BLACK ISLAND CRYSTAL CAVES BUSUANGA — Attraction in Busuanga

Probably one of the more remote areas of Coron is the Black Island. Located about three hours by boat from the main port of Busuanga, this undeveloped pristine island of powdery white sand beaches and turquoise waters will leave you breathless. A bit further from the shore are the mysterious caves with a small body of water inside. It could smell a bit "natural" at times because of bat droppings and urine, however, that's part of the experience. I for sure paid a compliment to the Universe for a job well done on this place.

You can only see small huts, a handful of people and all sights and sounds of nature. So, no creature comforts here. There are very bare bathrooms though so no need to panic.

If you do decide to visit Coron and do some island hopping, skip the big group tours provided by hotels and big tour outfits. Hire local guides and their boats. It's bit pricey though but worth it. You can do as much snorkeling, swimming, hanging around as you want and they can bring you to this island. You can discover more areas and customize where you want to go. They also cook the best food (with a fully customizable menu as you like) and most of all, they take the most awesome photos.

Tip: Come as a group so you can spread out the costs. Our guide Aldrin and his crew from Prince Kobe boat helped us gain so much experience from this trip. He speaks English and would patiently bring you across coral reefs even if you're a non-swimmer like me.

Support our local guides and the amazing...

This was oir 2nd stop of the three island we visited. Nice sand! Nice view of the limestones (I think thats where it got its name. From afar it looks black) Theres a picnic hut where we had our boodle fight prepared by our resort staff (The beach house). Theres a hut as well for barbecuing. CRs are clean, actually the entire are is clean because youll brimg your trash back with you.

Whats there to see beside the long white beach and snorkeling area - there are two caves - 1st cave where you can swim. That fresh water is cool. Second cave is called magical cave because the walls and stalactites were sparkling like crystals. You can enter the cave and explore for 15 minutes until you reach that part. But i didnt go that way as I didnt have ny shoes or slippers with me and it was slippery and so i entered through the cave end :-D. Youd know what I mean when you get there.

Dont forget this island when you...

Black Island Cave was every bit as beautiful as others have described. Just the entrance was a rocky marvel to behold with its walls in shades of cream and green. The main pool was a pleasant temperature in which to swim. You could stand up in the left half and the darker right half was deeper. There was a very deep but smaller pool that a brave soul was jumping into and he swam under a rock to pop out in another pool. There was also a dry cave you had to bend down to enter and a small matrix of paths joining caves. You need a good torch - my phone flashlight wasn't enough. A fascinating addition to an idyllic island. NB: We paid 3,000 pesos for a boat from Ocam Ocam Beach to Black Island for 4 people. 2,500 for 2. Then the cave is...