MOSQUITOS WITH MALARIA ARE NOT A PROBLEM IN THE CALAMIAN ISLAND GROUP. MOSQUITOES WITH MALARIA ARE NOT A PROBLEM IN NORTHERN PALAWAN PROVINCE. When you read about malaria on Palwan Island please realize that the province contains about 2,300 islands and Busuanga is part of the Calamian Island Group at the furthest northern end of the province. In Coron town and on the rest of Busuanga Island you should take normal precautions as you would for any place with ordinary mosquitoes. Bring spray or lotion type mosquito repellant to use on your ankles and legs when sitting around at night.

Mosquitoes that carry malaria are a problem in the southern part of Palawan Island. If you travel an additional 12 hours south by ship, or fly an additional hour south, to Puerto Princesa you should consider anti-malarial precautions if you will be in rural areas.

Bring your own waterproof sunscreen with a very high SPF and floppy hat for sunburn protection. You can get sunburned while snorkeling so protect the back of your neck, arms and shoulders.

Ladies bring their preferred sanitary supplies as only napkins are available.

The local water comes from the mountains but the distribution system is always suspect. Bottled water from Manila is available in local stores. "Aquapure" treats the local water with micro filtration, reverse osmosis, sterilization and bottles it in Coron. You buy your first gallon (four liters) in order to get the bottle and then keep having the bottle refilled.

While the Philippines has a reputation for very wild and active nightlife such IS NOT the case in provincial towns like Coron. Few local girls wish to get a bad reputation by being seen to be "overly friendly" with tourists. Those few in Coron who might "play" are not being screened by community "social hygiene" programs for sexualy transmitted communicable diseases.

Anyone desiring extracurricular night-time activity should make prior arrangements in Manila or Angeles City (contact Dive Right for candid advice) and bring their own partner to Coron. There are no problems with the local residents or authorities when you are traveling around with your "girlfriend".

Anyone desiring protection for night-time activities in the Philippines should bring their favorite product in the appropriate size from their home country.