Island Hopping in Coron, Philippines
Island Hopping in Coron, Philippines
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best accommodation in Coron is The Funny Lion – Coron.
✈️ How to get there:
The nearest airport is Busuanga (USU), about 45 minutes from Coron Town. There are several daily flights from Manila and Cebu. Once you land, minivans meet every flight.
⛴ By boat:
Best tours: Where Sidewalks End
Need more trip-planning tips? Check out our resource list below!
Experience
What is Coron Philippines known for?
Coron has gained popularity for its World War II wreck diving spots, crystal clear waters and stunning rock formations. It is often regarded as the quieter and more laid-back counterpart of El Nido, another famous destination in Palawan (which offers equally breathtaking coastlines and scenery!).
My Experience
The towering limestone karsts rose beautifully from the turquoise waters, high above the small outrigger boat I was travelling from island to island on. Far towards the horizon, hundreds of islands were arrayed across the ocean, a spectacular scene of greenery and unusual rock formations and I couldn’t wait to explore as much as I could up close.
This was Coron, and so far it was unlike anywhere else I’d ever seen in the world. It was unreal and utterly spectacular to see.
I was taken to Kayangan Lake, a hidden lagoon surrounded by tall cliffs. Just one of the many secrets waiting amongst the many islands here. After a steep walk up and over the rocky cliff, I emerged on the edge of the lake, which was hemmed in by cliffs on all sides. The water was clear, and I was surprised to find, completely clean and fresh.
Kayangan Lake though was just one of the stops I was to make in this vast wilderness of beaches, lakes and coral reefs. We called into Twin Lagoons, where two separate lakes merge with the seawater on either side of a tall limestone karst. The only way to travel between the two was to swim underwater through a small cavern, and I emerged breathless on the other side to be immersed in more spectacular scenery.
I saw tropical white sands, swam with turtles, and snorkelled down to shipwrecks that were surrounded by colourful marine life. For days I took local boats out onto the islands, and still, I saw just a fraction of the magnificent landscapes and secret vistas trapped within the archipelago.
SEE – Photos & Videos
GO – Getting There
Coron is located to the north of the large island of Palawan, in the Philippines, and to the south of Manila. ‘Coron’ is actually a large collection of islands, and each individual island is unique, some small, some large and all beautiful. The term Coron is a bit of a misnomer when it comes to the area, as Coron Town, where most tourists are based is actually on the largest island, named Busuanga. Coron Island is separate to the town, and can only be reached by boat, and although you will find that tourists call the whole archipelago ‘Coron’, the actual name of the island group is the Calamianes Islands.
Coron is a fast-growing tourist destination and transport links are steadily improving, although, in peak season, they can be sometimes overwhelmed with the number of visitors, so when booking transport, it’s best to try and book in advance. Busuanga Airport is the only airport in the region and it’s located around a forty five minute drive away from Coron Town. There are no international connections, as this is a very small, regional airport, but there are several flights an hour to Manila and to Cebu, and from either of these two large Filipino cities you can connect internationally or to anywhere else in the Philippines. From Busuanga Airport to Coron Town, there are minibuses waiting for every flight arrival, just stroll out of the small terminal and you will soon find a lift into town, for only 150 pesos.
It’s also possible to take a slow ferry from Manila to Coron, an adventurous experience to undertake. The ferry is mostly used by locals and is slow, taking at least fourteen hours, and is prone to cancellations if the weather is rough. Many travellers will also arrive or depart to Palawan from Coron, as there are regular boats travelling to El Nido. These are small boats, and the voyage takes anywhere between 5 to 9 hours depending on the conditions. Be prepared with plenty of drinks and snacks, as facilities on these boats are very limited.
Do – Activities & Attractions
Coron is the place to island hop. There are hundreds of islands, beaches, lagoons and lakes to explore, and it’s easy to arrange boat tours around this beautiful archipelago. The most well-known sights are Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake, beautiful freshwater lakes surrounded by incredible limestone karst scenery, where you can swim and enjoy the scenery. Twin Lagoons is another favourite, as are many of the white sand beaches on the islands near Coron Town.
