Download PDF - Oyster News 66 - Oyster Yachts

Coron
On arrival in Coron we left the province of Visayas. Coron Island is part of the Calamian
Group and offers similar beauty to the neighbouring world-renowned Palawan, for its
vertical limestone formations - although the Corons’ are more concentrated and on a
much smaller scale.
The entrance to our anchorage was very adventurous. Between precipitously sloped
limestone rocks and water varying in different blue to turquoise colours, we found just
enough water to get Moana into the small space. We were in the midst of a stony upright
surrounding! Due to the limestone bottom the anchor would not dig in, so Moana was held
only by the weight of anchor and chain. At that time of the year, the weather conditions were
moderate so we had no concerns. The place was idyllic, impressive and quiet and we
enjoyed the very clear and clean water in this Philippine fjord!
"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, keep nothing but memories, kill
nothing but time" a sign said before we climbed up the stairs to Kayangan Lake. After a rise
and a descent we reached the clear freshwater lake with its three arms nestled into the
limestone of Coron Island. The steep, sharp-edged rock walls are reflected in the clear plain
water. We paddled along the shore of this lake that lays 80 metres above sea level.
We experienced the scenery of Kayangan as sole visitors, the silence was only interrupted
by the humming of our kayak pilot.
Back at sea level we found out that this lake and its surroundings still belong to the
Tagbanuas tribe and therefore is custom ground. All income goes directly to the Tagbanuas.
Even with some income these people live a very simple life. Their houses are built directly on
shore, on stilts and have no flowing water or electricity. They gain additional income by
collecting swallows’ nests. The soup made in Chinese restaurants from these nests is a
delicacy. To prepare one soup requires about 300 nests! The nest contains a protein which is
the main ingredient of the soup. Of course, to collect the nest is not easy. The swallows build
their nests in inaccessible caves on vertical face walls. But Tagbanuas set up a bamboo
construction and climb up into the heights of the cave to get their prize. Back in Europe any
health and safety man would have a stroke from this vibrating, unsecure construction without
any safety measures. What an indescribable endeavour to get some pesos. >
ABOVE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Beautiful limestone formations of Coron
Fishing boats of Boracays’ white beach
Diving in Malapascua
The local children in Sibuyan
Our transport in Sibuyan
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