21 Unmissable Tourist Spots in Coron, Palawan

Looking for a blog post that covers all the best tourist spots in Coron, Palawan? Good Stuff, because we have got you covered. After spending over a month adventuring in Coron, we can share what we got up to, and what we consider to be the highlights. We cover all of the popular tourist spots in Coron, as well as some cool hidden gems. We share where to eat, sleep and party. Plus all of our top tips for exploring this jawdropping location in the Philippines

Coron is a magical island in the Palawan archipelago of the Phillippines. Boasting a realm of remote islands, pristine beaches, and other natural wonders, some might say it’s the epitome of paradise. Until recent years, Coron was mostly frequented by scuba divers looking to hit the world-class dive sites. Now Coron forms a part of most Philippines Itineraries.

Other than scuba diving, the most popular things to do in Coron is Island Hopping. Hundred of boat tours take to the dazzling waters each day, leading visitors to secret lagoons, pristine beaches, shipwrecks, and remote islands. Honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful locations we’ve visited during our travels and you’re going to love what we have in store.

So let’s get to it, here’s a list of the best tourist spots in Coron Palawan.

21 Unmissable Tourist Spots in Coron, Palawan

*Before You Travel to Coron have you got your travel insurance sorted?  Cover yourself for the unexpected, read why you really need travel insurance or get a quote from World Nomads.

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*Don’t leave home without any backpacker essentials with our free printable packing list.

Where to Stay in Coron

If you’re planning to hit all the popular tourist spots in Coron Palawan, it makes sense to base yourself in Coron Town. Most of the Coron Island Hopping tours and other hotspots are located around this area, as well as most hotels & guesthouses.

If you’d prefer a more offbeat experience, away from the main tourist area, you could consider staying in Busuanga. It’s further north of Coron Town and closer to some of the hidden gems I talk about later on in the article. It’s a far more secluded experience on this part of the island, but just as beautiful nonetheless.

During our one month stay in Coron, we were doing a Workaway experience at Hop Hostel. I’m not just saying this, but it’s one of the best hostels we’ve ever stayed in. If a hostel is what you’re looking for, there’s no better option in Coron in my opinion. Otherwise, here are some other options worth considering, including a budget, mid-range, and luxury option.

You can check the rates and availability for all accommodation in Coron here.

Best Hostel in Coron: Hop Hostel

As I said, Hop Hostel isn’t only the best hostel in Coron, it is one of the best hostels we’ve stayed in throughout our entire travels.  The beds are more comfortable than ours at home and the facilities, food, and entertainment are all top-notch!  Another highlight is the rooftop bar boasting the best sunset view in town.

Check the latest rates and availability for Hop Hostel here.

Best Budget Hotel in Coron: Ecocio Resort

If you don’t mind a taste of simple island living, Ecocio Resort is the ideal budget option in Coron Town. Nestled in the heart of the Coron Forest, this eco-friendly resort provides back to basic accommodation, but with all the amenities required for a comfortable stay. They pride themselves on their minimal footprint approach, meaning all electricals are 100% solar powered. Oh, and the owners are amazing.

Check the latest rates and availability for Ecocio Resort here.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Coron: Sophia’s Garden

If you prefer that extra bit of comfort when you travel but without the hefty price tag, Sophia’s Garden is our top choice in Coron Town.  Our friends treated us to a couple of nights here for my birthday. We loved having the onsite swimming pool, beautiful garden area, and spacious rooms. It’s a short walk into town which is perfect because you get to escape the hustle & bustle.

Check the latest rates and availability for Sophia’s Garden here.

Best Luxury Hotel in Coron: The Funny Lion

When it comes to luxury hotels in Coron, The Funny Lion is one of the best rated I could find. The 4* resort looks out over Coron Bay, offering astonishing views and an idyllic ambience. Facilities at the property include an outdoor swimming pool, an open-air hot tub, and on-site restaurants.

Check the latest rates and availability for The Funny Lion here.

