The viewpoint
Coron's most famous view.
Myles Kadusale — CC BY 3.0 · Sailko — CC BY 3.0 · Sailko — CC BY 3.0 · Sailko — CC BY 3.0
A brackish lake inside Coron Island, between sharp limestone cliffs, said to be one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines. It takes its name from the local cockatoo and is one of thirteen lakes held sacred by the Tagbanwa, the island's indigenous people. The Tagbanwa forbade swimming and fishing in their lakes, then opened two of them to tourists in 2001 after a ritual asking the nature spirits' permission, and the state recognised their ownership of the island and its waters. They still manage the lake and collect its fees. You arrive by boat in a small cove, then climb a steep stairway for about ten minutes to a viewing platform, which gives the most famous view in Coron: the turquoise cove between peaks of dark rock with boats moored in it. You then go down to the lake itself, its water so clear you can see the rocks metres below the surface; you may swim in it wearing a life vest. The lake is part of the daily island tours from Coron. Arrive early before the crowds, and wear water shoes, as the rocks are sharp.
Coron's most famous view.
See metres down.
A sacred lake run by its people.
Coron Island, about 30 minutes by boat from Coron town
Yes, with a compulsory life vest. Before the lake is a steep ten-minute stairway to the famous viewpoint.
