Coron is cool!

We had out last summer holiday last may 30 in Palawan. Given only two whole days to explore our island, we managed to fit in a safari and an unforgettable experience on our own private island. Being the OC mother that I am when traveling with Caelum, I spent some nights sleeping at 2 or 3 in the morning researching on where to go and what to do. This post will then be about the choices I made and some tips on traveling with a preschooler. :o)

1. HOME- our home for 3 days and 2 nights was El Rio y Mar. It is situated on an island rich with marine life generous with mountain views and clear blue waters.

Traveling with Caelum proves to be a daunting task what with all the equipment he needs (sterilizer, yes I still bring this and yes he still uses the bottle BUT with sippy spouts. his formula, accessories you might think are added luggage but essential for him: SPF, mosquito repellent lotion, raincoat, security pillow, the list is endless) Back to the first choice... maybe with Blue we could've taken the cheaper alternative and stayed at 1500 peso a night accommodations, but Caelum does have some needs. So El Rio it was. Home was our own cedar cabin with a spacious walk in closet, equally roomy bathroom (without the tub), 2 twins to make a king bed, plus a pull out bed supposedly for Caelum. Very pretty indeed with high ceilings, a ref, tv (without cable) and dvd player, coffee/tea facilities, and tiny A/C that one afternoon was not enough to cool the entire cabin. The resort's center is the infinity pool which was remarkably clean. I was happy to note that it had a wading pool for children which was spacious enough for Caelum to splash in. It sits right next to the resort's only restaurant where they serve ALL meals (no room service I surmised). Accommodations for 2 adults and 1 child for 2 nights was Php23000. This includes transportation from the airport to the resort as well as full-board meals (3 meals) and welcome drinks. Servings at the restaurant are huuuuge too.
Palawan is clean and green, and friendly to mama earth. Jetskiing was disallowed since it was not enviro-friendly with its gas emissions and possible collisions with corals. Our cabin used solar panels instead of electric heaters and lighting was aided by lots of windows for sunlight to stream in. Animals abound not only in the water but also IN the cabin (moths, thankfully no mosquitoes, the occasional ceiling lizard) and right outside it (birds, a monitor lizard near the trees).
The staff are friendly and courteous though some were too shy... although most are willing to help with a smile. They also offer water sports and activities such as windsurfing, banana boat, wakeboarding, and island hopping. We had a lovely Kayak ride where I saw some sea urchins, jumping fish, corals, and unique jellyfish creatures. I skeptically signed us up for the Calauit Island Tour thinking Caelum wouldn't get too excited with animals since he preferred transportation (boating, riding something) over wildlife. Thankfully, it turned out to be a memorable experience. :)

2. AIRLINE- Thinking it would be more convenient for El Rio y Mar to arrange our flight, I happily let them book for us with SeaAir. Unfortunately, I did not foresee the hassle they were going to give us by bumping our departing flight from 7:10 AM to 11:30 AM. Also, they mysteriously moved our return flight from 2:40 to 1:30 PM. These really were an inconvenience since we had less time to explore and enjoy! Presently, I see no other alternative since Asian Spirit flights arrive at weird times as well. Bummer!

3. ACTIVITIES
a. swimming- Caelum is a water baby. He was ecstatic the moment he dipped his toe in the pool. Kudos to El Rio for having a nice pool, maintained well, and as I said with ample space for the waders.
b. Calauit Island Tour- for US$48 per person, you can feed giraffes, see zebras, deer, and other animals freely roaming this wildlife reserve. Takes about 90 minutes for the boat ride but worth the trip.
c. kayaking- clear blue waters let you see corals and marine life while you row
d. island hopping- in our case, one island hop. Isla Walang Lang-aw (island without trees) is tiny, uninhabited, shell/stone abounding, beautiful island, naturally available for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. We had a great time exploring its sides and secrets.

VERDICT:
1. good choice in 1 and 3, choose better with 2 next time.
2. 3 days is NOT ENOUGH to explore Coron. Gee, we didn't even get to go to the city. Only means of transportation is by boat which takes long so book at least 5 days.

TIPS:
1. bring sunscreen and especially BUG LOTION and pajamas and long sleeves for night time. Mosquitoes are HUGE and shamelessly bite you on any exposed area. Good thing we brought our special scent-free bug lotion.
2. bring mineral water, squeeze it wherever you can in your luggage. 1 VIVA mineral water cost Php 110. So, stock up. Can't blame 'em though since everything, I mean EVERYTHING must've been brought in through banca.
3. have snacks and drinks on hand (better bring baon)
4. bring an umbrella or a raincoat (weather is weird)
5. bring your underwater camera and adapters (for outlets)