Are you planning a trip to Coron, Palawan in the Philippines? Then you have come to the right place! I created this Coron Itinerary for first time visitors to make things a little easier for you. I know how travel planning can be a daunting, so I truly hope you find this helpful. Feel free to comment down below if you have questions!
Even though I have a long list of places I want to visit, there are many beautiful destinations I want to return to repeatedly. One of them is Coron. This island holds a special place in my heart because it was where my mom and I traveled together for the first time in 2014. That’s why, even after several visits to Coron, it remains a place I always want to go back to.
Table of Contents
Planning your trip to Coron Palawan
How to get to Coron Palawan
Manila/Clark/Cebu to Coron by Air
The fastest way to get to Coron is by air, with frequent daily departures from Manila, Clark or Cebu all year round. Seat sales range from 900 pesos to 1,600 pesos roundtrip. Regular airfare range from 3,000 pesos to 6,000 pesos roundtrip depending on your departure point.
Manila to Coron by Sea
Another way to get to Coron is by sea with 2Go Travel, which operates one trip per week. Departures to Coron are on Friday nights, while the return trips to Manila are on Sunday nights, making it perfect for a 2-day, 2-night Coron itinerary. Seat sales range from 800 to 1,500 pesos roundtrip for Super Value and Mega Value Class. Regular fares range from 2,500 to 5,000 pesos roundtrip for these classes.
You can now book your Manila to/from Coron cruise with Klook.
Puerto Prinsesa to Coron and vice-versa by Sea
From Puerto Prinsesa in Palawan, you can get to Coron by sea via 2Go Travel, with only 1 trip every week (going to Coron is every Sunday morning while going back to Puerto Prinsesa is every Saturday morning). Seat sales range from 800 pesos to 1,500 pesos for Super Value and Mega Value Class. Regular airfare range from 2,000 pesos to 4,000 pesos for Super Value and Mega Value Class.
El Nido to Coron and vice-versa by Sea
From El Nido in Palawan, you can get to Coron by sea via Atienza Shipping Lines, Montenegro Fastcraft, Jomalia Shipping, or Phimal Fast Ferry, with only 1 trip daily. One way fare for both ranges from 1,500 pesos to 2,000 pesos.
You can book your El Nido to Coron ferry ride with Kook.
How to Get Around Coron Palawan
Coron is not a big town. In the town proper, tricycles are everywhere and the fares are pretty standard (10-20 pesos per person). You may also rent a motorcycle if you want to get around on your own (400-500 pesos per day excluding gas). However, it’s not economical in my opinion. There aren’t many attractions in the town proper except from Maquinit Hotsprings, so a tricycle should work just fine.
Best Time to Visit Coron Palawan
The best time to visit Coron is during the dry season, from March to May, when the weather is ideal for island hopping, snorkeling, and exploring its iconic lagoons and lakes. Expect clear blue skies, calm waters, and plenty of sunshine.
For cooler, more comfortable weather, plan your trip between November and February. While temperatures are milder, you’ll still enjoy mostly dry days with fewer crowds compared to peak summer months.
Avoid visiting during the rainy season (June to October), as heavy rains and strong winds can make boat tours challenging or even canceled. The seas tend to be rougher, and visibility for snorkeling and diving may be reduced.
Where to book an island-hopping tour in Coron Palawan
To see the famous Kayangan Lake and some of the best snorkeling spots in Coron, you can either join a group tour or charter a private boat.
There are many island hopping tours you can include in your Coron Itinerary – Tours A, B, C1, C2, D, and Coron Super Ultimate Tour. Having tried several island tours in the island, I recommend that you start with “Tour A” and “Tour B” as these two routes include the best islands and lagoons. If you are pressed for time, you can avail the Coron Super Ultimate Tour. You can book these tours upon arrival directly from your chosen accommodation or online prior to your trip.
