Coron

Coron: The Jewel in Palawan’s Crown

Coron is one of those places in the Philippines that just absolutely blows you away in every way possible. I first visited in 2015, spending around four or five nights exploring the islands and lagoons, and I was seriously impressed.

The first thing that struck me was just how clear and clean everything was. The incredibly blue skies, crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, massive limestone cliffs and unbelievable sunsets. I was also struck by the really laid-back atmosphere.

Coron is in northern Palawan, with Coron town proper located on Busuanga Island. Most of the famous limestone scenery, including Kayangan Lake, is found on nearby Coron Island. Most people fly into Busuanga, with direct flights from Clark and Cebu taking around an hour and a half, so check current routes from Manila before you book.

If you’re looking for some of the best island-hopping experiences in the Philippines, Coron is an absolutely awesome place to visit.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Coron?

The best time to visit Coron is generally December to May, when the weather is typically drier and conditions are more favourable for island hopping.

With so much of Coron centred around exploring islands, beaches and lagoons, calm seas can make a massive difference to your experience.

• December to February: Generally cooler, drier weather, although occasional strong winds can affect boat trips.
• March to May: Hotter, sunnier conditions, with some of the best opportunities for swimming and island hopping.
• June to October: Wetter months, with a greater chance of rough seas and cancelled boat tours.
• November: A transitional month when conditions generally begin improving, although rain is still possible.

My recommendation is February to April, when you’ve generally got a good chance of enjoying the blue skies, clear water and calmer seas that make Coron so beautiful.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Coron?

I’d recommend spending four or five nights in Coron if you have the time.

That gives you a couple of days for island hopping, some time to relax and a little flexibility if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

You could easily see some of these incredible places in a couple of days, but I wouldn’t rush it.

Island Hopping Around Coron

Island hopping is a must when you’re in Coron. We spent much of our trip exploring different islands, beaches and snorkelling spots, and the scenery was unbelievable.

We were also lucky with the weather. The sea was calm, making travelling between the islands really enjoyable.

Some of the places I visited included:

• Kayangan Lake: My personal favourite, with incredible limestone scenery and crystal-clear water.
• Beach 91: A beautiful beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
• Malcapuya Island: Gorgeous white sand, clear water and a great place to relax.
• Isla Bulog: A small tropical island with beautiful white sand and a sandbar.
• Banana Island: Another lovely island with palm trees and white sand beaches.
• Siete Pecados Reef: A popular snorkelling spot with coral and marine life.
• CYC Island: We visited by boat but didn’t go ashore due to warnings about sea urchins.

There are plenty of organised island-hopping tours departing from Coron town, with different combinations of lakes, beaches, lagoons and snorkelling spots.

I’d recommend setting aside at least two days for island hopping so that you get a good feel for the place.

Island Hopping Tours

Everyone does at least one island-hopping day in Coron, and the boats leave from the town pier. Tour names and stops shift a little between operators, so check what’s on your boat before you pay. Most day tours run from about 8am to 5pm with hotel pickup in town. Group tours usually cost roughly ₱1,500 to ₱2,200 a head, and entrance fees at each stop are often extra (and cash only), so ask what’s included. A private boat costs more but lets you set your own pace.

Costs: Prices are rough group-tour rates per person and shift with the season and fuel costs, so check before you pay. Most group tours include the boat, a guide, life jackets and lunch. Snorkel gear is about ₱150 to rent.

Environmental and Entrance Fees

Wherever you go around Coron, there’s usually a fee to get into the lakes, lagoons and reefs, and it’s normally cash. Most come in at around ₱100 to ₱300 a stop, with ₱200 pretty typical. It’s not just a tourist tax. The money goes towards looking after the sites and supporting the local community who live on and look after Coron Island, so I’m more than happy to pay it. As always, prices can change.

A few tips: rough seas can cancel tours in the wet season (roughly June to October), so build a spare day into your plans. The climb up to Kayangan Lake is about 10 to 15 minutes uphill, the limestone around the lakes is razor sharp, and Saturdays get busy with weekend visitors from Manila. Go early or pick a weekday if you can.

Kayangan Lake: My Favourite Spot

Of all the places I visited around Coron, Kayangan Lake was probably the most impressive.

You arrive by boat at a small lagoon surrounded by massive limestone cliffs. From there, you climb a series of steps to a viewpoint overlooking the lagoon.

This is where you’ll find one of the most famous photo opportunities in the Philippines. Looking down over the turquoise water, traditional outrigger boats and dramatic limestone formations is absolutely mind-blowing.

You then continue down the other side to Kayangan Lake, where you can swim in the clearest water you will ever see whilst surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

For me, this was the highlight of Coron and something I’d recommend to anyone visiting the area.

