SkyLodge Continues to Soar Higher, Besting Some Hotels in Coron

 

Once again, in the eyes of travelers, SkyLodge has emerged among their favorite places to stay in Coron. 

 

Booking.com recognized the efforts and commendable performance of the resort by giving a Traveller Review Award certificate last January 25, 2023. Three years earlier, in January 2023, Booking.com awarded the same recognition to SkyLodge.

 

Meanwhile, last August 2, 2022, TripAdvisor named SkyLodge number seven (7) best-value resort among 273 places to stay in Coron. Likewise, Agoda granted the Golden Circle Award (2019 and 2020) to the hotels for exceeding customer satisfaction.

 

One of the reasons guests love the resort, is because it is true to its tagline, “where heaven meets the bay.” SkyLodge boasts its strategic location overlooking the grassy Mt. Tapyas and the horizon of Coron bay. During the summer solstice, one can witness stars glimmering over the place, which is best for your honeymoon getaway. When the sun rises, one can vividly see the vibrant skyline of Coron bay and Mt. Tapyas. The morning hues give you more positive and relaxing energy to start your travel on the island. After sunrise viewing, delicious breakfast buffet is served. Imagine having your meal on top of a mountain with beautiful sceneries before your eyes—that’s a real definition of a great resort! Being on top of the mountain offers a different experience to the guests. Fresh mountain air envelopes the place as bushy trees surround the hotel.

The hotel also offers more amenities that guests can utilize. SkyLodge serves almost everything you need. Aside from the well-maintained eight feet scuba diving and three feet kiddie pools, it also exhibits its mini gym. You can still get in shape and maintain your beach body while on the island. After a long day of island hopping or shipwreck diving, you can relax and rejuvenate in our saunas and massage spas. We have trained massage therapists at your service. Moreover, for karaoke lovers, we have airconditioned KTV bars suitable for your family or friends to chill out.

Guests also stay at the resort as it opened the newest chill spot last year —the Club Sky Coron. To some travelers who still want to have a taste of urban life, they can mingle and enjoy every beat of the sound inside the conducive super club. Visitors are in awe of the professional, good-looking DJs who play the best hits for them. Likewise, Club Sky Coron offers a variety of drinks for everyone—no one is left behind for happiness inside the hub full of good memories.

There you have it, travel junkies! We hope to see you soon as summer vibe is fast approaching, hence plan ahead of time for your Coron getaway with us! CHECK OUR TOUR AND HOTEL PACKAGES ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.

Author: Remson C. Tarcelo

Travel Guide: How to go to Coron, Palawan, Philippines

There are hassle-free options to get to one of the most beautiful islands in the world — Coron, Palawan! The main portal of travelers visiting Coron via plane is the Busuanga Airport (USU), also known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport. However, for visitors taking the ferry routes, their gateway is the Coron Bay Port.

As soon as you are at the airport’s arrival area, you will be greeted by barkers looking for passengers. They will ask what hotel you will be staying in. They will instruct you which shuttle or van you will take. The fare is ₱150/ person. However, some hotels have assigned drivers that will fetch the tourists. You are advised to check with the resort you will check in if they have such a service.

If you are staying at the “now-famous” Skylodge resort, their driver will fetch you. However, Skylodge’s van cannot pick up their guests lesser than 6 tourists per trip. In that case; you will be assigned to any of their van partners waiting at the airport’s arrival area which costs ₱150/ pax.

From the airport, you will surely enjoy the 35-45 minutes ride before arriving at the Coron proper. On your way, you will be astounded by the highway’s heavy-forested surroundings. Indeed, a tranquil short joy ride in the countryside!

When you will arrive at Sitio Dinagpan, you will take a narrow road stretching to the uphill where Skylodge nestled.

Below are the routes going to Coron:

MANILA TO CORON

One would choose to travel quickly by taking the plane routing to Coron. In NAIA terminal, we have Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offering trips to Busuanga Airport, which is the entry to Coron proper. The estimated time of trip doesn’t exceed to 1 hour and 10 minutes.