- Tour A – CYC Beach, Coral Garden, Atwayan Beach, Siete Pecados and Kayangan Lake
- Tour B – Barracuda Lake, Smith Beach, Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon and Reef Garden
- Tour C1 – Malcapuya Island, Coco Beach and Waling Waling Island
- Tour C2 – Malcapuya Island, Ditaytayan Island and Waling-waling Island
- Coron Ultimate Tour – Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Atwayan Beach, Skeleton Wreck, CYC Beach and Twin Peaks Coral Garden
- Coron Super Ultimate Tour -Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Twin Peaks Coral Garden, Balinsasayaw Reef Garden, CYC Beach and Beach 91
- Calauit Safari and Black Island Tour
Where to stay in Coron Palawan
Coron is one of the Philippines’ most popular islands, thus there are plenty of accommodation options. If you are traveling during the peak season (March to June), make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time as demand is really high. If you’re keen to save some cash, consider visiting Coron during the low season (July to September). You’ll surely find the cheapest accommodations or the best bang for your buck during these months, but perhaps not the best weather.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Coron:
- The Funny Lion is a safari-themed boutique hotel resort in Coron, Palawan. This luxury accommodation is only about 5-10 minutes away from Coron town proper and 30 minutes from Busuanga Airport.
- Club Paradise Palawan is an exclusive island resort on the pristine Dimakya Island, located approximately an hour away from Busuanga Airport. Situated within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this literal paradise stands out due to its proximity to world-class reef and wreck dive sites.
- Paolyn Houseboats Coron Island is one of the most unique accommodation options in Palawan. Located just 20 minutes by boat from Coron town proper, it is built on a floating structure right next to the towering limestone rock formations and surrounded by an amazing coral reef system. This makes the houseboat safe from harsh environments during the typhoon season.
- Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa is a 5-star, eco-friendly oasis that provides top-notch accommodation tailored for families and couples. Aside from its Bayview rooms, I absolutely love their Bayside Infinity Pool which provides a stunning panoramic view of Coron Bay.
- Sangat Island Dive & Resort is situated in a secluded yet conveniently close spot to popular diving sites in Coron. This resort has beachfront accommodation, and on-site restaurant and bar. For shipwreck diving and water sports enthusiasts, Sangat Island Dive & Resort comes highly recommended.
Where to eat in Coron Palawan
- Trattoria Altrove is one of the most popular pizza places in Palawan. Their renowned Neapolitan pizza boats a signature hand-tossed dough and cooked in a brick oven. A visit to Altrove is always part of my Coron Itinerary whenever I am in Palawan. My personal faves are Pancetta Con Tartufo (pizza with truffle cream, bacon, mozarella cheese & oregano) and Gamberi e Olio d’Oliva (pasta with sauteed shrimp tossed in tomatoes and olive oil).
- El Kuvo is one of the newer restaurants in Coron. I personally love their seafood kare-kare (Filipino stew with a rich and thick peanut sauce), Kuvo Shrimp Burger, Cioppino (Italian-American fisherman’s stew), Tropical Salad, and Ceviche. Don’t miss their version of Halo-Halo (Filipino shaved ice dessert) and cocktails, available at a tempting buy-one-take-one offer during happy hour.
- Pacifico Coron Bar and Restaurant is known for its diverse menu that seamlessly blends Filipino and Western cuisine. My personal favorite is their ginisang monggo with bagnet, an ultimate comfort food. The Pacifico and Aussie Burgers, Greek Salad, and Thai Curry stand out as well. To make your dining more special, don’t forget to order their locally brewed craft beer.
- AlFresco Coron is a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking Coron Bay. I super like their Tuna Poke Bowl, Quinoa Mango Salad, and Acai Bowl (reminds me a bit of Shaka Cafe in Siargao). I also like their cocktails, especially the frozen margarita and daiquiri, which are best accompanied by my all-time-fave pulutan, Lumpia Spring Rolls.
- Full Lotus Mindful Kitchen is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant, offering a wide range of plant-based dishes. Must-try are Himalayan Falafel over Hummus, Pumpkin Soup, Bruschetta, and Bangkok Bowl (their vegan version of Thai Curry).
Coron Itinerary: What to do and Where to go
Coron Top Tourist Spots
Kayangan Lake
For me, Kayangan Lake is the crown jewel of Coron, Palawan. Surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs, the lake’s water is brackish – a mixture of 70% freshwater and 30% seawater. The crystal-clear waters, boasting an impressive visibility of up to ten meters, allowed me to immerse myself in a world of breathtaking clarity. FYI, swimming is only allowed at the other side of the lake.