How Long to Stay in Coron

One of the most common questions we are asked regarding our travels in Coron, is how long do we suggest to stay. So I gathered it was worth me covering it in the article. As I mentioned, we spent over a month in Coron and we still felt as if we were discovering something new every day. That said, if you’re only interested in covering the popular Coron tourist spots, you easily do it in 3-4 days. If you wanted to take your time, and leave room for some hidden gems in Coron than 1-week is an ideal amount of time to stay in Coron.

21 Unmissable Tourist Spots in Coron, Palawan

Island hopping, scuba diving, natural hots springs and viewpoints are just a handful of the adventures you can have in Coron. This is why it’s an essential addition to any Palawan Itinerary. Let’s take a look at some of our favourite spots.

1. Island Hopping in Coron

Island Hopping in Coron is one of the activities that you shouldn’t miss in the Philippines. In fact, it’s the only way you’ll get to experience most of the popular tourist spots in Coron. However, with so many tours to choose from, how do you pick the one that’s right for you?

Most island hopping tours take place around Coron Island. That’s the mysterious, ‘King Kong’ looking island that you see looming in the distance from Coron Town. Coron Island is the easiest island to reach by boat tour in Coron. It also boasts a series of turquoise lagoons, enchanting lakes and pristine beaches, so you can see the appeal.

While the tourist spots on Coron Island are the most popular, there are several other beautiful and more remote locations that are worth checking out too. That’s why it would be worth checking out our article on Island Hopping in Coron, to help you get an idea of the tours you want to do.

For the purpose of this article, I will list all of our favourite spots from the Island Hopping tours and reference the tour we used to get there.

Read the Full Blog Post Here: Island Hopping Tours in Coron

2. Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Coron, and you can get there by taking the Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. Honestly, this location is one of the most beautiful places in all of South-East Asia. And we loved how well it’s looked after by locals and tourists alike.

When you get to the lake, which is about a 20-minute boat ride from Coron town, you take a short hike up to the viewpoint you can see below, and down the other side. Here you can dive into a crystal clear freshwater lake, encompassed by beautiful limestone formations both above and below the water.

Kayangan Lake is part of the Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. You can lick the link below to check reviews and availability, but at just $30 it’s incredible value for money.

Book Your Tour: Coron Ultimate Tour

3. Siete Pecados

The name Siete Pecado translates to “Seven Sins,” and legend has it that seven sisters once drowned here, forming the seven islets you see today. If you’re not keen on diving, but want to experience the vibrant marine life in Coron, you can do so by snorkelling. Siete Pecados is one of the most popular locations in Coron for snorkelling, teeming with tropical fishes and healthy coral reef. Charlotte also got stung by a jellyfish here, so be wary of that. Although hopefully, that was just a one-off.

Siete Pecados is part of the Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. You can lick the link below to check reviews and availability, but at just $30 it’s incredible value for money.

Book Your Tour: Coron Ultimate Tour

4. Twin Lagoon

Next up on the Ultimate Tour is Twin Lagoon – another breathtaking swimming spots made up of 2 dazzling lagoons. A narrow tunnel connects the two lagoons, and it feels quite adventurous passing through. There are also fewer people in the second lagoon, so if you’re confident in the water I definitely recommend you check it out.

Twin Lagoon is part of the Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. You can lick the link below to check reviews and availability, but at just $30 it’s incredible value for money.

Book Your Tour: Coron Ultimate Tour

5. Skeleton Wreck

Skeleton Wreck is one of the coolest spots to explore on an island hopping tour in Coron. Here you’ll find a 25m long Japanese ship that was hit by an airstrike during WWII. The highest point of the ship sits at just 5 metres below the surface, so you can easily see it by snorkelling. Or the freedivers among you can dive down to get a closer look. The entire wreck is encrusted in coral, so you’ll get an eyeful of some beautiful fish at the same time.

