Apartelle de Gabrielle: Comfort in Coron
So, I've been on a hiatus for quite some time already.... my super busy schedule won't even let me take a vacation outside the country. Arg.. I need to go to Maldives!!!
Anyway, my colleague mentioned about going to Coron, Palawan (Philippines) and asked me if I could recommend a cheap accommodation in this beautiful island. Memories came flashing back.. the peaceful town, the hundred steps we climbed to catch a glimpse of what awaits us on the island, the crystal clear waters, the white-powder sand beaches, the exotic islets, the food and the entire laid-back experience. Geezzzz.. I'm already daydreaming of being on a beach.. :(
When the cat is away, the mouse will play....okay not entirely. I just sneaked a few minutes to craft this post about my Coron experience back in 2013. ^_^ . I gotta make this quick!
Coron is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Philippines, in fact, tennis superstar Maria Sharapova fell in love with this island. Want to see the beauty of this exotic island on a budget?
If you are travelling on a shoestring, one of the best options for you is staying at the Apartelle de Gabrielle. This accommodation offers a reasonable price.
The apartelle is quite modest - nothing fancy but very comfortable. It is situated in a hill-like part of the town - the back section of the apartelle is elevated. My friends and I stayed for 4 days and 3 nights for only Php5,200 per pax. Sounds expensive? Wait 'til I break it down!
For Php5,200, the transfer from the airport to the apartelle and vice versa was already included. The best part, the van was all on our own - we didn't have to share with anyone. Imagine there were just 3 of us (excluding the driver) inside the van. :) yay!
The staff was so nice and helpful when we checked in and took us to our room. After we settled, we enquired about a good place to eat and he directed us to a famous eating place in Coron.
Aside from the free round trip transport, our package also included a simple Filipino breakfast (eg. dasilog, tapsilog, tosilog, longsilog, etc.). The dining area/restaurant is located at the top level of the apartelle, giving the guests a spectacular view of the islets/islands nearby.
Our deluxe room was tidy and organised with clean linens. Room amenities include air-condition, flat television, wall fan, private restroom with toiletries. We have 2 queen-size beds - we combined them to have a bigger sleeping space. ^_^.
The room wasn't that spacious (yah know the one with big extra spaces where you can run around ^_^) but enough to let us move around easily.
The bed was very comfortable too, which was perfect after a tiring day outdoor. The toilet/bathroom was well-maintained, meaning no dreadful feeling when you use it. haha. Yes, I am very particular when it comes to bathroom (sadly I lost the bathroom images).
Our package already included the tours:
Coron Town Tour
- Maquinit Hot Spring
- Mt. Tapyas Trekking
- Souvenir Shops
- Lualhati Park
- Cashew Factory
- Kayangan Lake
- Twin Peak
- Hidden Lagoon
- Siete Pecados
- Coral Garden
- CYC Beach
- Bulog Island
- Banana Island
- Malcapuya Beach
Seriously, you don't need to have thousands to enjoy Coron! ;-)
Do you know an accommodation in Coron with cheap rates? Share it with us!