Travel Tip: When you arrive, prepare to climb 367 steps up to Kayangan Lake View Deck. The climb can take 15 minutes so don’t rush yourself. You can get magnificent views while resting.
Twin Lagoon
Twin Lagoon is a remarkable natural wonder, where saltwater and freshwater meet. The lagoon presents two distinct sides: one where boats dock and another accessible by swimming through a narrow crevice. It is an essential stop on any island-hopping adventure, where tourists can snorkel and kayak. Twin Lagoon’s serene ambiance and unique features make it a captivating destination that I highly recommend exploring.
Skeleton Shipwreck
Exploring Skeleton Shipwreck in Coron, Palawan was like diving into history beneath the waves. The waters around Coron are known for these remnants of the Imperial Japanese fleet that sought refuge during World War II. In 1944, as part of the broader Pacific campaign, American forces targeted these vessels in airstrikes, resulting in the sinking of multiple ships and creating an underwater graveyard that now attracts divers.
According to our local guide, these ships have been functioning as artificial coral reefs, where fascinating marine life had taken residence. The top of Skeleton Ship Wreck is just 5 meters deep (max of 25 meters to the bottom) so it can be explored by snorkeling and freediving.
Barracuda Lake
Even though I’ve been to Barracuda Lake in Coron, Palawan twice already, I was still amazed with its unique thermocline phenomenon. Referred to as Luluyuan Lake by locals, the lake is famous for its mystical underwater world and its resident barracuda (1.5 meters long). Although marine life is almost non-existent, the lake is a diver’s paradise. Just ask all the scuba divers and freedivers who frequent this place.
Barracuda Lake photo by Christian Cee (for freediving photoshoot, you can reach him through his Facebook @ThereCeeGoes and Instagram @the.christian.cee)
Lusong Coral Garden
Lusong Coral Garden is often included in most island-hopping tours in Coron. Here you’ll witness the captivating beauty of the marine life that Coron is renowned for. While there may be dead corals in some areas, as seen on many other reefs in the Philippines, Lusong Coral Garden remains a true treasure for snorkeling, scuba diving and freediving enthusiasts.
Lusong Gunboat
Lusong Gunboat, located near Lusong Coral Garden in Coron, Palawan, is among the World War II Japanese shipwrecks in the region. It is one of the more accessible wrecks, lying in relatively shallow water. This makes it an excellent site for snorkelers, scuba divers and freedivers. Over time, the gunboat has transformed into an artificial reef, with corals colonizing its structure and various marine life calling it home.
Freediving Coron
If there’s one thing I would absolutely recommend that you add in your Coron Itinerary, it would be freediving. Whether you’re an experienced freediver or a non-swimmer, this activity comes high on my list. Explore various options, but prioritize safety by enrolling in a freediving lesson with a certified Molchanovs or AIDA instructor. You can sign up for a single-day lesson or dive deeper with a multi-day freediving course. Whichever you choose, the experience promises to deepen your appreciation for the unparalleled beauty of Coron.
Freediving in the Philippines’ First Dugong Protected Area
Calauit is a prime location to observe dugongs, with 30 to 40 of these gentle creatures residing along its coasts year-round. The main observation spot is a small bay near Simlayan Waterfalls on the northeast shores. Freediving groups usually offer trips to see Aban, the famous Dugong, and other dugongs on a single or multi-day freediving expedition.
Freediving Schools in Coron
Some of the freediving schools in Coron that you can choose from are Seazoned PH, Freediving Coron and Pala-One Freediving. There are also plenty of Manila or Batangas-based freediving schools who regularly offer freediving trips to Coron like SEAngle Breath Freediving. Make sure to check out Facebook communities like Freediving Buddies PH for updates. You can also contact a Coron-based freediving instructor like Louie Bacosa.
