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Planning a trip to Coron? Here are just some of the many PLACES TO VISIT and THINGS TO DO that you might want to add to your CORON ITINERARY!

When we think of Coron, the first thing that comes to mind are the towering karst cliffs that cloister pristine lagoons and lakes. These limestone walls have become iconic, but they’re not really unique to the area. Several other destinations in the Philippines have the same wonders to brag about — from El Nido just across the sea to Caramoan all the way to the other side of the country — but what sets Coron apart is the sheer diversity of what it has to offer.

THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK

Coron is part of the Calamianes, a collection of jagged islands that pepper the waters of Northern Palawan. It is the tourism hub in the area. Its map is dotted with tour operator offices, hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Consequently, this made the town of Coron the major jump-off point to tourist attractions in neighboring islands and municipalities.

Coron offers a wide array of tourist spots and activities — from lustrous lagoons to beautiful beaches to unforgettable dive sites. They even have saltwater hot springs, which is pretty rare, and, believe it or not, an African safari.

Note: Most of these attractions can be accessed as part of an organized tour — either by chartering a private ride or by joining a group tour. You can also pull a D-I-Y if you have the means. In addition, opening hours might change without prior notice, so please check the official websites or Facebook pages before visiting.


1. Kayangan Lake

This scenic lake can be reached after a 15-minute trek up a hill, a bit challenging but totally worth it. But even before reaching the actual lake, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the clear blue waters halfway. This image from the view deck is what you will usually see when you search Kayangan Lake on the internet.

View of limestone cliffs from a lookout point on the way to Kayangan Lake. Photo by Irene Ladignon.

To reach the actual lake, you need to do a few minutes of trekking, but the sight of Kayangan Lake will make the climb worth it. It is hailed as one of “the cleanest lakes in the Philippines”. It’s also important to note that the area is maintained by the local Tagbanua tribe. Take a dip and appreciate the surrounding rock formations. Go early to avoid the crowd.

Entrance Fee: P300
Tour Guide Fee: P500
If chartering a private boat: Standard rates are P2,700 (2-4 pax) / P3,250 (5-8 pax) / P3,800 (9-15 pax). Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
If joining a group tour: P1,500 – P2,800 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions before booking.

Get discounted rates when you book online! The Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour and Coron Tour A both include Kayangan Lake in the itineraries.

BOOK CORON TOUR A HERE!

BOOK CORON SUPER ULTIMATE DAY TOUR HERE!


2. Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake is another popular lake on Coron Island that is open to the public.

Why Barracuda? It’s said to be named after a giant barracuda fish whose skeleton was discovered in the depths of the lake. Like the Kayangan Lake, it has brackish water, a combination of saltwater and freshwater, but what makes it more interesting, especially for divers, is the thermocline — layers of cold, warm, and hot waters.

Be sure to follow the safety regulations when swimming and diving.

Entrance Fee: P250
Tour Guide Fee: P500
If booking a private boat: P2,700 (2-4 pax) / P3,250 (5-8 pax) / P3,800 (9-15 pax) per boat. Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
If joining a group tour: P1,500 – P2,800 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions before booking.

Score a great deal when you book online! Both Coron Tour B and Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour have Barracuda Lake in their itineraries.

BOOK CORON TOUR B HERE!

BOOK CORON SUPER ULTIMATE DAY TOUR HERE!


3. Twin Lagoon

The Twin Lagoon is a double treat for tourists! This stop features two pieces of paradise separated by a low karst wall.

Twin Lagoon

The first lagoon where the boats are docked can easily get crowded, especially at midday. The second lagoon can be accessed in two ways, depending on the tide — taking the ladder over the rock during high tide or swimming through an opening underneath the rock during low tide. Either way, take utmost care when transiting between the two.

You may feel a combination of warm and cold water as you swim in the lagoons.

Entrance Fee: P200
Tour Guide Fee: P500
If booking a private boat: P2,700 (2-4 pax) / P3,250 (5-8 pax) / P3,800 (9-15 pax). Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
If booking a group tour: P1,500 – P2,800 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary first before booking. Some tour packages don’t have Twin Lagoon in their itinerary.

