Coron in Palawan has been dropping jaws for years. This island is blissfully ringed by bone-white beaches and jade-colored lakes hemmed in by karst limestone hills. This is why Coron attracts many travelers.
In 1998, the indigenous tribe of Tagbanua in Coron Island – ancestors of some of the oldest people in the Philippines – were awarded Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim (CADC) No. 134, covering over 22,000 hectares of land and sea. This gave them the authority to manage and preserve the marine and land resources, and the right to regulate the entry of migrant settlers and organizations into the domain. Such power is imperative for the Tagbanua community to protect their land from exploitation and destruction caused by outsiders.
I hope this Coron Travel Blog will guide you and help you plan your trip to this amazing island in Palawan.
HOW TO GET TO CORON
BY AIR
MANILA TO CORON
Airlines such as Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly between Manila and Coron, Palawan. From Coron airport, take a van bound for Coron Town. Fare is Php 150.
BY FERRY
MANILA TO CORON
2Go Travel ferry has trips from Manila to Coron every Tuesday and Friday at 1:30 PM. And from Coron to Manila every Sunday and Friday at 4:30 PM. See ferry trips schedule between Manila and Coron below.
| Departure | TIME | PORT | ARRIVAL | TIME | PORT |
| Tuesday | 01:30 PM | Pier 4 Manila | Wednesday | 04:30 AM | Coron Pier |
| Friday | 01:30 PM | Pier 4 Manila | Saturday | 04:30 AM | Coron Pier |
| Sunday | 04:30 PM | Coron Pier | Monday | 07:30 AM | Pier 4 Manila |
| Thursday | 04:30 PM | Coron Pier | Friday | 07:30 AM | Pier 4 Manila |
PUERTO PRINCESA TO CORON
2Go Travel ferry has trips from Puerto Princesa to Coron every Saturday and Wednesday at 11:59 PM. And from Coron to Puerto Princesa every Saturday and Wednesday at 09:00 PM. See ferry trips schedule between Coron and Puerto Princesa below.
| Departure | TIME | PORT | ARRIVAL | TIME | PORT |
| Saturday | 11:59 PM | Puerto Princesa Pier | Sunday | 03:00 PM | Coron Pier |
| Wednesday | 11:59 PM | Puerto Princesa Pier | Thursday | 03:00 PM | Coron Pier |
| Saturday | 06:00 AM | Coron Pier | Saturday | 09:00 PM | Puerto Princesa Pier |
| Wednesday | 06:00 AM | Coron Pier | Wednesday | 09:00 PM | Puerto Princesa Pier |
EL NIDO TO CORON
As of last year, Montenegro Lines started running ferries between El Nido and Coron, travel time is 3.5 hours and regulas fare is PHP 1,760 (USD 35/€31/SGD 48). See the boat/ferry/fastcraft schedule between Coron and El Nido, Palawan.
| FARE | DEPARTURE | ARRIVAL |
| Adult (Regular fare) – PHP 1,760 (USD 35/€31/SGD 48)
Student (with valid ID) – PHP 1,496 (USD 30/€26/SGD 41)
Senior Citizen (with SC ID) – PHP 1,257 (USD 22/€25/SGD 35) | El Nido – 6:00 AM | Coron – 9:30 AM |
| Adult (Regular fare) – PHP 1,760 (USD 35/€31/SGD 48)
Student (with valid ID) – PHP 1,496 (USD 30/€26/SGD 41)
Senior Citizen (with SC ID) – PHP 1,257 (USD 22/€25/SGD 35) | Coron – 12:00 PM | El Nido – 3:30 PM |
Montenegero Lines
Phone #: (043) 740 2881 / 0917 496 2009 / 0917 650 6468/ 0998 85 1428 / 0908 571 3984
Email: [email protected]
GETTING AROUND CORON
Tricycles are the main mode of transportation in downtown Coron. Fare is Php 10 per head if within the town proper, going to the port will cost you Php 20. To charter a tricycle to Maquinit Hotspring prepare about Php 350 for roundtrip fare.
Motorcycles are also available for rent in some guesthouses if you want to tour the countryside.
Maps are for sale ( Php 100) at Coron Galeri in Brgy. Poblacion 3 to help you navigate around Coron.
