Coron Guide
Coron is one of those Philippine destinations that truly capture the heart of every traveler. Much less crowded than El Nido, it’s perfect for island-hopping fans, with tours that take you to postcard-perfect spots hidden among tiny islands. But there’s so much more to Coron than that! That’s why we’ve put together this guide where you’ll find everything you need to know, from how to get to Coron and where to stay, to the best island hopping routes, top diving spots, and what to do when you need a break from hopping between beaches. In every section of this guide, you’ll find up-to-date information to help you plan your trip to the Philippines independently, without any hiccups.
Once seen as El Nido’s quieter alternative, Coron has been gaining serious momentum in recent years and is now established as one of the must-visit destinations in Palawan. Coron Town, on Busuanga Island, is lively—though still a bit rough around the edges—and it’s the main base for most travelers heading out to the stunning lagoons, lakes, and beaches framed by towering limestone cliffs on neighboring Coron Island, plus other picture-perfect spots like Malcapuya and Banana Island. However, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore within this island group known as the Calamianes. What’s more, Coron is a true mecca for divers—with 12 incredible World War II shipwrecks beneath its waters.
THINGS TO DO IN CORON
The main reason to visit Coron is to explore the highlights of Coron Island. Its landscapes, similar to El Nido’s, will leave you spellbound—without the crowds. Still, there are plenty of other things to do in Coron:
- Island hopping in Coron: Beyond the two most famous tours, Coron has enough boat routes to keep you busy for weeks.
- Diving in Coron: WWII wrecks, lakes with a striking thermocline, dugongs… Coron is easily one of the best diving spots in the Philippines.
- Mt. Tapyas: Catch the sunset from this hill—complete with a Hollywood-style sign.
- Siete Pecados: A fantastic marine sanctuary that you can reach on your own to enjoy the corals and marine life at your leisure.
- Maquinit Hot Springs: There’s nothing like ending an adventure-filled day with a soak in these saltwater hot springs.
- Beaches: Hardly anyone ventures out to beaches like Ocam Ocam Beach, Marcilla Beach, Kabo, or Bali Beach—but we’ll cover them all in this Coron guide.
As you can see, there’s plenty to keep you busy. We recommend spending at least three full days in Coron. You’ll find all the details here:
ISLAND HOPPING IN CORON
You’ve probably seen photos online of Kayangan Lake or Banol Beach, two of the most iconic spots on Coron Island. You can reach these (and plenty more) on local boats called bangkas, which take you on a day trip where your only job is to enjoy the view. The main excursions in Coron are:
- Ultimate Tour: The absolute must-do. It covers highlights like Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Banol Beach.
- Escapade Tour: Another route that focuses on the farther-out islands like Malcapuya, Banana, or Bulog Dos. Expect pristine beaches and jaw-dropping sandbars.
- Reefs and Wrecks, Black Island, Pass Island…: If you’ve got more time, don’t miss these off-the-beaten-path routes.
This Coron guide is just a quick overview, but we cover everything in detail here:
THINGS TO DO IN CONCEPCION
Coron Town is on the large island of Busuanga. Most travelers stay in town for a few days to explore the surroundings and go island hopping. But there’s so much more to explore beyond Coron! Busuanga is full of hidden gems, and Concepcion is an ideal base for exploring if you want to escape the crowds, as it’s rarely visited by tourists.
Waterfalls, beaches, diving, and unforgettable island-hopping trips await if you’re up for stepping off the well-trodden path. Don’t miss:
HOW TO GET TO CORON
You can reach Coron by plane or ferry from other destinations in the Philippines.
Coron has its own airport, Busuanga Airport, with flights from Manila, Clark, Cebu, and El Nido. The airport is quite basic and surrounded by mountains, so cancellations and delays are fairly common.
While flights to Coron aren’t expensive if booked in advance, you can save a bit by taking a ferry from Manila. Note that the journey takes about 12 hours and ferries don’t run daily. You can also reach Coron from the neighboring island of Mindoro.
One of the most popular journeys in Palawan is the El Nido to Coron (and vice versa) route. Two companies run a daily fast boat on this route. It can be a bit bumpy, but you can reach Coron safely in less than 4 hours. We’ve linked the two main options—ferry from El Nido to Coron and ferry from Manila to Coron—and we explain everything in detail here:
ACCOMMODATION IN CORON
Coron is a destination for all budgets. Most travelers choose to stay in Coron Town, the main town, where the island hopping boats depart and where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and dive shops. However, if you’re looking for a different experience, there are also hotels on islands neighboring Coron, including a houseboat moored in one of Coron Island’s lagoons.
Coron’s hotel scene is still developing, and it’s not unusual for the best accommodations to sell out weeks in advance. It’s best to book ahead, especially if you plan to visit during peak times like Christmas, Easter, or Chinese New Year.
You can find a detailed guide to hotels in Coron, sorted by budget, here:
RESTAURANTS IN CORON
As the main hub for island hopping—one of Coron’s biggest draws—Coron Town is becoming increasingly popular. Along with a great selection of hotels, you’ll also find a wide range of places to eat, from local spots to international menus. In this “Where to eat in Coron” guide, we’ve put together a curated list of lunch and dinner spots for all budgets, as well as rooftops with dreamy views where you can enjoy a drink and watch the sun go down after a day full of adventure. Enjoy!
TIPS FOR VISITING CORON
- ATMs IN CORON: There are a few ATMs and exchange offices, but as we explain in our “Money in the Philippines” guide, it’s best to carry plenty of cash.
- WHEN TO VISIT CORON: The best time is from November to May, when the sea tends to be calmer. Try not to save Coron for the very end of your trip—especially during the rainy season—as flight and boat cancellations are frequent.
- GETTING BETWEEN CORON AND EL NIDO: Try to book your ticket in advance. Online prices are the same as at the ticket office, and you won’t risk missing out on a seat. Here is the booking site: boat from El Nido to Coron.
- INTERNET IN CORON: Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants is often painfully slow. While 4G isn’t perfect, it works much better, so it’s worth picking up a local SIM.
- MOTORBIKE RENTAL IN CORON: If you want to explore the area, you’ll find scooters for rent in town for around 500 pesos a day.