You can book this tour in advance online! The Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour and Coron Tour B both include Twin Lagoon in their itineraries.

BOOK CORON TOUR B HERE!

BOOK CORON SUPER ULTIMATE DAY TOUR HERE!


4. Banul Beach

Banul Beach

Aside from the lagoons and lakes, Coron is also blessed with beautiful beaches both on the mainland and on the islands. Banul Beach features powdery white sand, limestone walls, and a coral garden.

Banul Beach is the usual lunch stop for the Coron Island Tour, although not always. Some tour operators do their lunch stop somewhere else when the beach has already reached its traffic capacity.

Entrance Fee: P150
Tour Guide Fee: P500
If booking a private boat: P2,700 (2-4 pax) / P3,250 (5-8 pax) / P3,800 (9-15 pax). The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
If booking a join-in tour: P1,500 – P2,800 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions before booking. Some tour packages don’t have Banul Beach in their itinerary.

Score a great deal when you book online! Coron Tour B and Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour’s itineraries have Banul Beach as their lunch stop.

BOOK CORON TOUR B HERE!

BOOK CORON SUPER ULTIMATE DAY TOUR HERE!


5. CYC Beach

Coron Youth Club (CYC) Beach is usually part of the Coron Island Tour package. The beach has fascinated both local and foreign tourists for its clear waters, fine white sand, and picturesque beachscape embellished with mangrove trees and rock formations.

Entrance Fee: FREE
Tour Guide Fee: P500
If booking a private boat: P2,700 (2-4 pax) / P3,250 (5-8 pax) / P3,800 (9-15 pax). Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
If booking a group tour package: P1,500 – P1,800 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions first before booking. Some tour packages don’t have CYC Beach in their itinerary.

Get discounted rates when you book online! Both the Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour and Coron Tour A’s itineraries include CYC Beach.

BOOK CORON TOUR A HERE!

BOOK CORON SUPER ULTIMATE DAY TOUR HERE!


6. Siete Pecados

If you are curious about what Coron has to offer beneath the surface, Siete Pecados Marine Park flaunts a diverse and vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Aside from various marine species, it also features a colorful coral garden that delights divers and snorkelers alike.

Entrance Fee: P100
Tour Guide Fee: P500
Standard Boat Rates: P2,700 (2-4 pax) / P3,250 (5-8 pax) / P3,800 (9-15 pax). Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
Coron Island Tour Rates: P1,500 – P2,800 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions first before booking.

For convenience, you can also book this tour online! The Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour and Coron Tour A both include Siete Pecados in their itineraries.

BOOK CORON TOUR A HERE!

BOOK CORON SUPER ULTIMATE DAY TOUR HERE!


7. Mount Tapyas

At 210 meters, Mount Tapyas offers a panoramic view of its surroundings. At its summit stands a giant cross. At sunset or sunrise, you can also witness the sky’s colorful gradient.

Mt. Tapyas sunset

But to get to the top, you need to conquer around 700 concrete steps. But fret not, rest stops with chairs have been installed along the way. For those who are not really into hiking, you can stop and take a breather in one of these rest decks.

To reach Mount Tapyas, you can march to the base of the hill independently (DIY-style) or charter a tricycle. If you want a hassle-free trip, you can book a Coron Town Tour. Whatever you choose, make sure to bring enough water and sun protection for this activity.

Entrance Fee: FREE
Coron Town Tour: P700 – P1,600 per person. Check the itinerary and inclusions first before booking.

You can get promo rates when you book online!

BOOK CORON TOWN TOUR HERE!


8. Maquinit Hot Springs

After your island-hopping escapade or your Mount Tapyas hike, Maquinit Hot Spring is a perfect place to cap off your day. The hot spring bath draws dozens of tourists — locals and foreigners — despite the considerable distance from the town center.

You can book a tour or just charter a tricycle to go there. The roundtrip tricycle fare is around P350. The travel time is around 30 minutes from the town center.

