We remember our very first visit to Coron, Palawan, with its clear, crystalline waters, majestic limestone cliffs, Karst rock formations, and fine, sandy beaches.

We remember the people of Coron as well, always smiling, accommodating, a paragon of Filipino hospitality.

The simple island life is embodied in Coron, where everything is laid back. There’s Coron Town, with its shops, quaint restaurants and numerous hotels.

At Coron Bay, one can spend the entire day lounging on the beaches, eating grilled seafood to one’s heart’s (or belly’s) surfeit, or going cave diving or snorkeling.

Each time we visit Coron, we’re awestruck by what we find. There’s always something new to discover. Our most recent visit was a perfect example.

On our return trip, we stayed at the new hotel Bacau Bay Resort. It is 35 minutes from Francisco B. Reyes Airport on Busuanga Island, and only five minutes from the town proper.

The hotel has an open, airy feel, its structures following the rolling landscape of the resort grounds. A four-star property, it has 64 deluxe rooms and 15 suites spread out in three buildings.

For hotel dining, there’s Amihan, and the al fresco options: Isla Pool Bar, Pugon Café, and Serena Pier Bar.

There’s Alon Spa for a relaxing massage, a fitness center and a kids’ activity center.

Private pier

The resort is named after the bakawan or mangroves. Its most notable feature is that it has its own private pier.

With the private pier, there was no need to go to the public port to go island hopping. Straight from the jetty, we went out to sea, to explore Coron.

First stop was Waling-Waling, a destination we have not yet visited. Our enthusiasm was somehow dampened by rough waters, but our ordeal was instantly forgotten as we were amazed by what we saw.

Crystal-blue waters and a perfectly shaped sandbar greeted us on Waling-Waling Island. The beach had fine sand, and a stone stairway led to a viewing deck that afforded you a breathtaking view of the ocean.

Next stop was Malcapuya Island, with its long stretch of fine white sand. There we had a delicious lunch of grilled seafood and meat.

After the beach, we were off on a mandatory trip to Kayangan Lake.

We have been to the lake numerous times, but the magic is still there. Pale limestone cliffs, turquoise-clear water, and the serene tranquility of Kayangan Lake will amaze even the most jaded of travelers.

We returned to Bacau Bay Resort tired but happy.