WHERE TO STAY IN CORON: BACAU BAY RESORT

Coron, Palawan is undeniably an island idyll, sprinkled with jade-colored lakes partly shaded by limestone cliffs, kaleidoscopic reefs, and talcum-fine beaches. It’s getting more popular each year, hence the crowd, but step-off the grid in this tropical treasure, and you’ll discover equally charming off-beat attractions, such as jungle hikes, bird watching destinations, and  coral-diving spots to occupy every adventurer.

After a day of adventure and swimming, if you’re seeking solitude along the tranquil bay, Coron has an impressive line-up of upscale resorts practically made for relaxing, such as the newly opened Bacau Bay Resort.  I had the chance to unwind here for a few days, which is spectacularly located along Coron Bay. More than just a luxury resort with welcoming staff, Bacau Bay Resort offers Instagram-worthy sunset view, beautifully-manicured garden framed by colossal acacia trees, and sets you in the mood to feast on epicurean cuisines with locally sourced ingredients.

BACAU BAY RESORT ROOMS

I stayed in a Deluxe Suite at the East Wing of Bacau Bay Resort, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open out onto a private balcony with views over the resort’s garden.  The room is airy and spacious (32 sqm) designed with modern oriental aesthetic and a relaxing balance of white linens, cream wall, soft neutral shades, and deep chestnut brown hardwood furniture. There’s 2 queen-sized comfortable beds with fluffy pillows, so I really had a pleasant sleep during my entire stay here.

The warmly-lit room is equipped with all the things you expect to find in a 4-star resort; air-condition, LED TV, alarm clock with Bluetooth speakers, safety deposit box, and mini refrigerator.  There’s also a mini bar, tea making facility, and espresso coffee machine.  There’s a table and chair if you need to do some paper work or hustle on your laptop.

The bathroom has walk-in rainfall shower. And since Bacau Bay Resort aims to exercise  sustainable tourism, to help reduce waste and minimize the use of single-use plastic, the toiletries, organic shampoo, conditioner, soap, and shower gel are packed in refillable ceramic containers. Also, the drinking water provided daily is served in glass pitcher instead of plastic bottle. Your eyes will surely not be offended by plastic packaging while you stay here.

I was also pleasantly surprised by welcome treats upon our arrival and desserts with hand-written notes from the general manager delivered to my room every night.

BACAU BAY RESORT DINING

Bacau Bay Resort has an in-house restaurant called Amihan, bathed in  warm colors and blue tones, and features lavish seating – evoking modern and soothing ambiance that allows diners to focus on the mouth-watering meals.

Amihan Restaurant has an executive chef that oversee the resort’s entire culinary operation and he seems committed to further advance the dining experience here.  Guests can indulge on a wide-range of local and international cuisines, with locally-sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood, cashew, and fruits. So be ready to splurge and indulge!

On our first day at Bacau Bay Resort, we had lunch at Amihan Resort where we tried the tastebud-tingling baked kibao, sinigang na bagnet, grilled tanigue with garlic calamansi butter sauce, and salt and pepper crispy samaral.

On our last day before flying out, menu highlights at Amihan include; Bacau Bay baby back ribs,  grilled surahan and Basque cheesecake, grilled chicken samosa with mango chutney, Parma melon, and roasted herbed pepper chicken.

For dinner, we feasted upon sisig cups and tanigue ceviche duet, bouillabaisse, pinais na tanigue sa malunggay at gata, lechong tiyan ng baboy sa kamias at tanglad, and mango surprise dessert.

For some classic Italian dishes, head to Pugon Café, blissfully situated near the mangrove forest and man-made beach.  Adding to the experience is the option to dine near the man-made beach area for dinner, which is dimly-lit, cozy, and intimate.

Guests will also take pleasure in trying their signature cocktails at Bacau Bay Resort’s bar – the Isla Pool Bar (located near the swimming pool) and the Serena Pier Bar (situated at the resort’s wharf overlooking the mangroves and the sea).

BACAU BAY RESORT FACILITIES

At Bacau Bay Resort, guests’ every whim are catered for.  It is blissfully situated about 5 minute-drive from downtown Coron, hugged by mangrove-fringed Coron Bay with a backdrop of green hills looming in the distance. This newly-opened resort was also sensitively developed, clad by greenery and gigantic acacia trees.

A massive swimming pool with jacuzzi feature sits at the heart of the resort, seducing you to take a dip or unwind on the sunbeds. The pool is open from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Relaxation is taken seriously here, lounging areas with cocoon daybeds and hammocks are sprinkled around the resort, most of them sit on manicured lawns under the shade of massive acacia trees.

Speaking of relaxation, Bacau Bay Resort has an in-house spa where you can get pampered on a calming massage after your adventure-filled day. I like that they use organic ingredients, especially their signature lemongrass scent.

For the adrenaline junkies, Bacau Bay Resort has a fitness center as well as outdoor activities for guests, like stand-up paddleboards, kayaking, and badminton. If you’re into diving, you’ll be glad to know that they have a Dive Shop here too.

Kids won’t get bored as there is a colorful mini library and play area designed for them.

At Bacau Bay Resort, there’s a private wharf connected by a wooden walkway overwater that faces west – handy for spectacular sunsets. On either side of the jetty, you can sit back and relax on catamaran nets while basking in the sun and enjoying the harmonious taste of  life on the water’s edge.

BACAU BAY STAFF

But what I like most about Bacau Bay Resort is how they trained their staff.  They’re genuinely helpful, always smiling, and greeting you.  From the guards, the staff, to the manager, they exceeded my expectations.

BACAU BAY CORON TOURS

The concierge certainly knows exactly what’s what in Coron, so just ask them if you want to arrange Coron island hopping trip and land tour.

On our first day in Coron, we did the Coron land tour.  The usual places in town visited by first timers in Coron are San Agustin Parish Church, Mt.Tapyas, and Maquinit Hot Spring.

Early in the morning the next day, we were whisked away by a large outrigger boat at the private dock of Bacau Bay Resort for our island hopping tour around Coron. The boat is equipped with life jackets beach towels, snorkeling gears, and ice box for our drinks. The staff also provided us with hot towels and welcome drinks. Our helpful and competent guide was also there to assist us.

We took a dip at Twin Lakes, snorkelled in Skeleton Lake and Coral Garden, and swam in Kayangan Lake.  We had lunch at Paca Island, an exclusive isle for Bacau Bay Resort guests.  It’s a great place to chill in one of the open-air huts here. But if you still have energy, you can try stand-up paddle boarding or kayak to the neighbouring CYC Beach.

WHERE TO BOOK BACAU BAY RESORT

Bacau Bay Resort

• Address: Governor’s Drive, Sitio Jolo, Poblacion 5, Coron, 5316 Palawan
• Contact #: +63 995 7603 444, +63 995 760 3445
• Website: bacaubayresort.com 

CHECK RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE

BACAU BAY RESORT ITINERARY

Here’s our sample Coron itinerary during our stay at Bacau Bay Resort Coron. Feel free to tweak this depending on your schedule and budget.

DISCLOSURE: My recent trip to Coron was sponsored by Bacau Bay Resort. 

 ALSO READ:

CORON TRAVEL GUIDE

EL NIDO TRAVEL GUIDE

SAN VICENTE PALAWAN TRAVEL GUIDE