Coron Travel Guide: Experience the Jewel of Calamianes

Coron

The beaches, dive sites, panoramic seascapes and landscapes, ah Coron is always a wonderful idea! Let this Coron travel guide be your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know when visiting the paradise. Provided in this guide are latest information that will make it easier for you to plan your trip. Get to know the latest travel requirements, information on getting there, accredited accommodation, activities, sample itinerary, budget and more.

Welome to Coron!

Coron is one of the four towns that make up Calamianes or Calamian Group of Islands. It is made up of around 51 islands and islets, and home to seven enchanting lakes which are sacred cultural sites of Tagbanua tribe. Of these seven lakes, only two are open to public – Kayangan and Barracuda Lake. The other five, including Cabugao Lake which is the biggest and believed to be a lair of giant octopus, are hidden and restricted to general public.

Coron
Bulog Dos Island

The place is a paradise blessed with rich marine life, endemic flora and fauna, and magnificent landscape. With its stunning limestone cliffs, pristine white sand beaches, picturesque lagoons and lakes, amazing underwater ship wrecks and natural scenery, the place imprints an indelible beauty to everyone who falls to its unique charm.

Coron is the real jewel of the Calamianes Group of Islands! A picture perfect place that will make you believe that paradise truly exists on Earth.

Coron
An underwater shipwreck in Coron Bay.

How to Get to Coron

By Air

By Air, Franciso B. Reyes Airport of Busuanga is the jump off point to Coron. Philippine Airlines, Skyjet, Air Juan and Cebu Pacific have direct flights to Busuanga from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Caticlan, Puerto Princesa and San Vicente. From Busuanga, catch a 45-minute van ride to Coron town for P150.00 per person (2015 rate).

By Sea

From Manila:

2Go Travel has twice a week voyage from Manila to Coron and Puerto Princesa. The ferry usually leaves in the afternoon for a 13 to 14 hours journey. There’s a ferry that leaves Friday afternoon, arriving in Coron at 5AM of Saturday with return ferry leaving Coron at 430PM of Sunday, arriving Manila at 630AM of Monday. This is perfect for weekend warriors, but expect some delays. Aside from 2Go Travel, there are also other ferry operators from Manila to Coron including:

Operator: J.V. Serrano Shipping Lines (M/V D’Asean Journey, M/V D’Sea Journey)
Route: Manila-Coron and vice versa; Coron to Cuyo and vice versa
Contact Info: (02)-243-4595

Operator: Atienza Shipping Lines (M/V Josilee-II, M/V April Rose, M/V Q-Carrelyn-III)
Route: Manila-Coron-El Nido-Liminangcong and vice versa
Website : http://www.atienzashippinglines.net
Email: [email protected]
Telephone No. : (02)-986-3118 and (02)-536-8123

You can book your ferry or plane tickets from Manila to Coron and vice versa below:

From El Nido:

Fast craft and outrigger boats connect El Nido to Coron with daily departures. Travel time is at least 3.5  hours for a fare of around P1,800 one-way via fast craft; around 7 hours for a fare of P1,400 one-way via outrigger boat; and around 8 hours for a fare of P1,200 one-way via passenger ferry.

You can book your ferry or plane tickets from El Nido to Coron below:

From Puerto Princesa:

2Go Travel going to Manila stops at Coron. You can book your ferry from Puerto Princesa to Coron below:

From San Jose (Mindoro):

Outrigger boats regularly depart from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro to Coron. Travel time is approximately five (5) hours and fare is around P600 one-way.

You can book your boat from San Jose (Mindoro) to Coron below:

Coron
Malcapuya Island

Where to Stay in Coron

When in Coron, you can choose to stay in the main island where most hotels and lodges can be found or in other neighboring islands and beaches where you can pitch your tent or stay in the cottages. If you prefer the latter there are a lot of islands and beaches to choose from – Banana, Malcapuya, Malaroyroy, Banol and Atwayan among others.

