Wondering what to do in Coron? This guide highlights the best things to do in Coron, Palawan!
Coron is a first-class municipality in the province of Palawan located in the eastern part of Busuanga Island, north of mainland Palawan. If flying by plane, you must book a flight to Busuanga Airport. You can also travel by ferry from El Nido.
Coron’s town proper—a 30-minute car ride from the airport—is where most resorts, hotels, and restaurants are located and the jumpoff point for island-hopping tours. To avoid confusion, Coron Town is different from neighboring Coron Island, as the former is part of Busuanga Island.
In contrast to the more widely developed El Nido, Coron is laid-back. The dainty town of Coron is homey, and the surrounding waters are immaculate. Even the journey from the airport to the heart of the municipality welcomes you with luscious greens, blue infinite skies, and a fresh breeze.
You can book your island tours in Coron online or in Coron Town. You can also rent a private boat to take you to individual island destinations, but that does cost a lot more. The island tours take you to several tourist attractions around Coron Island, including majestic lakes, pastoral islands, and stunning lagoons, all abundant with flora and fauna.
Best Time to Visit Coron
Coron, with all its tourist spots, is open all year round. However, visiting during the rainy months of June until October may not be the best time as there could be chances of flights and boat trips being canceled due to inclement weather, heavy rains, and rough seas. It is highly recommended to visit Coron during the dry months of November until May, with the peak travel season falling between the warm months of March and May.
Where to Stay in Coron
If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, here are our top recommendations on where to stay in Coron:
- Tag Resort (Check room rates!)
- Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (Check room rates!)
- Skylodge Resort (Check room rates!)
- Coron Soleil Garden Resort (Check room rates!)
- Corto del Mar Hotel (Check room rates!)
Without further ado, here are some activities in Coron you can add to your itinerary:
1. Visit Coron’s Iconic Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake is brackish (70% freshwater and 30% saltwater) and is said to be the cleanest lake in the Philippines. It is only reachable by a 15-minute boat ride from Coron Town.
Most tours leave Coron at the same time, around mid-morning, so it is expected that Kayangan Lake will be packed when you get there. If you can, make arrangements with your tour or boat operator to leave no later than 7 AM.
Upon docking, you will take a steep 15-minute uphill climb with approximately 300 steps toward the inland lake. Midway through the hike is the famous viewpoint that overlooks the majestic view of Coron Bay—with its magnificent stone islets and cliffs surrounded by breathtaking blue waters. This spot is probably one of the most photographed scenery in the Philippines, especially if you search “Palawan” on Google.
👉Book Coron Tour A (with Kayangan Lake)!👈
The hike is not for the weak of heart (and legs). Everyone can do it, but some are just slower than others.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be breathless, not just from the climb but from the picturesque surroundings. Even better is when you reach the lake itself; it’s cold and refreshing after the intense walk.
The water is still, emerald, and somewhat clear. From the surface, you can see the massive jagged rocks underneath and varying species of little fish.
👉Book Coron Tour A (with Kayangan Lake)!👈
There’s a bamboo walkway half-circling the lake. Kayangan Lake is an ancestral domain maintained by the local Tagbanua people. The lake and its surroundings are sacred to them, so we conduct ourselves with utmost respect and courtesy.
It is important to note that life jackets are required while swimming around the lake. Some parts of the water are much deeper, and since it’s 70% freshwater, your body will be less buoyant.
Most tourists, due to the time limit given during tours, only stay here for about 20-30 minutes, but if you have time, check out the underwater rock formations, islets, and caves, such as the Awuyuk-Kayangan Cave.
👉Book Coron Tour A (with Kayangan Lake)!👈
2. Freedive into Barracuda Lake’s Mysterious Hot and Cold Water
“What?! A lake full of Barracudas?!” I know—it doesn’t sound like a place you’d wanna be swimming into, but trust me—it is out of this world!
Despite its name, there aren’t really barracudas in the lake. Well, except for one shy resident barracuda who likes to hide among the rocks at the far side of the lake.
👉Book Coron Tour B (with Barracuda Lake)!👈
The lake experiences a thermocline—a phenomenon where layers of cold, warm, and hot water coexist due to the mixed salt and freshwater. Because of these unique characteristics, plus its amazing jagged cliffs, divers who venture down the hot-cool depths experience a sort of weightlessness that resembles a moonwalk.
