Welcome to Coron – A small island packed with mesmerising landscapes, breathtaking lagoons, and unforgettable encounters. The region is a testament to pristine natural beauty and rustic experiences.
If you love nature and active experiences, Coron is the island for you! Whether you opt for island hopping, kayaking or scuba diving, the island holds many gems and beckons a trip full of adventure and exploration.
Fortunately, accessing Coron is simple and easy, with daily domestic flights arriving at Busuanga Airport (USU).
There are also multiple ferries heading to Coron from other islands in the Philippines (See them here).
If you are in El Nido, there is a highly rated tour which takes place across 4 days known as the ‘El Nido to Coron Expedition’. The tour allows you to experience true island life, snorkelling, kayaking, eating fresh food etc. The trip stops at multiple secluded islands between El Nido and Coron, giving you an authentic Philippines experience. All accommodation, meals and an expert guide is included. Check it out Here.Â
Top Tip: The easiest way to get to Coron is to book a flight using Trip.com or book a ferry using 12Go.
Let’s dive into the top attractions in Coron:
Best Things To Do In Coron
Freedive in crystal clear Kayangan Lake
Known as the cleanest and clearest lake in Asia, Kayangan is a must-visit gem. With incredible water visibility, freediving is a paradise here. Strap on your fins, take a deep breath and swim to the depths. Even if you stay on the surface of the water, the serene surroundings, cool refreshing water and atmospheric charisma of the area will be enough to charm you.Â
WW2 Wreck Diving
Immerse yourself in an exhilarating diving adventure as you explore the depths of Coron’s waters, where you’ll encounter 12 mesmerizing Japanese WWII shipwrecks. Dive into history with the opportunity to explore three unique wrecks in a single day, an experience found nowhere else. The sheer size of the ships is enough to leave you in awe. During the dive, you have to carefully manoeuvre your body and squeeze through small gaps in the ship. Keep an eye out for groupers lurking in the area.
This experience is best suited for qualified Advanced Divers.
Looking to do more scuba diving? Check out our top 10 dive spots in the Philippines
Snorkel with the famous Dugong
North Busuanga holds a unique and enchanting opportunity to swim with dugongs in their natural habitat. These gentle marine mammals are bound to capture your attention with their graceful movements and majestic presence. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people.
Wander The Secluded Black Island
Nestled in Busuanga, Black Island offers a hidden gem away from the typical tourist trail, promising a more secluded adventure. Its striking landscape boasts black cliffs contrasted against golden shores, swaying palm trees, and pristine blue waters. While exploring, encounter the island’s unique inhabitants, including monitor lizards and crabs. The unique cave pool here provides a refreshing place to take a dip and adds to the overall charm of this island.
Swim in Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake, akin to the renowned Kayangan Lake, has crystal clear waters and stunning scenery, but with an added attraction—a lone barracuda gracefully navigating its depths. These sleek creatures, with their long bodies and formidable teeth, add an exciting element to this aquatic destination.
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs
Due to Corons secluded location, it has some fantastic coral reefs teeming with exciting marine life. It is common to see a diverse range of reef fish here, including clown fish, with the potential of seeing sea snakes and turtles. The vibrant corals in Coron provide a compelling location to snorkel. The guides will choose a reef where the current is calm, ensuring a relaxing snorkelling experience.
Kayak in Twin Lagoon
Paddle through the pristine waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs cloaked in lush greenery. As you navigate through the narrow channels that connect the 2 lagoons, admire the gorgeous scenery that unfolds before you. The Twin Lagoons is a breathtaking piece of nature.
