What to do in Coron, The “Treasure Trove” of the Philippines

Written by Bianca Versoza

Coron is located in the province of Palawan, in the Mimaropa region of the Philippines. It is part of the third-largest island in the Calamian Islands or the Calamianes Archipelago.

Coron is known for its remarkable limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and shallow-water coral reefs. Aside from these, the island also boasts its hot springs, lakes, and lagoons.

If you are interested in exploring this unspoiled paradise, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s help you plan your next getaway and list the things you can do in Coron, Palawan.

20 Best things to do in Coron

Now that you have a background on how to reach Coron, I have prepared here 20 things you must do during your stay:

Trek to Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake is situated in the eastern part of Coron Island. Its towering limestone cliffs serve as a stunning backdrop for its crystal-clear waters.

To reach Kayangan Lake, you need to trek for 15 minutes up a hill. It might sound challenging, but the view is worth it. In fact, its combination of saltwater and freshwater is hailed as one of “the cleanest lakes in the Philippines.”

Kayangan Lake is owned and maintained by the Tagbanua tribe. Also known as Calamian Tagbanua, this indigenous tribe considers it to be sacred, believing that it is inhabited by nature spirits.

So, if you are planning to include visiting Kayangan Lake in your itinerary, you must remember that you must avoid loitering in the lake itself and around its premises to show respect to its inhabitants and the place as well.

  • Entrance Fee: $7 per person
  • Tour Guide Fee: $11 per person

Ways to get there:

  • If hiring a private boat, Standard rates are $65 (2-4 pax) / $78 (5-8 pax) / $91 (9-15 pax). Please note that the rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fees, and food.
  • If joining a group tour: $35– $67 per person (ALL IN). I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Free dive at Lusong Coral Garden & Gun Boat Shipwreck

Lusong Coral Garden and Gun Boat Shipwreck is located in the southwest part of Coron. These spots are  less visited by tourists because it is much further from Coron Town, making it a perfect place for those seeking relaxation. Also, these areas are suitable for snorkeling and free diving which does not appeal to many tourists.

Lusong Coral Garden is recognized as one of the top-rated reefs in Coron. It features packed soft, stony, and leathery corals, such as gorgonian sea fans and large Acropora table corals. You can also spot some sea creatures here, like anemonefish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and giant clams.

Near Lusong Coral Garden is the Gunboat Shipwreck. This approximately 25-meter gunboat is one of the twelve Japanese Supply Ships or submarine hunters during World War II. On September 24, 1944, it was hit by an aerial attack by a U.S. carrier-based aircraft while anchored in Coron Bay.

Today, the wreck lies on the southern tip of the island and lies close to the surface, visible enough for snorkelers, diving enthusiasts, and other travelers to see. Also, its structure is still recognizable despite being covered with sponges, soft and hard corals, and barnacles.

Aside from being an artificial reef, you can also see a wide variety of marine life while diving at Lusong Gunboat.  Some of these are parrotfish, lionfish, damselfish, stonefish, and nudibranch.

  • Entrance Fee: $2 per person
  • Tour Guide Fee: $11 per person

Ways to get there:

  • If hiring a private boat: $221 (2-4 pax) / $248 (5-8 pax) / $405 (9-15 pax). Please note that the rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fees, and food.
  • If joining a tour: $59– $71 per person (ALL IN). I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Enjoy the white sand of Banul Beach

Aside from the lagoons and lakes, Coron is also home to beautiful beaches both on the mainland and on the islands. Banul Beach is situated in the northwestern part of Coron Island, 30 minutes away from the town proper.

This beach is known for its blue waters, powdery white sand, and towering limestone walls. It is why it is popular among tourists who are into nature photography, sunbathing, swimming, and even camping. 

There are also cottages around the beach that you can rent or buy snacks from, like cold drinks and chips.

  • Entrance Fee: $3 per person
  • Tour Guide Fee: $11 per person

Ways to get there

  • If booking a private boat: $64 (2-4 pax) / $77 (5-8 pax) / $90 (9-15 pax). Please note that the rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fees, and food.
  • If booking a join-in tour: $35– $66 per person (ALL IN). I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Dive in Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake is located on Filippinerna Bayan Ng Coron, Coron. It is a 20-minute boat ride away from the town proper.

Barracuda Lake is said to be named after a giant barracuda fish whose skeleton was discovered in the depths of the lake. Like Kayangan Lake, it has brackish water— a combination of saltwater and freshwater. 