CORON TOURIST SPOTS
CORON TOWN TOUR
MT. TAPYAS
MAQUINIT HOT SPRING
CORON CHURCH
CORON ISLAND LOOP
KAYANGAN LAKE
BARRACUDA LAKE
CYC BEACH
SIETE PECADOS
TWIN LAGOON
BANOL BEACH
REEF AND WRECKS
SKELETON WRECK
LUSONG GUNBOAT AND SHIPWRECK
CORAL GARDEN
PASS ISLAND
EAST TANGAT WRECK
CORON ISLAND ESCAPADE
MALCAPUYA ISLAND
BANANA ISLAND
Bulog Island
CALAUIT SAFARI
CALAUIT SAFARI PARK
BLACK ISLAND BEACH AND CAVES
PANIAITAN VILLAGE
CONCEPCION FALLS
BINTUAN MANGROVE BOARDWALK
MALBATO CHAPEL ON THE HILL
CULION TOUR
CULION 7TH CENTURY CHURCH
CULION MUSEUM
HISTORICAL LANDMARK
BOGOR MARINE PARK
ALSO READ: CULION TRAVEL GUIDE
IMPORTANT: Wear rash guard, aqua shoes or full sole fins when swimming to avoid getting stung by sea urchins, jellyfish or stonefish. I recommend hiring a tourist guide if you’re renting a boat so someone can watch over you and guide you where to swim safely.
CHEAP CORON TOUR PACKAGES
Here’s a list of cheap tour packages in Coron. Rates mentioned are for joiner tours (you’ll be joining other tourists) . Private tours are more expensive.
Coron Island and Lakes Tour (TOUR A)
- CYC Beach
- Coral Garden
- Atwayan Beach (picnic lunch)
- Hidden Lagoon
- Quin Reef
- Kayangan Lake
TOUR RATE: PHP 1,025/ USD 20 (EURO 17/SGD 27/MYR 85)
Coron Ultimate Tour
*If it’s your first time in Coron, and you want to see the best of Coron in 1 day, I’d recommend this tour.
- Kayangan Lake
- Twin Lagoons
- Siete Pecados Marine Park
- Banol Beach (Lunch)
- Snorkeling at Skeleton Wreck
- Malwawey Reef & Coral Garden
- CYC Beach
TOUR RATE: PHP 1,950/ USD 39 (EURO 32/SGD 52/MYR 162)
Coron Island Escapade Tour (Tour C)
- Malcapuya
- Bulog Dos
- Banana Island
TOUR RATE: PHP 1,650/ USD 33(EURO 27/SGD 44/MYR 137)
Coron Calauit Safari and Beach Tour
- Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary
- North Cay or Pamilacan Island
TOUR RATE: PHP 3,000/ USD 60 (EURO 50/SGD 79/MYR 249)
Coron Reefs and Wrecks Island Hopping (Tour D)
- Bulog Dos Island
- picnic lunch at Pass Island
- Lusong Coral Garden
- Lusong Gun Boat Shipwreck
TOUR RATE: PHP 1,600/USD 32(EURO 27/SGD 42/MYR 133)
Coron Town Half Day Tour
- Mt Tapyas View Deck
- Maquinit Hotspring
- Public Market
- Town Plaza
- Lualhati Park
- Souvenir Shops
- St. Augustine Church
- Cashew Harvest
TOUR RATE: PHP 1,000/USD 20 (EURO 17/SGD 26/MYR 83)
CORON BOAT RENTAL RATES
Lunch, tour guide, snorkeling gears, cottages and entrance fees not included. You have to settle them on your own. Here is a list of the standard rates of boat rental in Coron.
| Destination | 2-5 Pax | 6-9 Pax | 10-15 Pax |
| Coron Island | Php 2,000 | Php 2, 500 | Php 4,000 |
| Sangat/Lusong | Php 3,000 | Php 3,500 | Php 6,000 |
| Banana/Malcapuya | Php 3,500 | Php 4,000 | Php 6,000 |
| Culion | Php 3,500 | Php 4, 000 | Php 6,000 |
| Dibatoc Island | Php 3,000 | Php 3,500 | Php 4,500 |
| Calumbayan/ Pass Is | Php 3,500 | Php 4,500 | Php 6,500 |
| Diwaran | Php 3,500 | Php 4,500 | Php 6,500 |
| Tara | Php 7,000 | Php 9,000 | Php 15,000 |
| Coral Bay/ Maglalambay | Php 3,500 | Php 4,500 | Php 6,500 |
| North and South Cay Islands | Php 4,000 | Php 5,500 | Php 8,000 |
| Calauit Safari Park | Php 7,500 | Php 9,000 | Php 15,000 |
| Panlaitan/Black Island | Php 5,000 | Php 7,500 | Php 10,000 |
| Linapacan | Php 7,500 | Php 9,500 | Php 15,000 |
| El Nido/Taytay | Php 14,000 | Php 18,000 | Php 25,000 |
*Source: Calamian Tourist Boat Association, Inc.