👉Book Coron Tour B (with Barracuda Lake)!👈
3. Kayak around Coron’s Picture-perfect Twin Lagoon
It is exactly what it sounds like—a pair of crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, brilliant against the majestic black, jagged karst walls of Coron. The lagoons are separated by a very narrow cliff; you’d know you’re near this partition because there will be a line of other tourists climbing up the wooden steps. During low tides, however, you can simply swim underneath the cliff.
The salty waters are perfect for swimming. However, around April and May, there may be more jellyfish in the water than usual, so we recommend wearing a rash guard.
👉Book Coron Super Ultimate Tour (with Twin Lagoon)!👈
4. Explore Underwater Wonders of Siete Pecados
Siete Pecados is the closest dive site to Coron Town proper, and the boats take you all the way right to the middle of the islets in minutes.
According to legend, seven sisters wanted to swim in the mesmerizing waters, but their mother forbade it. They decided to go anyway and unfortunately drowned. The seven islets then rose above the waters and were later called “siete pecados,” or seven sins.
A bit macabre, isn’t it? Well, we can’t confirm the legend, but we can guarantee that Siete Pecados Marine Park is sinfully magnificent. This conservation area is teeming with vibrant marine biodiversity and the best spot for snorkeling.
👉Book Coron Super Ultimate Tour!👈
The crystal and tranquil waters allow you to witness a variety of fish inhabiting the reef and a kaleidoscope of corals, anemones, giant clams, and so much more. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see sea turtles, squids, octopi, and even baby sharks.
On one side of the reef, you’ll see the continental slope leading you to the deep end and perhaps a shoal of barracudas. If you scuba or free dive, imagine the underwater videos and photos you’ll get!
This is honestly my favorite spot in Coron. It is so exquisite that in September 2022, the provincial government recognized the Siete Pecados Marine Park as the best-managed marine protected area (MPA) in Palawan.
👉Book Coron Island Hopping Speed Tour!👈
5. Dive Shipwrecks of Coron Bay
Coron takes the cake when it comes to the best dive spots because of its series of impressive wreck sites. This divers’ heaven boasts 12 sunken wartime ships from the Second World War that have become home to varieties of corals, fish, and other marine animals.
The wrecks lie at a depth of 10-40 meters, which is a manageable range for recreational divers. Don’t worry if you don’t dive, even if you simply snorkel, the ships are visible, and that view is just as memorable.
👉Book Coron Super Ultimate Tour (with Shipwreck)!👈
6. Bask in the Sun on White Sandbars of Malcapuya Island
A boat ride to Malcapuya Island directly from the Coron Port usually takes around one hour. However, if you take a guided tour, this is usually the last one you visit on the island tour. You are docked on the other side of the island, and you’ll have to take a short walk of roughly 5 minutes.
The island is sparsely inhabited, and power comes only from generators. Tourists usually only stay for 30 minutes to take photos, swim, and relax. There are vendors selling typical Filipino street snacks such as turon (fried banana wrapped in spring roll paper), milkshakes, and buko (young coconut) juice. They only take cash so bring enough. The island gets crowded in the afternoon as tours usually follow the same schedule.
👉Book Coron Tour C (with Malcapuya Island)!👈
Malcapuya offers a relaxing, unspoiled beauty. Most people stay here for only a few minutes, but you can opt to stay overnight. Just a heads up, the accommodations here won’t be glamorous, but the peace and tranquility of the night will give you a break from the chaos of the world.
The water is shallow with slow currents, and the beach is powdery white, almost like the beach in Boracay. We recommend you take off your footwear and walk the 50-meter stretch with your bare feet; it feels like walking on clouds.
👉Book Coron Island Escapade (with Malcapuya Island)!👈
7. Witness Coron’s Stunning Fiery Sunset from Mt. Tapyas
Wanna take a breather from all the water activities? Let’s go above ground and walk up to Mount Tapyas. This popular viewpoint gives you one of the best views of Coron Town and other nearby islands. Walking up the 721 paved steps rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view, literally and figuratively.
There is no entrance fee for this landmark, and it’s located within Coron Town and near most hotels in the town center. If you walk along the main road of Coron Town, you’ll see large signage indicating Mt. Tapyas View Deck.
