Do you enjoy lounging on picture-perfect beaches while sipping a fruity tropical drink and reading a good book, or do you want an island-hopping adventure? Coron provides both in spades! Coron has several destinations; all you have to do is search and pick which suits your taste. Need help figuring out where to start? This article will tackle the best tourist spots to see, things to know, and tips when exploring Coron, Palawan.
Read also:
- 20 Best Things To Do and Visit in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
- 15 Best Hotels and Resorts for a Relaxing Stay in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
- Philippines Holiday Destinations to Visit in 2023
- 15 Best Things To Do in Cebu City
All About Coron
Coron is located in the Palawan Province in the far western Philippines and is a part of the Calamian Islands, sometimes known as the Calamianes Archipelago. A few WWII ships permanently submerged off Coron’s coast are what has made this group of islands famous. Above the surface, Coron is just as magnificent and is the location of one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations. More stunning sights can be seen in Coron, Philippines, the more closely you look. Many tourist attractions and activities are available in Coron, including lagoons, beaches, dive locations, saltwater hot springs, and safari.
You may go island hopping, dive, and enjoy the sun during the day. You can meet up with friends at night, mingle, and get a few drinks in town. In Coron, there is a thriving island and nightlife.
Coron Town, which is on Busuanga Island, the largest island in the archipelago, is what most visitors call Coron. Although Coron Town is a small fishing town with just over 40,000 residents, it attracts more and more tourists yearly.
Coron Island is also a gorgeous uninhabited island that is visited by most Coron day trips. Many of the best attractions in Coron are found on Coron Island, which is 30 minutes by boat from the town on Busuanga Island. Twin Lagoons, Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, and numerous gorgeous beaches and smaller lagoons may all be found here.
Palawan is a lush paradise with a combination of exciting city life. You may already enjoy Coron tourist attractions and a wide variety of stores, taverns, and restaurants in the town proper. Coron, indeed, does have a lot of lovely scenery. Let’s now dive into what Coron has to offer!
Coron Islands and Hiking Destinations
Kayangan Lake
This treasure is regarded as one of Asia’s purest lakes. The pristine freshwater lake of Kayangan Lake is what has made it so well-known for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. You can see it best from the view deck, which is reached by climbing 367 steps, and from below when you go scuba diving. The lake also has limestone rock formations above and below the water’s surface. You can take the well-known Coron photos you see on social media here. Also, there is a cave that was once used as a graveyard.
Twin Lagoon
Remember to plan a day trip to Twin Lagoon, which features every blue hue imaginable. It has a stunning twin lagoon separated from the other by a single limestone wall, and visitors must cross this wall to access the second lagoon. Another exciting aspect about the lagoon is that it contains fresh and salt water, which, when mixed, gives the lagoon a hazy appearance. It changes the lagoon’s water temperature from warm to cold and vice versa. Scuba divers like exploring underwater rock formations. If not, you can swim in the lagoon while snorkeling. If you want to relax, you can float and drift while wearing your life jacket.
Barracuda Lake
The Barracuda Lake, next to Kayangan Lake, is another crystal-clear lake. This lake is less crowded and has several fascinating characteristics, including thermoclines and underwater mountains. The water at Barracuda Lake, also called Luluyuan Lake, is a brilliant blue mixture of fresh and salt water. As you dive deeper, these two factors combine to cause a significant change in the lake’s temperature. When you enter seawater at a depth of 4 meters, the water’s temperature rises to 38 degrees Celsius as you descend. Near the lake’s bottom is a long cave that can only accommodate one diver at a time. The lake is home to gobie, grouper, trevally, and barracudas. Additionally, you can observe rock formations reaching the lake’s bottom. Scuba divers and diving enthusiasts frequently visit Barracuda Lake when in Coron.
Black Island
Have you ever heard the cliche that the most challenging journeys end in the most stunning places? Black Island has massive, black cliffs that tower above the area to the top-notch snorkeling among a thriving marine ecosystem. The island is exceptional in every way, but getting there will require extra effort.