Additionally, what makes it more interesting is its thermocline — layers of cold, warm, and hot waters— which makes it more appealing to tourists, especially the divers.

  • Entrance Fee: $5 per person
  • Tour Guide Fee: $11 per person

Ways to get there:

  • If booking a private boat: $64 (2-4 pax) / $77 (5-8 pax) / $90 (9-15 pax) per boat. Please note that the rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fees, and food.
  • If joining a group tour: $35 – $66 per person (ALL IN). I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Go cave hunting on Black Island

The Black Island is also known to locals as Malajon Island. This island is located on the northwestern corner of Busuanga Island, 3 to 2 hours away by van and 1 by boat ride away from Coron town proper.

Aside from its powdery white sand, its distinct feature—the dark, towering karst cliffs that define the island’s landscape—is what makes it popular among tourists. Many visit here, despite its location, to snorkel, dive, and enjoy sunbathing.

If you are into more thrilling activities, try cave hunting here.

The most popular cave here is the largest one which has a stalactite ceiling and walls that are made of rocks covered in sparkling white silica. It is approximately 40 feet between the floor and ceiling with a freshwater pool inside where you can take a dip.

  • Entrance Fee: $4 per person
  • Tour Guide Fee: $11 per person

Ways to get there:

  • If booking a private boat: $221 (2-4 pax) / $248 (5-8 pax) / $405 (9-15 pax). Please note that the rates above do not include entrance fees, guide fees, and food.
  • Calauit Safari Tour Rates: $58 – $71 per person (ALL IN). I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Explore mangrove trees in CYC Beach

The Coron Youth Club (CYC) Beach is known for its white sand, blue waters, and limestone formations.

This beach is also surrounded by mangrove trees that you can explore, adding a unique touch to your swimming experience. You can also enjoy snorkeling here as its marine life is abundant in colorful coral reefs.

  • Entrance Fee: FREE
  • Tour Guide Fee: $11 per person

Ways to get there:

  • If booking a private boat: $64 (2-4 pax) / $77 (5-8 pax) / $90 (9-15 pax). Please note that the rates above do not include guide fees and food.
  • If booking a group tour package: $35 – $42 per person (ALL IN). I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Dip in Maquinit Hot Springs

The Maquinit Hot Springs is located on the southern coast of Busuanga Island, Coron, Palawan. It’s about a 30-minute ride from the town proper.

These hot springs are one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, and the only one in the Philippines, making it a must-visit spot in Coron. It is heated by geothermal energy, specifically by an active, underwater volcano, but you don’t need to worry about safety as it is accredited by its local government.

Thus, this outdoor pool offers a cozy 37° to 40° Celsius temperature, best for boosting blood circulation, promoting skin detox, and reducing stress. Adding to its charm are the mangrove trees surrounding the place, which offer a tranquil and therapeutic experience.

Entrance Fees:

  • Adults: $7 per person
  • Children 3 to 10 years old: $3 per person
  • 2 years old children are free
  • Students: $6 per person
  • Seniors/PWD: $5 per person

Ways to get there:

  • If riding a motorcycle: $7 to $9 for a roundtrip
  • If renting a scooter: $16 for 24 hours
  • If renting a boat, it is $24 per person. Please note that the rates above do not include entrance fees and food.
  • If joining a tour: $16 to $38 per person. I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Swim in Twin Lagoon

Twin Lagoon is located in the northern part of Coron Island. As its name suggests, it is made of two bodies of water separated by limestone cliffs.

The first lagoon serves as the “welcome part” where the boats are docked. It easily gets crowded during midday, the peak of tourists’ arrival.

The second lagoon on its other side can 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.

It is also the most sought spot for tourists as this offers an amazing view perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. However, please be aware that kayak and snorkel rentals are not available in twin lagoon so you must bring them before you go there.

  • Entrance Fee: $4 per person
  • Tour Guide Fee: $11 per person

Ways to get there

  • If booking a private boat: $64 (2-4 pax) /$77  (5-8 pax) / $90(9-15 pax). Please note that the rates above do not include entrance, tour guide fees, and food.
  • If joining a tour: $35– $66 per person (ALL IN). I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Watch the sunset at Mt. Tapyas

Coron not only has amazing marine life and bodies of water, but it also has unspoiled land gems.