CLARK, PAMPANGA TO CORON

For travelers near Clark Airport (CRK), you can book Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific’s trip going to Busuanga Airport (USU). Approximately, the trip will cover an hour and 5 minutes or lesser.

CEBU TO CORON

Tourists taking off from Cebu via plane, they can check with Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines for their tickets going to Busuanga Airport (USU). The trip is estimated to last for an hour and 35 minutes upon take off.

But if you prefer to wander towards the ocean, you can take 2GO Travel and Atienza ferries taking off from Manila Pier to Coron Pier. Suffice yourselves with the ocean view while calmly journeying the vast sea for 12-15 hours before reaching Coron, Palawan.

FERRY SCHEDULE (Manila to Coron)

2GO Travel is scheduled weekly to take trip from Manila’s Harbor Pier 4. The Ferry departs at 7:00PM every Friday. Fare starts at ₱1032/ USD 20.38for Mega Value.

Aside from 2Go, Atienza Shipping Lines also sails forCoron every Wednesday at 6PM. The air-conditioned accommodation costs about ₱1300/ person while ₱ 1200 if without air-conditioner.

FERRY SCHEDULE (Puerto Prinsesa to Coron)

From Puerto PrinsesaPalawan, 2Go vessels sail to Coron twice a day. The ferry departs every Saturday at 11:59PM. Approximately, your expedition is expected to last for 15 hours. Fare starts at ₱1300 for Super Value Class accommodation.

FERRY SCHEDULE (EL Nido to Coron)

If you are coming from El Nido going to Coron, a ferry which is the Montegro Lines leaves at 6AM daily. The fare should be approximately ₱1760/ person. Other than Montenegro Lines you can aboard big boats namely Bunso and Jessabel that departs El Nido between 7:30-8:30AM daily. Approximately, the fare costs about ₱P1600/ person. For about 5-9 hours you can reach Coron Port.Jomalia Shipping Corporation is sails to Coroneveryday at 12:30PM. The fare is ₱P1800/ person. Phimal Fast Ferry also sails every day at 8:20 in the morning with a fare amounting to ₱1760/ person.

From the port of Coron, you will be fetched by Skylodge resort’s accommodating driver for FREE to bring you to the serene place of the resort.

 

Best Scuba Diving Sites in Coron, Palawan for Beginners

Coron, Palawan, Philippines, is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, obtaining over a million vacationists per year in the pre-pandemic. Meanwhile, in the first quarter of 2022, Travelport mentioned that “51 percent of all international flight bookings in SEA went to the Philippines and Thailand – nations that reopened and eased their restrictions for foreign travel early.” Travelers from across the globe flock here due to its stunning powdery white-sand beaches, world-class hotel accommodations, and hospitable locals. It is nestled in the region of MIMAROPA, offering diverse inland beauty spots, exhilarating cultural experiences, and fantastic marine activities such as scuba diving for underwater enthusiasts.

The vast ocean of Coron varies from current-swept rocky landscapes and black jagged limestones to gentle sloping coral reefs under the sea. Here are a few of the best scuba diving sites on the island waiting for the adventurers to explore!

 

1. SIETE PECADOS

The name originated after seven sisters who disobeyed their mother to swim in the serene waters and drown, forming the seven islets we see today. It is also known as the Seven-Islands Reef near Coron Town Proper. After a few minutes of a boat ride, a captivating underwater coral garden amaze you as you immerse through the deep! Your undersea adventure is a memory you will never forget as heart-melting inhabitants grow like the various fish; angel, trigger, red snapper, and damselfishes. Beneath the blue waves are colorful coral gardens giving joy to the creatures wandering below. A beginner in scuba diving can witness those amazing sights descending in just 10 meters. The open water divers can go deep to 18 meters and 30 meters for the advanced divers.

