Photo Gallery * Amazing Asia * Snorkeling in The Calamianes

3 days of snorkeling in the beautiful reefs near Manguenguey Island in The Calamianes, Northern Palawan

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Highlight * Still Dreaming of that Island Paradise * Wow Philippines! * Mangenguey, Busuanga, Palawan (November 2012)

Mangenguey Island is literally the perfect island getaway. Here, you get to experience island life, go back to nature, while still getting the best gourmet food. Although some people associate it to a luxury hotel, this is definitely not one of those commercial paradise resorts.

I just got back 1-1/2 months ago & I still have a hang over! Mangenguey was my island home, at least for a few days :-) We got a cottage where you step out and it's the beach/waters. It actually reminded me of Robinson Crusoe :-) I literally took about 15 steps to go out to swim or go snorkeling in one of the nicest reefs I've seen. Nemos, manta rays, reef sharks, angel fishes, other colorful tropical fishes, hundreds of them. Every single day, I woke up at the crack of dawn, which I normally don't, afraid not to miss the breathtaking sunrise (see photo above); later in the day, experience each warm sunset; and even on nights, enjoy the bright moonlight and stars.

Food was heavenly, most of which is Spanish inspired but I was amazed at how it was fused with local ingredients. The amount of focus on getting table settings and ambiance right is one that surprised me too, it made the experience even more memorable.

The island is run by a couple and a small team, everything was very personal/homey that we felt like we're part of their family. And like a cruise's tradition of captain's night, everyone gets to sit with our hosts for dinner and have great conversations.

Not just a dream! :-)

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Note: This highlight also appears in AFAR Website

Highlight * Kayangan Lake - Our own Blue Lagoon * Wow Philippines! * Coron, Busuanga, Palawan (November 2011)

Kayangan Lake is dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia. It can be found in Coron and the Calamian Islands, in Northern Palawan.

Loved the views there, the word "breathtaking" appropriately describes it. The lake is quite deep, has crystal clear emerald colored waters, and limestone mountains towering around. If you've watched the movie Blue Lagoon, this is exactly how it looks and feels :-)

Coron is about an hour's plane ride from Metro Manila. The airport is also referred to as Busuanga Airport. From Coron Town, it takes a 30-minute boat ride to arrive at the jump off point, where you will have to hike up some 250 rocky steps to get to the lake. Some people say its 150 steps and some 50 steps, haha, I lost count! I guess it depends on how big your step is. Anyway, it's about 15 minutes up.

Halfway up the pathway among the forests, there is a tiny viewing area where you can peek through to see the view on this photograph. Funny as everyone who's been there takes this same shot. That's because there's hardly any space for you to maneuver and take the shot from a different angle.

We continued our way up the rocky steps on to see a small opening leading to the enchanting Kayangan Lake where you can have a refreshing swim in the perfect combination of salty sea water and clear mountain spring.

Note: This highlight also appears in AFAR Website