Mount Tapyas — Local services in Coron

I was told that there is a place in town that we can hike, and I thought it would be through a trail. And voila it’s paved, which makes it easier to climb despite the unpredictable weather changes. I saw this hike offered in the Coron Town Tour, along with other sites for P700, so I thought it was paid admission, but turns out it’s free.

A friend and I started the hike in the afternoon to avoid the harsh sunlight but it was still humid. I remember a sorbetero selling ice cream by the stairs for some reason. 😅 On the first few steps, we saw a senior citizen quit and told us that he can’t do it. We cheered him on, but back to the starting point he went. So if you have mobility issues, this might not be the best activity for you.

We went up the hill and saw some Jehovah’s Witnesses at the benches. We took a break when we saw the view, then continued on to the top. There were many tourists up top despite it being a Tuesday, but it wasn’t so packed that you can’t take a proper solo picture. We saw the nimbus clouds fast approaching from the island across, and so we all stayed under this small shed and waited until the rain wasn’t heavy anymore. We soaked in the beautiful view under the Coron letters and started our descent by nightfall. I started feeling chilly up in there and we remember feeling the abrupt change in the temperature when we were halfway through the staircases.

This is a good free workout if you’re looking for activities that...

Mt. Tapyas is a favorite attraction in Busuanga Island in Coron, PALAWAN. The more than 700 steps to the steel cross at the summit is one cardio exercise challenge which is not for the faint hearted! The steep climb might be difficult for some but the amazing view more than compensates it. Mt. Tapyas stands 210 meters while the cross is more than 2,000 feet above sea level.

It helped that the trail to the top is made of concrete steps with handrails to boot. I am guessing that for every 100 steps they made a flat covered space with concrete benches to help recover your strength before proceeding.

We started the climb at around 5pm so there was still some sunlight. A mix of local and foreign tourists were also going up. I was really catching my breath but thank goodness I finally reached the top!

A spacious viewing deck will give you a panoramic view of Coron. A worthy prize for the...

The 722 steps initially seemed daunting, and there were moments when turning back crossed my mind. However, with each step, the lush surroundings and anticipation of the view kept me going.

Reaching the summit, I was greeted by an awe-inspiring panoramic view that instantly made every step worthwhile. The sunset painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, casting a mesmerizing glow over Coron. It was a scene that made the entire journey feel like a triumph.

Enduring the hike, despite the fleeting thoughts of retreat, allowed me to witness nature's grandeur at its finest. Mt. Tapyas, with its challenging steps, became a metaphor for perseverance, and the view from the top transformed the trek into an unforgettable experience. If you're up for a bit of a climb, the sunset from Mt. Tapyas is an absolute must-see – a reward that makes every step an adventure...