 

2. DIMANGLET REEF

Another spot for scuba diving. There is nothing better than plunging into the calm waters of Coron, Palawan. Several tourists engage in Discover Scuba Diving to see the fascinating underworld of Dimanglet reef. How amazing it is to explore the undersea with diverse marine sanctuaries. Submerging below with your complete scuba diving gear is an adventure filled with excitement brought about by a group of Fuselier fish, the colorful parrotfish, and sea turtles swimming just before your eyes will stun you.  The corals, like the cabbage, giving colors and life to the animals below are breathtaking. One couldn’t take their eyes from these wondrous beauties a few meters below sea level.

 

3. EAST TANGAT WRECK

It is a small gunboat submerged in the ocean of Coron near the coastline of Tangat Island, measuring 40 meters long and tilted with its edge pointing above. The maximum depth is 20 meters, and sun rays can penetrate the underwater lighting the part below. Scuba diving beginners may be allowed until 10 meters, depending on the recommendation of the dive instructors. A beautiful coral garden settled just a few feet away from the shoreline. Various fish and corals are the best things you can see while snorkeling.

Photo credit to Tripadvisor

4. BARRACUDA LAKE

The name came from a type of fish wandering the vicinity of the lake. It is a mixture of salt and freshwater layers ranging from 82 to 100oF (28 to 38oC). Although no dazzling corals and flamboyant fishes are swimming beneath the lake, it showcases magnificent limestone pinnacles and a deep cave that is said to house the lake's only barracuda.

If you plan on engaging in Scuba Diving in Coron, Palawan, Skylodge Resort offers Discover Scuba Diving to its guest. The professional dive instructors guide the beginners with the basic skills. The resort has a pool measuring 8 feet which is suitable for the training of the guests who will take the Discover Scuba Diving. It is a preparatory training before immersing the divers in the enchanting dive spots in Coron, Palawan. DIVE WITH US NOW!

READ: How to go to Coron, Palawan

READ: Best Accommodations in Coron, Palawan

Author: Remson Tarcelo

A Weekend In The City: Manila, Philippines Edition

Manila, Philippines – Summer is just around the corner. Book a weekend stay at Century Park Hotel (or any hotel with swimming pool in Manila) to start a fun and frenzy adventure. Even with all the noise, pollution, and overpopulation, the historic City of Manila can still charm and endear its way into anyone’s heart. Valentine’s Day is over, but there still always time to plan a weekend in the Philippines’ capital. Here are some ideas how to spend your time during your visit:

Patio Pilar 

You must be hungry. Check out this Castilian-inspired courtyard café that also doubles as an events venue. It features a pair of heritage structures with an appealing blend of the traditional and the trendy. It basically captures what is quintessentially Ermita—an area once graced by the mansions of elite Filipino families in the 1900’s and then later known for its artsy, bohemian flair.

Arroceros Forest Park

Also known as ‘Manila’s last lung,’ this urban park built along the Pasig River in 1993 now houses at least 60 indigenous tree varieties, 8,000 plants, and 10 bird species. Sadly, the previous admins have failed to maintain the area, but there are reports that the new admin will restore it to its former glory. Despite all that, Arroceros Forest Park still offers a serene setting for afternoon strolls and sunsets.

Cinematheque Centre Manila

‘Netflix and chill’ might be the popular thing to do, but you can never go wrong with tickets to a culturally relevant movie for two. Aside from film screenings, you can also learn about film history, production, and all things related to cinema and filmmaking. There’s also an in-house cafe inside where you can sit down and discuss films with like-minded fellows after.

National Museum of Fine Arts

Juan Luna’s Spoliarium. Nuff said.

National Library

The National Library of the Philippines is also known as “the repository of printed and recorded cultural heritage”.  All they require is a valid ID to get access to all the titles and references you need. Before your visit, you can also check their Online Public Access Catalog to see if they have what you need. The National Library also offers services for copyright registration.

Binondo

The World’s Oldest Chinatown is home to various spots offering cuisine heaven. The fried dumplings at Dong Bei, the xiao long bao at Cafe Mezzanine, and the fried chicken at Sincerity Cafe. You could also try the fresh lumpia at New Po Heng. Vegetarian delights at Quan Yin Chay, and the steaming, hot mami at Masuki.

