Palawan Adventures & Recreational Activities
Coron Island Protected Area - Coron Reefs
Coron Island features a unique ecological environment. Coron island including its surrounding islets was first declared a National Reserve by virtue of Proclamation # 219 on July 2, 1967. In 1978, another proclamation # 1801 declared the island a Tourist Zone and Marine Reserve. This facilitated the transfer of the management to the Philippine Tourism Authority. This proclamation was followed by Proclamation 2152, declaring the entire province a Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve.Likewise, in 1990, a Community Forest Stewardship Agreement (CFSA) was issued by DENR to the Tagbanua Foundation of Coron Island which covered about 7,748 has. Finally, with the passage of NIPAS Act in 1992, it was listed part of the priority protected areas.
The main attraction of Coron is the Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan. Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 World War II Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They range in depth from the surface to 40 meters. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area. The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba sites in the world.
Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline are dotted with 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its chain of mountain ranges. The mountain heights average 3,500 feet in altitude, with the highest peak rising to 2,086 meters at Mount Matalingahan. The vast mountain areas are the source of valuable timber. The terrain is a mix of coastal plain, craggy foothills, valley deltas, and heavy forest interspersed with riverine arteries that serve as irrigation.
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