If you rent a boat, entrance fees are not included. Here’s a list of entrance fees in Coron:
| Destination | Fee |
| Kayangan Lake | Php 200 per person |
| Barracuda Lake | Php 100 per person |
| Banol Beach | Php 100 per person |
| Skeleton Wreck | Php 100 per person |
| Siete Pecados | Php 100 per person |
| Maquinit Hotspring | Php 150 per person |
| Grand Total | Php 750 |
CORON TRAVEL BUDGET
I stayed 10 days in Coron and did a side trip to Culion before heading to El Nido. My tour was sponsored so I only paid for the accommodation in Coron, but to give you an idea of how much to spend, here’s my sample Coron trip budget which is good for 3 days.
| Activities | Budget |
| Van to and from airport (roundtrip) | Php 150 x 2 = Php 300 |
| Accomodation | Php 500 x 3 = Php 1,500 |
| Food | Php 150 x 3 (meals per day) = Php 450 x 3 (days) = Php 1,350 |
| Coron Town Tour | Php 600 |
| Coron Ultimate Island Hopping | Php 1, 500 |
| Malcapuya, Banana and Bulog Island | Php 1, 200 |
| GRAND TOTAL | Php 6,450 |
*You can lower this down if you skip the Malcapuya, Banana and Bulog Dos island hopping tour. But I suggest you don’t, since these beaches are really breath-snatching.
WHERE TO STAY IN CORON
Budget
Micasa Lodge
National Highway, Brgy Poblacion 1, Coron Town
Coron Underwater Garden Resort
Baquit Island, Coron Palawan
Mid-range
La Natura Resort
Brgy. 6 Kapyas, Coron
Coral Bay Beach and Dive Resort
Brgy. Maglambay, Pototan Island
High-end
El Rio Y Mar Resort
San Jose Busuanga
CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Huma Island Resort and Spa
Dicilingan Island, Brgy. Sagrada Busuanga
WHERE TO EAT IN CORON
Big Mama’s Pinoy Hot Pot and Grill
Brgy. Poblacion 4, Coron
Kawayanan Grill
Calle San Pedro, Brgy. 2 Coron
Tita Eash Eatery
Malvar Street
Coron
Lolo Nonoy’s Food Station
Palawan National Highway Coron
Bistro Coron
Coron-Busuanga Road
Brgy.1 Poblacion Coron
CORON ITINERARY
| Day 1 | ACTIVITIES |
| 10:00 AM | Arrival at Busuanga Airport |
| 11:00 AM | Arrival at Coron Town by van |
| 11:10 AM | Check in at Hotel |
| 11:30 AM | Lunch |
| 12:00 PM | Rest |
| 01:00 PM | Start City Tour Coron Church, Coron Souvenirs, Zipline at Lualhati Park |
| 04:00 PM | Climb Mt. Tapyas for Sunset |
| 06:00 PM | Head to Maquinit Hot Spring |
| 08:00 PM | Dinner |
| DAY 2 | ACTIVITIES |
| 07:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 08:00 AM | Start of Coron Island Hopping Tour Kayangan Lake, Siete Pecados, |
| 11:30 PM | Lunch at Banol Beach |
| 12:30 PM | Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon, CYC Beach |
| 05:00 PM | Return to Hotel |
| 07:00 PM | Dinner |
| DAY 3 | ACTIVITIES |
| 07:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 08:00 AM | Start of Coron island Escapade Tour Bulog Dos |
| 11:30 AM | Lunch at Banana Island |
| 12:30 AM | Snorkeling and Swimming at Banana Island |
| 02:00 PM | MalcapuyaIsland |
| 04:00 PM | Return to Coron Town/Hotel |
| 07:00 PM | Dinner |
| DAY 4 | ACTIVITIES |
| 06:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 07:00 AM | Head to Calauit Safari for the Tour Black Island Beach and Caves, Paniaitan Village |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner |
| DAY 5 | ACTIVITIES |
| Culion Tour |
CORON TRAVEL TIPS
Wear rash guard, aqua shoes or full sole fins when swimming and snorkeling to avoid being stung by sea urchins, jellyfish or stone fish.
