MT. TAPYAS (Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Last March 2014, I had a chance to visit one of the popular tourist spots in the town proper of Coron, Palawan.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Mt. Tapyas is the second highest mountain in the town of Coron.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

It got it's name from the Filipino term "Tapyas" which means "cut or chip" in English.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

To get here, you just need to navigate your way to Malvar street.


Coron only has a small town center which makes finding your way to Mt. Tapyas or navigating around the different areas in town a lot easier.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

If you're walking along the main road of Coron town, your landmark to the view deck of Mount Tapyas will be the Big Mama's restaurant. There's this huge signage in there anyway.


Walking from the main road of the town going to Malvar street is already quite a challenge because the street is quite sloping.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Once you reach the small basketball court (which serves as the Mountain's jump off point), you can already start your hike

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Mt. Tapyas is 210 meters high and the trail going up the mountain's view deck is easily accessible on foot.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

The sight of this steep concrete staircase made me think twice on continuing my trek. But i still continued hiking anyway.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

It was really a test of one's endurance.

Along the trail are concrete benches which you could use if you're too tired from all the trekking. It's really helpful especially to those who find the hike a lot tiring. I, myself found the trek super tiring, but it only made me more challenged into finishing the hike and reaching the summit. The views that i saw while climbing the steep staircases were epic. It made me a lot more interested into finding out how those views would look like from the higher portion of the mountain (summit).

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Halfway to the summit is a mini park with a non-operational snack bar, and scattered around the area are picnic table with benches.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

I can't help but be amazed with these epic views of the landscape which i saw midway to the viewdeck.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

I took a lot of pauses during my trek, sometimes to snap photos of the nice landscape and views and sometimes just to catch my breath and take rest.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Bringing water and a towel will be very handy, as you will get really tired and sweaty.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

After climbing a total of 700+  steps, you'll be able reach the summit.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

On the summit of the mountain, you can see the whole town proper, the pier, and the surrounding islands.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

There were already a lot of people in the view deck when i reached the summit.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Some of the people there are just locals, but most of them are tourists.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

There also used to be a giant illuminated cross on the top of Mt. Tapyas, but today, this is what's only left of the cross.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Last October 2013 when the big typhoon, Yolanda hit the Philippines, it passed through Coron, leaving a great damage in the area. If you will roam around the town, you will see a lot of the damages caused by the typhoon. I even saw some of the uprooted trees along the main roads of the town and there were a lot of establishments which has destroyed roofs.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

I also saw these two brave souls enjoying the view of Coron town while sitting on the railings. Don't try this it's a very dangerous act. I don't know why they preferred to sit there when they can actually sit on the benches scattered around the view deck.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Mind you the cliff is quite high and you probably don't wanna die ugly, so just don't do what those two kids dared to do.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

The view in summit is just relaxing and peaceful.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

You will find peace and solitude in there and you get to appreciate God's awesome works.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

How I wish, we also have this kind of place here  in Puerto Princesa. Climbing this mountain is a perfect way to exercise, you don't just get to lose some weight, you can also enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the town.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

For me, the best time to go here is at around 4.30 or 5 o'clock in the afternoon. It's not that hot during those hours and you will be able to catch the beautiful sunset.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

Here are some of the epic views of the sunset from the top of Mount Tapyas.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

The whole experience was really tiring but at the same time it was very rewarding.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

I love sunsets that's why i really enjoyed the time i spent there on the summit of Mount Tapyas.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

So if you happen to be in Coron and you're also a fan of sunsets, make sure you visit this nice mountain and enjoy the solitude and serenity that the place has to offer.

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

God's Artwork is really awesome! :)

(Mt. Tapyas--- Coron, Palawan Philippines)

ADIOS!

-The Palawenya Explorer ;)