Coron in Palawan has not changed much since we last visited several years ago. Tourists who fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport, formerly Busuanga Airport, still take the scenic route into town past fields and hills of green.
Wide open spaces soon give way to houses, schools and low buildings clustered near the highway. Inexpensive hostels and backpackers’ inns are located in the center of town, but those who long for creature comforts (air conditioning, hot water, comfortable beds), one of the newer ones to consider is Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel.
The hotel, which opened less than a year ago, used to serve as the welcome center for guests booked at Two Seasons Island Resort & Spa. Those whose flights arrived late would often have to stay overnight. In its place is a new full-service hotel with a marine theme to rival other themed hotels.
Scored on eBay
The reception area in the spacious lobby is decorated with corals, with lighting designed to mimic sunlight piercing the ocean. Next to it, near the conference room, is a display area featuring vintage underwater helmets, an underwater suit, and a giant ship’s anchor—items owner Jonathan Peñaloza scored on eBay.
Recycled wood is used extensively throughout the property; the patinated sheen lends a quiet elegance and calls to mind a ship’s prow.
It’s in the hotel restaurant, however, where Peñaloza let his creativity loose. Overhead, resin lamps that look like oversized jellyfish change color every few seconds. Wooden posts and weathered wood tabletops continue the nautical theme; even the staff sport scuba-inspired uniforms.
Hearty fare
The food by chef Felwin Pangilinan is generously portioned and tasty. We sampled and liked his version of Sinampalukang Manok with pepper leaves and chili, Lechon Kawali cooked sous vide before being quickly fried for that crisp skin, and the Guinatang Pugita (octopus quickly cooked and added to a creamy coconut sauce).
At Two Seasons Coron Bayside, guests can choose from four spacious, elegantly designed room categories: Standard, Bayview, corner Bayview Deluxe and grand Panorama Suite. Some rooms have a veranda, but all come with plush bedding, air conditioning systems, ceiling fans, iPod docking stations, in-room safe, flat screen cable TV, DVD player and mini bar.
After a day spent hiking up and down Kayangan Lake, island-hopping, or bobbing around in the hot springs of Maquinit or the hotel’s infinity pool, there’s nothing better than a cool shower, dinner and a good night’s sleep at Two Seasons.
Call 4102075 to 80; e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.twoseasonsresorts.com.