Do not step or touch corals when snorkeling.
There are entrance fees imposed by Marine Park Managements and Tagbanua Tribes of Coron Island. See table above.
Some areas are sacred sites of the Tagbanua tribe, so please be respectful. Avoid being loud. And do not leave your trash nor collect plants or sand.
Coron uses 220 volt outlet.
Bring mosquito repellant and personal medicines.
There are 4 ATMs in Coron but I still recommend you to stack up cash (Philippines Peso). Almost everything is on cash basis but some resorts and establishments accept major credit cards and they have money changing services.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
ALSO READ:
CULION TRAVEL GUIDE
El Nido Travel Guide
PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)
SAN VICENTE PALAWAN TRAVEL GUIDE + ITINERARY 2019
DIY PUERTO PRINCESA CITY TOUR
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK FOR TRAVEL GUIDE UPDATES
I will be travelling to coron this weekend pero wala pa akong kahit anong plans. Thank for this. 🙂 Now I have ideas on what to do and where to stay
Hi! About the tour packages, how did you avail them? I heard there are a lot who are offering the tour once you get there. Is that true? Is it okay not to book a tour package thru online?
Thanks! 🙂
yes that’s fine
Hi
Thanks for your help
Which no do i call for the tours
Tnx
Hi Lia, just updated the blog with link to booking tours in Coron. 🙂
Hi for the tours can we book it upon arrival in coron? Or is there a website that we can book it in advance? Thanks
Either. YOu can contact the number above
Great blog!!! Thank you for all the information! I was just wondering, was it Gamat Travel and Tours, you got the Coron Tour Packages from? or Some other travel agency? Thanks heaps!!
It’s a local tour operator. They operate in Coron and have their own boat.
Hi Gael,
Bookmarked!
After traveling to El Nido just a few weeks ago, I am now planning a trip to Coron and your travel guide is really helpful. I am just waiting for any possible seat sale haha and hopefull I can travel next summer! will definitely re-read this as my Coron travel plan progresses. Thanks
Regards,
Jon
enjoy Jon! 🙂
i’m travelling to Coron ( Dec.23-Jan.01 ), your blog has helped as a reference!
how is Coron on a December? – your photos reflect sunny days!!! when i checked weather on your travel dates, it said “cloudy to some showers”
im asking coz my dates show ( cloudy to showers ) as well – but then it has always been misleading (most of the times) ?
Sorry, just read this, hope the weather cooperated during your visit
Hi maam. I just like to ask kung anong pwede unahin itour? Coron or El Nido? Thank you.
Hello! We’re making a plan rigor our trip at coron, anong travel tours ang ginamit mo? We have 3kids will go with us para di ganun kahirap sa akin everything settle down na. Thanks po.
Hi! I just want to clarify something regarding the tour. I’m really interested in the Ultimate Tour and Island Escapade as you have suggested. 🙂 Is the price per person? Hope to hear from you soon. 🙂
Is the tour per person rate? The one that u posted.
Hello! Are budget accommodations in Coron equipped with stable internet? I’m working online and I need log in skype. Thanks 🙂
Great blog!! Thank you for the informations 🙂
Hi! Where can I avail of tour of the same rate as you’ve posted in your blog all of my inquiries are far much costly that what you’ve mentioned. Thanks
Thanks for this blog. Are the tour rates per person?
yes. per person.
Hi,
We are planning a trip to Philippines with our 5 year old son. We want to go to either Coron or El Nido. What would be your recommendation?
Thanks.
Hard to pick, but if you are traveling with kids, better go with Coron since the travel time for airport to Coron town is about 1 hour only. But for El Nido, the regular flight is in Puerto Princesa, about 6 hours by land from El Nido. Unless you want to take the direct flight to El Nido, but airfare is quite hefty.
Hi! Is it okay to book for tours in Coron upon arrival? Or should we book in advance? Thanks! 🙂
good day! we will be in coron this coming aug 4-6, 9 adults traveling. we already have our plane tickets for this trip. we would like to ask your help/advice to guide us when it comes to accommodation, land transfers and island tour. please advice us on on how can we avail of these services considering we are on a tight budget….ung medyo makatipid kami….hehehe. thanks a lot.
lolit
Great Help…
We are 5 pax planning a Coron Trip on June 03 to 07. Can you reccomend if we will hire a tricycle for a Coron Town Trip or just have it a tour package?
