Bacau Bay Resort Coron, Palawan
Earlier that day as our plane came into land, I had a fabulous view of the green mountainous interior of Busuanga Island as well as the white sand beaches lapped by the bluest of waters. I couldn’t wait to see it all close-up. Once landed, we were soon on our way and after just a 30-minute drive we arrived at our hotel. Large smiles from the hotel manager and his team greeted us as they served us a refreshing lemon and ginger welcome drink in the elegant lobby overlooking a very inviting swimming pool set in lush green gardens.
My room at Bacau Bay Resort Coron
Following a swift check-in, I was shown to my room a short walk away in a separate block. It was spacious and comfortable with all the facilities I would expect from a four-star hotel including air-conditioning, Nespresso machine, complimentary drinking water (in a refillable glass bottle as opposed to a once use plastic bottle) an LED television set, and a digital alarm clock with Bluetooth speaker plus slippers and bathrobes.
The ensuite bathroom was a good size with a rain shower. It was great to find the shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel were all in refillable ceramic containers – an eco-friendlier option than the mini plastic bottles so often provided.
Everything was spotlessly clean.
Bacau Bay Resort Facilities
As well as the lovely garden, this stylish hotel has a good range of facilities including two bars and two restaurants, a large swimming pool, a children’s pool, a small beauty and massage centre, a fitness centre, a children’s activity centre and a dive shop. There’s also a recreational centre where you can book island hopping experiences.
In the gardens, four-poster cabanas provided the perfect shady spot for an afternoon nap.
The highlight of my stay, however, was watching the sunset over Bacau Bay from the bar at the end of the hotels’ pier. Pure bliss.
Dining at Bacau Bay Resort
We ate alfresco at the Italian Pugon café in the hotel garden. The menu offers a good range of pizzas and pasta dishes including several vegetarian options. Service was excellent and the food particularly good. Sadly, we didn’t have the chance to dine at the hotel’s Aminhan Restaurant which serves both local and international dishes and has an excellent reputation.
Breakfast was included and while the choice on offer was limited I found the bright dining room with an outside terrace overlooking the pool and gardens, a pleasant spot to start the day.
If you are looking for an elegant hotel by the waters’ edge and the perfect base to explore this stunning location, then look no further than Bacau Bay Resort in Coron in the south of the Island.
Things to do in Coron
Busuanga is the largest and most developed island in the Calamaines archipelago in the far north of Palawan. It is an astounding location, famous for island hopping from one stunning white-sand beach to another, visiting shallow-water coral reefs and World War II wreck diving sites along the way – paradise for any water sports’ enthusiast.
For a great view of the town and bay, climb the 700 steps up Mt Tapyas in Coron Town or, if you tire of saltwater swimming, visit nearby Coron Island for and jump into the crystal-clear freshwater lake, surrounded by rainforest and a striking limestone sculptures of the karst landscape.
How to get to Coron
I flew from London Heathrow to Manila via Singapore with Singapore Airlines and I was pleased with the standard of service, food and comfort throughout. You can also fly direct with Philippines Airlines.
The Hilton Manila was a great stopover hotel, close to the airport and with an exceptionally good breakfast buffet, the like of which I’ve never seen before.
Several airlines fly from Manila to Busuanga Island. It is then about a 45-minute drive away to Coron.
Where else to stay on Busuanga Island
Rather than spend your entire holiday in one resort, I’d recommend combining a stay at Bacau Coron with a stay elsewhere in the archipelago.
In the west of the island, Busuanga Bay Lodge offers luxurious accommodation in a serene setting.
Discovery-Club Paradise is an exclusive island resort on the tiny island of Dimakya just off Busuanga Island.
Where else to stay in the Palawan
El Nido Resorts is a group of sustainable island resorts in El Nido and Taytay offering stunning accommodation by some of the most beautiful beaches in Palawan.
For more destination information and safe travel updates, visit the Philippine Department of Tourism – London.
