Monday, January 20, 2014

Nice in Paradise Tours - Coron, Palawan

By the looks of it, there are about 3 or 4 companies operating in Coron that specialise in island hopping. I could be wrong and there are more but that was all I could see while I was waiting at the dock.

I tried two different companies, and I know that's not enough to make a final conclusion about who is the best company, but I was just so impressed by this one and it far exceeded the other company.

This company is called Nice in Paradise Tours (http://www.niceinparadisetours.com/). They are locally owned and run a number of island hopping tours daily. They are pretty easy to spot as all their banka boats are painted in a bright green colour, which in my opinion stands out really nicely against the turquoise waters and volcanic rock formations. Their tour guides were knowledgeable and efficient. Professional and ensured that we all got to see what was important and definitely knew where all the best photo spots are.

Price was they are pretty average and are similar to all the other companies. If you want to know that your money is going towards a company that will get you to the places you want to see, then this is who to go with.

I went on two tours with them: The island escapade and Coron Island Tour. Below is a bit more information on each tours. The tour numbers range but they're no more than 12 as that is the most comfortable number you can fit on a banka (plus the captain, tour guide and sometimes one more employee).

The Coron Island Tour
Departs the dock at 9am and comes back around 5pm. Hits 6 destinations in a day: Kayangan Lake, Twin Peak Reef, Banol Beach, CYC Beach, Twin Lagoon and a gorgeous coral reef by the Balinsasayaw floating house. The lunch they served was divine and they always cook more than what is needed!

View along the hike to Kayangan Lake

Coron Jetty

NIP's bright green Bankas


Entrance to Kayangan Lake


Kayangan lake


Our captain/chef

Coming into Banol Beach

The awesome lunch spread put on by NIP

The Island Escapade Tour
This tour was more relaxing as it only hit 3 destinations- the best beaches in Coron. These islands were Banana Island, Isla Bulog and Malcapuya Island. Malcapuya Island was definitely my favourite and the most beautiful beach we visited. There is a stunning reef a few metres away from the shore and it also has the biggest clams I've ever seen in my life! I wish I had an underwater camera to capture a picture.

Again, lunch was incredible.