Hey there, fellow travelers!
Looking to venture to the picturesque Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan? You’ve made an excellent choice! This literal gem of a spot boasts of crystal-clear turquoise waters that are as pristine as a freshly laundered shirt.
But wait, don’t dive in just yet! We can’t emphasize enough the importance of being cautious when it comes to safety.
Kayangan Lake is, in general, safe for anyone who wishes to see it. However, just like any natural environment, it does come with its own set of potential risks and safety considerations.
Potential Risks and Safety Considerations in Kayangan Lake
Some Risky Situations You May Encounter in Kayangan Lake.
But first lets talk about some potential risks that you may encounter in Kayangan Lake.
1. Uneven Steps
After your orientation, there is a 10-minute trek to get to the lake. Some steps are not even which can be a source of risk especially for toddlers and older visitors.
2. Uneven Terrain
It’s nature, everything is random, including the terrain. However, if you are not careful, it can be risky. You can fall off the cliff and only heaven knows what could exactly happen to you.
3. Slippery Steps
Visitors go up and down the lake with there wet bodies, clothes, and other things after swimming. Also, the rain water can make it slippery as well. So always watch your step.
4. Steep Climb for Out-of-shape and Older People
Healthy people will not find it steep. It’s only about 300 steps. It should be easy enough. However, the problem is actually for people who are not in good shape and the elderlies. If you are one of these people, make sure to take your time and don’t push your self. The lake won’t leave and it’s going to wait for you.
5. Viewing Deck
The viewing deck can be risky, too. Once upon a time, there were no fences there but now they do. Thanks to the effort of the Tagbanua People who erected the fences. Still, going outside of the fences is highly careless and dangerous. Only take pictures and stand on spaces where you are safe and allowed to.
6. Slippery Wooden Platform and Hidden Cracks
Once you reached the lake, there is a wooden platform around the part of the lake where you are allowed to swim. It can be a source of risk for anyone if not careful. While the the Tagbanua People does a good job maintaining the platform, it is made of wood, always gets wet, and is prone to rotting. So always watch your steps while walking.
7. Risky Underwater Rock Formation
The water in Kayangan Lake is so clear that you can see the rock formations under it. Watch out for this because they may appear deep but is actually shallow. Oppositely, they may appear shallow but is actually deep. Don’t get too excited and jump in the water without looking. Be extra careful because some of these rocks are sharp.
All of these risks should already be in our common senses. However, sometimes, we tend to forget where we are and get too excited to see this wonderful work of nature. Then suddenly, pfff! Accident happens.
9 Important Safety Considerations While in Kayangan Lake
It’s always great to take precautions to avoid risks, and thankfully, many of these precautions are quite straightforward and easy to remember.
1. Swimming Skills
While swimming can be really fun in Kayangan Lake, it’s essential to be a confident swimmer. The lake’s depth can become extremely deep with just a few steps from where you are currently standing, so it pays to have that swimming skills.
2. Life Jackets
Life jackets are life-savers. Use it, especially if you are not a confident swimmer. You should be provided by your tour operator of choice with one. If not, demand one from your tour guide. It helps you buoyant at all times and provide safety while having fun in the water.
3. Cave Exploration
If you plan to explore the underwater caves or caverns in Kayangan Lake, it’s advisable to have experience in cave diving or snorkeling. Entering caves should only be done with proper equipment and, ideally, with a local guide who knows the area.
4. Sun Protection
If you go to Coron in the summer, that’s months of March to May, the sun can be really intense. So wearing sunscreen, especially if you love bikinis, wearing sunscreen is a must. Sunglasses, hats, and rash guard can add another layers of protection for you.
5. Proper Hydration
If you think that since you are always in the water and will not get dehydrated, you are wrong big time. You may not feel it but you are losing water inside your body, unless, of course, if you are drinking the water from the lake. The water from the lake is crystal-clear but it does not necessarily mean you can drink it. Accidental drinking of the water from the lake, which happens to anyone, is acceptable but for any other reasons, hmm! It deserves its own blog post.
6. Local Guidance
It’s a good idea to book an exclusive speed boat tour or a traditional boat tour from a reputable tour operator in Coron, Palawan. (Insert “raising-one-hand” emojis here). We take high pride in our guides’ knowledge about the area and all other destinations here in Coron, including any potential hazards or safety concerns.
7. Respect the Environment
Remember that we are only visitors in Kayangan Lake or anywhere in Coron, Palawan. So, everyone must practice responsible tourism. Do not liter, and avoid touching or disturbing the delicate ecosystem, including the limestone formations and aquatic life.
You may be interested in reading our previous blog post about what you should not do in Coron, Palawan.
8. Weather Conditions
Weather conditions should be a huge factor in your trip planning. However, sometimes there are situations where tours are cancelled because of the sudden change in the weather and the sea tide conditions. So check the local weather forecast on the news or on your favorite weather app. You may also check the weather more accurately using our weather forecasting agency’s website by clicking here.
9. Physical Fitness
The 10-minute hike to Kayangan Lake can be exhausting for some visitors. Discounting the fact that you may arrive in Kayangan Lake later in the day. So it means that you may already be tired from snorkeling and swimming in other attractions. Make sure you are physically fit.
Conclusion: Risks and Safety Considerations in Kayangan Lake
This post is not to discourage you from visiting Kayangan Lake or Coron, Palawan. On the contrary, this is a reminder that things can get out of our hands really quickly if we do not exercise caution. Being unprepared and disobeying safety guidelines in Kayangan Lake can send you home faster than you imagine.
Additionally, adhering to the advise and instructions of your tour guide and the local authorities can help you bring good memories back home. Let’s make sure we stay aware of all the potential risks around us, and take all the necessary steps to stay safe.
