Dive into the Depths – Discover Barracuda Lake in Coron

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• Dive into the Depths – Discover Barracuda Lake in Coron

• Kalanggaman Island, Leyte’s Sandbar Gem - Escape to Paradise

• Koh Russey Resort, Luxury Resort Pick of the Week

Dive into the Depths – Discover Barracuda Lake in Coron

Nestled within the dramatic limestone cliffs of Coron Island, Barracuda Lake—also known by its indigenous name Luluyuwan—is one of the Philippines’ most surreal natural wonders. Our latest blog explores its otherworldly underwater environment, setting it apart for adventure seekers and underwater photographers alike.

A Lake Unlike Any Other

Barracuda Lake captivates divers and snorkelers with its stratified water layers. Just four meters (13 ft) below the surface, freshwater shifts abruptly into brackish water, creating a visible halocline. Descend further into a powerful thermocline around 14 meters (46 ft), where water temperature spikes from 28 °C (82 °F) to nearly 38 °C (100 °F).

This unique layering creates ethereal underwater illusions—rippling halocline distortions, soaring visibility up to 30 meters, and an eerie moonlike ambiance on the silty bottom.

Diving Through the Layers

• Freediving & Snorkeling: Glide through the thermoclines for a surreal experience. Divers report a "walking on the moon" sensation and the thrill of temperature shifts as you swim between layers of warm and cool water.

• Scuba Diving: With a maximum depth around 40 meters (131 ft), certified divers navigate dramatic vertical walls—karst cliffs reaching from the surface to the silted lakebed.

• Minimal Marine Life: While Barracuda Lake isn’t rich in marine biodiversity, you may encounter rabbitfish, catfish, shrimp, gobies, and the elusive barracuda—usually hiding among the submerged rocks.

Planning Your Visit

• Getting There: Just 20 minutes by banca from Coron town pier, followed by a short trek down about 150 steps to the lake—accessible via most island-hopping or dive tours.

• Entrance Fees & Permits: An environmental fee of ₱100–₱200 applies, with dive tours and island-hopping options available daily.

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round accessibility, but optimal visibility and calm waters typically unfold during Coron’s dry season (November–May).

Why Barracuda Lake Captivates

Barracuda Lake offers not a showcase of marine life but a sensory dive experience—through shimmering water layers, thermal shifts, and breathtaking depth. Whether you’re a free diver seeking visual wonder or a scuba diver craving subterranean mystery, this inland lake is a gateway to geological marvels that feel plucked from another planet.

Are you ready for an underwater journey unlike any other? Barracuda Lake awaits—with swirls of haloclines, warm thermoclines, and mountain walls beneath you. Your next adventure just got surreal.

Read the full guide here:

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte’s Sandbar Gem - Escape to Paradise

If you’re yearning for a serene escape untouched by commercialism, Kalanggaman Island in Leyte is calling your name. This slender, uninhabited sandbar—dubbed Leyte’s best-kept secret—stretches like a bird into the turquoise Visayan Sea, offering a picture-perfect blend of powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and raw natural beauty.

Why Kalanggaman Island Stands Out

Far from resort developments and noise, Kalanggaman offers an authentic, eco-conscious experience. Its iconic sandbars shift with the tides, revealing dramatic shapes and photo-worthy moments at sunrise and sunset. Surrounded by calm reefs, the island is a sanctuary for snorkelers, paddlers, and photographers.

What to Do on This Tropical Escape

• Sunbathing on the Sandbar: During low tide, the twin sandbars emerge, providing a unique space to lounge and soak up the sun in unparalleled peace.

• Snorkeling & Swimming: Explore colorful coral gardens in the shallow waters. The western side offers relaxed swimming zones, while the eastern reef teems with marine life for snorkelers and divers.

• Kayaking & Photography: Bring your paddleboard or rent one locally. Kalanggaman’s reflective waters and towering palms provide a photographers’ paradise—ideal for low-tide walks down the sandbar.

