Coron is unique with its sharp limestone cliffs towering against the backdrop of fine white sandy beaches. Here you will find some of the best diving spots in the world including 12 Japanese shipwrecks from WW2. Coron also famous for Barracuda lake, a thermocline where water tempretures change from 28 – 38 degrees.
Getting There
After visiting El Nido we made our way to Coron. The Montenegro fast ferry from El Nido to Coron which takes approxamently 4 hours and that is how we got there. Check out the start of our video HERE to take a look at the ferry. Tickets can be purchased online here El Nido to Coron Fast Ferry
Once you disembark the ferry you are surrounded by tricycle drivers asking if you need transport. After asking several drivers we relised it was all the same price of 150 pesos to our hotel. The tricycles in Coron were in better condition than in El Nido, seating three passengers quite comfortably. Upon first glance you notice Coron is not as developed as El Nido but still has plenty of places to eat and drink. Also another popular form of entertainment in the Philippines is karaoke bars. There were lots of them here in Coron.
Where we stayed
We booked our stay at Asia Grand View Hotel which was located up on a hill. We actually got upgraded because our room was not ready and we managed to get one of the best rooms at the Hotel with a stunning view overlooking the pool and the the ocean. Click Here to check availability.
After checking into our hotel we hired a scooter for 500 pesos for 6 hours. This was more expensive in comparison to hiring a scooter in Bali however still relatively cheap compared to hiring something in the western world. We followed the signs and rode up to Mt Typas. We then parked the bike and climbed up a thousand stairs in the hot sun. At the top we were rewarded with an amazing view of Coron town the ocean and neighbouring islands.
There are many beautiful white sand beaches and island in and around the town of Coron surrounded by large limestone cliffs and wildlife. Like El Nido you can choose to do different island tours here. We did the Island tour and Escapade tour.
Coron Island tour A
The idyllic islands of Coron are located in one of the most pristine natural wonders, with thousands of small undiscovered islands and islets that mark Coron harbor and Coron bay. We did this as a private tour and paid 4100 pesos.
Take a day tour to explore the shallow waters and diversified flora and fauna. A boat ride will take you to nearby beaches for more Island activities like snorkeling and swimming. Cruise along Coron’s Island’s, twin lagoons and small coves. Coron’s Island’s karst formations towering out of turquoise blue waters are outstanding at any time of day. Lunch is taken on a white sand beach or on board. Up the top of the cliff of Kayangan Lake makes for a fantastic drone photo and a amazing selfie opportunity.
- Kayangan Lake
- Baracuda Lake
- Twin lagoon
- Coral Garden
- CYC Beach
CORON ISLAND ESCAPADE TOUR.
The Malcapuya, Banana, and Bulog Dos Islands tour loop is a whole day tour which takes you across the Culion straight and into a group of islands teeming with natural wonders. As your boat passes a natural channel you will see the pearl farms of the nearby islands and the seaweed plantations being harvested by the local community.
This tour does a loop of the three nearby quiet and peaceful islands of Malacapuya, Banana and Bulog Dos islets all of which have the most amazing white sand beaches and beautiful clear waters.
- Malcapuya Island
- Banana Island
- Bulog Dos Island
Our Verdict
Affordability⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In terms of accomodation, food and transport cost it was very cheap. Not quite as cheap as Cambodia however for a place so amazing with natural beauty you definitly get the best bang for your buck.
Daily Activities ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is Plenty of things to do from Island tours, Beaches, Bars, Restaurants and karaoke.
Nightlife ⭐⭐⭐
Less beach bars as El Nido but on the main street of Coron you will find a few small pubs and karaoke bars .
Cleanliness ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Compared to somewhere like Singapore or The Maldives It was very clean. The water was pristine, much cleaner than Bali.
Natural beauty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
On par with El Nido however. Less tourists, less crowded and cleaner than Thailand and Bali and In our opinion Palawan ranks higher than Thailand for Natural beauty.
Friendliness of the locals ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You will not find friendlier people than the Filipino people. Also their English is exceptional well spoken and easy to understand.
Thank You and we hope you enjoyed reading our guide to Coron Island in the Phillipines. If you would like to see more of the Phillipines check out our free guide to El Nido Island here.
