Summary
Coron Palawan is one of the most amazing islands in the Philippines, featuring huge limestone peaks, vibrant lagoons, and exceptional snorkeling or scuba diving opportunities. Moreover, like other islands in the Philippines, Coron Island is incredibly budget-friendly, showcasing beautiful white sand beaches and some of the best coral reefs in Southeast Asia. Although Coron isn’t as famous as its nearby cousin El Nido, it is more affordable and less crowded. Many travelers argue that the island hopping scenery is just as breathtaking. This Coron travel guide will provide you with essential information on how to get there, things to do, places to stay, and tips for experiencing this hidden gem of the Philippines!
Where Is Coron Island?
Coron is a small island located 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Palawan, which is one of the largest islands in the Philippines. The area surrounding Coron Bay is home to dozens of small islands adorned with white sand beaches and sunken World War II shipwrecks, making it a paradise for scuba diving and tropical island hopping enthusiasts!
How To Get To Coron Palawan
Coron town can be conveniently reached by either flight or ferry. The local airport, Busuanga Airport (USU), does not have international flights, so you’ll first need to fly to one of the major cities in the Philippines, such as Manila or Cebu. You can shop for flights to the Philippines on Skyscanner. If you plan to explore both El Nido and Coron, the easiest option is to take the ferry between the two locations, costing around 1,800 Peso and taking just a few hours. An alternative is to join a 4-day Palawan sailing expedition departing from El Nido to Coron, showcasing some stunning secluded islands along the way.
Where To Stay In Coron
How To Get Around
Coron town is relatively small, housing around 3,000 residents. It is walkable for restaurants and other attractions, but transport is necessary for exploring areas outside of town. Scooter rentals typically cost around 500 peso ($10 USD) per day. Alternately, you can take a tricycle taxi at 100-200 peso per trip; however, scooters offer a more economical option for longer journeys and multi-stop trips. Shared or private airport transfers by van can be arranged on Klook for as low as 180 peso per person.
Coron Island Hopping
Coron has emerged as a well-known scuba diving destination; however, the key attraction for most visitors is the phenomenal island hopping boat tours, which you simply cannot miss!
• Coron Ultimate Island Tour
This primary tour in Coron combines numerous top highlights in one full day trip. You’ll experience landing on pristine white sand beaches, exploring picturesque lakes and twin lagoons, snorkeling with tropical fish in vibrant coral gardens, and visiting at least one World War II shipwreck. Consequently, if you only choose one tour in Coron, ensure it’s this unforgettable experience, comparable to the beauty found in El Nido Palawan.
• Coron Island Escapade Tour
This tour may not receive as much attention as others, yet it’s perfect for those wishing to unwind on beautiful beaches. During this escapade, you’ll walk across a sandbar and explore three stunning white sand beaches, complemented by hammocks, fresh coconuts, and everything necessary for relaxation.
• Coron Multi-Day Trips
In addition to popular 1-day tours, multi-day sailing excursions are also offered in Coron and its surrounding areas, with some experiences lasting up to 4 days and 3 nights, taking you from Coron to El Nido or vice versa. This provides a fantastic opportunity for island hopping without the crowds and time constraints of single-day tours, allowing exploration of less-visited islands that are typically excluded from the main day tours. Furthermore, it’s an enjoyable way to connect with fellow travelers. One highly-rated provider of multi-day trips in Palawan is Big Dream Boat Man, based in Coron, offering sailing expeditions to El Nido that stop at breathtaking locations along the route!
What To Bring
While most items listed below can be found in Coron town if needed, the quality of street vendor products is not guaranteed. Thus, purchasing vetted products online is recommended.
- Waterproof Bag: Essential for keeping electronics dry during boat tours. A 30-liter bag accommodates devices such as a drone, tablet, camera, and phone effectively.
- Waterproof Phone Pouch: Ideal for protecting your phone alone.
- Snorkeling Gear: Since many islands are home to vibrant corals and fish, bringing your own gear is economical for multiple tours.
- Water Shoes: Protect your feet from injury while walking to shore from boats.
Is Coron Palawan Safe?
Yes! After spending several weeks here, I can confidently say that Coron is a safe destination. The Philippines does face issues with drugs and violence, but Coron remains a remote town that has been a popular tourist spot for years. You will be surrounded by fellow travelers, so keep your wits about you and follow standard precautions to ensure a trouble-free experience.
Best Time To Visit Coron
As a tropical destination, Coron offers warm weather year-round. While it is drier compared to El Nido, the prime months to visit range from November to May when conditions are less rainy and more comfortable. Personally, I’ve visited during January and February and enjoyed perfect weather both times.
How Long To Stay
Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days in Coron, which allows ample time to enjoy various island hopping and snorkeling tours while also exploring what the town has to offer.
Best Restaurants
The culinary scene in Coron is expanding, and here are some standout options:
- Om’s Thai: Highly regarded as the best restaurant in Coron, with great food, affordable prices, and generous portions, featuring both air-conditioned indoor seats and fans.
- Levine’s Eatery: Offers delicious food at reasonable prices, with a fantastic sunset view from the rooftop dining space.
- Mat’s Shakes & Snacks: Known for its delightful crepes and ice cream.
- Trattoria Altrove Coron: Recognized for serving the best pizza in Coron.
Other Coron Tips
- Credit Cards: Most restaurants and attractions in Coron accept cash only. Therefore, booking larger purchases online with a credit card is advisable, conserving cash for local treats like fresh coconuts!
- ATM: Several ATMs are operational in Coron, with high withdrawal limits. Expect a pull fee of approximately 250 peso.
- Electricity: Past issues with frequent brownouts have improved significantly, although brief outages still occasionally occur. Many hotels and resorts are equipped with generators for emergencies.
- WiFi: WiFi service in Coron varies, and while it’s gradually improving, a local SIM card may be the best option for reliable internet access.
- Language: English is widely spoken, so communication won’t pose a challenge during your stay in Coron.
- Hygiene: Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water. Enjoy the local food and drink freely otherwise!
- Mosquitoes: Malaria is a minimal concern in Coron, but dengue fever from mosquitoes can be prevalent, so consider using mosquito repellent in town or dense vegetation areas.
Coron vs El Nido – Which Is Better?
Palawan has gained fame for its stunning landscape and island hopping opportunities. However, in a direct comparison of Coron versus El Nido, which prevails?
Both destinations are exceptional. It’s entirely viable to visit both, but should time constraints arise, choosing one may be necessary due to the 100 kilometers of sea that separates the two locations. El Nido tends to be more developed and popular, which isn’t always a positive factor. Conversely, Coron offers a quieter experience and superior snorkeling and diving opportunities. Both regions boast breathtaking islands and beaches to explore.
For a detailed comparison, I’ve prepared an analysis of all the key differences, which may help you in making your choice between Coron or El Nido!
Read More: Coron vs El Nido – Which Is Better?
