Ironwulf.net: En Route – The Philippines, Travel, Photography Blog

Dubbed as the Cleanest Lake in Asia, Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan is one of those must visit sites in the area. It’s a true gem if you ask me. It’s hard not to know this place since DOT has plastered most of it’s familiar Kayangan Bay shots on its Philippines promotional materials. Turquoise ocean waters, towering scenic lime stones and crystal clear blue lake. What more adjectives can I describe this place on what many may considers a slice of island paradise.

There is a 200 Pesos per person entrance fee to be paid here. Seems a little steep but I’ll definitely pay the amount for all its worth. We can also say, it would be helping the local Tagbanuas to take good care of this place. It’s actually good that they decided to open this lake. There is actually a larger lake found on this large Higantes Coron Island but are only accessible to the Tagbanuas since they live there. It would be interesting to see that someday if those people would allow.

From the dock area, there’s a short 10 minute uphill hike to a small cave and ideal viewing point for the Kayangan Bay. It’s the only possible viewing area since most of the sides are obstructed by trees and plants. Most visitors have their “I was here” photos taken this viewing rock.

I have always wondered why most photographers only have a single angle shot of this bay. For one, there’s little room to maneuver, and there’s no other choice of angle unless you climb a tree or hike/climb higher up the rocks.

From this viewing area, there’s a few more minutes hike, descending into the open lake. You’ll never miss the sight of aquamarine waters at a distance. Beautiful sight of a lake, enclosed by lime stone cliffs. There are wooden platforms built on the edges so people walk around on the sides and place their stuffs.

Very very nice place. It’s all I expected it to be. Water really clean that you can see the bottom of the lake despite it being more than 10 feet deep. Very scenic and relaxing environment. One could just stay here and do nothing but stare at the scenery. Reminds you of those scenic Web java applets that you see on those web pages before. Only this time you are right then and there, experiencing the place in all your sensory perception.

Swimming in the lake is also refreshing. Not much to see down there aside from the rocks, but there are those small pointed fishes lingering about that seems to be accustomed to human presence. Probably used to getting fed by humans.

Another photographer dilemma here is that there’s not much angle to play around here again aside from the provided wooden platforms. Taking a picture somehow doesn’t give justice to the place as it’s reduced to a mere scene of a lime stone and a body of water which can seem to look like any other ordinary place.

Roge, our boatman told me that the place looks magical under the moon lit sky. I hope I can get back here one of these days to capture that said scenery.