Lusong Gunboat and Coral Garden Guide
Lusong Gunboat & Coral Garden: Dive into History and Marine Beauty Guide
The Lusong Gunboat and Coral Garden offer a unique combination of history and natural beauty in Coron. This site features the wreckage of a Japanese gunboat sunk during World War II, now transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life. It's a must-visit for divers and snorkelers looking for an unforgettable underwater experience. The surrounding coral garden boasts a stunning array of colorful corals and diverse fish species, making it a paradise for underwater exploration. The Lusong Gunboat, a Japanese supply vessel, met its fate during a US Navy air raid in 1944. Today, the shallow wreck lies in relatively shallow water, making it accessible to both snorkelers and divers of varying skill levels. Snorkelers can observe the wreck from the surface, while divers can explore its interior, encountering schools of fish, colorful corals, and other marine creatures that have made the gunboat their home. The nearby Coral Garden is a protected area, showcasing a kaleidoscope of soft and hard corals, attracting a wide variety of marine life, including reef fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional reef shark. While the Lusong area isn't known for specific culinary traditions, most boat tours include a delicious lunch served on board or on a nearby island. Expect to enjoy freshly grilled seafood, Filipino dishes like adobo or kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and refreshing fruits. The focus is on providing a satisfying meal to fuel your underwater adventures.
Transportation
Access to the Lusong Gunboat and Coral Garden is exclusively by boat. You can book a boat tour from Coron town that includes this site as part of the itinerary. These tours often combine the Lusong Gunboat and Coral Garden with other nearby attractions like Pass Island or Black Island. Boat tours typically depart from Coron town proper and take approximately 1-2 hours to reach the Lusong area, depending on sea conditions.