Looking to do more adventure activites in the Philippines? Check out The Ultimate Adventure Bucketlist In The Philippines
Unwind at Coron's Gorgeous Beaches
Coron has many beautiful secluded beaches to experience: Powdery white sand and calm oceans, supplemented by luscious palm trees that provide shade. The most popular beaches are Banul Beach, Malcapuya Island, CYC Beach and Smith Beach (known for its stunning sunsets).Â
Hike Mount Tapyas Viewpoint
Located 700 steps up lies Mt Tapyas Viewpoint. Landmarked by a white cross and Coron Sign, the viewpoint provides impressive panoramic views overlooking Coron Town Propper and the ocean. For an unforgettable experience, climb late afternoon, to catch a breathtaking ocean sunset. Sit back from the top and watch as the sky turns to vibrant hues of pink.Â
Other Things To Do
Explore Coron Town
Wander the streets of Coron and explore the local souvenir stands. Discover lots of street food and restaurants. Check out the top rated ‘Trattoria Altrove’ Pizza Resteraunt. Get Coffee at ‘Coffee Kong’ or perhaps indulge in a craft beer at ‘The BrewHouse’
Snorkel Lusong Gun Boat
Snorkel the captivating WW2 shipwreck amidst stunning coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life. This activity is best if you are comfortable swimming beneath the surface of the ocean.
Calauit Safari Park
Located in Northern Coron, visit this safari park for a unique opportunity to encounter exotic wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and Calamian deer, against the backdrop of picturesque landscape.
Dip in Maquinit Hot Spring
Unwind in this picturesque natural hot spring. If you plan on visiting here, it is best to do it around sunset time, to avoid the midday heat!
Unlock the Best of Coron: The Top Experiences to Book Right Now!
Highlights include: Kayangan Lake, swim in Twin Lagoon, snorkel Skeleton Wreck, and Siete Pecados aswell as beaches
Highlights include Kayangan Lake, Coral Garden, Twin Lagoon, and the best beaches
Avoid the crowds and experience a luxury tour on this 85-footer TRIMARAN. Onboard Chef, Bar and toilet facilities are available
Looking for more places to visit near Coron? Explore the Palawan Interactive Map to see the best nearby attractions and towns to visit!
Where To Stay In Coron Island
After exploring Coron on two separate occasions and staying on opposite sides of the island, I have discovered that where you stay will completely alter the atmosphere of your trip.
Coron Town - Popular Place To Stay
While most people stay in Coron Town Proper, due to its extensive array of accommodations, restaurants and access to facilities i.e. shopping/ tour booking, many are unaware that there is no access to the beaches. It is essential to arrange an island-hopping tour to experience the pristine beaches and picturesque swimming spots.
Top Rated Accommodation:
Corto Del Mar Hotel – $$$ – Stunning Hotel in the heart of Coron featuring outdoor pool, air conned rooms and sea viewÂ
The Ridge Coron – $$ – Gorgeous inn with Air-conditioned rooms, free bikes, free WiFi and a terrace.Â
Outpost Hostel – $ – Private and Dormitory options featuring an outdoor pool and fantastic views
Ocam-Ocam Beach - Nature Alternative
For those seeking seclusion and nature, Staying near Ocam-Ocam Beach surpasses Coron Town. Ocam-Ocam is a beautiful remote beach, complemented by a handful of local eateries and breathtaking sunsets. Staying here enables you to book affordable and more authentic island hopping, allowing you to visit less crowded places i.e. Black Island.
Keep in mind that Ocam-Ocam offers fewer lodging options, mostly designed for group stays. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or a place with a kitchen, ensure to buy groceries en route from the airport, as this region is rather remote.
Top Rated Accommodation:
The Beach House – $$$ – 5-Star Hotel with outdoor pool, restaurant and bar.Â
Ocam Ocam Azur Resort – $$ – Inn located 5 minutes walk to the beach featuring pool access.Â
Firesky Glamping – $$ – Luxury beachfront tent with access to a hot springÂ
Casadyan Inn – $ – Basic hut-style accommodation with a stunning view
Useful Coron Travel Tips
- Cash is King in Coron - There are ATMs in Coron Town
- If you can book a private island hopping tour, do! The boats often get crowded on the shared tours.
- It is best to visit Coron in Dry Season
Other Islands To Explore
Thank you for reading our blog!
We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.Â
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