Escolta

In the daytime, Escolta is a busy strip with interesting shops and old buildings. At night, it turns into a hip block party where you can buy stuff from local artisans, eat gourmet street food, and drink cheap booze while dancing in the street all night long.

ABOUT CENTURY PARK HOTEL

Situated at the center of the Philippines’ vibrant capital city, Century Park Hotel Manila is accessible to the business, shopping, and entertainment districts of the metro. Its convenient location invites you to a relaxing stay in the heart of Manila, even as you try to combine business and pleasure.

Its 500 well-appointed rooms are designed for your comfortable and leisurely stay. True to our brand of warm Filipino hospitality, our courteous and friendly staff will always assist you with a smile and help you unwind at the end of the day.

For your corporate needs, the hotel offers 14 function rooms and a business center. These venues are perfect for your meetings, events, and significant celebrations.

If you are looking for a vacation within the city, this hotel in the Manila area is a fantastic choice for staycations. Our modern facilities include internet access and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.

There’s also three outdoor swimming pools and a poolside bar. For the lovers of food, Century Park Hotel Manila have 5 dining outlets. We provide a wide range of options and flavorful cuisines to please your gastronomic cravings.

For more information on Century Park Hotel rates, log on to www.centurypark.com.

All The Small Things: 5 Cool Spots in Makati That Show Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Go big or go home? The Mini Suites, a couple of lifestyle stores, and two specialty shops in Makati City will show you that show good things can also come in small packages:

1. PURVEYR POST

Post is the lifestyle store of Purveyr—a multi-dimensional media brand that aims to positively influence perspective of life through digital, print, events, service, and retail mediums. The regular pedestrian may not be wowed by its unassuming space in Bangkal, Makati, but fans of outsider art and street culture will be impressed by what it offers. In addition to local street wear, there’s also exhibitions, occasional live performances, and barbering sessions. Post has also recently opened a second location in Poblacion to further promote their cause.



Address: 5650 Don Pedro St., Brgy. Poblacion / 1403 Apolinario St., Brgy. Bangkal.

Website: http://purveyr.com

2. PLAKA PLANET

Vinyl records and vintage turntables are back. Plaka Planet, the best and most budget-friendly place to get your audio fix is hidden inside an archery range. Bobby, the owner, is very cool and will even let you test any pressing even if you’re not planning to buy anything.



Address: Kodanda Archery Range, Makati Central Square

Website: www.facebook.com/pg/PlakaPlanetMakati

3. GUITAR PUSHER

It just might be a single condo unit in a quiet high-rise in the city, but for musicians and guitar geeks, Guitar Pusher might as well be called ‘Guitar Heaven’.



Address: 124 H. V. Dela Costa, Bel-Air

Website: http://www.guitarpusher.com

4. SLICK BARBERS CO.

From its humble beginnings of just a couple of monobloc chairs and mirrors on the first level of co-founder Christian “Indio” Bendañas house, SBCo is now a full pledged barber shop and lifestyle brand with a cult following. Their specialty? Clean fades and buzzes a.k.a ‘gentleman’s cut,” which not many barbers in the country can pull off.



Address: 3919 Yague St. cor South Avenue

Website: www.facebook.com/slickbarbersco

5. THE MINI SUITES ETON TOWER MAKATI

The Mini Suites puts you in the center of all the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy first-class accommodations all with full amenities and indulgent beds & pillows, you are sure to find that perfect mix of modern practicality, convenience, and touches of luxury to suit your needs. One of the best hotels in Makati, these suites will end your search for where to stay in Makati City.



