What is it about Palawan that makes it so special? It wasn’t until I experienced its serene beaches, endless fine sand, and exotic sea creatures that you only see on the tube, that I was able to finally say the place is truly something else. The view is simply peaceful and beautiful- everywhere is a painting of nature mesmerizing. I loved the stillness of the sea as I sat there with my book under a shade. While the day stretched out ahead of me- it was easy to forget the city, of course the traffic, and the noise of buzzing urbanites.
Work brought me to this place which I thought about visiting years ago but never did. There was always a beach only a few hours away, or Boracay, or Bohol, or a new surfing place- but never Palawan. It was just too far and maybe a bit too expensive. But I must say, the place turned out to be so much worth it.
Getting There
It was a 40 minute travel by plane from Manila to Busuanga, about 45 minutes by bus from the airport to town, and half an hour ride by speedboat from Coron proper to the island. We spent almost a week at Sunlight Resort SETIR in Culion, where we stayed in one of their Maldive-inspired villas above the waters. The resort has almost a hundred villas going round the island, you can call for a shuttle to take you wherever you want to go- the restaurants, the pools, the dive shop, the brewery. Or you can hop on a bike and linger around the beaches.
While we spent most of the days shooting food, I spent the early mornings and evenings picking up my camera trying to be one with nature, sand, and trees. We are used to going to the beach in November when the sea breeze is perfectly cool and the waters are warm. But now, it was February and we had the place almost to ourselves save for a number of European guests thawing from the winter and getting a nice tan. The weather was sunny but cool at the time, just right before the scorching temperatures and the summer crowds arrive.
What I enjoyed the most about this island was relaxing in a very clean, peaceful, and picturesque environment. I loved the stretch of vast emptiness before me. No stray dogs, no peddlers going around, the sound of motor boats every few minutes. One is able to notice the small details, time stretched, and we can hear ourselves think- a much needed break from everyone and everything. If you are looking to just disconnect, reset and revive, then this is the perfect place.
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