Hello everyone!
In my previous post, I promised to share about my Kayangan Lake experience, but I still haven't finished my post. And then I changed my mind. I'm always like that. I'm halfway through and then I suddenly lost my interest only to find something else to write. It turned out that there's so much to unpack for that Kayangan Lake post. From the bits of information about the lake that I never knew to the two separate sets of photos, I still have to figure out what to do to proceed with that travel post. So, for now, let's have this second lake of Coron: Barracuda Lake.
From Kayangan Lake, we were supposed to go directly to our next destination which is Skeleton Wreck and Beach 91 to have our lunch, but a couple who are part of our tour group said that Barracuda Lake was included in their tour package as they requested it a day before. There was confusion among the tour guides on which boat those couple are to be included. But as there's always an amicable solution, we just agreed to go with them to the lake even if we would have to add Php 200.00 (USD 4.00) for the entrance fee. I mean we were already there, so we might as well maximize all the tourist spots that could be visited in a day.
It's more of a shortstop than a detour because Barracuda Lake is just along the way to Beach 91. The guides told us that we will have to consider the number of boats that are docked near the lake since it might not be worth it. As our boat traversed Coron Bay, the usual sights are the nearby islands of Busuanga and Uson. For more photos about those islands, you can head out to my previous post:
For more context about this travel series, you can read my two posts, if you haven't yet, that are from our first day in Coron:
Just a few minutes from Kayangan Lake, we reached the docking area of Barracuda Lake. Again, I was mesmerized by the majestic karst formations. It's like everywhere I point my camera, there's always interesting to shoot.
Since there are only a few boats that are docked, we decided to visit the lake. It means there were only a few tourists there. The guides told us that it was a very different scene compared to before the pandemic. The thing is, unlike in Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake is much smaller that it could only cater to a fewer number of tourists.
In the docking area alone, those karst formations are just too awesome to marvel at. I mean look at these photos below:
BARRACUDA LAKE Coron Island, Palawan, Philippines
To access the lake, some wooden walkways and stairs meander through the spiky sharp limestones. It's not that far though, like just 20 steps up and then another 20 steps down those stairs and the lake is on the other side.
Halfway through the stairs, the view of the docking area is also awesome that I never missed taking photos even if it was too bright that I felt my photos are overexposed. I didn't care too much at that time. It was just too overwhelming for me.
Et voila! Welcome to Barracuda Lake!
There's so much to unravel in this lake. Don't worry. This post is just half of it. From the crystal blue waters to the majestic karst formations to thermocline and halocline phenomena underwater, this post is just at the surface. Don't worry, I decided that I will go back and I'm already booked for May 15-22, 2022. I also decided that I will bring my fins and GoPro to freedive in this amazing lake. For now, I can't talk about the underwater experience because I have no proof to show.
Barracuda Lake is one of the two lakes on Coron Island that are open to the public. The remaining eleven are not accessible because it was decided by the elders of the Tagbanwa Tribe to be closed for conservation purposes. No permanent structures are to be constructed near the lake and even on the whole of Coron Island because it's in an ancestral domain of the Tagbanwa people.
Barracuda Lake got its name from the barracuda fish that could be found on the lake. But now, they can rarely be seen and you are lucky if you can see them swimming near you. The locals name the lake Luluyuan Lake which came from the local dialect term "luyo" which means back or other side. Literally, it's located at the back or other side of Kayangan Lake, hence the local name.
I have a natural aversion to confined bodies of water like lakes, but I couldn't resist the crystal clear water. It's said to be one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines. They said that Barracuda Lake is best experienced through scuba diving to experience the thermocline. The lake is naturally brackish, but due to the separation of different water densities due to different salinity (halocline), there's a phenomenon where different water temperatures are experienced with varying depths. They say that in Barracuda Lake it started cold at the surface then it becomes hot at a certain level below for like 40 degrees celsius, and then it becomes cold again at the bottom of the lake. I always wanted to try that, but for now, let's just be contented with what's at the surface.
We just swim for a few minutes there before going back to the boat because it was almost time for lunch. I guess that's all for this post and I'll leave this majestic, impressive, elevated, towering, magnificent, colossal, gigantic, and all the adjectives for this karst formation that serves as the wall of the lake.
See you in my next post! Hopefully, it will be Kayangan Lake because it has been long overdue. But whatever. Bye!
Kim Ybañez
Welcome to Kim's small corner in Hive. He is a chemical engineer by profession, but a blogger by passion. He is a wanderlust and an adventure seeker. Join his quests as he visits secluded destinations, climbs mountains, tries new and exotic dishes, and explores his country (The Philippines). He's also a trying hard photographer so stay tuned as he shares his photos and his thought process while creating them.