Address: 128 Dela Rosa Street, Ayala South

Website: www.theminisuites.com

Your Weekend Guide: 4 Places To Go in Davao City

Only have a day or two to explore the Durian Capital? Here’s your weekend guide on where to go and where to stay in Davao if you are in the city for a short stay:

1. Magsaysay Park

Visit one of the oldest parks in Davao if you want to have fun and learn about some of Davao’s culture at the same time. There are a lot of activities to choose from: bike with your loved ones, have a picnic with your family, skate with friends, or go to Kadayawan Tribal Village.
You can also try famous fruits of Davao—Durian and Pomelo—as the Magsaysay Fruit Stand is located in front of this park.

2. Roxas Night Market

If you’re looking for good food, great ambiance plus all the awesome things in between, this might just be the perfect destination for you. This popular place in Roxas Avenue is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. They have all sorts of food, clothes, accessories, and even whole-body massages. All of these without hurting your pockets!
For starters, try their famous charcoal ice cream for a unique experience on your sweet trips.

3. Suazo

Missing the gigs in Route 196 or SaGuijo Cafe + Bar because you’re not in the metro? Fret not. Davao has its own indie hangout place. Suazo Bar in Poblacion is the right place for you if you want to know more about the local art scene, enjoy a chill night with friends, or even meet new people.
Expect to have a chill night and do what they say on their FB page: “Beer. Booze. Music. Chill. Sit back and relax the Davaoeño way.”

4. Acacia Hotel Davao

After a day of strolling in Magsaysay Park, eating out at the Night Market, and chilling out at Suazo, you can sigh in relief and relax. If you’re looking for a place that can make you feel right at home, Acacia Hotel Davao is the accommodation for you. Spacious and classy rooms are what you can expect in this hotel in Davao. They also have a fitness gym, swimming pool with bar, café, Chinese restaurant, and other facilities that guests can enjoy.

Hope this quick weekend guide helps you with the questions you have in mind, on where to go or where to stay in Davao city!

Swiss-Belhotel Blulane: New Name, Same Wonderful Experience in The World’s Oldest Chinatown

Binondo, Manila – The name might sound new, but Swiss-Belhotel Blulane is no stranger to the frequent traveller and businessman in the world’s oldest Chinatown.



Formerly known as The Blulane Hotel, this landmark property is under new management and more than ever eager to provide guests with a new and improved brand of hospitality and modern luxury.



Relax



Binondo is one of the busiest commercial districts in the city. Finding a place to rest seems like a daunting task. Here at The Swiss-Belhotel Blulane, you can look forward to an elevated level of comfort every time. Each of our rooms assures you a good night’s sleep after exploring the exciting sights of the area. Featuring plush bedding with 300 thread count and ample space, the rooms promises nothing but modern comfort. All rooms have 42-inch LCD TV with cable channels, NDD phone, mini-bar, hot and cold shower, high-speed Internet connection, in-room safety box, and mini refrigerator.



Indulge



Binondo has an amazing food scene that is worth braving the dreaded Metro Manila traffic for. At Swiss-Belhotel Blulane in Binondo, Manila, guests have an array of dining opportunities. With 2 specialty restaurants that offer a wide variety of Cantonese cuisine and Western menu, this spot is the right one to feed your cravings. Choose between the Blu Cafe & Lounge and the Coffee Club to satisfy your culinary and refreshment cravings.



Experience



Planning a business meeting or a party in Binondo? Swiss-Belhotel Blulane provides you with 19 separate events spaces and a dedicated events team to make your event, no matter how big or small, our hotel ensures that every event runs as smooth and seamless as possible. We have function rooms and a grand ballroom that can seat up to 800 persons.



Explore



The Blulane Hotel in Chinatown resides in an ideal location where business meets leisure. This hotel is near Binondo’s tourist attractions, neighboring recreational hubs and Philippine historical landmarks with both Chinese and Filipino cultures. These include National Museum, Manila Cathedral, Port Area Manila, Manila Ocean Park, Rizal Park, Intramuros, US Embassy, and Entertainment City. Plus, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is one car ride away.



For more information, visit Swiss-Belhotel Blulane’s (formerly The Blulane Hotel) website at www.swiss-belhotelblulane.com.