Coron – Culion

Description

Culion: A Colony of Wonders

Culion is a municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines, that consists of Culion Island and 41 minor surrounding islands. It is part of the Calamianes Group of Islands, a cluster of islands that offer breathtaking natural wonders and rich history. Culion was once a leper colony, but it has overcome its past and transformed into a destination that showcases its heritage and marine life.

History

Culion’s history dates back to the Spanish colonial period, when it was first mentioned in 1622 as part of the jurisdiction of Calamianes. It was also a refuge for the Tagbanwa people, who are one of the oldest indigenous groups in the Philippines. In 1906, under the American regime, Culion was established as a leprosarium, where people afflicted with leprosy were isolated and treated. The leprosarium operated until 1992, when Culion became a regular municipality. In 2006, Culion was declared a leprosy-free area by the World Health Organization. Today, Culion preserves its history through its museum and archives, which are inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register – Asia and the Pacific.

Where to Stay

Culion offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Some of the popular places to stay in Culion are:

• Hotel Maya: A boutique hotel that features spacious rooms, a restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a swimming pool. It also offers tours and activities such as island hopping, diving, and kayaking.
• La Estancia Busuanga Resort: A beachfront resort that offers cozy cottages, a restaurant, a spa, and a private pier. It also has a dive center that caters to beginners and experienced divers alike.
• Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital Dormitory: A historical dormitory that was once used by the leprosy patients and staff. It has been renovated and converted into a budget-friendly accommodation that provides basic amenities and services.

Where to Eat

Culion has a variety of dining options that serve local and international cuisines. Some of the recommended places to eat in Culion are:

• Lolo Nonoy’s Food Station: A family-owned restaurant that serves Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and pancit. It also offers fresh seafood and grilled specialties.
• Sunset Cafe: A cozy cafe that offers coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches. It also has a stunning view of the sunset over the sea.
• Bistro Coron: A fine dining restaurant that serves Mediterranean and Asian fusion dishes. It also has a wine cellar and a cigar lounge.

Tourist Spots

Culion has many tourist spots that showcase its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Some of the must-see attractions in Culion are:

• Culion Museum and Archives: A museum that displays the history and culture of Culion, especially its leprosy legacy. It has exhibits of artifacts, documents, photographs, and artworks that tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in the leprosarium.
• Fort Culion: A fort that was built by the Spaniards in 1740 to protect Culion from pirates and invaders. It has a chapel, a watchtower, and a cannon that are still intact.
• Agila Hill: A hill that offers a panoramic view of Culion town and its surrounding islands. It also has a giant eagle statue that symbolizes Culion’s freedom and resilience.
• Malcapuya Island: An island that boasts of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and coral gardens. It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• Baldat Rock Formation: A rock formation that resembles a bald head. It is located on Baldat Island, which is also home to a lighthouse and a mangrove forest.

How to Travel Around

Culion is accessible by boat from Coron town, which is the main gateway to the Calamianes Group of Islands. There is a public boat that leaves Coron port daily at noon for an hour and a half journey. The fare is P180 per person. Alternatively, visitors can charter a private boat from Coron for P3,850 to P6,666 depending on the number of passengers.

Once in Culion, visitors can travel around by tricycle, motorcycle, or bicycle. The rates vary depending on the distance and destination. Visitors can also rent boats to explore the nearby islands.

Culion is a colony of wonders that awaits discovery by travelers who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. It is a place where history meets nature in harmony.