Malcapuya Island Beach
The breathtaking Malcapuya Beach is only a short boat ride from Coron Town. You may have this picture-perfect length of sand almost entirely to yourself because there are only a few small hotels on the beach: witness white sands and clear, green, and blue waters.
Mt. Tapyas
The enormous white cross on top of the hill is already visible within the town. The ideal location to view Coron and witness the sunset is Mount Tapyas. The fact that this Coron tourist attraction is situated near the town center is its best feature. Typically, it is one of the stops at Maquinit Hot Spring. It is vital to get to the top of Mt. Tapyas to see the enormous white cross that stands there. There are just 721 stairs on the way to the cross, which may be hiked in about 45 minutes.
Maquinit Hot Spring
After a hectic day of diving and seeing the stunning islands of Coron, unwind in the Maquinit Springs. The springs’ water is comfortable at over 100 degrees F. It’s located on Busuanga Island’s southern coast, and you may get a driver or a local guide to take you there. After a long day touring Coron, you may unwind here at sunset. The hot spring is between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius warm.
Note: If you are not fond of relaxing in hot water, you might not enjoy this. Nonetheless, if you try it and you get used to it, you’ll be able to appreciate it.
Siete Pacados
Vast schools of barracudas, numerous turtles, and reef fish may all be found in Siete Pecados. The name Siete Pecados means “Seven Sins” in Latin. According to a tradition, seven sisters went swimming against their mother’s wishes; they all perished, and then seven islands arose.
Coral Garden
Another fantastic snorkeling location is close to the Skeleton shipwreck. Coral Garden is one of the most stunning locations we’ve ever seen from snorkeling alone, boasting a profusion of coral reefs in various colors.
Bulog Island
You can stroll along the gleaming white sand strip that wounds its way across the azure waves at Bulog Island. It’s one location that leaves you wondering how something as lovely as nature is possible. On the island, there is a viewpoint that is also worth climbing.
CYC Beach
The CYC beach is a well-liked stop on Coron island hopping cruises because of its white sand, turquoise waves, and limestone structures. Visitors go here to unwind and mellow out while admiring the stunning beach views in the tropical ambiance.
Shipwreck Diving
The fleet of Japanese battleships buried at the bottom of the sea near Coron is one of the primary attractions for tourists. This location boasts 12 World War II wrecks in excellent condition.
Skeleton Reef
The US air force attacked the 25-meter-long Japanese supply ship Skeleton Wreck with an airstrike during WWII, which is now resting at a depth of 5 m, with a maximum depth of 22 m. It is a fantastic location for snorkeling on the surface and free-diving or scuba diving.
Cheron Island
Cheron Island is a small island available just for you! Two villas with picnic areas and a kitchen pavilion with fantastic ocean views are available for rent on your private Cheron island. The sandbar is magnificent, and the water is immaculate. It’s soothing to hear the waves lapping against the shore.
Malwayuyo Beach
The Tagbanua tribe owns Malwayuyo beach, one of Coron island’s least populated places. Absolutely no noise, light, or environmental contamination. They provide our visitors with the ideal location for relaxing and snorkeling. They offer tents or hammocks with mosquito nets for accommodations on the beach.
Green Lagoon
One of the purest and clearest green waters you can find is in Green Lagoon. It is an excellent spot for kayaking and snorkeling. You can find yourself in shallow, quiet water surrounded by magnificent limestone structures if you arrive here early enough in the day.
North Cay
North Cay is known for its sea turtles that lay and hatch eggs in the summer. It features crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling. Scuba divers and even non-divers can marvel at the magnificent view of corals and their vibrant marine life off the coast.
Coron Lunch Set-up Destinations
The best time for any travel tour is lunchtime! Be surrounded by palm trees and look out at a fantastic white sand beach while eating lunch full of seafood, vegetables, fruit, and other delectables. Rows of huts serve as the tourists’ lunch location, and the sea there is gorgeous, calm, and pleasant. After lunch, you can swim in warm water or visit a neighboring coral garden to go snorkeling and explore the beach’s marine life. With everything you did, finishing all the food they prepared is only right. It will give you the energy to continue to your next stop.