It’s best to try and get further afield too when visiting, so visit the unbelievable Pass Island – quite literally the definition of tropical, where a white sand beach surrounds a picturesque, palm-covered island – and also visit Black Island, home to a sandy beach under towering cliffs.
There are great views from the top of Mount Tapyas, and for something a bit different, travel to the Maquinit Hot Springs, where thermal waters offer a hot soaking.
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Stay – Accommodation
Coron Town is the main base of tourist operations in the area. This is where the vast majority of the accommodation and tourist facilities can be found. As Coron has grown from an almost unknown destination to an ever more popular destination – although still nowhere near as busy as many better-known islands in the Philippines – the quantity of accommodation has struggled to keep up with demand, so be sure to book in advance. There is a wide range of options to book though, from ultra-luxury private islands to rustic backpacker dorms.
If you are looking to splurge, the best hotel in Coron Town is the luxurious Funny Lion Hotel, which has the best sunset view in Coron, from the rooftop bar that’s complete with jacuzzis overlooking the bay. Prices here begin from $150 per night. Much cheaper options include the excellent Sea Horse Guest House, a centrally located backpacker style hostel, with dorms and basic private rooms, where beds start from just $10 a night. There are even a few remote islands you can stay on too, including the beautiful Pass Island, where beach bungalows cost $25 a night.
Here are some of the best accommodations you can choose from when staying in Coron Palawan:
The Funny Lion – Coron
The Funny Lion – Coron offers a relaxing 4-star retreat with an outdoor swimming pool, open-air bath with natural views, and a range of dining options. Located just 0.9 miles from Mount Tapyas and 4 miles from Kayangan Lake, guests can enjoy both comfort and convenience. The Hunt restaurant serves international favorites and seafood, while Pride Rock Deck offers Filipino cuisine with stunning views of Coron Bay. Guests can unwind at the Sea Tree Spa, enjoy the pool, or arrange tours through the concierge. With attentive service and a beautiful setting, it’s the perfect base for exploring Coron.
Check Rates and Availability here!
La Natura Resort
La Natura Resort offers a peaceful retreat with an outdoor swimming pool and rooms featuring balconies with views of the garden. Located just a 10-minute drive from Coron Town, guests can easily access local attractions, including the Maquinit Hot Spring and Busuanga Airport. The resort’s in-house bar and restaurant serve local and traditional Italian cuisines. Guests can explore the area with motorbike rentals, enjoy relaxing massage services, or arrange island-hopping tours and dives. With free private parking available, La Natura Resort is the perfect base for those looking to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Check Rates and Availability here!
The Ridge Coron
The Ridge Coron offers a comfortable stay with spacious rooms featuring scenic views and cozy seating areas. Guests can dine at the romantic restaurant serving American, Asian, and pizza cuisines, or unwind with evening drinks at the bar. Located near Dicanituan Beach and Mount Tapyas, the property is an ideal base for exploring local attractions, including the Coron Public Market and Maquinit Hot Spring. Guests can enjoy boating activities nearby and appreciate the excellent tour service provided. With its prime location and stunning views, The Ridge Coron is a highly rated destination for relaxation and exploration.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel
Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel offers a relaxing stay with stunning sea views, just 3.1 miles from Kayangan Lake. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house BAYA Resto Lounge, which serves both local and international cuisine. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to Coron Seaport and a short drive to local attractions like Coron Public Market and Maquinit Hot Spring.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Joval Homestay
Joval Homestay in Coron offers a comfortable stay with rooms featuring balconies and all the essentials for a relaxing visit. Guests can enjoy convenient access to nearby attractions like Coron Public Market and Mount Tapyas, both within walking distance. The homestay is ideally located in the city center, with Dicanituan Beach and Maquinit Hot Spring just a short drive away. Boating activities are also available nearby. Guests appreciate the homestay’s friendly host, excellent service, and convenient location, making it a highly rated choice for those exploring Coron.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Eat – Restaurants
Coron has a wide selection of restaurants, however, it is not a destination that is renowned for being a ‘foodie’ destination. There are plenty of local eateries where you can get cheap meals for just a few dollars, but the quality can vary, as can the hygiene. There are also plenty of restaurants catering to western tourists, including Italian and even Mexican style places, however, don’t expect anything gourmet. The best food is generally served on the island hopping trips, when the local crew will cook up excellent Filipino style BBQs with fresh seafood and salads, and of course, plenty of rice too.