Top-Rated Hotels

Coron Soleil Garden Resort

Coron Soleil Garden Resort
Mabintangen Road
Starts at 6,500 PHP

Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa

Two Seasons Island Resort & Spa
Coron, Palawan
Starts at 25,000 PHP

Top-Rated Mid-Range Accommodation

Bluewave Hotel

Bluewave Hotel
Nueva Street
Starts at 3,500 PHP

Coron Soleil Express Hotel

Coron Soleil Express Hotel
Mabintangen Road
Starts at 4,600 PHP

Top-Rated Budget Accommodation

Sea Horse Guest House

Sea Horse Guest House
Poblacion
Starts at 300 PHP

Happy Camper Hostel

Happy Campers Hostel
Barangay 1A
Starts at 350 PHP

Coron
Kayangan Lake

Activities in Coron

Klook.com

  • Trek to Tapyas Hill where a huge cross is erected, a view from the top is breathtaking, overlooking the entire town and the neighboring islands
  • Island hopping, swimming and snorkeling to the following sites: Siete Pecados (P100.00), Kayangan Lake and Cave (P200), Barracuda Lake (P200), Banana Island (P200), Malcapuya Beach (P200), Bulog Dos Island (P200), Banol Beach (P100), CYC (free), Malaroyroy, Beach 69, Skeleton Wreck, Sangat Wreck, Lusong Coral Garden and Shipwreck, Twin Lagoon (P100), Twin Peak (free), Smith Beach, Hidden Lagoon, Calachuchi Beach, Bulungan, Dibutunay, North Cay Island, Calumbuyan, Dibatoc and other hidden islands and beaches
  • Snorkeling/Diving is a must in Coron with its magnificent underwater scenery where rich marine life and fantastic underwater shipwrecks are common scenery. The Japanese shipwrecks of  Irako, Okikawa Maru, Akitsushima, Kogyo Maru, Olympia Maru, Kyokuzan Maru, Terukaze Maru or East Tangat Gunboat, Nanshin Maru, Lusong Gunboat and Skeleton Wreck are scattered in the waters of Calamianes and are good sites for wreck diving. For diving needs you may visit Sea Dive Resort, Coron Divers, Discovery, Dive Link and Dive Calamianes among others.
  • Spend a day in Kingfisher Park
  • Visit Calauit Island Sanctuary, Black Island and Cave and Concepcion Falls
  • Dip in Maquinit Hot Spring (P100)
  • Explore the islands in the north of Busuanga Island – Dimakya, Isla Walang Langaw, Isla Walang Tao, Diatoy and other nearby islands and islets
  • Hike Hunter’s Peak
  • Mountain bike tours
  • Jungle Treks
  • Visit Tagbanua Communities
  • Firefly tour
Coron
Calauit Island

Sample Itinerary

Day 1:
0800H – 1000H: Meetup NAIA T3 / Check-in – P200.00 (Airport Terminal Fee)
1000H – 1105H: Manila to Busuanga Flight
1105H – 1230H: Baggage Claim/ Travel time to Coron – P150.00 (Van Fare)
1230H – 1300H: Check-in at Darayonan
1300H – 1430H: Late Lunch / Rest – Approx P100.00
1400H – 1700H: Tapyas Trek *Bring Water – P8.00 (Fare to Mt. Tapyas Base / walking distance)
1700H – 1900H: Maquinit Hot Spring – P250.00 Round trip trike
1900H – 1930H: Washup/Fixup
1930H – 2100H: Dinner – Approx P100.00

Day 2:
0800H – 1600H: Three Fun Dives inclusive of meals – P3400.00 (Sea Dive)
Non divers may do a Culion, Malcapuya, Banana or Calauit Tour

Day 3:
0800H – 1800H: Whole Day Island Hopping Tour and Snorkeling with meals ~P400.00 (Boat Share/Person)

Tour Areas: Kayangan Cave and Lake – Entrance: P200/person; Barracuda Lake – Entrance: P100/person; Twin Lagoon – Entrance: P100/person; CYC – Free; Siete Pecados  –  Entrance: P100/person; Banol Beach – Entrance: P100/person or Atwayan Beach – Entrance: P100/person; Skeleton Wreck – Entrance: P100/person; Twin Lagoon – Entrance: P50/person; Twin Peaks – Free

Note: Bring Snorkel, Mask, Fins

1800H – 1930H: To Hotel / Washup / Rest
1930H – 2100H: Dinner – Approx P100.00

Day 4:
0700H – 0930H: Wakeup Call / Breakfast / Pack-up / Checkout
0930H – 1030H: Coron to Busuanga – P150.00 (Van Fare)
1030H – 1135H: Waiting Time / Flight Checkin – P20.00 (Terminal Fee)
1135H – 1240H: Busuanga to Manila

Coron
Sunset at Tapyas Hill

Tips

  • There are banks with ATM in town
  • Best months are from October to May
  • If you want to experience Coron on a budget, join a public tour. There are numerous tour agencies in town that offer various day packages, just walk around around the town to canvas or arrange it with your hotel.
Pass Island

How to Tour Coron

Touring Coron is relatively easy. For convenience, you can avail of the package tours offered by hotels and resorts or avail of the package tours by operators based in Coron Island such as Coron Galeri.