Skeleton Wreck is part of the Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. You can lick the link below to check reviews and availability, but at just $30 it’s incredible value for money.

Book Your Tour: Coron Ultimate Tour

6. Coral Garden

Not too far from the Skeleton shipwreck is another spectacular snorkelling spot. Boasting a wealth of coral reefs in a variety of vibrant colours, Coral Garden is one of the most impressive snorkelling spots we’ve ever seen from snorkelling alone.

Coral Garden is part of the Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. You can lick the link below to check reviews and availability, but at just $30 it’s incredible value for money.

Book Your Tour: Coron Ultimate Tour

7. CYC Beach

Your final stop on the Ultimate Boat Tour Coron will generally be on CYC Beach or another of the pristine beaches surrounding Coron Island. Either way, it’s the perfect end to a day of adventurous island hopping, where you can relax and reflect on the day.

CYC Beach is part of the Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. You can lick the link below to check reviews and availability, but at just $30 it’s incredible value for money.

Book Your Tour: Coron Ultimate Tour

8. Bulog Island Sandbar

The first stop on our Island Escapade Tour was the mesmerising Bulog Island sandbar. A sandbar was another first for us, and boy, we weren’t disappointed. Thankfully, we were the first to arrive before any of the other boats. We strolled hand in hand along the dazzling white sand bar snaking through turquoise waters like we were the only people in the world. It’s one of those places that makes you wonder how nature could possibly be so beautiful. There’s also a viewpoint on the actual island which is worth a climb too.

Bulog Island Sandbar is part of the Island Escape Tour. You can lick the link below to check reviews and availability, but at just $30 it’s incredible value for money.

Book Your Tour: Coron Island Escapade Tour

9. Banana Island

After spending some time on Bulog Island, we took the short journey to Banana Island for lunch. It was possibly one of the most stunning lunch views we’ve ever had. Our guides prepared a delicious feast for us including seafood, veggies, fruit and other treats. Surrounded by palm trees and overlooking a phenomenal white sand beach… what more could you want!

Banana Island is part of the Island Escape Tour. You can lick the link below to check reviews and availability, but at just $30 it’s incredible value for money.

Book Your Tour: Coron Island Escapade Tour

10. Malcapuya Island

After lunch, we made our way to Malcapuya Island, which we both agreed is one of the highlights from all our time Island hopping in Coron. Picture a palm-fringed white sand beach, nestling dazzling clear waters, and you’ll get an idea of how idyllic this beach. Combine that with the fact it’s almost secluded, and you have right there, the epitome of Paradise.

Malcapuya Island is part of the Island Escape Tour. You can lick the link below to check reviews and availability, but at just $30 it’s incredible value for money.

Book Your Tour: Coron Island Escapade Tour

11. Black Island

This wouldn’t be an ultimate travel guide, without some secret hidden gems, and that is exactly what Black Island is.  This remote island is so incredibly pristine and untouched that we were in two minds whether to tell anybody about it. BUT we know you guys will respect the island, so here we are.

Have you ever heard the saying that the toughest of roads lead to the most beautiful destinations?  Well, Black Island is proof that it’s true.  From the tremendous black cliffs that dominate the landscape to the world-class snorkelling among flourishing marine life.  Everything about the island is truly extraordinary; however, you should be prepared to go out of your way in order to get there

To learn more about this mysterious island including how to get there, you can check out the full blog post: The Extraordinary Black Island in Coron

12. Scuba Diving in Coron

Coron is the scuba diving capital of Palawan, and some say it’s one of the best spots in South East Asia for wreck diving. Years ago, the amazing diving opportunities were pretty much the only reason anybody would visit Coron. Now, even those who don’t dive come to marvel the stunning beaches and abundant natural beauty.

If you’re looking for diverse diving opportunities in South East Asia, then Coron is a winning choice. Not only a spot for wreck diving, but reef diving and lake diving as well. Not to mention the diverse eco-system that lies beneath the surface.

