Coron is pure paradise – turquoise waters, hidden lagoons, and epic adventures around every corner. Curious how to explore this island gem? Read my guide!

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated

May 12, 2023
Batangas, Philippines

Date of Trip – May 8-11

As one of the Philippines’ most visited islands, Palawan attracts many visitors each year. Some of the more well-known islands in Palawan include El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Balabac, Coron, and Port Barton. As part of my trip, I made it all the way up to Palawan’s northernmost island of Coron. The flight time from Manila to Coron is 1 hour and 20 minutes. One of the best diving spots in the country, this area is renowned for its white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and glistening lakes.

I’ve always wanted to visit Palawan, particularly since it’s located on the same island as where I currently reside, Luzon. I’ve also heard amazing things about the island’s crystal-clear waters and its abundance of adventures. Coron has been overdue for a visit, and now is the optimal time to do so. Coron did not fall short of my expectations and even exceeded them.

Flight Amount – Cost with Cebu Pacific Airlines: PHP1750. I made use of the promotion using my Cebpass. A ticket from NAIA Manila to the Coron (Busuanga) terminal typically costs Php14,000 and above. Because I used my Cebpass voucher, I was only able to purchase my roundtrip ticket for PHP1,750.

What is the Ceb Super Pass? This promotion, which is exclusive to Cebu Pacific, is titled “Buy as much as you can and fly to any Philippine destination whenever you like.” The one-way voucher is merely P99 (base fare) when booked through Cebpass. Government-imposed taxes and terminal fees are not covered by this. However, you can only use your CEB Super Pass to purchase a flight if there are still seats available up to seven days prior to the flight’s departure or as early as thirty days prior to your desired departure date. I purchased nine round-trip tickets for PHP6,000. I still have eight non-transferable round-trip tickets to utilise.

Budget – PHP25,000 inclusive of tour packages, transportation, food and accommodation

Currency – In Coron, Philippine Peso is accepted. Always have cash with you, as some businesses only accept it. There are ATMs located all across the town.

Laundry – A laundromat is in Coron town, a short drive from Coron Eco Lodge, should you need to wash your clothes during your extended visit.

Internet Connection – A few bars and cafes in the town provide sporadic access, but on the islands, signal has largely vanished. There is WiFi in my hotel, and it’s fairly quick. I suggest working only at hotels in Coron rather than cafés because hotels have superior internet connectivity.

Accommodation – My night at the Coron Eco Lodge hotel was priced at PHP 1,916.13. For PHP5,748.39, I had a private bathroom and 2 single beds for 4 days and 3 nights. You can walk to nearby bars and cafes from the hotel. Live music late at night can be rather noisy, so if you have difficulties sleeping, you may want to book a hotel outside of the city. In my opinion, the Coron Eco Lodge is overpriced for what it offers. Agoda.com’s favourable reviews were the sole reason I booked this hotel in advance. The hotel is fairly old, the drainage in the shower area is bad, and on my first night there I had to kill a cockroach, so I probably wouldn’t stay there again.

Weather – While it was supposed to rain the entire time I was there, contrary to the Accuweather forecast, the weather was calm and sunny. The temperature ranged from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius, making swimming a pleasure. The only weather in Coron is sunny and rainy. Typically, the summer months of March through July are followed by the wet season of August through January.

Transportation – Coron may be reached by plane or sea. Considering that it is more convenient, I choose to fly with Cebu Pacific. I simply had to walk a short distance to find cafes and eateries after I arrived in Coron Town proper. If you’re outside of town, you can take a tricycle for PHP20 per person.

Day0- May 07(Sunday)

Since I was leaving for a flight the following morning at 11 a.m. and had already moved houses in Batangas, which is located two hours outside of Manila, I was forced to book a one-night stay at Airbedz in Makati for PHP 1,200. Warm and tidy, my room was great at the inn I stayed at. My next trip, I will make sure to avoid spending the night in Manila by scheduling a later flight.

Day01 – May 08 (Monday)

I arrived at terminal 4 of NAIA two hours before my flight. There is not enough seating or food options in Manila International Airport’s domestic terminal. Fortunately, my flight left on time. It is recommended that you check in online to avoid the bother of waiting in line for boarding passes and having your bags weighed.

The plane was cramped, but I was relieved to find there was enough leg room for the 1 hour and 20 minute journey to Coron. The flight went off without a hitch, and we landed in Coron without delay.

