Traveling is my happy pill. Among the famous destinations I’ve been in the Philippines, my stay in Coron is one of the best. I will not get tired of getting back here when I get every chance.
Where Is Coron?
Coron Palawan is known for breath-taking destinations in the Philippines. But if you read guides about this place, you would know that there are two Coron. The Coron town is the tourism hub of the region. It is home of accommodations for tourist and usually the start point of nearby attractions. And the Coron island, a smaller island which is a boat ride away from the town.
How To Get There In Coron?
From Manila or Clark, the easiest way is a flight from Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines. A ferry is also a choice as boat routes have opened from different places like Manila to Coron.
From the Busuanga Airport, Coron town is 20 minutes away. Van transfer is available for 150PHP. If you have booked in advanced, drivers have your names listed and will just take you on your hotel.
Where To Stay?
There is numerous list of hotels and hostels to stay when in Coron Town. I highly suggest Coron Vista Lodge. The room is not for a luxurious stay but it is really clean. Plus the staff is amazing. They are all accommodating and will really let you feel you are taking care of.
You could check their rates on Agoda or TripAdvisor.
Where To Eat?
Foods are expensive in Coron., maybe because most of the tourists are foreigners. Anyway, this is just my own opinion. You could find numerous restaurants or carinderia within the town. Food range from 150PHP to 500PHP for one meal on restaurants while 50PHP to 100PHP for a carinderias. I haven’t explored the town for food but R2R Bayview Inn Restaurant is a home for delicious foods and pizza.
Just to note, Coron hasn’t much of bars for your nightlife. But you could also find few bars to unwind after a tiring day of exploring the islands.
What To Do In Coron?
City Tour
A city tour is a tour of the famous attractions within the town for a half day. It can be book for PHP1200 per person on a joint tour. This includes a private car with a tour guide that will take you to each place included on the itinerary. A light meal is also served.
As an option, you can charter tricycles which offer the same tour ranging from PHP 500 to PHP800 depending on how you deal with the tricycle driver.
Motorcycles are also available for rent if you want a DIY tour within the city.
City Tour Package Includes:
1.Souvenir Shops
2.Mt. Tapyas View Deck
3.Maquinit Hotspring
4.Public Market
5.Town Plaza
6.Lualhati Park
7.St. Augustine Church
8.Cashew Harvest
Coron Ultimate Tour
I recommend this tour for the first time traveler as you would be able to explore better the beauty of Coron. The tour package cost PHP 1400. This includes the tour guide and a buffet lunch on the beach or at the boat.
Package includes:
1.Kayangan Lake
2.Twin Lagoons
3.Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck
4.Siete Pecados Marine Park
5.Banol Beach
6.Malwawey Reef and Coral Garden
7.CYC Beach
Coron Island and Lakes Tour (Tour A)
The package is:
1.CYC Beach
2.Coral Garden
3.Atwayan Beach
4.Hidden Lagoon
5.Quin Reef
6.Kayangan Lake
Coron Island Escapade Tour (Tour C)
Inclusion:
1.Malcapuya
2.Bulog Dos
3.Banana Island
Coron Reefs and Wrecks Island Hopping (Tour D)
Tour Inclusion:
1.Bulog Dos
2.Pass Island
3.Lusong Coral Garden
4.Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck
Calauit Safari ParkTour
Package Is:
1.Black Island
2.Safari Park
3.Pamilacan Island
4.Concepcion Falls
5.North and South Cay
Glittering Fireflies and Plankton Tour
Package includes van transfer, tour guide, kayak fee, and buffet dinner. This tour starts from 6 PM to 9 PM. I haven’t tried this one but I heard this is magical as when you dip your hands in the water, it sparkles. Also, the fireflies will illuminate your view.
Learn to Dive
Coron is a perfect place to dive. With the beautiful corals and marine life under the water, this is definitely interesting. There is a training offered for diving in Coron which you can get a certification. Rest assured that you’ll have a skilled trainers.
Helicopter Tour
If you feel like flying is for you to appreciate the place better, this is a perfect choice. For a price that starts PHP12000, you can now enjoy the beauty of Coron in 365 degree view from above.
Notes: For an Island hopping tour, the accessories you’ll be using isn’t included on the tour package. You can rent a snorkeling gear, swimming shoes and other more needed for swimming or you can buy your own. I suggest a safe plastic bag for your gadgets too. It also needs to bring your own snacks and water. For any questions, you can ask your boat guides. As per my experienced, they are really accommodating plus they really understand and can speak English well.
Also, Tours can be avail for private or join tours. If you are a budget traveler, joint tours is my suggestion. You just need to pay the fee and everything is settled however the cons is you almost have no control of the tour.
Otherwise, if you want a private tour, you can book it for a higher price. Plus you also have to shoulder the entrance fees and tour guide fees. You have to bring your own foods too but you can ask the boatmen to cook for you. For your notes: You can actually save from this tour depending on how many are you in the group.
Another tip, if you love water adventures aside from swimming and diving, water sports activities can now be enjoyed in Coron. Banana boat, flying matt, jetski ride are among to name a few. Exciting isn’t it?
Travel Reminder: Be a responsible traveler. Respect all marine life, human life, and everything you can see. The place is very beautiful, help the locals to preserve it for the future.
Have you been in Coron? Please let me know your thoughts of the place. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. It is my pleasure to improve this article.