Mt. Tapyas is located in Nuevas Street, Coron, Palawan. It is 210 meters above Coron Town and is considered to have the best viewpoint, making it a popular spot for tourists to watch the sunset.

The only way to reach its top is by foot, which means you need to conquer around 700 concrete steps. Do not worry because there are rest stops with chairs along the way, so you can stop there and take a breather.

Once you reach the summit, you will be greeted by a giant cross and overlooking views of the sea and rolling hills. It is an ideal activity for a half-day trip, especially for those seeking for an extra thrill. To make sure that you’ll be hydrated and protected, bring your tumbler and wear a sunscreen.

  • Entrance Fee: FREE

Ways to get to Mt. Tapyas jump-off point:

  • If riding a tricycle: $.70 to $1 per person
  • If joining a tour: $16 to $38 per person. I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Visit Calauit Safari

Aside from land and sea tourist spots, Coron also has a safari park.

Calauit Safari is located on Calauit Island. This park is a 3,700-hectare game reserve and wildlife sanctuary that houses African giraffes and zebras. It also serves as a home to critically endangered species native to Palawan’s Calamianes chain of islands like Calamian Deer, Pheasant Peacock, and Balabac Mouse-Deer.

Here, you can enjoy touring around the safari to meet and see all the other animals living here. You can also feed some animals, like giraffes, on their stables with the assistance of park rangers.

  • Entrance Fee: $9 per person
  • Tour Guide Fee: $ 11 per person

Ways to get here:

  • If riding a tricycle: $221 (2-4 pax) / $248 (5-8 pax) / $406 (9-15 pax). Please note that the rates above do not include entrance, tour guide fees, and food.
  • If joining a tour: $59 to $71 per person (ALL IN). I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Join the Fireflies and Plankton Tour

In Coron Island, fireflies come out and fly around the mangroves at night. You can experience this by joining a tour offered by Calamian Islands Travel and Tours. This group tour includes a buffet dinner, transfers, and kayak fees.

Riding a boat in the mangrove swamps, you’ll witness the fireflies dancing in the air, forming a magical show. Not only that but when you look down at the water, you’ll also see the bioluminescent plankton.

To make your experience more magical, dip your hands in the water and see these sparkling creatures up close. In addition to this, if the sky allows, you can also enjoy stargazing here.

Joiner Tour: $22 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.

Discover Siete Pecados

Siete Pecados is a group of seven small rocky islands located on the coast of Busuanga, near Coron town.

Its name “Siete Pecados” means “seven sins” in Spanish. This is because, according to local legends, the islets were named after the seven deadly sins due to their uneven formations.

Siete Pecados is a popular diving spot among tourists as its underwater life is home to vibrant marine biodiversity. Some of the rare sea creatures you can spot here are Barracudas, Humphead Wrasse, Hawksbill Turtle, and Dugong.

If you are not into diving, you can also try snorkeling around the area. Here, you can spot various reef fishes, including peacock wrasse, Moorish idols, butterflyfish, and pufferfish.

  • Entrance Fee: $2
  • Tour Guide Fee: $11

Ways to get there:

  • If booking a private boat: $64 (2-4 pax) / $77 (5-8 pax) / $90 (9-15 pax). Please note that the rates above do not include entrance, tour guide fees, and food.
  • If joining a tour: $35 to $66 per person (ALL IN). I recommend checking the itinerary and inclusions before booking to guarantee a smooth tour.

Try Water Sports

Aside from the island-hopping tours and land adventures, there are lots of water sports activities in Coron you can try. The most convenient way to try these is by joining a tour.

However, please note that each tour offers different packages and inclusions. So, you can select the best one that suits your preference, budget, and itinerary.

Some of the water sports options are:

  • Banana Boat
  • Fly Fish
  • Jet Ski

Dine in Manggis Restaurant

Manggis Restaurant is located at Calle Nueva, Poblacion, Coron, near the town proper. It is just 500 meters away from the foothills of Mt. Tapyas.

Manggis Restaurant is known for its wide range menu of Filipino cuisine. Alongside this, they also offer an international menu that includes Italian, American, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisine.

Some of their best-sellers are Taco Pizza and Sisig, a traditional Filipino dish made from parts of a pig’s head and liver, usually seasoned with lots of calamansi and onions.