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Hi Kim, I feel nostalgic about Coron reading your post. Do they still prohibit swimmers without wearing life vests to swim in the lakes (Barracuda and Kayangan)? I hope they change that rule. It wasn't like that before circa 2011 to 2014 but due to an accident sometime after that, they enforced it.
They still imposed that rule. It's okay tho. Once you entered the water, you can remove your vest and just tell the guides to look after you. We even went freediving without fins.
That's great news because that wasn't possible before. Glad to hear they allow it now.
Maybe because there are only a few tourists compared to before. Plus they know that we're freedivers.
I guess that might be the case. Have a good evening, the rain is incredible today, perfect bed weather.
Yeah! Cuddle weather. 🙈
Palawan is beautiful and definitely on top of my list! I've seen it a long time ago and thought the place was in Borneo lol but apparently, it's in the Philippine! by the way, which go pro do you have and do you have to buy the underwater case separately?
It's almost similar to other Southeast Asian tourist spots. I have GoPro Hero 9 Black. You have to buy the underwater case separately.
Wow, those images are breathtaking, I love nature walks so much. I would gladly swim in that lake, the water looks spectacular!
Aww I already feel like going to a river nearby!😆
Same here! Anything nature is therapeutic.
😄
I Don't Think I've Ever Seen A Lake That Blue Yet!! Diving In There Would Be Surreal For Sure 😍
It was surreal! I was sad because I didn't bring my GoPro. It was broken a few months back and I had it replaced. I'll be back and I will definitely share some photos and videos soon!
Oh Yes I'd Love To See More From This Place Whenever You Get A Chance To Upload Them!
thanks to the couples you didnt miss this amazing lake. I miss so much beaches and lakes with crystal clear blue color. I don't see things like that here in NZ, probably because they dont have white sand - i am not too sure. When scrolling through your post, I want to see photos of you exploring under water but I couldnt find it. Then when I read it I know you didnt have enough time. It would be interesting to see what you can find in there, perhaps you will find some Barracuda fishes swimming with you. Oh I can't wait to see your post when you're back in May
Yeah! Good thing they were with us or else, we would have missed that lake. I'm excited to freedive on either one of the lakes this May.
I know it: I am already halfway there but change my mind again :) But then I'm also looking forward to the upcoming article about Lake Kayangan :) The couple was certainly happy that there was still a nice solution for everyone together and there was no detour for you. That blue water looks amazing!
Good thing I'm not the only one who changes their mind halfway through the post. Some of my drafts are still waiting for me to finish them.
I'll definitely post Kayangan Lake soon because it's the more famous tourist spot in Palawan.
Been to this place with the wife and kids.
The water in that lagoon is damned cold but still nice to swim at.
I think this was the video oh when I was there. I think.
Nice!
I rewatched the video and just realised I think I deleted part 2... which was the Coron part...
I am left wondering why I deleted it.
These landscapes make me miss so badly seeing the sea and it's waves. And I've never been a fan of sea, but everything looks so crystal clear and beautiful! I love it! ❤️
I'm more of a mountain person because of the adrenaline-inducing adventure, but I'm slowly becoming a sea person. Maybe it comes with age. 😂
Yeah, exactly! I get the same feeling lately, lol. Maybe it's because it's been a while since I've been to the sea and I sort of miss that
This place is on the Travel bucket list of all travel enthusiasts I think and Im one of those who want to experience this magical mountain rock formation of this place. Soon soon soon 😅 we will go there hahaha. Nice kaayo ning Barracuda Lake. Unsay feeling kaya no? ma excite man ta magwork oy para maybudget para ani an place hahaha.
Laban ra jud! Manifesting! Pagbudget na sa imong Hive posts.
Maona gyud ni atong buhaton ron para sa mg Travel Goals nato ron.😅
Travel goals oi! Laban lang sa mga bayarin.
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What a nice lake, it really looks amazing and lovely
Yes! Much better if you visit in person than in photos.
Wow!!!very beautiful
Dear @ybanezkim26 the lakes were so beautiful I feel the beauty of the place by seeing the pictures. Thank you so much for this fresh and beautiful blog to share with us.
awesome
The photos reminded me of our trip to Coron in 2018. It was amazing!
Have you posted about it already? What I love about Hive is that I can visit these travels anytime for nostalgia. 😄
Yes, posted about it already.
Barracuda Lake is huge and of rare beauty, you must have had an amazing experience here.
I think that as clear as the water is, with special equipment you can dive, I am curious about marine life.
It was one of the best experiences I've had. I will have to dive soon and share here some photos or videos.
Yasss! I couldn't agree more!