currents. You can also see the barracudas, which are large and predatory fish that live in the lake, but they are harmless and shy, and will not attack you unless provoked. Barracuda Lake is usually included in Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D, and the entrance fee is 200 pesos per person.
- Twin Lagoon: This is a pair of lagoons on Coron Island that are connected by a small and narrow opening under a rock. Twin Lagoon is a beautiful and serene place, where you can swim and snorkel in the turquoise water, and admire the limestone cliffs and the greenery. Twin Lagoon is also known for its thermocline and its halocline, which are the boundaries between the fresh and salt water layers, and the warm and cold water layers, creating a blurry and wavy effect. Twin Lagoon is usually included in Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D, and the entrance fee is 200 pesos per person.
- Siete Pecados: This is a group of seven small islands near Coron Town that are surrounded by coral reefs and marine life. Siete Pecados is one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Coron, Palawan, where you can see various fish, corals, and sea turtles. Siete Pecados is also a marine sanctuary, where fishing and collecting are prohibited, and where conservation and education are promoted. Siete Pecados is usually included in Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D, and the entrance fee is 100 pesos per person.
- Malcapuya Island: This is an island near Coron Island that is famous for its white sand beach and its coconut plantation. Malcapuya Island is a tropical paradise, where you can relax and sunbathe on the beach, swim and snorkel in the clear water, and enjoy the fresh coconut juice and meat. Malcapuya Island is also a good place to stay overnight, as there are cottages and tents available for rent, and there are bonfires and parties at night. Malcapuya Island is usually included in Tour A, and the entrance fee is 200 pesos per person.
Travel Tips and Advice
To make the most of your trip to Kayangan Lake and other attractions in Coron, Palawan, you should follow some travel tips and advice, such as:
- What to wear: You should wear comfortable and light clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals, as the weather is hot and humid. You should also wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun is strong and bright. You should also bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes, as you will get wet and sweaty from swimming and hiking.
- What to bring: You should bring a backpack or a dry bag, where you can store your valuables and essentials, such as your phone, camera, wallet, passport, water, snacks, and medicine. You should also bring a waterproof case or a ziplock bag, where you can protect your electronics from water damage. You should also bring some cash, as there are no ATMs or credit card machines on the islands, and you may need to pay for the entrance fees, the rentals, or the tips.
- What to avoid: You should avoid littering and polluting the lake and the islands, as they are part of the natural and cultural heritage of Coron, Palawan. You should also avoid touching or feeding the fish, corals, and animals, as they are part of the delicate and diverse ecosystem of the lake and the islands. You should also avoid being loud and disrespectful, as the lake and the islands are sacred and historical places for the Tagbanua tribe and the locals.
- What to do in case of emergencies: You should always follow the safety instructions and guidelines of your guide and the authorities, and be aware of the weather and the water conditions. You should also have a travel insurance and a medical kit, in case of accidents or injuries. You should also have the contact numbers and the addresses of the nearest hospital, police station, and embassy, in case of emergencies.
Conclusion
Kayangan Lake is a must-see attraction in Coron, Palawan, Philippines, where you can experience the beauty and the wonder of nature, culture, and adventure. Kayangan Lake is not only the cleanest lake in Asia, but also one of the most stunning and spectacular places in the world. Kayangan Lake is a place that you will never forget, and a place that you will always want to return to.
