I highly recommend you check out this stunning lake. It’s by far the most popular and must-visit spot in the province. Coron hotels and other lodges offer tours which include Kayangan Lake in the itinerary. Cost varies from P650-P750 which covers 5-6 destinations, entrance fees, lunch and a life vest which I used to sit on.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You will read lots of reviews about people who say the 150 steps up and down are a downer but do NOT let this deter you from visiting this amazing lake. You get a little challenge of climbing but I found it easy and I am not even an athlete. The steps are steep and at times uneven but there are some handrails so they were not difficult, you can always take a break and enjoy the view.
Upon reaching the top, there is an area on the left hand side where you can take iconic postcard-like photos of the Landscape outside the lake. There is also a very small cave that you must check.
When you arrive at the lake you will notice it’s very clean deep water with its turquoise colour and the rock formation is amazing. The water temperature was slightly colder and as the lake is fresh water you don't float as well so if you are a weak swimmer, bring your boat's life vest.
TIPS
Ensure you have a pair of aqua shoes to protect your feet and make it easier heading up the uneven stairs before reaching the lake.
If you don’t like crowds then you are better off going early because by mid-morning/afternoon there will be a continuous influx of boats and tourists.
If you want to escape the crowd for some peace and enjoy the quietness swim further and around the corner, hardly anyone goes there because most of the locals are not confident swimmers. Keep to the sides of the lake, this will allow you to take a rest and see the rock formation into the water.
The lake is mostly fresh water so you don't float as you would in saltwater. Bring your life vest if you’re a weak swimmer.
HOW TO GET THERE
Kayangan Lake is a little over 30mins travel time from Coron. One can either hire a private boat or join an island hopping group tour.
The obvious PROS of renting a Bangka (motorised outrigger canoe) is that you are in control of the time you spend at places/islands you want to visit without feeling you're under time constraint. Go to the dock area to the left of where the sea dive resort is located and canvass around for a Bangka which is rented out at around P2000-P2500 which includes the boat crew and lunch.
Please note that you need to pay an environmental or entrance fee per person at each venue when hiring your own Bangka. Below is a list of the destinations our group tour visited and the associated entrance fee you need to pay if you rent your own vessel.
Siete Pecados: 100 PHP / person
Kayangan Lake: 300 PHP / person
Hidden Lagoon: not sure of cost
Isla Bulungan Beach: Not sure
CYC Island : FOC
I travelled alone so I opted for the group tour which cost 750PHP PAX. The tour cost covers all the entrance fees, picnic lunch which is usually rice, fish and either pork or chicken, some fruit and water. This is definitely the cheapest option if you travel alone considering the entrance fee of Kayangan Lake is P300.
