Coron, Palawan Travel Guide
City City in Mimaropa, Philippines
Limestone karsts, wartime shipwrecks and turquoise lagoons bring divers and kayakers to this Calamian town; expect island-hopping boats, hot springs and traditional seafood at the market.
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Why Visit Coron, Palawan? #
Coron is a magnet for island‑hopping, wreck diving and karst scenery: limestone islets, Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake provide iconic swimming and photo stops, while WWII shipwrecks near Coron town attract divers from around the world. Local markets and seaside restaurants serve freshly caught seafood that complements days spent snorkeling and exploring coral gardens. It’s an adventure‑oriented base for marine exploration in northern Palawan.
Best Things to Do in Coron, Palawan
All Attractions ›
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Coron, Palawan Bucket List
- Kayangan Lake - Kayangan Lake - crystal-clear lake framed by limestone cliffs; short hike and viewpoint.
- Twin Lagoons - Twin Lagoons - swim between emerald pools through a narrow rock passage at low tide.
- Barracuda Lake - Barracuda Lake - thermocline lake prized by snorkelers and divers for unique waters.
- Mount Tapyas viewpoint - Mount Tapyas viewpoint - climb white-stepped path for panoramic views over Coron town.
- Maquinit Hot Springs - Maquinit Hot Springs - tidal mangrove hot springs offering relaxing warm baths near shore.
- Culion Island Historical Museum - Culion Island Historical Museum - explores island's leprosy colony past and local archives.
- Siete Pecados Marine Park - Siete Pecados Marine Park - small reef cluster ideal for snorkeling with abundant reef life.
- Black Island - Black Island - quiet island with caves, snorkeling spots, and peaceful sandy coves.
- Calauit Safari Park - Calauit Safari Park - wildlife sanctuary with giraffes and zebras rescued on Calauit Island.
- Culion Island day trip - Culion Island day trip - visit museums, Spanish-era ruins and tranquil coastal villages.
- Coron Island full-day tour - Coron Island full-day tour - lagoons, beaches and snorkel sites around Coron Island.
Best Time to Visit Coron, Palawan #
Coron is best during the dry season (December-May) for clear seas, excellent diving, and island trips. The wet season brings heavier rains and occasional rough seas, with typhoon risk in late summer.
Best Time to Visit Coron, Palawan #
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How to Get to Coron, Palawan
Coron (Palawan) is most conveniently reached by a short domestic flight into Busuanga/Coron Airport (USU). Alternately, longer land+ferry routes run from Puerto Princesa. Local travel relies heavily on tricycles and boats.
Francisco B. Reyes Airport / Busuanga Airport (USU): The main airport for Coron town on Busuanga Island with regular flights from Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB). The airport is about 30-40 minutes by road from Coron town; shared van transfers and private transfers are standard-shared vans typically cost around PHP 150-300 per person and take ~30-45 minutes.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila: If you fly into Manila first, domestic flights to Busuanga (USU) are frequent; alternatively you can fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) and take a 4-5 hour land+ferry transfer to Coron, but this is significantly longer.
Train: There is no rail access to Coron.
Bus / Van / Ferry: Overland + ferry from Puerto Princesa (PPS) remains an option: travel by bus/van from Puerto Princesa to the port and then take the ferry to Coron town (total journey 4-6+ hours depending on connections). Intra-island transport in Coron is mainly by tricycle, jeepney and boat for island hopping.
How to Get Around Coron, Palawan #
Coron town is small and very walkable; most hotels, restaurants and dive shops line the main road through town. Tricycle taxis (motor trikes) are the principal local transport and short rides typically cost PHP20-60 depending on distance. Island hopping and day trips use boats; the town is also served by several shuttle vans to Busuanga/Coron airport. For island tours expect to book through operators or your accommodation.
Where to Stay in Coron, Palawan #
- Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (budget deals) - Basic dorms/rooms sometimes available
- Coron hostels and guesthouses (search) - Several small hostels near town pier
- Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel - Harbour-front, boat tours organised onsite
- Westown Hotel & Resort Coron - Convenient mid-range option near shops and restaurants
- Club Paradise Palawan - Island resort with beaches and diving excursions
- Busuanga Bay Lodge (higher-end lodges) - Boutique resort-style accommodation, quiet setting
Where to Eat in Coron, Palawan #
- Altrove Coron - Wood-fired pizza and hearty pasta
- Kawayanan Grill - Grilled seafood by the water
- La Sirenetta Restaurant - Seafood specialties and sunset views
- Café No. 9 - Coffee, sandwiches and light desserts
- Coron Bakery - Fresh bread and sweet pastries
- Comfy Kitchen - Comfort food and quick lunches
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Coron, Palawan's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Coron, Palawan #
Coron has a lively, tourist-oriented evening scene with bars, casual restaurants and a handful of live‑music spots that stay open late, especially in high season. Dive-hostel bars and beachside tavernas are common gathering points. The scene is seasonal and oriented to visitors - expect the busiest evenings during the peak diving months.
Shopping in Coron, Palawan #
Shopping in Coron focuses on dive shops, souvenir stalls, and beachwear stores clustered along the main streets. You’ll also find small markets and shops selling local snacks, seafood and handicrafts. For any specialist diving gear or larger purchases, check larger Philippine cities before you arrive.
