When I say breathtaking, there are two words that define it. One was literally running out of oxygen and two was the one that you use when you see something extraordinary. And it was a good thing that the second one came after the first so you will forget the 1st one and feel rewarded immediately.
Probably one of the best window view I have witnessed so far.
I'd been in Coron twice and fell in love with it twice. Even before we landed, I already in loved with it. The view of the island from the sky was amazing. The combination of green, brown and blue was perfectly came together. When we stepped out on the plane, the air was refreshing and the energy was vibrant. We were so excited to explore the Town.
From Manila, a small airplane which can accommodate up to 60 passengers flew us to Francisco B. Reyes Airport. After 45 minutes in the air, we landed at Busuanga Island, Coron, Palawan. Once we got to the door going out of the airport, we were welcomed by van drivers that asked to take us to the town costing P150.00 per head. The van is shared but you can directly contact your hotel for pick up with the same cost. The ride to the Town was around 35 minutes. I know it was quite long but don't sleep, you will enjoy the view along the way.
This was on my first time at Coron where airport photos is mandatory. :)
Busuanga Island though small has a lot to offer on their visitors. Once you already settled and before you do the most awaited Coron island or beach hopping, it's good to at least spend half of your day walking and looking around Town. Or you can also do it vise versa but I suggest to do it first before your other activities so you still have all the energy. Know why? Because one of the highlights at Busuanga is the trek to Mt. Tapyas. It's either you climb it or you never came at all.
L O C A T I O N
If you are already in Town, it is an easy find and you can reach it by foot. But if you want to be sure, ride a tricycle and you will be directly delivered to the starting point of the climb.
If you will be walking, you can just asked the local for the way. The journey will start once you walk at Malvar street which will directly bring you to the 1st step of your climb. The town is small and easy to navigate.
Going up, though the street is concreted and the way was curvy, it was sloping upward so it will be quite a struggle to those who are not used of flexing leg's muscles. It was around 200 meters and you will know that you already reached the starting point once you see the elevated basketball court which also serves as a parking area. If you want to skip the walking, ride a trike. It will bring you directly to the basketball court. There were vendors at the starting point where you can buy a drink and snacks to bring on the top. There are no stores along the way or on the peak of the mountain so I suggest that you bring something to eat especially something to quench your thirst. Yes, you will need a lot of water to replace what will be loss. :)
We were not yet on the peak but the view was already amazing! What more on the top?!
The climb consists of 700+ steps on a wide concreted stairs. If you are expecting of a real trekking like mountaineers do, that concrete steps will be easy right? Though I think it was not that easy but I can definitely assure you that it was not difficult as well. The climb was bearable especially that you are not time constraint. There were benches along the way where you can sit and rest for as long as you want. Once you gained height, the air will be stronger. You will be tired but the view is a great consolation.
Almost there guys! This photo was on my second visit, a year after. Changes? There are now roof shade installed .
At last we reached the top after almost half an hour. And as I told you, we were literally running out of oxygen. We were tired and sore but the view was all worth it. Breathtakingly beautiful!
There are 360 view from the top so you can see the Busuanga Town and Coron Island from here.
This cross has been the symbol of Mt. Tapyas and has been also the symbol of Busuanga. It is lighter at night that you is visible to the whole town.
Two different timeline with different company. Proof that I made it to the top twice, yey!
The sun started to show off at the top. :)
We started walking at the back and got off guard with the scenery. I thought I already saw how pretty Busuanga from the top, but the view on the back and side of the viewing deck was equally stunning with the view of Coron Island.
I was impressed with the combination of rich golden brown and green color of the grass covering the mountains and fields. I thought I was transported somewhere outside the planet.
With Papa and my lovely siblings!
Can't resist not to sit in this field of grass.
After enjoying the view, we got ourselves ready for another journey going back down. Since we strongly completed the steps upward, going down was a lot easier. The only struggle I had was when I was on the mid of the steps. My left knee was getting shaky and a little tingling every time I bent it. So I used more of my right knee on stepping and holding my weight in every steps.
Still can't get enough of this view even if I took almost hundreds of it in my phone.
Another struggle was after the steps going back on the main street. Since the road was sloping downwards, it was hard to control our steps. My knees were like veggies, I thought I'm gonna roll like a ball. But at the end, I survived!
The best time to go up is around 4 PM onward when the heat will not be harmful to the skin anymore and just enough time to catch the sunset. The climb can last for 20 minutes if you're fast and up to 45 minutes if you will be resting a lot. So you will have at least an hour or two to enjoy the view and the setting sun around Busuanga and nearby Islands. By the way, the climb was free and I hope it stays that way. There was no rule but be a responsible visitor. Never leave your trash on top unless you saw a garbage can. I was also wearing sandals when I climb. I was fine with it. It didn't harm my feet but using a shoes will be better. Just wear anything that will be comfortable to you. You will be sweating a lot so bring your towel. And oh, please, don't forget to enjoy the journey.
Mt. Tapyas was such a great and beautiful experience. Once was not enough so I made it twice but probably gonna do it again and again every time I have a chance. Never miss it because Mt. Tapyas will surely take your breath away!
x o x o
Faith
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