Thanks
Hi,
My husband are in Coron at the moment and we are looking to do a trip to Malcapuya and also one to the lakes – this is 2 different tours. We have been quoted 4375php each for the lakes tour (Coron island) and 7000+ php (by the hotel we’re staying in) to take a private boat to Malcapuya/Banana Beach etc – this is WAY more expensive than you quote! Who did you book these trips with and were they private tours? Do you have to do 2 separate trips to cover both things – Malcapuya island and Coro lakes?
Thanks!
Great blog! Practical and informative. We’ll be travelling in Coron come October and this is a big help.
Welcome Brooke. I just updated the blog with where to book tour packages in Coron.
Hi! Can i have the coron island hopping and coron island escapade’s contact number or website?
Thanks!
Stella
Hi Stella, I just recently updated the blog with links to where to book cheap Coron tours
Hi sis. Is the ferry/boat schedule from coron to el nido and vice versa recently updated? Do u have contact # so i can call? I will be travelling this Sept. I would appreciate a reply.
Hi Bhebs, it’s updated po
This is a good read! Atleast I have an idea on how to plan our 5-day honey moon tour. Thanks! Good Work btw.
Welcome. Enjoy your honeymoon! 🙂
Hai,
Im planning this december last week visit palwan. But i dnt know about diffrence between palwan island and coron island.
And i need help tour operator. Can u suggest good one for me.
I like ur information
Hi Ashi, I just updated the blog with links to where to book tours in Coron.
Hi. Very good info. I’m going to coron next month and it’s a solo trip. May i ask if would it be easy to book for an island hopping when you get there? Or do I need to book it prior to the trip? Thank u
Hi Gael.
Thank you for the useful input and tips. Shall i book a hotel in Coron town proper(40-45 minutes from the airport) or near the airport?
Coron Town po. Airport is quite far from the town proper.
im planning an 8 day trip to el nido to coron from manila. what’s the best place for me to start planning. My days are set. where do i start with? i want to do tour A & C at least in El Nido. Thanks in advance
You can check out my El Nido blog here: https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/el-nido-travel-guide-palawan/
hi! my husband booked a trip for us in coron by next year February 2018, and we are bringing our children (youngest is 3 year old). hope they will enjoy the tour.. thanks for the informations!
Welcome. I just updated the post with links to where to book tours in Coron.
Hello, May I ask what is the name of tour agency that you booked through for your Coron Island Hopping Tour and Escapade Tour?
Hi Julien, I updated the blog with link to where to book tour packages in Coron. 🙂
Hi, I am travelling with a group of 8 in Dec and looking for a cheap accommodation. Is it advisable to book in advance online or can we do this when we get to coron?
Is there someone who will greet you at the airport and offer a place to stay just like in boracay? I really find them helpful and cheap.
Thanks
Hi, I did that last time and had a hard time because almost all cheap accommodations were fully booked. Better to book ahead online. check out the links above for hotels. You can find cheap hotels there.
Hi,i plan to visit El Nido and Coron in Dec or Jan…i guess Dec will be expensive cause of New years time.can you suggest more places to stay which are between 750-1500 P . Also from which Tour operator did you book the package ?
Also what is Boat Rental price sheet ?? i guess i dont need it 🙂
Thanks for all the itinery so now we know how much cash to carry 🙂 and no need to worry where to go..just book a package and they take you :)))
Hi Pramesh, I just updated the blog with link to where to book tour packages. 🙂
I am having trouble looking for the number to contact to book tour packages, would you be so kind to link me, please? I love your blog! very informative, thanks for sharing this.
I’ve updated the blog with link to booking tour packages. 🙂
Hello, can you let me know the company’s name for Tour packages A,B,C,D in El Nido and Coron(Malcapuya & Bulog) .You can also message me on FB : Prince Pramesh 🙂
Hi Pramesh, I’ve just updated the blog with link to where to book tours in Coron. 🙂
Hello po pagkababa po ba ng coron port may van po ba dun or tric na pwedrng irent maghahatid papuntang coron town proper.
You mean Coron airport? if airport, via van. If via ferry ka, madameng trike sa port.