July 15, 2016

Discovery Island Resort and Dive Center

Island resorts draw a lot of expats to Coron. The lush scenery and separation from the town means you’ll get a relaxing vacation, no matter how stressed you were before you got to Coron.

However, most of these island resorts restrict you to within the island itself. Trips to town are usually out of the question, with a lot of these resorts at least an hour away from town by boat. Wouldn’t it be nice to stay in an island resort yet still be able to enjoy the town of Coron?

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DISCOVERY ISLAND RESORT AND DIVE CENTER. Closest island resort to town.

Discovery Island Resort and Dive Center takes care of both in one package. They are the closest island resort to Coron town, being 10 minutes away by boat. This puts you in an ideal spot: you’re close enough to enjoy the best restaurants the town has to offer, yet far enough you won’t even hear the noise.

It was opened as Discovery Diver’s Resort by Gunter Bernert, and later went under new management in 2010. The new owners have since turned the divers-only resort into a place fit for couples or families who want to enjoy a quiet stay in Coron.

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View from the veranda

The resort is rich with activities for any of its guests. You can go kayaking, running on their mangrove trail, or go on boat tours. They still offer diving and snorkelling as activities. Snorkelling, in particular, is popular for non-divers, especially during high tide. A floating house serves as your jump-off point.

ISLAND PERIMETER, RESTAURANT

You can always take a walk around the island, which should take you no more than 15 minutes, or enjoy stunning views of the bay from their small beach. The hotel has its own restaurant which serves both local and international cuisine, along with having the same stunning view of the bay. The owner’s wife is very hands on with the restaurant, assuring you of a tasty meal every time you dine.

BUNGALOW-STYLE COTTAGE

The resort has 17 rooms split between bungalows (off-peak rates of P2,400) and their modern lodge (for as low as P2,800). Tourists love their bungalows for their minimalist design: two beds joined as one, a veranda for each bungalow, and views of the bay for days on end. Even though these do not have air conditioning, the materials used allow air to flow free, making your nights comfortable even with a ceiling fan.

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FAMILY ROOM AT THE LODGE

Local guests, and those who are frequent divers, choose to stay at their lodge, which has air-conditioned rooms in a modern setting.

Room amenities may not be as plentiful as other resorts, but this three-star hotel provides the basics. Wi-Fi is available in their public areas because, as Shana, the resort’s marketing head, explains, “The hotel is much more of a place to disconnect from the stress of everyday living.”

Discovery Island Resort and Dive Center is located at Dicanituan Island, Brgy. 5, Coron, Palawan. For reservations, you can call 0918-398-7125 or 02-403-3374. You can also book via email, bookings@discoverydiversresort.com. Rates include boat transfers to and from town.