Where to Stay in Coron

Most visitors stay in Coron town proper, which is the most convenient base for island-hopping tours, restaurants and transport connections.

There are plenty of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels.

Alternatively, you can stay at one of the island resorts around Busuanga and Coron. These offer a more secluded experience, although you’ll generally need boat transfers to reach them.

Where I Stayed

We split our accommodation between two island resorts.

Club Paradise (now Discovery Coron)

We spent a couple of nights at Club Paradise, and it was absolutely fantastic.

The resort is on its own island, with beautiful beaches, clear water and incredible sunsets. It’s pretty much self-contained, so you really feel like you’re staying in your private tropical island.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was hiking up the hill behind the resort. From the top, you get awesome views across the surrounding ocean and islands.

Club Paradise is certainly not budget accommodation, but if you’re looking to splash out on somewhere special, it’s a fantastic choice.

Coron Underwater Garden Resort

We also spent a couple of nights at Coron Underwater Garden Resort, located on a small island a short boat ride from Coron town.

This was a more modest option than Club Paradise, although still a really nice place to stay.

Both resorts offered different experiences, and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

Coron or El Nido?

Having visited both Coron and El Nido, it’s almost impossible for me to choose a favourite.

Both have unbelievable limestone scenery, beautiful islands, clear water and some of the best tropical landscapes you’ll find anywhere in the Philippines, if not the world.

El Nido probably has a little more variety when it comes to things to see and do, while Coron is particularly famous for its island hopping and scuba diving.

Coron is also well known for its World War II Japanese shipwrecks, making it a popular destination for wreck diving.

Personally, I wouldn’t say one is necessarily better than the other. They’re both absolutely awesome destinations, and if you have enough time, I’d strongly recommend visiting both.

How to Get to Coron

The main gateway to Coron is Busuanga Airport (USU), officially known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport.

By Air

• From Clark: Direct flights to Busuanga take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• From Cebu: Direct flights to Busuanga take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• From Manila: Check available flights and connections via Clark or Cebu. Airline services have changed, so confirm the current departure airport before booking.

From Busuanga Airport, Coron town proper is approximately 30 to 45 minutes away by van.

If you’re staying at an island resort, you’ll generally need an additional boat transfer, which can usually be arranged through your accommodation.

By Ferry

You can also travel between El Nido and Coron by fast ferry, with journeys generally taking around 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the operator and sea conditions.

Ferry schedules can change, particularly during periods of rough weather, so check availability before travelling.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Allow several days: Four or five nights gives you time for different island-hopping experiences.
• Compare island tours: Check itineraries and inclusions before choosing an operator.
• Environmental and entrance fees: Keep cash handy for the fees at each stop, usually around ₱100 to ₱300.
• Bring sun protection: You’ll spend plenty of time swimming and travelling on open boats.
• Watch for sea urchins: Be careful in shallow water, particularly around CYC Island.
• Check the weather: Rough seas can disrupt island-hopping tours, even during the drier months.

Dezza’s Tip

If you’re planning a trip to Palawan, try to include both Coron and El Nido rather than choosing between them.

Coron really impressed me with its beautiful scenery, calm water, fantastic island hopping and laid-back atmosphere. Kayangan Lake alone was worth the trip, and staying at Club Paradise made the whole experience even more memorable.

It’s definitely one of my favourite places I’ve visited in the Philippines.

Coron FAQs

When is the best time to visit Coron?

December to May is generally the best, when the weather is typically drier and the seas are calmer for island hopping. My recommendation is February to April. June to October is wetter, with a greater chance of rough seas and cancelled boat tours.

How many days do you need in Coron?

I’d recommend four or five nights if you have the time. That gives you a couple of days for island hopping, some time to relax and a little flexibility if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

How do you get to Coron?

The main gateway is Busuanga Airport (USU). Direct flights from Clark take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and from Cebu approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From the airport, Coron town is about 30 to 45 minutes away by van. You can also take a fast ferry from El Nido, which generally takes around 3.5 to 5 hours.

Should I visit Coron or El Nido?

It’s almost impossible for me to choose a favourite. Both have unbelievable limestone scenery, beautiful islands and clear water. El Nido probably has a little more variety, while Coron is particularly famous for island hopping, scuba diving and its World War II Japanese shipwrecks. If you have enough time, visit both.

You Might Also Like

El NidoMassive limestone cliffs, clear water and hidden lagoons, with island hopping from town.Nacpan BeachA long, palm-lined beach with a relaxed, local feel and one of the best sunsets around El Nido.Duli BeachA quiet, open stretch of golden sand that’s well known for its surf.Lio BeachA planned beach estate with restaurants, cafes and a long jetty, ideal for sunset and dinner.

Where Is Coron?