You must pay an environmental fee of PHP200 upon arrival at the Coron domestic airport. Shuttle vans are standing by to transport you from the airport to your hotel at the airport exit. The cost is PHP250 and can be settled at the hotel’s front desk. Public transportation vans take between 30 minutes and an hour to reach Coron Town since they have to stop at each hotel to drop off passengers.

I reached Eco Lodge hotel at around 2:30pm, I checked in and showered.

Epic Cafe
Price – PHP150-PHP500/meal

For the duration of my stay, I was a regular at the Epic Cafe, which was conveniently located right across from my hotel, for breakfast and coffee. Their Tagbanua coffee was excellent; it had hints of caramelised honey caramel and charcoal brewed. Their coffee comes in a wide variety of flavours, and their banana and lemon pastries are both excellent and moist. I really enjoyed my meal, and I like that they had both indoor and outdoor seating.

Known as the protectors of Coron Island, the Tagbanua are the indigenous people of Coron.

Coron Town Tour
Price – PHP800/4 pax
Tour Guide – John Phone Number 09564716202

San Agustin Church, Maquinit Hot Spring, Lualhati Park (where the “I am Coron” signs are located), Souvenir shops, Cashews store, and Mount Tapyas are only few of the stops on the Coron Town Tour, often known as a land tour. Your half-day is perfectly adequate to see all of these locations. When I booked my private trip, I specifically asked that we skip any stops at souvenir stores.

San Agustin Church

The lone Catholic church in Coron was my first stop, San Agustin Church. The original structure of the building dates back to 1901, however it has undergone several renovations since then. It was a peaceful setting overall. We were profoundly influenced by Christianity throughout the Spanish colonial period, which is why you’ll find so many Catholic churches in the Philippines. Ten minutes was all the time I had to spend here before leaving.

Melb’s Cashew Store
Price – PHP150-300
Only cash accepted

The cashew is Palawan’s native fruit. The cashews were so creamy, and I couldn’t believe how delicious they were. I picked up some knowledge on the processing and cooking of cashews as well. It was fantastic. I bought some cashews for my brother and sister-in-law.

Mt. Tapyas
No entrance fee

Mount Tapyas, Coron’s second highest point, rises 210 metres above the town. It is perfect for viewing the dawn and sunset, as well as the Coron town viewpoint. To get to the Coron town viewpoint, you must climb 721 stairs. Hehe, this was a challenging workout for me. Even if I hike mountains, I can easily feel fatigued if I do not exercise every day. Although seeing the entire town of Coron when I arrived was spectacular, I would not recommend it to anyone who does not appreciate hiking. This is something I absolutely must do in Coron because I appreciate a good challenge and hiking.

Maquinit Hot Spring
Price – P300-P400 entrance fee excluded in the tour package

Maquinit Hot Spring is one of the world’s few saltwater hot springs. Since there was a constant supply of fresh water, the hot spring was clean. It lies on the southern shore of Busuanga Island, about a half-hour tricycle ride from Coron town. I should have soaked my tired muscles in the hot spring after the hike, but I didn’t. When I explained to the guards that all I was interested in doing was checking out the hot spring, they waived the entrance fee. haha It would have been more pleasant to take a dip in the hotspring if there were fewer people and if Coron weren’t so hot.

Lualhati Park
No Entrance fee

Coron’s baywalk can be found at Lualhati Park, which is also the starting point for many of the city’s island hopping excursions. Some visitors have used the sign, which reads “I am Coron,” as a photo backdrop. Located in the heart of the market and not far from the centre of town.

Island Boy Grill Seafood
Price – PHP500-PHP1000
Accepts Gcash and Cash only

My guide, John, had nothing but good things to say about the eatery. The best dining options are those recommended by locals. It’s cruel that no food blog lists this establishment. I also liked listening to the live musicians they had there. The buttery lobster I bought (weighing in at 500 grammes) turned out great. It was amazingly tasty, fresh, and beefy. The next time I’m in Coron, you can bet that I’ll be joining my friends for dinner here, and you can bet that I’ll be recommending this restaurant to everyone of my friends who visit!