Entrance Fee: P200
Coron Town Tour: P700 – P1,600 per person. Check the itinerary and inclusions first before booking.

Maquinit Hot Spring is often included in the Coron Town Tour package. If you decide to take this tour instead, get promo rates online!

BOOK CORON TOWN TOUR HERE!


9. Calauit Safari

A piece of Africa in the Philippines? Yes!

Although not really an African safari, the Calauit Safari Park still entices you with an experience that is different from the usual island destination activities in the Philippines. The island provides a habitat for animals that are not native in the Philippines like giraffes and zebras.

Calauit is located in the municipality of Busuanga, on the other side of the island, so it can take a lot of time to reach. To get to the Calauit Safari, you travel by sea or travel by land.

If you want to visit Black Island too, then the recommended mode is by boat. Here are the other stops when you travel by boat: Lusong Coral Garden and Gun Boat Wreck and Pamilacan Island. Other packages might include these stops: North Cay and South Cay.

If you choose to go by land, the itinerary will depend on the operator. Choose the one that suits your preferences. The trip by land usually consists of 2-4 of these attractions (aside from Calauit Safari): Conception Falls, Malbato Chapel, North/South Cay, Pamilacan Island, and Lusong Coral Garden and Gun Boat Wreck.

Entrance Fee: P250 (Filipinos) / P400 (Regular)
Tour Guide Fee: P500
Standard Boat Rates: P9,300 (2-4 pax) / P10,400 (5-8 pax) / P17,000 (9-15 pax). Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
Calauit Safari Tour Rates: P2,500 – P3,000 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions first before booking.

You can get discounted rate when you book this Coron Calauit Safari and Beach Tour!

BOOK CORON CALAUIT SAFARI & BEACH TOUR HERE!


10. Black Island

Situated northwest of Busuanga Island is Malajon Island, popularly called Black Island by the locals and tourists.

Photo by Vins Carlos

It looks intimidating from afar because of its distinct feature — the dark colossal karst cliffs that largely define the island’s landscape. These peaks rise from a huge bed of white sand that slopes steeply and slides under the waves. It’s a wide and happy playground for the beach lover.

Aside from snorkeling, diving, or beach-bumming, you can also go cave hunting as the island have caves that are open to the public. The biggest can be easily accessed by climbing a short ladder. Its floor is cracked open, allowing a glimpse of the cold crystal water that filled its miniature lakes. Stalactites adorn its ceiling and rocks covered in sparkling white silica make up its walls.

Black Island is usually part of the Calauit Safari Tour by sea.

Entrance Fee: P200
Tour Guide Fee: P500
Standard Boat Rates: P9,300 (2-4 pax) / P10,400 (5-8 pax) / P17,000 (9-15 pax). Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
Calauit Safari Tour Rates: P2,500 – P3,000 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions first before booking.

You can book this Coron Calauit Safari and Beach Tour and get a discounted rate!

BOOK CORON CALAUIT SAFARI & BEACH TOUR HERE!


11. Pamalican Island

There are two Pamalican Islands in Palawan: the popular one is in Cuyo, which is exclusively owned by Amanpulo; the other can be found in Busuanga, easily accessible from Coron.

Lying west of Busuanga, this 50-hectare island is fringed by a wide expanse of light-colored sand and is covered by a dense forest. This is the best place for beach lovers to laze around and swim.

Pamalican Island is usually included in the Calauit Safari Tour itinerary.

Entrance Fee: P100
Tour Guide Fee: P500
Standard Boat Rates: P9,300 (2-4 pax) / P10,400 (5-8 pax) / P17,000 (9-15 pax). Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
Calauit Safari Tour Rates: P2,500 – P3,000 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions first before booking.


12. Lusong Coral Garden & Gun Boat

Lusong Coral Garden is another usual stop in the Calauit Safari Tour itinerary. This activity is amazing and enjoyable not only for those who know how to dive but also for those who are content just snorkeling.