Time – Seasonality & Schedules
Coron enjoys warm weather all year round but has two distinct seasons, the wet and the dry. The wet season runs from June to October, while the dry season runs from October to the end of May. Travelling in the wet season will give you much-reduced hotel costs, however, you are also at the mercy of the weather, as the area can be hit by merciless cyclones. You will find things are much, much quieter though. The most popular time of the year is towards the tail end of the dry season, March, April and May, as this is when the sun is always out and the water is at its clearest. This is when flights and hotels can be booked out, so plan ahead, although if you are flexible, it’s never too much trouble.
Safety – Possible risks
Coron is a very safe destination, as the local economy is very much reliant on tourism, so expect to be greeted with generous Filipino hospitality and smiles. Being a tropical destination, the real dangers come from the sun, so be prepared when making island hopping excursions with water and sun cream. When travelling in the rainy season, be very careful with the weather, as tropical storms can appear out of nowhere and make travel by boat dangerous. Watch out for typhoon warnings and if it looks like one will hit, it’s best to stay away.
Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.
Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.
Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).
Pay – How much does it cost?
Coron is a cheap destination to travel to, however as it gets more popular, and as demand increases, prices may inevitably rise in the future. There is something for every budget though, and you can spend anywhere from $10 a night to hundreds of dollars a night on hotel rooms. Island hopping trips vary in price, depending on the length and the destinations involved, but the basic trip which takes in the highlights should cost no more than $20 per person when joining a group tour, which for a full day including lunch, isn’t bad at all.
Responsible Travel – Best Practices
Coron has developed fast to welcome tourism, and unfortunately, the real locals of the region, have been missing out on the money. The indigenous population are called the Tagbanua, and they have lived on these islands for thousands of years, but most of the money is being taken by Filipinos from other islands and cities who have moved in more recently. The Tagbanua own all the major tourist sites and are under pressure to open up more of their land to visitors, but see little reward.
There are a few initiatives, however, which are trying to get the real locals involved in the boom, including the Red Carabao Tour Company, who directly employ those from the islands. When you are in Coron, try and learn a little bit more about this unique local culture and people, as these are the guys that are responsible for keeping the lakes and beaches clean in the background, and they go out of their way to keep their islands pristine.
Reality Check – Be Aware
Coron is fast changing and may be very different in even just a few year’s time. At the moment though, many facilities are still very basic. Even in the fanciest hotels, wifi is very limited, as is mobile signal across the islands. Some of the more popular tourist sights such as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoons can get very crowded in peak season, so try and head out early to enjoy them more, and don’t be afraid to head further afield to the more remote islands.
Additional Resources:
Kayangan Lake, Coron
Pass Island, Coron
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This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!
Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.
Coron Travel Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
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- Best Hotel Deals: Booking.com – Booking is the best all-around hotel booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates because it compares all the other major hotel booking sites. They have the widest selection of comfortable accommodations. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Best Tour Deals: Where Sidewalks End (of course) – WSE Travel is a boutique tour operator with specially curated tours, events, and workshops. We have many tour options available in cities in the Philippines and worldwide, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, art workshops, and more!
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- Best E-Sim Provider: Airalo – Airalo is one of the most versatile e-sim providers I’ve ever found, offering e-sim in almost every country on earth! No need to take your home phone provider’s sim card out and risk losing it on your trip! As long as your phone has e-sim capabilities, Airalo has you covered at really good rates too, meaning you can be connected at all times on your trip!
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Have you ever been to a city that had a really unique historical or cultural feature? Where was it and what made it so unique?
Not done exploring the Philippines? There’s more island hopping over around Cebu Island!
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