The majority of Coron Island tours stop for lunch at the following beaches and islands:
Atwayan Beach
Atwayan Beach receives its name from the abundance of “tuay” shells found on the beach. The location lies at the bottom of a little harbor on Coron Island’s northwest shore. Since there are stationed huts and comfort rooms, it is ideal for picnics, and peaceful rest stops—a great area to kayak and snorkel or sit in the ocean and relax.
Banana Island
The Banana Island has a tiny strip of white sandy beach located against a forested, steep setting. You can enjoy swinging leisurely in the hammock shaded by giant palm trees, swim, snorkel in the clear seas, and relax on the beach. A treehouse, hammocks, and a store are also available.
Banul Beach
The Banul beach features dazzlingly white, powdery sand, amazingly pure, vivid blue sea, and wild scenery that makes you want to stay longer.
Kalitang Beach
Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities at Kalitang Beach. Its crystal-pure seas will astound you.
Smith Beach
Smith beach is private, yet it boasts a stunning sight. The sea is teeming with big starfish, fish, and sometimes a turtle!
South Cay Island
You may enjoy South Cay Beach by kayaking or swimming, lying on its white sand beach, or snorkeling among its spectacular reefs and sea life.
Vivian Beach
Vivian Beach is a private island with sand and sea grass but no reefs; therefore, it is not well-known as a snorkeling destination. It is, however, an excellent location for picnic lunches.
Coron Land Destinations
One can still experience city life even though one is hundreds of miles from the Philippines’ most prominent cities. There are bars, restaurants, and other urban leisure activities that may be found at Coron Town, a destination for tourists arriving by sea. Additionally, tucked away amid the island’s growing town are stunning hotels.
Lualhati Park
Make your way to Lualhati Park for a more relaxed sunset experience if you want to witness the sunset but lack the energy to climb Mt. Tapyas’ 700 steps. There’s a reasonable probability that you will end up here if you intend to lease a boat for any island excursions. Do you want your adrenaline to work? There is a zipline facility along the bay walk, but individuals who have experienced more thrilling lines in other parts of the country may have yet to be impressed.
Address: X6W2+9PC, Coron Town Proper, Coron, Palawan
Calauit Island National Park
The Calauit Island is well-known for its wildlife sanctuary. It takes more than an hour to get from Coron to Calauit. After that, it will take you 5 minutes on a boat to reach the safari/wildlife sanctuary. A quick overview of the area’s history shows that the Calauit Safari was once a private island. It is home to zebras, giraffes, civet cats, monkeys, crocs, and other animals. The nation has extensive safaris; several animals were brought in from Kenya.
One of the top things to do in this location is to explore the island in a safari jeep. You may also feed the giraffes and snap some awesome pictures from the jeep’s rooftop. If you still need to get the means to travel to Africa for a similar experience, the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is a terrific alternative.
Address: 7VHJ+4VC, Busuanga, Palawan
Cashew Factory
These cashews are native to the islands and are rain-fed. It is more complicated to remove these from the fruit. The owner of MELBS Store Coron Cashew Factory, which sells various locally created goods made from cashew nuts, will help you and allow you to see how cashew nuts are processed.
Address: 5 Nueva Street, Coron Town Proper, Coron Palawan
King Fisher Park
From half-day birdwatching and mangrove kayaking tours to hiking and waterfall tours, Kingfisher Park provides a variety of activities. Lunch, dinner, all of their trekking activities, mangrove kayaking, and their Starry Starry Night boat excursion at dusk are all included in their full-day package. It is advised to use sunscreen and bug repellent, especially for the latter activity. The park is home to indigenous birds, plants, and animals, including six kinds of kingfishers for individuals interested in Asian wildlife. The Palawan Flowerpecker, Oriental Dwarf-Kingfisher, Blue Paradise-Flycatcher, Javan Frogmouth, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Philippine Hawk-owl, and Palawan Hornbill are just a few of the 73 bird species that can be seen there. Six distinct frog species, including two unique endemic amphibians, can also be found in the area. Among other community-focused conservation programs, the park is also the location of the Blue Racquet Tail Parrot/Kilit Project run by Parrot International.