Another guest’s favorite is Filet Américain, which is also known as steak tartare, a dish often made from finely chopped or minced raw beef, and Breakfast Tapsilog, a classic Filipino breakfast dish consisting of tapa (cured beef), sinangag (garlic fried rice), and itlog (egg).

Additionally, their 3 Cheese Truffle Pizza, generously topped with truffle oil and with extra-soft dough, is what most tourists come for. These dishes are the perfect complement to their best-seller drinks, such as coconut juice, beer, and fruit shakes.

Stay in The Funny Lion

The Funny Lion is situated at Sitio Jolo, Poblacion V, Coron, Palawan. It is a 30-minute away land ride from Busuanga Airport.

This boutique resort boasts a chic exterior and has 46 well-furnished rooms is considered the best accommodation in Coron. This is because they have 5-star quality beds and linens, offering each guest a luxurious stay and comfort.

It also uses sustainable construction materials and solar power and implements eco-friendly practices to maintain its modern vibe and commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.

As for its amenities and facilities, they have a spa, gym, high-speed wifi, pool, and open-air bathtubs where you can enjoy watching the sunset from Coron Bay while relaxing. They also have a rooftop bar and dining that is best to spend time in the evening with the cold breeze.

The Funny Lion prides itself on their modern Asian flavors menu and a variety of fresh out-of-the-sea delicacies. Some of their best-sellers are Pork And Shrimp Rolls, Chicken And Sausage Quesadilla, And Crab Fat Calamari. You can partner these with their cocktails, shakes, wines, and gourmet coffee.

Dig seafood in Lobster King

Lobster King is a popular seafood restaurant located in Brgy.5 Coron, Palawan. It is known for its seafood menu, great music, and affordable prices.

Its best-seller is its steamed and grilled lobsters with garlic butter. They also offer different variations of lapu-lapu and mud crab dishes that are served with sweet and spicy sauce and garlic butter.  

Additionally, they offer onion rings, calamari, sizzling chicken, and beef steak. Their menu perfectly matches their variety of drinks such as iced tea, fruit shakes, beer, and local alcohols like lambanog, a traditional Filipino distilled palm liquor.

Get loose at Sigbin Bar and Tattoo

If you are up for nighttime activities, visit Sigbin Bar in Coron. The bar is known for its unique, local, and artistic design, which creates a more entertaining atmosphere.

The walls are filled with local artworks crafted by Coron’s talented artists. From vivid abstract paintings to intricate sculptures, Sigbin Bar and Tattoo Bar prides itself as a canvas of the local art scene.

Open from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, the bar features live music and a variety of drinks such as cocktails. You can also dance here and make new friends.

Taste fruit sherbets in Follow Your Taste

If you are looking for a great spot to chill after touring around, you must visit Follow Your Taste café.

This popular café located in Barangay Poblacion 2, Coron, Palawan. The entire café has a unique and appealing interior design. Tourists define it as “Instagrammable,” because of its murals and wooden tables and chairs, serving a minimalist vibe backdrop for a photo.

Follow Your Taste is known for its artisan yogurt ice cream, fruit sherbets, and handcrafted drunken sherbet cocktails. They also offer homemade grilled cheese sandwiches, shawarma rice, and pasta dishes.

Enroll in Freediving Coron

If you want to make the most of your visit and learn to free dive, enroll at Freediving Coron. Located on the Ground Floor of GMG Hotel, Cron, Palawan, is the first freediving school in town.

It offers courses for all skill levels, so you don’t have to worry if you are a newbie. They have a comprehensive Freediver Course for $333 that lasts two days.

Here, you can learn how to properly use freediving equipment, understand how depth and pressure affect your body, learn breathing and buddying, and techniques to maintain safe underwater.

By the end of this course, you’ll feel safe and comfortable when freediving to depths of up to 20 meters.

Drop by Coron Souvenir and Gift Shop

Your Coron trip is not complete without buying souvenirs to take home.

Located at Brgy Poblacion 5 National Highway, the Coron Souvenir and Gift Shop is known as the oldest and largest souvenir shop in Coron, Palawan.

Coron Souvenir and Gift Shop is also the most well-known center in town. In fact, local and foreign vloggers have already featured this on their YouTube vlogs.

This shop offers a wide range of items, making it a great place to find unique and memorable souvenirs from your trip.

Here, you can buy basic souvenirs such as shirts, native bags, ref magnets, and keychains. They also have shell baskets, wood carvings, sand in a bottle, and local ornaments. You can also find here necklaces, bracelets, and anklets made from tiny shells.