Unfortunately, we didn’t do any Scuba Diving in Coron this time around; however, we’ve listed some of the best diving spots in Coron below. There is also no shortage of dive schools in Coron Town proper, but as always do your research before making a decision.

13. Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake is one of the more unique tourist spots in Coron, especially popular among divers. The lake offers divers an experience unlike no other for several reasons. The first being the tremendous limestone cliffs that encompass the lake, stretching from below the surface up toward the sky. Many describe the incredible underwater landscape as resembling another planet.

Another phenomenon that occurs beneath the surface is the point where fresh and saltwater collide. Divers describe a drop in temperature of around 10 degrees, as well as a visible halocline which indicates the fluctuation in salinity content. This happens once at 4-metres and again at 14-metres.

If you don’t dive, but would like to snorkel at Barracuda Lake, you can do so as part of Island Hopping Tour ‘B’.

Book a Tour: Coron Island Hopping Tour B

14. Mount Tapyas

So long as you don’t mind conquering the 726 stairs to the top of Mount Tapyas, you will be rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views over Coron. The hike is particularly popular for sunrise and sunset; however, throughout the day it is a place of peace and tranquillity.

Conveniently located in the centre of town, the iconic cross and Coron’s answer to the Hollywood sign marks the spot.  Don’t be put off by the climb. Not only is it great exercise, but it’s also one of the only places in the town where you can get a good cell signal!

Although the climb is challenging, anybody of a reasonable fitness level will be able to make it to the top.  Regular interval points with shaded covers and benches have been constructed along the route.  Just be sure to take enough water with you to stay hydrated and avoid climbing between 12 and 3 pm when the sun is at its hottest.

15. The Abandoned Sea Plane

One of our favourite hidden gems that we discovered when exploring the island was this mysteriously abandoned seaplane.

When we initially spotted the seaplane sat amid the scenic bay, we had no idea it was abandoned. We assumed it belonged to one of the plush resorts adorning the coastline. It was only after passing it on 3 or 4 separate occasions that curiosity got the better of us, and we decided to find out more about the old plane.

As it turns out, the plane was abandoned years ago, and nobody seems to know why or how it got there. There are some rumours that it will eventually be converted into a floating restaurant, but for now you can rent a kayak from a nearby resort and do some urban exploring.

For more information on how to find the plane and why it is there check out our guide to the abandoned seaplane in Coron.

16. Kayaking Firefly Tour

The ‘Starry Starry Night’ kayaking tour is one of the more unique things to do in Coron.  Not only do you kayak beneath a blanket of stars but you are encompassed by the magnificent glow of fireflies.  If that wasn’t magical enough, there is bioluminescent plankton in the waters below.

The whole experience feels like something straight out of a fairy tale; however, just one small piece of advice.  Do not attempt the tour on the night of a full moon.  Although kayaking beneath the full moon is beautiful, it is too bright to see the fireflies or plankton.

Book Your Tour: Coron Glittering Fireflies and Bioluminescence Night Tour

*Travellers Tip – Kingfisher Park also hosts daytime activities such as trekking, bird watching or mangrove kayaking

17. Maquinit Hot Springs

Whether you’ve been island hopping all day, scuba diving, or climbing the gruelling steps of Mount Tapyas, there is no better way to relax than in a hot water bath. Only, this is no ordinary bath. This is a natural salt-water hot spring set in the heart of the Coron jungle.

Surrounded by mangroves and overlooking an ocean view, this is one of the more relaxing tourist spots in Coron. The waters reach a whopping 40 degrees, so any achy muscles you have soon disappear when you sink into the water. For this same reason, it’s recommended to avoid visiting during the day as you’re likely to overheat with the sun as well.  

To get to the hot springs, a return tricycle journey should cost no more than 500php each way. The entrance fee to the hot springs is 200 php/pax. Alternatively, you could take part in a half-day tour of Coron town which includes a visit to the hot springs, Mount Tapyas, and other iconic landmarks of the town.