Address: 24GG+656, Coron, Palawan
Things to Bring when going to Coron
- Who does not wear sunscreen at this age and time? It’s a necessity every day!
- Wear your sunglasses to avoid frowning, especially when it is extra hot.
- Bring snorkel gear if you want only to rent some times you’ll go snorkeling.
- If you have a waterproof case from your previous beach trips, you should bring it to save some money.
- Bring snacks if you are the type of person who gets hungry quickly. Snacks are expensive in Coron compared to other places.
Tips for your Coron adventure
- Book your tours and activities ahead of time to save time and energy in finding one once you are at Coron. There are several online bookings you can choose from. You won’t need to bring cash since you paid it ahead of time.
- Wear a life vest whenever you go on island rides for safety. Inform your guide if you wish to take it off and do some Instagrmmable pose.
- If you plan on participating in adventurous water activities such as scuba diving and island hopping, there could be dangers lurking in the water. Accidents taking part in such activities are rare, but it pays to be extra vigilant. Pay attention to your guide’s safety instructions, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear when in the water.
- Enjoying a meal is something we can all agree on, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or anything else. Good food knows no language barriers, so try new dishes. Eating well and trying new dishes when traveling are essential.
- You can apply for Dive Certification. There are many wonderfully unusual locations to discover while diving in Coron, making it a great spot to earn your diving certification. An advanced open water certification can be earned at the shipwrecks.
- Unlike other places where you might go through the skills, there is much to see on the compulsory dives. On your deep-dive training trip to Coron, Philippines, you can swim around shipwrecks that are sometimes more than 35 meters deep.
- You can join a group tour or book a private ride to access most of these attractions as part of an organized trip. If you have the resources, you can also do it yourself. Ahead of time, check the official websites or Facebook pages if there are any for the city destinations, as the hours of operation are subject to change without notice.
- Make sure to have plenty of energy for your Coron tours since you’ll be doing several things.
Things to Consider before going to Coron
- It takes time and effort to arrive at every Island destination. Sometimes, it will require you to walk or hike.
- Coron has a mobile signal bit with a very spotty internet connection. However, you should take into account this drawback of Coron if you need to use the internet frequently while on vacation.
- Consider researching before your visit t know which destination is good for you.
- Make sure you are fit and healthy to travel since exploring Coron requires you to be strong and have the energy to roam around and reach your destinations.
Which is better: Puerto Princesa, Coron, or El Nido
Every location has its beauty and charm. If you have the chance to visit the threes, go! We bet you won’t regret it. Thus, if you have to choose, here are some points to consider.
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is the most different. Its charm is the famous Underground River. If you plan to visit the three, you can start at Puerto Princesa. There are city tours and island tours you can choose from. Compared to other areas in Palawan, Puerto Princesa offers more reasonable leisure. Mostly, you may witness modest living and the natural environment. The best part is that it has its airport so you won’t have to travel several times to get here. Need to decide if you should visit Puerto Princesa? Check the 20 best things to do and visit!
El Nido
Day tours typically include stops at bizarre limestone cliffs, secret beaches, and turquoise sea. El Nido town offers a lovely ambiance with beach bars and happy hour discounts to enjoy the sunset after a day of visiting the islands. Numerous dining establishments and lodging options for all price ranges. The journey to El Nido is an experience in and of itself, but it is worthwhile.
Coron
Coron’s turquoise waters are home to stunning World War II wreckage, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life is what makes Coron unique. You will not run out of destinations to see.
Highlight Points
Puerto Princesa has something you will not see in other parts of Palawan and is more convenient since it has its airport. Coron and El Nido are mostly the same in terms of the look of the islands. However, Coron has more options you’ll need to revisit if you want to see all it offers. Nonetheless, your experience will be different and fun, whatever you choose.
Coron is another ideal location to escape the outside world and enjoy nature. It is unquestionably a must-see when planning travel to the Philippines with diverse activities and destinations.