Aside from these, Coron Souvenir and Gift Shop also sells Coron’s best delicacies such as cashew brittle, dried pusit (octopus), and cashew pulvoron (heavy, soft, and crumbly shortbread made of flour, sugar, milk, and cashew). 

The choices are endless, so you can surely bring something good from Coron back home.

Best time to go to Coron

Coron has two main seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from November to May, and the rainy season lasts from July to September.

Coron has a stable tropical climate, which makes it a perfect place to visit during the summer season.

How to get to Coron

Coron is easily reachable in two ways: by flights and by ferry. 

For flights to Coron, you can book to land at Busuanga Airport. Meanwhile, if you prefer riding a ferry, you can also ride one from the Uson Island Public Pier. 

By Flights

To get to Coron Island, you can take a flight to Busuanga (USU), previously known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport.

Major local airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Skyjet offer daily flights to Coron from Manila, Cebu, and other parts of the Philippines. 

Here is detailed information about these flights:

From Manila

If you are coming from Manila,  you can take a flight from Manila to Busuanga that usually takes an hour of travel time. 

However, you must compare the rates and book the ideal time that suits your itinerary when choosing whether a non-stop flight or a connecting flight. 

From Cebu

If you’re coming from Cebu, the most convenient way for you to reach Coron is by taking a direct flight, which will take you an hour and a half. 

However, if you want to stop over in Manila, take a connecting flight.

From Pampanga

If you’re in Pampanga, it will take you an hour and a half to go directly to Coron. You must also know that most connecting flights from Manila usually stop at Pampanga before going there.

By Ferry  

Another way to reach Coron’s main pier, Uson Island Public Pier, is by ferry. It is cheaper than flying, but it takes longer to travel. 

From Manila

There are two options available for traveling to Coron, Philippines—2Go Travel and Atienza Shipping Lines. 

2Go Travel offers weekly trips every Friday and Tuesday from Coron to Manila and vice versa. The trip takes 28 hours. 

On the other hand, Atienza Shipping Lines offers ferry trips from Manila and El Nido to Coron. Departure from Manila is every Saturday, and it arrives in Coron on Sunday. 

Then, departure from El Nido is every Wednesday, and the arrival in Coron is on Thursday.

From Puerto Princesa

If you’re in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, you can take a ferry directly to the Uson Island Public Pier through 2Go Travel.

The ferry leaves for Coron every Saturday and Wednesday. Then, for Puerto Princesa, it sails every Saturday and Wednesday. 

It will take you a total of 16 hours of travel time so book in advance so you can get the best beds to rest on.

From El Nido 

You can also ride a ferry by Montenegro Lines going to Coron from El Nido and vice versa, which will take you 3 to 4 hours of travel time.

Atienza Shipping Lines also offers ferry trips from El Nido. Departure from El Nido is every Wednesday and arriving on Coron on Thursday.

Tips for your Coron adventure

Pack light

Coron is a tropical island, so you must pack lightweight clothing like summer dresses and swimming fits. 

Also, you must always carry sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and make sure that you’ll enjoy your stay.

Stay hydrated

The weather in Coron can be hot and humid, ranging from 24°C to 31°C. Therefore, it is best to carry a tumbler with you and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Obey the environmental rules

Coron is known for its unspoiled water and natural beauty. Therefore, you must follow the rules implemented in each tourist destination you visit. Respect the marine life, avoid littering, and follow the guidelines set by tour operators.

Taste the best of Coron’s delicacies

Your Coron trip would not be complete without trying local delicacies, such as seafood, traditional Filipino dishes, and tropical fruits. 

Capture every moment

Bring your camera or make sure to have a power bank with you so you won’t miss any moment you’ll spend in Coron. Take plenty of photos to cherish your memories here.

Unveiling History and Nature

Coron Pawan is truly home to rich history, marine biodiversity, and land adventures. Its unspoiled wonders, from limestone cliffs, wildlife, and foods to crystal-clear waters, are waiting for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers to discover.

Indeed, Coron does not only offer tourist attractions but also offers reflections of the Philippines’ rich cultural and ecological diversity. As you plan your getaway to Coron, remember to respect and preserve these treasures for generations to come. With its wealth of experiences and natural beauty, Coron promises an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring moments and lasting memories.