But if you prefer privacy and some freedom on your tour, you may charter your own boat. Coron has standard rates for boat rental set by the local government. Here is the standard tariff (boat only) as of March 2017:

Destination : 1-4 pax / 5-8 pax / 9-15 pax

Coron Island Loop : P2200 / P2750 / P3300
Sangat/Lusong Gunboat : P3850 / P4400 / P6600
Banana/Malcapuya/Malaroyroy or Bulog Dos : P3850 / P4950 / P6600
Culion : P3850 / P4400 / P6600
Dibatok Island : P3300 / P3850 / P4950
Calumbuyan/Pass Island : P4400 / P5500 / P7150
Diwaran Island : P3850 / P4400 / P6600
Tara Island : P8800 / P10400 / P16500
Linapacan : P8800 / P11000 / P16500
El Nido/Taytay : P16000 / P20000 / P27000
Coral Bay/Evergreen Resort : P5500 / P6600 / P7700
Calauit National Park : P8800 / P9900 / P16500
North-South Cay : P5500 / P6600 / P8800
Panlaitan/Dibutunay/Black Island : P6600 / P7700 / P11000

*Originally Published: 27-Aug-2010 | Updates: 12-Jan-2014; 01-May-2017; 12-Dec-2018; 09-Jul-2019; 20-Apr-2020

Comments

  1. Raia Pacasum

    Coron Palawan is indeed one of the most amazing islands in the Philippines. The blog is very informative and it will give you some details on getting there, things to do, where to stay, and how you can experience this gem of the Philippines yourself. It is a relaxing place and a best place where you can celebrate family gathering because you can set many activities and you will surely get bond. It is truly a paradise. Even though Coron Island isn’t quite as famous as its cousin El Nido, it’s still more affordable and less crowded, and you could argue that the island hopping scenery is just as good.

  2. Coron Island is exceptionally delightful with fine sea shores and heavenly landscape encompassed by limestone precipices. This objective is just famous among divers so it is exceptionally peaceful, awesome if you need to stay away from the very notable regions. This blog show us how lucky we are for having this kind of tourist destination in the Philippines

  3. Jamila Padua

    The blog did a great job in showcasing the wonders of Coron! It makes me want to visit the place. The blog is both informative and persuasive. It consists of significant information about what Coron has to offer. This is a perfect travel guide for those who are planning to visit Coron because it provides important details like transportation, famous cuisines, exciting activities, hotel accommodations, and most importantly the beautiful places that you can visit in Coron.

  4. Paulyn Binalla

    This blog made me realize how blessed we are for having such a wonderful places in our country just like Coron. We can’t deny the beauty of it by just looking at the pictures above. Coron will probably give you a very relaxing natural scenery. It is really fascinating and perfect for everyone! No wonder why a lot of people love to visit this place even me.

  5. Gino Camarillo

    Coron, is indeed one of our country’s most precious tourist destination. It is best known for world-class World War II-era wreck diving, but the island also offers beautiful limestones landscapes, one of a kind beaches, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and shallow-water coral reefs.

  6. Mark Gilbert Alvarez

    This place is perfect for all the nature lovers. It features the sacred cultural sites of the tagbanua tribe, beautiful lakes, lagoon, and even beaches. Accommodations and transportations are also not a problem here especially with the guidance of the locals. List of activities to do, along with their prices, are made accessible to those interested. It’s truly a perfect place for those who just want to take a day off to relax and enjoy the beauty of our nature.

  7. Aira Mae Bogasan

    This place is so amazing! Coron is one of my favorite destination because of its clean water and wonderful sea creatures. I also love this place because of the view of the sunrise or sunset. This is also perfect for picture taking. I can’t wait to visit and tour the Coron!!! ❤️❤️❤️

  8. BAPTISTA, LHENLEY ANN

    The whole content of the website is very informative! It provides lots of information that the tourist needs before visiting the place. Coron, Palawan is really a great place to unwind. I will probably add this on my bucket list because this is an effective travel guide. Thank you for sharing this! It’s a wonderful blog

  9. GEL LAMIS

    Coron is such a amazing place and it is one of my top destination on my list. it is also best known for world-class World War II-era wreck diving, but the island also offers limestone karst landscapes, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and shallow-water coral reefs. I can’t wait to visit coron and because of this blog that really excite me and its very helpfull in terms in information about coron. thank you!!

  10. RODRIGUEZ, PATRICIA MAE

    This blog is really awesome! It provides a lot of information than can help to those people who are planning to go to this place. It also have the information about the travel requirements for tourists, how to get to coron (by sea or by air), places to stay in Coron. It also have accomodations from top-rated budget to top-rated hotels. The prices are already indicated. And for those people who love exciting adventure, they already posted a list of activities that we can do in Coron. Thank you so much for this information! I hope we can get there soon!

  11. […] For more information on traveling to Coron, check out Coron Travel Guide. […]

  12. The beach is awesome! Fine white sand is just so irresistible. Thanks Angel for showing us paradise!

  13. char

    Hi! Among these islands, which is the best place to stay (we are people who want to just beach bum and loves a quiet beach? 🙂 Banana, Malcapuya, Malaroyroy, Banol and Atwayan

Comments are closed.