Book a Tour: Palawan Coron Town Half Day Tour

18. Rent a Scooter & Explore

One of our favourite things to do in Coron was to rent a scooter and head off to explore the island.  We would never go out with a plan or a destination, which was exciting as we would always discover something new; whether it be a remote beach, a beautiful nature area, or a charming local village.

When you’re out exploring, do not hesitate to stop off and chat with the friendly locals. It is unlikely they see many tourists in the isolated areas, and although they may appear shy, they are usually very curious to meet you.

Cost: starting at 300PHP for 1-4 hour scooter rental

19. Malbato Church

We discovered this church by accident when exploring the island, and fell in love with the charming stone architecture.  Located in the hills opposite Kingfisher Park, it provides astonishing views over the nature park and Coron Bay.

20. Swimming Pools in Coron

If you have some time to k!ll in Coron, or just fancy a chilled out day at the pool, these swimming pools in Coron Town are open to everybody.

• Sophias Garden Resort – Beautiful garden surroundings, clean pool, plus yummy food & cocktails. The price is 500PHP/pax, unless you are a staying guest then it is FOC.
• Medusa Seaview Restaurant – A saltwater outdoor pool, with a stunning view over Coron Bay.  The restaurant serves delicious Chinese food and a wide selection of drinks.  It is free to use the pool as long as you order a drink.

21. Beaches in Coron

Although not the picture-perfect beaches that you will find on the island-hopping tours in Coron, the mainland beaches are still worth a visit.  Most of these beaches are completely devoid of tourists; therefore we loved being a celebrity for the day among the locals. Here are some of our favourite beaches on the island:

• Cabo Beach is the closest beach to Coron Town and consequently popular among locals.  The beach itself is average and the water isn’t clear; however, you do get a great view of the opposing mountains.  It’s a nice spot to relax for the day but not much else.
• Rio Playa Beach is a 2-hour drive from town, therefore only worth visiting if you are out exploring the island. Again, it’s quite a mediocre beach, although you are pretty much guaranteed to have it all to yourself.
• Ocam Ocam Beach is the nicest beach we discovered on the island, however, the downside is, it’s located a 3-hour drive from town.  If you wanted, it is possible to camp there, or alternatively rent a beach hut for 500PHP per night.

How to Get to Coron

BY AIR – The quickest, yet most expensive way to get in and out of Coron is to fly. There are a number of daily flights to & from Manila, and less frequent flights from Caticlan or Cebu. Make sure to book in advance though as they tend to get booked up quickly.

BY BOAT – Many people arrive via boat from neighbouring El Nido. The fast boat takes 4 hours, whereas the slow boat takes double the time at half the price. The same service is available in the opposite direction.

Cost: Fast Boat approx. 1700PHP/pax & Slow Boat approx. 800PHP/pax – check out 12Go, Asia for the current prices.

BY FERRY – Another popular way to get to the island is the overnight ferry from Manila. The main ferry is operated by 2GO and there is also a local service on selected days. The travel time is approximately 15 hours and there are a variety of accommodation options onboard.

Cost: For budget, dorm-style accommodation with 12GO we paid 1600PHP/pax.  You should book online with 12go, Asia to get the cheapest price.

BY EXPEDITION TOUR – The expedition tours consist of 3-5 days of island hopping from El Nido to Coron. Although we didn’t travel this way, we met other travellers who loved the experience. There are a number of tour operators who can help organise this for you in El Nido. I recommend this article by Journey Era if the expedition tour is something you might be interested in: Big Dream Boat Man Expedition Tour

The Best Restaurants in Coron

Most of your days in Coron will be action-packed with island hopping tours and scuba diving.  And so you will be looking to fill your boots with some great food at the end of the day. This will be your chance to sample some of the best Filipino dishes.

Thankfully, Coron Town has some great restaurants and after spending a full month there we know all the best places to go. Our favourites include Altrove, Hop Hostel and Brujita. But for more, see our guide to the best restaurants in Coron.

