Busuanga IslandAbout Busuanga Island
Busuanga Island is the largest island in the Calamian archipelago of northern Palawan in the Philippines and forms the main land area of the municipality of Coron. The island contains a commercial port and the island’s airport and is the usual gateway for visitors to the nearby limestone islands and dive sites.
The island’s chief attractions are marine rather than urban-Coron Bay off the eastern side of the island holds multiple Japanese shipwrecks sunk during World War II, and the surrounding seas have coral reefs, small islets and clear-water anchorage popular with day trips and liveaboard diving. The municipal centre at Coron town provides hotels, dive operators and boat services to the archipelago.
Busuanga has a long history of habitation by indigenous groups and later Spanish and American colonial administrations; during the Second World War the area saw naval action and a number of Japanese ships were sunk in Coron Bay in 1944. Postwar development established Coron town and an airport that serve the growing tourism industry.
The island lies in northern Palawan within the Calamian Islands, adjacent to Coron Island and Calauit Island, and is part of the province of Palawan. The island’s airport gives it direct air links to Manila and regional centres and boat connections to nearby islands.
- Size and access: The island is the largest in the Calamian group and is the administrative centre for Coron municipality, with an airport on the island.
- Diving: Coron Bay’s submerged Japanese shipwrecks from 1944 are a major draw for scuba divers and snorkelers; many wrecks lie in shallow to moderate depths suitable for recreational diving.
What to See#
- Coron (town): The town of Coron serves as the island’s main harbour and gateway for tourists, with boat services to nearby islands and dive sites.
- Francisco B. Reyes Airport: Francisco B. Reyes Airport (often called Busuanga or Coron Airport) provides scheduled flights to and from Manila and regional airports.
- Coron Bay wrecks: Coron Bay contains multiple World War II Japanese shipwrecks that are accessible to recreational divers and snorkelers from the island.
Best Time to Visit Busuanga Island
Best visited in the dry season for diving and boat trips; shoulder months are quieter but wetter.
Weather & Climate near Busuanga Island
Busuanga Island's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (3067 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 22° - 30° | 26° | 28 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.4h |
| February | Ideal | 22° - 31° | 26° | 20 mm | some cloud | 74% | 2.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.6h |
| March | Excellent | 23° - 32° | 30° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 71% | 2.5 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Excellent | 24° - 33° | 31° | 47 mm | mostly sunny | 68% | 2.1 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Good | 24° - 32° | 31° | 208 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.6h |
| June | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 376 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.7h |
| July | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 664 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.7h |
| August | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 605 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 497 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 294 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.7h |
| November | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 229 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.4h |
| December | Very Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.3h |
How to Get to Busuanga Island
The nearest airport is Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island; regular flights operate from Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB). From USU airport it’s a 20-40 minute drive to Coron town depending on traffic and road conditions. Boats and dive operators depart from Coron town pier and barangay Poblacion piers.
Tips for Visiting Busuanga Island
- Fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island and arrange ground transfer with resort or van - remote roads are narrow and sometimes unpaved.
- Book island hopping and Coron shipwreck dives at least a day in advance during high season (Dec-Apr). Dive operators often meet at Coron town pier.
- Head to Barracuda Lake early (before 9am) to avoid crowds and see the light through the thermocline; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a towel for the steep climb down.
- Rent a motorbike in Coron town for scenic drives to Maquinit Hot Springs and Taytay Bay, but avoid driving after heavy rain.