Filipino Holiday Part 2: Cast-away anyday in Coral Bay
Halfway through our trip to the Philippines, having spent five days in colorful Coron town enjoying great food, kayaking in pristine waters, an epic motorcycle ride up the coast and a general dive vibe atmosphere there, we were ready to get out of the sweltering heat and reach our next destination. Luckily for us that meant a private sandy beach island with hammocks for two, floating in turquoise water, filled with coral reefs and sea turtles. Coral Bay Resort, just under two hours by boat from Coron town can be found at http://www.coralbay.ph/ . Our boat transfer to the island was included in the rate and as we moved further and further from anything familiar, out into clear, deep water it was apparent that if it was isolation and tranquility we were after, then all our dreams were about to come true!
Our arrival at Coral Bay was reminiscent of stepping into en episode of “Fantasy Island” with staff members running down the resort’s long white dock to greet us and take our bags, which they were shocked to find out were only two small day packs including a swimsuit and some bug repellant. The resort is set in a small inlet backed by mangroves and boasting a magnificent view of inviting water lapping against a white sand beach. Our room overlooked the sunrise every morning at which time we could see fishermen making their way out in traditional wooden boats.
The “All-inclusive” style of Coral Bay Resort is a must because of its isolated location and one that was welcomed, presenting its guests with fantastic and plentiful food, not to mention a special treat for me after living in Korea for the last six months: Vino!!! Inspired by all the fresh seafood we were presented every evening at dinner Matt and I decided to take out one of the wooden row boats for a day of fishing. Matt’s catch and release hobby is one that I have always found to be cruel and somewhat pointless but even I rocked our boat with excitement after reeling in a little needle nose. While paddling we began hearing a low moo-ing coming from somewhere near the horizon. In all my infinite wisdom I suggested “Oh there must be a farm on one of these islands with a dairy cow.” Matt about doubled over laughing and informed me that the noise we were hearing was the sound of sea turtles. After a few minutes of sitting still they began popping their heads up for air and swimming close to our boat. Truly magical!
On our last day in Coral Bay we took out our snorkel gear, feeling a bit disappointed that we were not certified to explore the wrecks in the surrounding waters but eager to se what we could find in the coral reef just off shore. Low and behold there was an entire world operating just below the water’s surface filled with every imaginable color, and a few colors I didn’t know existed. One thing I love about snorkeling is the sounds. I love the crackling of the coral like a little tickle in your ear and the steady in and out of your own breath as you slowly move through the water. I could have stayed under for the entire day, but then we remembered that there was most likely a yummy dinner waiting for us and a couple of cold San Miguels so we flippered onto shore leaving the under world with a little less mystery.
With brown bellies, satisfied taste buds and our ever growing urge to explore momentarily fed, we took the commuter plane back to Manila for a nine hour, well taken advantage of layover. Manila is home to Cathedrals and architecture that is reminiscent of Spanish colonization, however many buildings were destroyed during the Japanese occupation in WWII, those remaining gathered around an “old town” district an easy walk from Rizal park. I felt at moments like I was back, wandering the streets of Madrid as I did at age 19 on my very first solo adventure, but the juxtaposition of shoeless children running after mangy puppies and the sound of a wooden flute carried through narrow markets made our day in Manila diverse and eye opening to such a unique culture.
We capped our evening with two of the items most missed from our home in the Pacific Northwest: Hamburgers and ice cream, which we enjoyed as children literally climbed all over us and a man whom we met in the park invited us to help him celebrate his birthday. It was like this until the moment we boarded our plane, an openess of the Filipino people to share every aspect of their lives with us, curious about ours and eager to make sure we left our vacation taking with us nothing but beautiful memories from visiting their breathtaking country, and we certainly did.
We’ll leave you with some REALLY cute kids!
Signing off, Matt and Emily
Teachtravelplay's Blog 
Thanks for the fabulous blog entry! I’m reading this as we are waiting for our flight in Manila heading towards Busuanga and Coral Bay Resort! Can’t wait for our great escape this week! :-))