Dugong Photo by Christian Cee (for freediving photoshoot, you can reach him through his Facebook @ThereCeeGoes and Instagram @the.christian.cee)
4D3N Coron Expedition with Big Dream Boatman
If you want to experience Philippines Expedition Tours, this El Nido to Coron Expedition is something you should definitely consider. Unlike other tours, Big Dream Boatman elevates island-hopping to a whole new level. Forget battling the crowds, they get you to the popular spots like Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon before the masses arrive. After a day at these spots, Big Dream Boatman takes you off-the-beaten path to uncover hidden gems in Coron. Not to mention the huge spread of hearty meals, featuring fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables, all expertly prepared by the chef for the entire trip.
4-day Freediving Coron Itinerary (4D/3N)
Lake and Shipwreck Dive (Day 1)
- Barracuda Lake
- Skeleton Wreck
- Siete Pecados
Shipwreck Dive (Day 2)
- East Tangat Shipwreck
- Lusong Gun Boat Shipwreck
- Lusong Coral Garden
Dugong Tour (Day 3)
- Aban Dugong Dive Site
Departure (Day 4)
- Rent a motorcycle or take a tricycle to Tapyas for Sunrise
- Breakfast
- Flight from Coron to your next destination
Shipwreck photo by Christian Cee (for freediving photoshoot, you can reach him through his Facebook @ThereCeeGoes and Instagram @the.christian.cee)
3-day Coron Itinerary (3D/2N)
Most travel guides online recommend 5-7 day stay in Coron. However, if you are pressed for time and stretched for budget, then you can follow the sample itineraries below.
Manila to Coron (Day 1)
- arrival at Coron
- Public market
- Coron Town Plaza
- Lualhati Park
- St. Augustine Church
- Mt. Tapyas Viewdeck (you’ll see the best sunset here!)
- Maquinit Hotspring
Note: Get the earliest flight from Manila or Clark to get the most of this day. The earliest flight that you can take is via Cebu Pacific from Manila, which is scheduled to arrive in Busuanga Aiport at 7:05 AM.
Coron Tour B (Day 2)
- Breakfast
- Tour B – Barracuda Lake, Smith Beach, Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon and Reef Garden
- Back to accommodation
- Dinner
Coron Tour A (Day 3)
- Breakfast
- Tour A – CYC Beach, Coral Garden, Atwayan Beach, Siete Pecados and Kayangan Lake
- Back to accommodation
- Flight from Coron to your next destination
Note: Get the latest flight from Busuanga Aiport to get the most of this day. Cebu Pacific’s latest flight from Busuanga Aiport is at 2:00 PM, so you have at least half a day to explore. You may charter a private boat to get to the island of your choice so you can go back to Coron town in time for your flight. You may also consider Philippine Airlines as their latest flight is at 4:30 PM going to Clark International Airport.
2-day Coron Itinerary (2D/1N)
Manila to Coron (Day 0)
- Night trip from Manila to Coron via 2Go Travel
Coron Super Ultimate Island Tour (Day 1)
- Kayangan Lake
- Barracuda Lake
- Twin Lagoon
- Twin Peaks Coral Garden
- Balinsasayaw Reef Garden
- CYC Beach
Calauit Safari Tour (Day 2)
- Calauit Safari
- Black Island
- Night trip from Coron to Manila via 2Go Travel
Staying Connected in Coron
Consider using local SIM cards or eSIMs. Saily Philippine eSIM offers excellent coverage and reliable service in Coron, and you can purchase and activate it before your trip to ensure you’re connected upon arrival. Local SIM cards from Globe and Smart are also readily available for purchase at the airport or in town. While some accommodations and cafes provide Wi-Fi, connectivity might be less reliable in remote areas. Using an eSIM or local SIM card ensures seamless internet access during your stay in Coron.
Get your Saily eSIM and receive 5% off when you use my code PROJECTGORA5.
Enjoying the trip so far? Continue your adventure in El Nido!
After an incredible trip in Coron, continue your journey to El Nido and discover some of the best lakes and lagoons in Palawan. This Coron to El Nido Expedition offers an amazing opportunity to explore underrated destinations on both islands. You’ll still visit some of Coron’s highlights, such as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon, while uncovering the hidden gems that make this region so special.
I hope you found this Coron Itinerary helpful in planning your trip. If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, let’s chat down below! I always enjoy hearing from you!
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