Camping Under the Stars

With no lodges or restaurants on the island, camping is the best way to extend the magic. Bring your own tent and supplies—spot fees are minimal, and designating sleep under the night sky is unforgettable.

Planning Essentials

• Getting There: Kalanggaman lies about 11 km off Palompon, Leyte. Boats depart from the Eco‑Tourism Office in town—about an hour by pump-boat. Groups usually charter boats (₱3,000–4,500 round-trip) that accommodate up to 15 people.

• Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip during the dry season (March–May) for calm seas and minimal crowds. Weekday visits offer a more intimate experience.

• Amenities to Bring: There’s no electricity, so come prepared with power banks, tents, and lighting. Basic facilities include composting toilets, grilling stations, and a small sari-sari store. Bring sufficient water, food, sun protection, and trash bags.

Eco-Conscious Travel

The island is managed by the Palompon LGU to preserve its beauty. Visitors are urged to follow Leave No Trace principles—respect wildlife, pack out waste, and keep plastic to a minimum. Occasional temporary closures help rejuvenate the delicate ecosystem.

Your Kalanggaman Experience

Kalanggaman Island is more than a destination—it’s a moment of stillness, a canvas of nature’s finest elements, and a refuge from modern life. Whether you’re paddling at sunrise, photographing sandbar silhouettes, or camping under the stars, every moment immerses you in a quiet, profound beauty.

Discover the full guide and start planning your escape here:

Koh Russey Resort, Luxury Resort Pick of the Week

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Koh Russey (also known as Bamboo Island) just off Cambodia’s coast, Koh Russey Resort offers a serene luxury escape perfect for a peaceful retreat. Our latest blog picks this elegant private-island haven as this week’s featured resort.

A Private-Island Sanctuary

Accessible via a quick speedboat ride from mainland Sihanoukville, Koh Russey spans a lush, unspoiled landscape dotted with 50 pavilions and 13 private pool villas. The design draws inspiration from the Khmer krama textile, harmonizing contemporary architecture with local influences. Stays here feel like an exclusive beachfront home.

Accommodations & Amenities

Choose from garden, beach, or beachfront pool villas—each with spacious interiors, teak furnishings, and private plunge pools. Villas come equipped with luxuries like bathrobes, Minibar, Wi‑Fi, and outdoor bathtubs overlooking lush gardens or the sea. Guests praise the resort’s comfort and tranquility.

Residents enjoy a resort-grade pool, fully equipped gym, 24‑hour fitness studio, and a signature spa with treatments drawn from local practices and ingredients. Highlights also include beachside yoga and kid-friendly recreation areas.

Culinary Delights

Dine casually at the Beach Shack, where beachfront vibes and fresh seafood meet cocktails on a sandy floor. For refined evenings, Horizon Restaurant blends local produce from its organic garden with French‑fusion and Khmer-inspired cuisine. Start your morning with gourmet breakfast spreads and end your day with intimate sunset meals overlooking the water.

Activities & Island Life

Adventure or unwind—your choice. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, or snorkeling right off the resort’s private beach. For inland exploration, tip-offs include Bokor National Park and nearby pepper farms. Wellness activities include spa treatments, yoga sessions, and beachside relaxation.

Sustainability at Its Core

Koh Russey Resort champions sustainable tourism. Eco‑friendly design techniques minimize environmental impact, on-site organic gardens supply the restaurant, and spa products are locally sourced. This mindful approach complements the island’s pristine setting.

Planning Your Escape

• How to get there: Reach Sihanoukville by road or air, then a short drive and speedboat transfer to the resort.

• Best time to visit: Dry season (November–May) offers calm seas and clear skies—perfect for beach time and water sports.

• Ideal for: Honeymooners, families, couples, and eco-conscious travelers seeking seclusion and comfort without compromise.

With its elegant villas, beachfront serenity, and eco-luxury ethos, Koh Russey Resort is a prime pick for a private-island getaway that honors both comfort and conservation.

Read the full luxury resort review here: