Coron – North Cay Island Trip – March 29-30, 2008

I called this batch special batch 1. It was a special batch because this was my first time to organize a slightly relaxed trip. I also called this batch 5, just to track my total number of batch that I organized. Batch 3 & 4 haven’t happened yet, but the plan is all set to go.

This itinerary of this batch was based on the first joiner’s (Mutya’s) preference. The itinerary was created based on their travel objectives. The other joiners, Gisela and Rachel’s group, just went along the itinerary. However, the first joiners – Mutya and bf – decided to make a separate tour for themselves. And I learned this Friday – few hours before my Superferry departure. The reason was: they don’t want to be waited and be fetched when they arrive late morning in Coron.

Gisela was already at Coron on a Friday. We, with the 6 joiners, arrived Coron at 6am. Some of the joiners climbed Mt. Tapyas while others went with me to buy food in the market. At around 8am, I fetched Gisela and the other 6 joiners, and started our boat tour.

We did the usual Coron Island tour – Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, and CYC Island. Unfortunately for us, the tide was high. And we cannot swim in the hole at Twin Lagoon. So we bypassed Twin Lagoon.

After this, we went to Lusong Wreck. One thing I noticed with the weather – it was very humid. That is the reason why, the Superferry trip was smooth. There was almost no waves. So at Lusong Wreck, there was no waves and no current – very unsual for this location. And with this, I was able to capture very good underwater shots! Let this be the envy of those who went to Coron but didn’t see Lusong Wreck. It was also my first time to video the big jellyfish – too bad I forgot to take still pictures. Anyway, there’s always a next time!

After this, we went straight to North Cay Island. There was really nothing much to do there but to cook (for me), relax, eat, and take pictures of the sunset. The lodging here is much better comparing with Dibutonay Island. This island have mattress, bed sheet, pillow and blanket – complete and clean.

Because the weather was very humid, it was hot in the house. At around 3am I woke up, and decided to take a stroll outside the house. The moon was up and I can see the beach. I decided to bring out my pillow and blanket, to take a nap in the bench, and will wait for the sunrise.

During the daytime, I went around the island. We have the island for ourselves – it was just like our own private island! I did some photo shoot. And I did some snorkeling and some underwater pictures. Food was aplenty! Ahh, it was indeed a relaxing trip for me.

At around 12noon, we decided to go back to Coron town, so that the joiner would have more daytime exploring the town. At around 3pm, we were at Coron town, and checked-in at Seadive Resort.

This is also my first time to encounter such joiners. I guess they were not properly informed about the do-it-yourself style of a trip. They were some last minute pull by friend of a friend of the joiner. It was such like that because I feel they were expecting a typical luxurious package tour. At P2500/pax, this would never be a luxury trip. Relaxed yes, but luxurious no.

And I also learned from them, not to give recommendation easily. My recommendation to a good place may turn sour if not considering the personality of the joiner. It may end up offending my recommended store if my joiner is brought there. This prompt me now to check the personality of the joiners and apply necessary adjustments. And that is why now, I am putting up some articles about what to expect in my DIY Tour. There would always be new learning.

I liked this trip… the highlight was the stay at North Cay Island and the photo shot Lusong Wreck… and the special surprises… haha. Now I know how a relaxing trip feels like.

Until Next Batch! http://diycoron.wordpress.com