Coron
Southeast Asia · Philippines
Did you know?
- Barracuda Lake has sharp changes in temperature and salinity as divers descend.
- Wartime wrecks lie in waters about 10–40 metres deep.
- The island circuit includes both Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon.
See also
El Nido
Philippines11.18°N 119.39°E · 35 m
Overview
Coron is a base for wreck diving and limestone-framed island trips. Lakes and sheltered bays offer options for both divers and snorkellers.
Languages: English, Filipino
Why go?
Coron is a town on Busuanga Island in Palawan, famous for World War II wreck diving in shallow waters (10-40m). Beyond diving, Barracuda and Kayangan lakes offer stunning snorkeling, and the area boasts beautiful white sand beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga Airport) from Manila via PAL Express or Cebu Pacific. Air Juan also has flights from Puerto Princesa and Caticlan (Boracay) on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Tricycles are everywhere downtown: ₱30 per person for rides around town, ₱30 total from port to town. Motorcycles and vans are available for rent. There are no taxis and only one daily bus/jeepney trip to Busuanga.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels like Happy Camper Hostel (dorms from ₱350) to mid-range resorts. Popular budget options include Marley's Guest House (from ₱400) and Sunnytimes Penson (₱350). For a bit more comfort, Coron Ecolodge offers aircon rooms around ₱1,200.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and drink
Local food includes authentic Filipino cuisine at Trining Bacsa near Coron Market. International options exist at La Sirenetta (waterfront, entrees from ₱180) and Bistro Coron (French food). For drinks, The Old House offers happy hour 5-7PM all-you-can-drink rum and Coke for ₱50, while Discovery Bar has a relaxing balcony over the water.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Climb Mt. Tapyas for a sunset view over the islands. Visit Kayangan Lake (₱280 entrance, ticket must be bought in town) and Twin Lagoon (₱100). Snorkel at Siete Pecados (₱100) or explore shipwrecks with dive operators like Coron Divers (₱4,500/day for 3 dives). Island hopping tours include Malcapuya and Black Island.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Wreck diving outside the wrecks is safe, but going inside requires specialized training like PADI wreck diver certification. Be cautious of rigging and use extra equipment.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Many restaurants, bars, and hotels offer free WiFi, but the connection is often overloaded. Internet is most usable between 1AM and 7AM.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Take a tourist boat (banka) to El Nido for ₱1,200-1,400 one way. Boats leave daily at 8AM from SeaDive Resort, taking about 8 hours with a local lunch included.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Amphibi-Ko Resort
Amphibi-Ko Resort Lodge offers budget accommodation and island tours in Coron. The lodge has clean rooms with cozy ambience and has an in-house restaurant that serves Japanese cuisines.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Apo Pension House
Basic but clean & comfy double bedrooms. Thin walls can make noise from bordering rooms apparent. Towels are provided. Showers are cold water, free hot & cold drinking water is provided in their main hall.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Balaibinda Lodge
An 18-room inland hotel. All rooms are non-smoking. No parking space. It has 3 floors and 3 areas, the courtyard, roofdeck, and roadside. Offers island tours and land transfers to and from the airport and seaport. Has free Wi-Fi and observes health standards in preventing COVID-19 spread.
Recorded price: ₱1,300-₱4,200/night with breakfast
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Coron Ecolodge
Located in a quiet area near the town center, near stores, banks, restaurants and bars. Offers 22 air-conditioned rooms with en suite hot and cold shower and cable-ready TV for around PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Coron Hilltop View Resort
Coron Hilltop View Resort offers fully-air conditioned Deluxe Villas. Avail of the resort's tour packages for island hopping and scuba diving. Restaurant provides Asian cuisine and authentic Filipino food.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Coron Reef Pension
A few steps from Coron Divers. Aircon rooms for 2 pax with toilet and bath seaside PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bistro Coron
Owned by Bruno (who can be seen in the kitchen wearing nothing but a towel and a scowl in the mornings) it is home to French food at prices well above the local average. Entrees go from PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
KokosNuss Resort
has a good kitchen. They have a Palawan style all you can eat BBQ deal. 6 or more people required at PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free WiFi available but slow; best internet between 1AM-7AM.
Food
Local fruits and cashew nuts are recommended.
Money
Bring cash; ATMs available (Metro Bank, PNB) but may have withdrawal limits.
Safety
Wreck diving inside requires special training; outside is safe for any diver.
Transport
Tricycles cost ₱30 per person around town.