BamBam Coron Bar
Price – PHP200-500
Open hours: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Accepts Cash

I drank something cool after my hike which was alcohol. My hotel is directly across from BamBam bar, which also has a hostel. Even though there is a live band playing at night, it is not as loud as it is in Manila, so it is still pleasant and calming to hear. The bartenders were gracious enough to recommend their favorite tiki cocktail. I had a drink that had a very mild citrus flavor. My favorite bar in Coron was definitely this one. Although I couldn’t remember the name of my cocktail, I did have a picture taken of my alcohol, haha!

Day02 – May 09 (Tuesday)
Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour
Price – PHP7,607.2 for private tour good for 2 person or PHP 1,590 joiner (you will be with more than 15 people in the boat)
Inclusive Of – Admission to attractions, English-speaking guide, Round-trip transfers to and from your hotel, Picnic lunch during island hopping, Tourist boat transfers, Cottage rental and PM light snack (1 round of bottled water town tour)

Through Klook, I took a private tour called the Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour. Tour stops and highlights: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Atwayan Beach, Skeleton Wreck, CYC Beach, and Coral Garden were all included in the itinerary. My tour guide, Marvin, was very accommodating and good photographer as well.

Weekday and private excursions were my favorite because they were less crowded, let me to take in the scenery alone, and were conducted at my convenience.

Kayangan Lake and Viewpoint

Kayangan Lake is the cleanest lake in Asia. It took 20mins by boat from Coron town to get here. Before reaching the inland Kayangan Lake, 320 stairs are necessary, but they will be worthwhile once you see this lovely body of water and its breathtaking surroundings. I took a short break at the well-known vantage point where I could see Coron Bay’s spectacular stone islets, cliffs, and turquoise ocean.

The interior lake is where you can swim on the opposite side; the water is so clear that you can actually see the stone formation beneath, fish, and your own reflection! Kayangan Lake’s waters are suitable for swimming and snorkeling because they are a blend of 70% freshwater and 30% saltwater.The local Tagbanua people of Coron, who have ancestral domain rights in the region, look after Kayangan Lake. Making loud noises or engaging in scandalous behavior is absolutely forbidden since the inhabitants consider the lake and its surroundings to be sacred. Swimming in the lake on such a peaceful day was an absolutely amazing experience! When swimming around the lake, visitors are expected to wear life jackets at all times. Swim with caution as certain areas of the lake are significantly deeper. I did not wear life jacket because I know how to swim and I asked guide to allow me for a couple of minutes.

Barracuda Lake
Entrance Fee was Included in the tour package
10 minutes away from Kayangan Lake

One of the most distinctive diving experiences in the world may be had in Barracuda Lake, which is on the north side of Coron Island. locals sporadically refer to it as Luluyuan Lake. I didn’t dive and didn’t bring my GoPro, which took most of the experience away. I’ll undoubtedly return to Coron to go free diving. Despite this, I still had a great day at Barracuda Lake because I was swimming and there weren’t as many people there. It was outstanding! The greatest lakes are in Coron!

Twin Lagoon
Crystal clear Kayak is charged PHP1500

The twin lagoons are where the warm water from the open sea meets the pure water from the subterranean river. You’ll feel the warm seawater on your skin as you step off the boat, and as you travel further into the lagoon, when clean water runs, you’ll feel it becoming cooler. Prior to lunch, I did kayak, and I really enjoyed it. Coron and its beauty are very highly regarded. Anyone who enjoys both adventure and water should visit this place!

Atwayan Beach -It is a small island with huts for lunch during tours. I had seafood and vegetables where they cooked in the boat.
Coral Garden – There is a large variety of beautiful coral and giant clams, with tropical fish here but it was already itchy so I did not spend a lot of my time here. It is better to do diving so you can see the beauty of the underneath.
Skeleton Wreck – During snorkeling, I only saw half of the wreck, better for free diving but it was good to see as well. The wreck lies on a slant and starts at 4 meters. It was so mysterious and dark there.
CYC Beach – I skipped this beach

Around 3 o’clock, my trip came to an end. I was exhausted and discovered that I had just started my period. This explained why I had been so exhausted when snorkeling in Coral Garden since the plankton was poking me and making my skin unpleasant.

Poco Deli
Price – PHP350-PHP1000
Italian Restaurant
Accepts all card payments, gcash and cash
Has Outdoor seating

I had a shower and then headed to an Italian restaurant two minutes’ walk from my accommodation for dinner. For PHP400, I purchased smoked bbq ribs with rice. It was perfectly adequate for me, a little expensive for the flavor, and the spices were not really unique. I can avoid going there when I get back to Coron.