The vast coral garden is a sight to behold — various colorful marine creatures frolicking in and out of the various formations of vibrant corals.

Lusong also has a shipwreck of a World War II gunboat.

Entrance Fee: P100
Tour Guide Fee: P500
Standard Boat Rates: P9,300 (2-4 pax) / P10,400 (5-8 pax) / P17,000 (9-15 pax). Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
Calauit Safari Tour Rates: P2,500 – P3,000 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions first before booking.

The Coron Reefs and Wreck Day Tour below includes Lusong Coral Garden at Gun Boat in the itinerary.

BOOK CORON REEFS & WRECK DAY TOUR HERE!


13. Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos & Banana Island

These island destinations are tailor-fit for those who are interested in beach bumming and swimming. These three share the same feature — powdery white sand beaches, cerulean waters, and rock formations — but each of them still offers something different and will make you appreciate the natural beauty of Coron.

All three are usually included in Malcapuya Island Tour, sometimes called Island Escapade Tour or Beaches Tour. Some packages also have Malaroyroy Island in the itinerary.

Entrance Fee: P250 (Malcapuya Island) / P250 (Bulog Dos) / P250 (Banana Island)
Tour Guide Fee: P500
Standard Boat Rates: P4,350 (4 pax) / P5,450 (8 pax) / P7,100 (15 pax). Please book with the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fee, and food.
Island Escapade Tour Rates: P1,500 – P2,800 per person (ALL IN). Check the itinerary and inclusions first before booking.

The Coron Tour C and Coron Island Escapade Day Tour below have Malcapuya Island in their itineraries. Check the other inclusions.

BOOK CORON TOUR C HERE!

BOOK CORON ISLAND ESCAPADE DAY TOUR HERE!


14. Fireflies and Plankton Tour

It’s something that we highly recommend! This tour is an enchanting experience that you will never forget! In Coron, fireflies come out and fly around the mangroves at night, creating a luminous show.

But it doesn’t stop there. The natural illumination continues when you look down and dip your hand in the water, creating a magical trail brought about by the bioluminescent plankton.

You can avail of this through Calamian Islands Travel and Tours. The tour is inclusive of buffet dinner, transfers, and kayak fees. Note that they don’t do private tours, only group tours.

We tried taking photos and videos but it’s just too dark. But it is similar to what’s happening in this video. Not the same, but close to it.

Joiner Tour: P950 per person
Tour Duration: Pick-up at 6:00 PM. The end of the tour and return to the hotel is at 9:30 PM.


15. Parasailing

This is a thrilling way to see and experience Coron. If you want to see panoramic views of the natural riches of the area from above but don’t want to sweat it out by hiking up a mountain, you can opt to strap yourself up and parasail. Feel the wind embracing you as you appreciate the breathtaking scenery up in the air.

There are many parasailing packages offered in Coron. You can go solo or experience with your friends or family by booking the double flyer or the triple flyer. You can also follow the link below for the All-In Watersports Experience if you want to try other watersports aside from parasailing.

BOOK PARASAILING EXPERIENCE HERE!

CHECK ALL-IN WATERSPORTS OPTIONS HERE!


16. Water Sports

Aside from the island-hopping tours, there are lots of water sports activities in Coron. Each operator offers different packages with varying inclusions and/or combines them with other tours or activities. Choose the best that suits your preference, budget, and itinerary. Some of the options are:

  • Banana Boat
  • Fly Fish
  • Jet Ski

Score a discounted rate when you book online! If you want to check the rates and inclusions, here are some of the water sports activities offered. Note that most tours are bundled with a “Clear Kayaking” activity.

Check BANANA BOAT Details Here!

Check FLYFISH Details Here!

BOOK JETSKI Details Here!

CHECK ALL-IN WATERSPORTS OPTIONS HERE!


17. Culion Island

Also part of the Calamianes, Culion Island is another day trip destination from Coron. Isolated from the rest of the world for almost a century, Culion has endured the stigma associated with being the biggest leper colony in the world.

Finally declared a leprosy-free area in 2006 by the World Health Organization (WHO), the island town is slowly rising as a tourist destination. Getting there is quite challenging as that route is yet to be developed, so the crowd volume is way fewer than the neighboring Coron and Busuanga.

Some of the places to visit are the Culion Museum and Archives, Culion Church, Aguila Viewpoint, Balanga Falls, San Ignacio Farm, Pulang Lupa, and diving/snorkeling sites. The first three are usually part of the Culion Town Historical Tour.

Island hopping tour usually includes Malcapuya Island, Banana Beach, Bulog Bulog Beach, Bogor Marine Park.

Getting There: You can charter a private boat via the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. The office is located at Lualhati Park, just behind the public market. The rates depend on the number of passengers and the itinerary. Note that because the price is quite steep, it is best for big groups. Alternatively, you can join a group day tour from Coron. This is a much cheaper option if you don’t plan to stay overnight on the island.

If you are planning to stay overnight, the cheapest option is to take the passenger boat from Coron. Only one trip per day per way. The departure time from Coron is 1:30 PM. The trip back to Coron is scheduled at 7:00 AM the next day. The travel time is about 90 minutes. Note that this schedule might change, depending on the weather condition and other reasons.

Rates: P3000/1-4 pax, P3500/5-8 pax, P6000/10-15 pax (Private Boat Roundtrip); Approximately P1200 (Day Tour from Coron); P180 (Passenger Boat Fare + P20 Terminal Fee)


18. Coron Town Tour

Coron is not just about island hopping and beach activities. The town center also has some attractions for those interested in seeing how the locals go about their lives. Here are the usual stops:

Coron Town (as viewed from the Mt. Tapyas summit)
  • Public market
  • Souvenir shops
  • Town Plaza
  • Lualhati Park
  • St. Augustine Church
  • Maquinit Hot Springs
  • Mount Tapyas

Some tours include a stop at a cashew nuts factory.

Although it is entirely possible to do this tour on your own — most stops are accessible by tricycle and on foot — it’s best done with a guide, who can explain the significance of these places to the locals.

Rates: Maquinit Hotsprings P200 (Entrance Fee); P350 (Roundtrip Tricycle Fare); FREE (Mount Tapyas Entrance)
Coron Town Tour: P700 – P1,600 per person. Check the itinerary and inclusions before booking.

If you want to join a group tour, you can book this Coron Town Half-Day Tour. Usually, discounted rates for tour packages are up for grabs.

BOOK CORON TOWN TOUR HERE!


19. Shipwreck Diving

The battle between the US Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1944 at the height of World War II resulted in about a dozen sunken warships at the bottom of Coron Bay. These shipwreck diving spots are just a short boat ride from the mainland and are within recreational diving depth. The colossal wartime vessel wrecks are said to be some of the best-preserved in the world.

Some of the popular wrecks are the Irako, the Olympia Maru, the Okikawa Maru, the Kogyo Maru, the Akitsushima, and the Morazan. There are many dive operators in Coron Town, so you will have no problem booking a diving tour here.


20. Seafood Galore

Because Coron is a world-famous island destination with very few food sources, expect the food to be quite pricey. Yes, even seafood! If you are eating at restaurants, the price range for a meal is P150 to P400.

To give you an idea, the P150-meal at a proper sit-down resto is composed of a cup of rice and a small serving of a Pinoy dish like adobo, tapa, or liempo. If you want to binge on seafood, the price of grilled seafood is around P200. For fruit shakes, the price is P100 to P120.

Some of the restaurants we tried are:

  • La Morena Cafe
  • Carl’s BBQ
  • Kawayanan Grill Station
  • KT’s Sinugba sa Balai
  • La Sirenetta

The locals also recommend Santino’s Grill and Amigos’ Smokes and Grill.

That said, there are still many carinderias and other budget options for those traveling on a shoestring.

Note: Most restaurants and cafés are operating only during lunchtime and dinner time. Lunchtime is from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and dinner time is 6:00 PM onwards.


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2021 • 02 • 27


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