A Solo Travellers Mind

My journey to Coron was incredibly quick and painless. Landing at the very small airport and quickly hopping in a bus to my accommodation. A very cute, family run home stay, with two rooms of four beds. It’s run by joy and her partner and they live there with their two kiddies, who are genuinely the cutest kids I’ve ever met! My day involved renting a mountain bike and cycling around the Island. Honestly, felt so good riding around on a bike that was actually good enough to handle the poor road conditions. Highlights of the town include the Hot Springs, which are incredibly beautiful, and Mt Tayper, with the view of the town from above. In the evening, after a quick bucket shower (see photo), there was an open bar at the hostel, which led to drinks in the club and me sat in the tattoo chair at 5am getting a wee little guy added to my collection! 

The next morning was a rough one, with me up at 8am for a boat trip around the islands. This obviously involved me sleeping on the boat until arriving at our first destination, and subsequently vomiting overboard and feeding the fish their breakfast lol. Magically after this is was completely fine, and the day consisted of snorkelling, kayaking, blue lagoons, a lake and beaches! With the most wonderful spread of food on offer at lunch! The evening was a chill one, heading to the plaza to browse the markets and watch the local sports (tonight’s being volleyball and basketball). 

My final day in Coron involved chilling by the pool in Zacs hotel, followed by some vegetarian food and beers at a local hippy restaurant. Very very good vibes! A chill one in prep for a very busy few days ahead! 

The 3 day boat trip from Coron to El Nido started at 8 am, bags packed, and it was time to depart. The first day involved 2 snorkeling spots and an Island visit, with us all getting caught in a pool of sea eurthins and some of us (me being one) having to be pulled away due to poor navigation skills of avoiding them.. credit to Jimmy and Brian, our guides for getting everyone to the snorkel spot safely! Lunch for day one was truly amazing, with some of the best food I’ve eaten so far (this was a president for the entire trip, with Denis and Archie the chefs truly showing me how awful a cook I am). Our final stop of the day was cliff jumping, with me being somewhat unoptomisic about safely landing but managing it. Brian showed us all up massively but absolutely launching himself from way above the cliff edge and the free diving back to the boat. On our way to base camp as the sunset, we were lucky enough to witness Dolphins out at sea, jumping in and out the water! Base camp was absolutely adorable, with everyone in their own little huts, bottle lanterns lighting the way, and amazing views. The night involved yet another magical meal, with everyone observing the fire flys and shooting stars (I’ve never seen so many in my life).

Day 2 of the trip involved some more amazing snorkeling spots, even getting to see a ship wreck! We played basket ball with locals on a small island, and experienced some slightly choppy waves on our swim from the boat to our last base camp, with the chicken going over board on the kayak as crew got the food across. The second base camp was smaller, but with far prettier beachs/island veiws. The huts were all connected, meaning it was much like a school trip! The evening entertainment included a pub quiz, with me being the quiz master and creating questions from my QI elves book! Providing entertainment for all and having one too many drinks at the same time. Jimmy got the guitar out, and soon we were all singing along and having giggles. Me, Jimmy, Mark and Brain thought it would be a good idea to try and attempt to stay awake till sunrise (when everyone else was waking up to watch it), Mark caved at around 4:30am, leaving me and Brian, who then subsequently spent the rest of the night in a wee hut off main base camp. When sunrise came around, I actually made it up to witness. However, Brian did not, and was left in the hut to sleep.

The final day was another magical one, stopping off at two island beaches, and playing volleyball, and my team actually winning. And the final stop being my absolute favourite! FINNALY swimming with turtles! I’ve managed to always miss them so far but this time Brian ensured I didn’t!! 

It was a very sad ending, spending 3 days at sea, sleeping in huts, washing in buckets, eating the most amazing good and seeing the most amazing things of my life, it was an absolute dream. The highlight of my entire journey so far!