👉Book Coron Town Half Day Tour (with Mt. Tapyas)!👈
Now, the only way to get to Mount Tapyas is on foot, so make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring sun protection and hydration.
Be there at 4 PM to witness the sunset. Don’t forget to go to the back portion of the mountain where there are fields of grass. The sunset there hits different.
👉Book Coron Town Half Day Tour (with Mt. Tapyas)!👈
8. Get Warm and Fuzzy at Maquinit Hot Springs
We’re pretty sure that if you visit all our recommended spots, your body will need some cozy relaxation. A place where you can still enjoy nature but also decompress is Maquinit Hot Springs, one of the only few saltwater hot springs in the world.
Enjoy great views of lined mangroves, hills, and the blue sea while you sit in this underwater volcano-heated sauna. Just don’t fall asleep or stay too long; you won’t want to cook yourself.
👉Book Coron Town Half Day Tour (with Mt. Tapyas)!👈
This spot isn’t always included in tours so always check your itinerary. If it’s not included, you can take a 30-minute tricycle ride to the spring down a rough and bumpy road and prepare 300-400 PHP (~6-8 USD) for fare.
Maquinit Hot Springs is open from 8 AM TO 8 PM. Admission is 200 PHP.
👉Book Coron Town Half Day Tour (with Mt. Tapyas)!👈
9. Experience Coron’s Glittering Fireflies and Bioluminescent Planktons
One thing we almost missed in Coron was the firefly watching and bio-luminescent night tour and dinner in Pang-Eat Firefly Floating Resto, but we’re so glad we didn’t!
Your tour guide will pick you up around 5 PM and take you on a magical night adventure around the largest mangrove forest in Coron Town. You might have seen a few fireflies in your lifetime, but here, you’ll see them glowing and dancing in droves.
👉Book Coron Island Private Yacht Tour!👈
If that’s not magical enough for you, wait until you get to the bioluminescent algae. You’ll be singing “How Far I’ll Go” while splashing in the water, wondering if your grandma-turned-manta ray will ever swing by.
The tour ends with a scrumptious buffet dinner in a floating restaurant. The ambiance is romantic, complete with ambient light and sweet acoustics.
👉Book Coron Island Private Yacht Tour!👈
10. Explore Best of Coron Town
Coron Town might be small, but its heart is as big as it gets, and the food is delectable and affordable! As is the case on every Philippine island, don’t skip the seafood—it’ll always be fresh and cooked with love.
👉Book Coron Calauit Safari Tour!👈
But more than the fancy restaurants, we highly recommend you try Mathew’s Island Crepe. The line can be a bit long sometimes, but we promise the crepes and shakes are worth it.
If you’re in town between March and June, it’s mango season, so do not—we repeat—DO NOT miss out on the sweetest mangoes from Coron. When perfectly ripe, they’re deep yellow to almost orange.
👉Book Coron Super Ultimate Speed Boat Tour!👈
I almost forgot, if you avail of the island tours, they serve you a boodle fight or a bounty of food spread on banana leaves. The locals definitely know that the way to anyone’s heart is through the stomach.
The nightlife in Coron isn’t as wild as in bigger cities, but the town center has its own charm. There are a few drinking pubs, like the Pirates Tavern Bar and Coco Bar, but if you’re looking for an island-reggae vibe, definitely head to Sigbin Bar.
👉Book Coron Calauit Safari Tour!👈
Your Complete Coron Travel Guide
Coron has more to offer, and we recommend you stay longer or visit multiple times. A range of 1-10 is a disservice to its glory, and it’s an understatement to say that you should visit it at least once in your lifetime.
You’ll see that the dainty charm of the town, the majestic views, the inviting waters, and the abundant marine life make it more than a tourist destination. It’s a home to every thalassophile.
If you’re still preparing for your trip to Coron, read our range of travel guides:
- Coron Travel Guide
- How to Get to Coron
- Manila to Coron Ferry Schedule
- Coron to El Nido Ferry Schedule
- Puerto Princesa to Coron Ferry Schedule
- Best Resorts in Coron
- Best Hostels in Coron
- Coron Super Ultimate Tour
- Top Tourist Spots in Coron
Got more questions about traveling to Palawan? Drop them in the comments!
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