I slept really early for my next tour tomorrow.

Day03- May 10 (Wednesday)
Coron Island Escapade Day Tour via Klook
Joiner no private tour via Klook
Price – PHP1,580.07

The tour included transportation to and from your hotel, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and admission to the site. Harvey, our tour guide, was humorous, a skilled photographer, and accommodating. Another benefit of taking the joiner tour was all the folks I met along the way. Throughout the vacation, I didn’t feel lonely; rather, I felt as though I was with my friends and family. The Coron island-hopping trip was excellent.

Malcapuya Island, Ditaytayan Island, and Bulog Dos Island are among the tour’s attractions. Bulog Dos Island is our first visit, and it takes 1.5 hours to get there from Coron town via boat.

Bulog Dos Island

A sandbar called Bulog Dos can be found in Coron, Palawan province, among the well-known beaches of the Calamianes archipelago. The sea was blue in color, and the sand is creamy. I had fun coming here.

Ditaytayan Island

“Long Beach,” a long stretch of white sand, is one of Ditaytayan’s major tourist attractions and one of the island’s most photographed spots. I had a nice day here swimming and taking pictures.

Malcapuya Island

One of the top islands in Coron and my favorite during the island-hopping trip. It boasts a magnificent white sand beach, gentle waves, a lengthy shoreline, and crystal-clear seas. Here, we ate lunch and lingered for a while. We enjoyed a delectable lunch of seafood, bbq pork, vegetables, and fruits. Although it briefly rained, the island’s beauty and enjoyment were unaffected.

We left around 3:30pm and arrived in Coron town around 5:00pm. I showered and had a drink and dinner

I tried an iced macchiato at Kaulayaw Coffee, but it was too sugary for me to enjoy. Although it was less expensive than Epic Coffee, I won’t be returning. They accept both cash and gcash.

After that, I had dinner at Umamikusina and had their sizzling squid, which cost PHP350 with a drink. It was costly for the flavor, had an excessive amount of vegetables, and used inferior squid pieces. I enjoyed the cuisine more in Island Boy. The restaurant also lost power; fortunately, they had a generator, but they were unable to produce my mango shake. According to my experience, there are many much better options for dinner in Coron town, thus I’m not recommending it. In the restaurant, only cash and gcash are accepted.

The Brewhouse
Price -PHP150-300

In Coron, there is a pub that serves artisan beer right across from my hotel. I thoroughly appreciated their happy hour from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, when drinks were cheaper than PHP 30 of the original price. Irako IPA, which has a bitter finish that I really appreciated in my beer and hints of citrus and grapefruit, wasjust perfect for me.  I really enjoyed everything about this place, and the bartenders were wonderful—definitely recommended in Coron! For just one beer, I practically pass out! haha

Trattoria Altrove
Price – PHP400-PHP1000
Only Accepts Cash

The Trattoria Altrove is where I went for dinner. The brick oven pizza they make is outstanding. I’ve never had pizza as good as this! Despite having to hunt for local ATMs to withdraw money because they only accept cash, I really appreciated my stay. The challenge was well worth it, it’s highly recommended, and I’ll surely go back for the ideal smoky, slightly sweet flavor in their dough. I couldn’t have predicted the crispiness!

Day 04 May 11 (Thursday)

My flight was still at 11 a.m., and the van service would pick me up at the hotel at 9 a.m. In order for the receptionist to make arrangements, you must let them know that you’d like to be picked up for your flight. I returned to Epic for one final early morning coffee. I will surely miss Coron. I arrived in Manila without incident, but since I had to travel 2 hours back to Batangas, I was so exhausted that I fell asleep at 7:30 p.m.


I had the best time on my trip to Coron. I truly adore how beautiful the scenery is, and I was really impressed by how pure the water was. I really want to attempt diving when I come back here because Coron has some of the top diving locations in the nation. I adore Coron’s residents, they speak English really well and their seafood and local cuisines and cafes are top notch! Its vibe surpasses all others in depth!

I also enjoy flying alone these days, and even though I was there physically alone, I still had a number of fantastic encounters as well as on the plane. I’m still in awe of it! Although initially nerve-wracking, it has led to some of my best life experiences. Coron is breathtaking, and I can’t wait to see more of Palawan!

Come to Coron, come to the Philippines! It’s more fun here! 🙂

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie