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This blog is an amateur photographer's attempt to show how beautiful the world really is. He is drawn to the colors of nature like a moth to a candle light. What are showcased here are nature's grand display of colors at sunrise and sunset, beautiful beaches and off-the-beaten track locations in his beloved Philippines, waterfalls and some of nature's great sculptures, architectural gems, and other views from around SE Asia that he was fortunate to see at one point.

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June 27, 2010

coron: kayangan lake, the tranquil lake


Tranquil Lake
tranquil Kayangan Lake

Locked beyond towering limestone rocks in Coron Island (one of the islands in the Calamian group of islands in northern Palawan), this lake is considered to be the cleanest in the Philippines (if not in Asia). Its calm turquoise water seemed more tranquil once you are swimming in it.

Kayangan lake is one of the most popular destinations for those visiting the town of Coron (situated on the south eastern end of Busuanga island and popular for its dive sites - coral gardens and countless sunken ships). The lake is a short bangka ride out to Higantes Coron Island ("higante" means giant, at a distance the outline of Coron island takes the form of a sleeping giant).
Kayangan Bay
dock area (after some of the boats have left)

We were taken past colossal limestone formations into a small bay. When we arrived, the small beach was packed with moored outrigger boats.

The place is being maintained by the local Tagbanuas (an ethic group in central and northern Palawan and one of the oldest in the Philippines). Each visitor is required to pay Php 200.00 for the upkeep of the place.

Kayangan Bay 
view of Kayangan bay from the peak

From the dock area, we have to hike up a steep trail with stairs made of limestone rocks. A great view of the bay below greets everyone at the peak. Its a popular place for getting souvenir photos while catching your breath. Unfortunately,  there is limited room thus the view of Kayangan bay from this vantage point is probably one of the most common photos of the place.

Down to Kayangan
down to the lake

From this viewing area, we followed a small trail down that opens up to a pool of calm blue-green water.

Kayangan Snorkel
snorkeling in Kayangan lake

A wooden walkway runs for a few meters around one side of the lake. This provides visitors a convenient rest area as the lake does not really have a shore.


quiet time

One could spend hours snorkeling around the lake and exploring small caves on the limestone walls. While swimming around, I saw peculiar limestone formations jutting out of the lake floor and schools of small barracuda-like fishes. It was a real treat and worth the slippery hike. Mere photos cannot do justice to the real essence of the place.

There is one thing that bothers me though: as more people come, the risk of actually polluting the place (and destroying it in the long run) increases. During our visit there, I already notice people with no regard for the place leaving their trash behind. We had to pick up a few empty bottles of mineral water on the hike back. What's more saddening is that some of these trash have already found their way on bottom of the lake.

See other views of the world in That's My World
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Lantaw
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19 comments:

Ishmael F. Ahab said...

And what could I say? Ang ganda. Yeah, many people really say that Coron is an enchanting island. I do hope to visit that place. I also hope that pollution and destruction will not reach that place.

When you are there, what did you observed about the pollution level in the island?

Oman said...

awesome photos bai. ang ganda pa ng lugar. :)

Lianne said...

oh wow that is beautiful.... i can't wait to visit coron!

leethroughthelens.blogspot.com

bertN said...

It is very disappointing to note the lack of respect of visitors to pristine environment like that. Why can't they just take with them the trash they bring in? Can the Tagbanuas enforce such a rule? If they can't, at least they should clean up after the visitors, afterall they charge them a fee to visit. I hate to see such a beautiful place ruin and I know you do, too!

The Nomadic Pinoy said...

I've been to Kayangan Lake some years ago and I'm glad they added those wooden walkways for easier access to the lake.

dodong flores 도동 플로오리스 said...

Nice photos here as always...

I agree with Bertn's comment above. Littering around beatiful spots like this should be put to stop...

Jim said...

So beautiful in every shot.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Sylvia K said...

What a breathtaking, awesome place! The color of the water is gorgeous! I would love to snorkel there! And, as always, your photos are superb! Thanks for sharing the beauty. Enjoy your week!

Sylvia

Rajesh said...

Beautiful shots of the place. Very scenic.

Jenn said...

Yes, it is sad to hear about people with no regards for the place or perhaps ignorant of their abuse. Sayang talaga the place if we don't know how to preserve it. Many years ago, I was disappointed that the town was filthy. I kayaked from town and had to take a shower right after I returned coz the water was yucky. Outside of this though, Coron is still BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL. I hope they can keep it that way for a long time. Love all your photos!!!!

LadyFi said...

The colour of the water is just magical!

Gale said...

Gorgeous. What a treasure!

shengmarie said...

OMG, ang ganda! i really wanna go there and try Coron! I have heard lots of wonderful stories about Coron and the lovely nature it can offer.

JEP said...

Nice pictures sir...

I've been there last year and I've noticed sir madumi na nga rin yung ibang island.
I want to go back there, hahaha.

CJ said...

Beautiful shots!

TawidTayo said...

Ganda naman ng shots - breath-taking, inviting at majestic. One of the best blogs we've visited.

Kat said...

I LOVE Coron! Awesome pictures :)

alex said...

ang ganda ng shot!!!!!!

anong setting nito? :)

Anonymous said...

just been there... its really amazing....

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