Tips & Advice for Travelling Coron

Here’s some general travel tips and advice that I hope will help to enrich your travel experience in Coron.

ATMs in Coron

There are only 4 ATMs in Coron Town Proper and they seem to be out of service quite a lot of the time. We therefore advise that you carry a comfortable amount of cash on you at all times.  Furthermore, you increase your chances of being able to get money if you carry both a visa and a MasterCard.  Strangely enough, they always seem to be accepting one or the other.

Best Time to Visit Coron

The best time to visit Coron will be during the dry season that runs from mid-January until early July. Of course, there is still a chance of the odd rainy day during this time. But generally speaking, you can expect clear skies, warm weather, and perfect conditions for hitting all the top tourist spots in Coron. March, May and June tend to be the peak months in Coron, so if you prefer to avoid the crowds, February and April are great months to visit. It’s still high season but there are fewer people around.

Staying Safe in Coron

Is Coron safe to travel? The short answer is yes! When it comes to crime and scams, they are almost non-existent in Coron. But of course, that doesn’t mean that there are no risks for tourists. Especially if you plan on taking part in adventurous water activities such as scuba diving and island hopping, there could be dangers lurking in the water. Accidents taking part in such activities are rare but it pays to be extra vigilant. Take notice of safety warnings from your guide, and wear protective clothing/shoes in the water.

Travel Insurance

With that, don’t even think about going to Coron without travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. If the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you’ll want the best cover money can buy.

For this reason, we always recommend World Nomads for travel insurance. They are affordable, offer a variety of packages and add ons, and allow you to make amendments to your policy while travelling. Say, for example, you go scuba diving or hiking a mountain, World Nomads will amend your plan accordingly. It’s a super handy feature that we’ve used numerous times including the time we trekked to Annapurna Base Camp.

If you need further convincing, read our article on why you need travel insurance. Or get an on-the-spot quote from World Nomads using the form below.

Staying Connected in Coron

WIFI in Coron, like most places in The Philippines, is extremely slow. You can buy a local SIM card which is slightly faster, but don’t expect miracles.  We found the best cell signal at the top of Mount Tapyas! SIM cards are available to purchase from the airport, phone stores or convenience stores.

Alternatively TravelWifi’s portable pocket wifi allows us to connect quickly and securely when we need it the most. Click the link for more information on coverage, packages, and the latest offers.

 Responsible Travel at Coron Tourist Spots

It should go without saying; however, when enjoying Coron’s tourist spots, it’s important to be mindful of the environment.  It is no secret that some of our planets fragile ecosystems are at risk of extinction. There are many small steps you can take to becoming a responsible traveller, check out the Eco-Travel essentials here. It is our duty as travellers, that we reduce our footprint where we can, here are some tips:

• Be careful with any rubbish that it doesn’t fly overboard.  Keep it secure until you can dispose of it properly.
• Do not leave anything on the islands, or take anything away – unless you’ve purchased it from a local supplier.
• Wear Reef Safe Sunscreen.
• Try to avoid touching coral, marine life or anything underwater… unlesss it’s plastic, help keep our oceans clean.

More on Philippines

Planning a trip to the Philippines? Check out some of our other articles to help plan your trip:

• ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO EL NIDO
• ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO BORACAY
• ISLAND HOPPING TOURS IN CORON
• 8 ADVENTUROUS THINGS TO DO IN LEGAZPI, PHILIPPINES
• ETHICALLY SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS IN DONSOL
• A SIMPLE GUIDE TO THE PHILIPPINES

Did you enjoy our list of 21 Unmissable Tourist Spots in Coron, Palawan?

Let us know. That concludes 21 Unmissable Tourist Spots in Coron, Palawan.  We hope you enjoy your time in this magical city. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below, through our contact us page. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram here, where we share further travel advice & inspiration.

Stay adventurous and Happy travels.

Charlotte & Natalie x

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