Coron Island Hopping: Paradise Found in Palawan
Table of Contents
Welcome to Coron, where crystal-clear lakes hide within towering limestone cliffs and World War II shipwrecks rest beneath turquoise waters. Often overshadowed by its neighbor El Nido, Coron offers an equally stunning but distinctly different Palawan experience – one filled with hidden lagoons, volcanic hot springs, and some of the best wreck diving in the world.
Why Choose Coron?
Coron stands out from other Philippine destinations for several reasons:
- World-Class Wreck Diving - 12+ WWII Japanese shipwrecks
- Pristine Lakes - Crystal-clear waters inside limestone formations
- Fewer Crowds - Less developed than El Nido
- Hot Springs - Natural volcanic springs amid mangroves
- Unique Landscapes - Dramatic karst cliffs rising from the sea
Must-Visit Destinations
1. Kayangan Lake
Often called the "cleanest lake in the Philippines" and Coron's crown jewel.
What to Know:
- Climb 160+ steps for the famous viewpoint
- Lake is 70% freshwater, 30% saltwater
- Crystal clear visibility (20+ meters)
- Swimming allowed – bring snorkel gear
Entrance Fee: ₱300
2. Twin Lagoon
Two lagoons connected by a small opening in the limestone – swim through to discover paradise.
Highlights:
- Hot and cold water layers (thermocline effect)
- Dramatic limestone walls
- Quiet and serene atmosphere
- Best visited early morning
How to Access:
- Swim through the rock opening (at low tide)
- Or climb over the wooden ladder (at high tide)
3. Barracuda Lake
A unique diving and snorkeling spot with bizarre thermal layers.
Experience:
- Visibility up to 25 meters
- Thermocline at 14m creates "hot tub" effect
- Named after a giant barracuda skeleton
- Popular freediving spot
Temperature: Surface is cool, deeper waters reach 38°C
4. Siete Pecados Marine Park
Seven small islets with excellent snorkeling and marine life.
Marine Life:
- Colorful coral gardens
- Tropical fish galore
- Sea turtles (if lucky)
- Giant clams
Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear or rent for ₱150
5. Malcapuya Island
A white sand beach paradise with powder-fine sand and turquoise waters.
Why Visit:
- Stunning white sand beach
- Fewer crowds than other beaches
- Great for swimming and relaxation
- Cottages available for rent
Entrance Fee: ₱200
6. Skeleton Wreck
For snorkelers – a shallow shipwreck visible from the surface.
Details:
- Depth: 5-7 meters
- Japanese supply ship from WWII
- Coral has grown over the wreck
- Easy enough for beginners
Wreck Diving
Coron is one of the world's top wreck diving destinations, with 12+ Japanese ships sunk during WWII.
Top Wrecks for Beginners
| Wreck | Depth | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lusong Gunboat | 3-12m | Snorkel-friendly, colorful corals |
| Skeleton Wreck | 5-7m | Easy access, photogenic |
| East Tangat Gunboat | 3-18m | Intact structure |
Advanced Wrecks
| Wreck | Depth | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Irako | 28-42m | Massive refrigeration ship |
| Akitsushima | 20-38m | Seaplane tender with crane |
| Olympia Maru | 18-25m | Large cargo ship |
Dive Costs:
- 2 wreck dives: ₱3,000-4,000
- Full day (3 dives): ₱4,500-5,500
- Discover Scuba: ₱3,500
Island Hopping Tours
Tour A: Coron Island Tour (Most Popular)
Includes: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Skeleton Wreck, Beach Duration: Full day Price: ₱1,500-1,800/person (including lunch)
Tour B: Reef & Island Tour
Includes: Siete Pecados, CYC Beach, Banol Beach, Coral Garden Duration: Full day Price: ₱1,400-1,700/person
Tour C: Remote Islands
Includes: Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Duration: Full day Price: ₱1,600-2,000/person
Private Boat Charter
Price: ₱4,000-6,000/day (up to 6 pax) Benefit: Customize your itinerary
Hot Springs
Maquinit Hot Spring
A natural saltwater hot spring set amid mangroves – perfect for sunset soaks.
Details:
- Temperature: 38-40°C
- Hours: 7 AM - 8 PM
- Entrance: ₱200
- Distance: 30 mins from town by tricycle
Tips:
- Visit at sunset for magical views
- The water is very hot – ease in gradually
- Bring towel and change of clothes
Sample Itineraries
3 Days in Coron
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive, check in
- Afternoon: Maquinit Hot Springs
- Evening: Dinner at town + night market
Day 2:
- Full day: Tour A (Kayangan, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake)
- Evening: Sunset drinks at rooftop bar
Day 3:
- Morning: Tour B (Siete Pecados, snorkeling)
- Afternoon: Departure
5 Days (Divers & Beach Lovers)
Day 1: Arrive, orientation dive Day 2: 3 wreck dives Day 3: Tour A - Coron Island Day 4: Tour C - Malcapuya & remote islands Day 5: Mt. Tapyas sunrise, departure
Getting There
By Air
- Manila to Busuanga (Coron): 1 hour
- Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirSWIFT
- One-way fare: ₱2,000-5,000
From Airport to Town
- Van transfer: ₱150-200/person
- Private van: ₱1,500
- Distance: 30-40 minutes
By Ferry (from El Nido)
- Montenegro Lines / Atienza Shipping
- Travel time: 3.5-4 hours
- Fare: ₱1,750-2,200
Where to Stay
Budget (₱800-1,500/night)
- Coron Backpacker Guesthouse
- Sea Horse Guest House
- Hop Hostel
Mid-Range (₱2,000-4,000/night)
- Coron Westown Resort
- Sunlight Guest Hotel
- Corto Del Mar
Luxury (₱6,000+/night)
- Two Seasons Coron Island Resort
- Club Paradise Palawan
- Busuanga Bay Lodge
Where to Eat
Local Favorites
- La Sirenetta - Italian with sea views
- Kawayanan Grill - Filipino BBQ
- Lolo Nonoy's - Fresh seafood
- Brujita - Coffee and breakfast
Night Market
Don't miss the nightly food market near the public market:
- Grilled seafood
- Filipino dishes
- Fresh fruit shakes
- Budget-friendly prices
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (roundtrip) | ₱4,000 | ₱6,000 |
| Accommodation (3 nights) | ₱3,000 | ₱8,000 |
| Tours (2 days) | ₱3,000 | ₱4,000 |
| Food (3 days) | ₱1,500 | ₱3,000 |
| Transport + fees | ₱1,000 | ₱1,500 |
| Total | ₱12,500 | ₱22,500 |
Tips for Visitors
- Book flights early - Limited flights, prices spike in peak season
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen - Protect the marine life
- Waterproof bag essential - For cameras and phones
- Start early - Beat crowds to popular spots
- Bring cash - Limited ATMs, some don't accept foreign cards
- Respect the lakes - No sunscreen allowed in Kayangan Lake
- Book dive shops in advance - Popular ones fill up
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dec-May | Dry season | Best visibility, calm seas |
| Jun-Nov | Wet season | Occasional storms, fewer crowds |
| Mar-May | Hottest | Best for diving, book ahead |
Final Thoughts
Coron offers a different kind of Palawan magic – one where you can swim through crystal-clear lakes hidden inside limestone mountains, explore wartime history beneath the waves, and end your day soaking in natural hot springs under the stars. It's adventure and relaxation wrapped into one unforgettable destination.
Ready to discover Coron's hidden wonders? Let Lakbay AI plan your perfect island hopping adventure!