By all accounts, traveling in an archipelagic country like the Philippines has always required patience, strategy, and a little creativity.
Filipinos, especially seasoned “biyaheros,” have mastered the art of making every journey part of the adventure itself — even the sleepless nights and idle hours aboard a ferry bound for paradise.
With the recent conflict in the Middle East triggering another spike in global fuel prices, air travel has become more expensive for both local and foreign tourists.
Flights to island destinations such as Coron and Busuanga now cost significantly more than what many travelers are willing to spend.
Scenes from getting tickets, and inside the vessel, and eating and and viewing from the roof deck and watching the Manila horizon and sunset with the Manila International Container Terminal in the foreground.
A one-way flight from Manila to Busuanga can reach over Php10,000, while round-trip tickets from Cebu average nearly Php20,000. Even flights from Clark have become premium-priced despite the short travel time.
Because of this, many travelers are now rediscovering an old but practical alternative — sea travel.
For budget-conscious adventurers, backpackers, and even families trying to stretch their vacation funds, ferries are once again becoming the preferred gateway to Coron.
A 13-hour sea voyage may sound long to some, but for many travelers, the journey itself has become part of the experience.
The most popular options are the Atienza shipping line and 2GO Travel. Atienza offers cheaper fares, while 2GO provides several accommodation types ranging from super value to tourist and cabin accommodations. It is a Roll-On/Roll-Off passenger-transport ship that can function as both a cargo transporter and cruise-like passenger ferry.
Ease of traveling by sea is one of its core motto, thus they have 9 vessels in their fleet, the M series named after Filipino Words such as Masagana, Maligaya, Masikap, Masinag and Masigla while the S-series are named after Roman Catholic saints like St. Michael the Archangel, St. Francis Xavier, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. Augustine of Hippo.
The appeal of sea travel goes beyond affordability.
Passengers are also allowed generous baggage limits — a huge advantage for divers, photographers, and backpackers carrying heavy gear.
Inside the ferry, travelers discover a small floating community. There are amenities like a cafe, a convenience store, a restaurant, with entertainment to serenade the evening voyage.
Some passengers spend the night chatting with newfound friends, while others simply enjoy the cool sea breeze on the view deck until curfew time of 10pm.
And then there are the moments that make the trip unforgettable — watching the sunset leave Manila behind, as you witness the famous Manila Bay sunset with the Manila International Container Terminal that sits on North and South harbor and you have the privilege witnessing the sunrise slowly revealing the islands of Coron and the Calamianes Island group.
Scenes upon arriving in the Calamianes Island group and Coron, watching the limestone cliffs taking shapes against the beautiful sunrise and turquoise waters in Waling-waling and other islands destinations are very inviting.
For first-time travelers, the approach to Coron is magical.
As islands begin to emerge from the horizon, passengers are welcomed by towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and the promise of adventure. Suddenly, the 13-hour journey no longer feels exhausting. It feels worth it. Excitement was the feeling of the hour.
Tourists and guests enjoying the morning view as the ship arrives at the Port of Manila. The Manila International Container Terminal with the colony of informal settlers in the foreground can be best viewed from the viewdeck.
Disembarking with 3 or 4 bags on a steep companionway or ship’s ladder can be quite a challenge, but the crew and staff are always a hand to help you with your baggage coming up and going down the ship.
This is why many travelers are now asking the question: “2GO or Not 2GO?”
The return trip is as good also as good from moonshine to slowly approaching the Manila Bay as people move around the deck.
At a time when petroleum prices continue to rise, sea travel offers a sensible and exciting alternative. For roughly the price of a one-way plane ticket, travelers can already secure a round-trip ferry journey complete with meals and generous luggage allowance.
And for the growing number of international backpackers arriving in droves during the summer months of April and May, the ferry experience has become part of the Philippine adventure itself.
The intense summer heat drives everyone toward the water, and nowhere is “Vitamin Sea” more rewarding than in Coron.
From the breathtaking beauty of Kayangan Lake to the enchanting Twin Lagoon, hidden beaches, coral gardens, and island-hopping tours, Coron continues to prove why it remains one of the crown jewels of Philippine tourism.
But perhaps the bigger realization is this: sea travel reconnects Filipinos with the very nature of the country itself.
The Philippines is an archipelago. Our seas are not barriers — they are highways linking thousands of islands, cultures, and experiences together.
Personally, the ferry trip turned out better than expected. Sleeping inside the tourist cabin was difficult with too much camera equipment and travel gear, but the experience itself more than made up for the discomfort.
Like many backpackers, sometimes all you really need are the essentials, a sense of adventure, and readiness to dive, swim, explore, and embrace life fully.
Because in the end, it is now or never.
Travel while you can. Experience the islands while they remain beautiful. Rediscover sea travel not merely as transportation, but as part of the journey itself.
Pack light. Chase the horizon. And get ready for 100 percent Vitamin Sea in Coron. — story and photos by Bernard Testa/PG
