Itching for an ultimate island adventure? Check out this Coron Travel Guide Blog 2024 with sample itinerary, list of top things to do in Coron, tourist spots, places to visit, packaged tours, recommended hotels and beach resorts, travel requirements, and useful travel tips to help you plan your trip!
When I first visited Coron in 2011, it instantly became one of my most favorite tourist destinations in the Philippines. That is why, whenever friends ask me where is the best place to travel in the Philippines, one that I always recommend is Coron, Palawan!
Coron is one of the four towns that make up the Calamianes or Calamian Group of Islands in the northern part of the huge Palawan Province. It is famous for its islands, beaches, lagoons, lakes, shipwrecks, and many natural wonders. In this comprehensive Coron Budget Travel Guide Blog, I will help you in planning your Coron Palawan adventure by providing useful and easy-to-follow information on how to get there, where to stay, transportation, top things to do in Coron, tourist spots, recommended tours, sample Coron itinerary, budget and expenses and many more!
Are you ready to explore Coron? Let's get started!
2024 CORON TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG FOR FIRST-TIMERS (UPDATED) - Things to Do in Coron, Tourist Spots & Places to Visit
When is the best time to visit Coron?
As a tropical country, the Philippines experiences dry and wet seasons. To fully enjoy your Coron Palawan trip, the best time to visit Coron is during the summer months - that is from March to May to mid-June. Dry season from November to February is also a good time to visit Coron because these months get the least amount of rainfall based on historical data. As island hopping and enjoying the beaches, lakes and lagoons are the top things to do in Coron, avoid the rainy and typhoon seasons - from July to October. But that should not stop you from traveling to Coron. You can still visit it even during rainy season. These months are considered the lean season in Coron. It's less crowded and hotel rooms are at their cheapest.
How many days to spend in Coron?
It depends on the things you want to do and on the activities you want to experience. For first-timers in Coron, 4 days and 3 nights itinerary is the most ideal to fully enjoy your trip. But if you're on a tight budget or just want to visit Coron on a weekend or long weekend holiday, a 3 days 2 nights itinerary is also feasible. You may refer to my sample Coron itinerary below.
What to bring when traveling to Coron?
Swimsuit/swim wear, aqua shoes, coral-friendly sunscreen, cash, first-aid kit, dry bag, and waterproof camera because you'll be doing a lot of water activities. If you don't have a waterproof camera, just always make sure to always keep your things dry. Bringing a dry bag or a zip lock is most recommended.
How to Get to Coron, Palawan?
You can get to Coron by air or by sea. You could take a flight or a ferry from Manila, Clark, Cebu, or El Nido. Here are some of the most common ways on how to get to Coron.
Manila to Coron by Plane
Coron can be reached via a 1-hour flight from Manila. PAL Express, Cebu Pacific Air and Skyjet Airlines have multiple daily flights from Manila to Coron via Busuanga Airport (USU), which is also known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport. From the airport, you may take a 1-hour ride to Coron town.
Manila to Coron by Ferry
Ferries going from Manila to Coron is currently operated by 2GO Travel. This weekly Manila to Coron ferry services depart from Pier 4 of the Manila North Harbor every Friday at 01:00 pm. The travel time from Manila to Coron Pier is around 11 hours, and fare starts at 1,400 pesos for a Super Value Class. The return ferry leaves Coron for Manila at around 4:00 pm on Sundays.
El Nido to Coron by Ferry
If you're coming from El Nido, you can also reach Coron by taking a ferry. Travel time takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and ferry ticket costs around 37 USD.
TRAVEL TIP: For convenient and hassle-free trip to Coron, Palawan check out the wide array of available transportation options here.
Where to Stay in Coron? Hotels & Resorts in Coron
Although a small town, Coron has a lot of hotels, resorts, hostels, inns, and guesthouses. On my first time in Coron, we stayed in a budget hotel/resort with a pool. During my recent Coron tour, we stayed at the lovely boutique resort - The Funny Lion. Perfectly located not too far but away from the busy and crowded town center, it is an ideal place to stay in Coron with your family, partner or group of friends. The resort's world-class amenities and facilities, personalized service and unparalleled level of comfort will certainly take every guest into a memorable and relaxing resort accommodation experience in Coron. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
The Funny Lion
Address: Sitio Jolo, Poblacion V, Coron PalawanTelephone Numbers: +632 856 1443 | 553 9549
Mobile: 0917 861 9441
Email: inquiries@thefunnylion.com
Website: www.thefunnylion.com
BOOK ONLINE: Click here to see room rates and book online
The Funny Lion Coron
OTHER HOTELS AND RESORTS IN CORON
- Asia Grand View Hotel - Check room rates and availability
- Coron Soleil Garden Resort - Check room rates and availability
- Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel - Check room rates and availability
- Club Paradise Resort - Check room rates and availability
- Corto del Mar Hotel - Check room rates and availability
- The Palladium Hotel - Coron - Check room rates and availability
- Bacau Bay Resort - Check room rates and availability
- Bluewave Hotel Coron - Check room rates and availability
- Sophia's Garden Resort - Check room rates and availability
- Vienna Hotel - Check room rates and availability
HOSTELS AND BUDGET HOTELS IN CORON
- Hop Hostel - Check room rates and availability
- Sunlight Guest Hotel - Check room rates and availability
- Coron Bancuang Mansion - Check room rates and availability
- Vela Terraces Hotel - Check room rates and availability
- Coron Gateway Hotel and Suites - Check room rates and availability
- MO2 Westown Lagoon - Check room rates and availability
- Sunz En Coron Resort - Check room rates and availability
- Acacia Garden Inn - Check room rates and availability
- Sea Horse Guest House - Check room rates and availability
- Coron Vista Lodge - Check room rates and availability
Top Things to Do in Coron, Tourist Spots, Recommended Tours and Activities
What to do in Coron, Palawan? Here's a list of the top things to do in Coron, must-do activities, tourist spots, attractions and recommended tours you should avail and should include in your Coron itinerary.
Photo from Klook
1. Coron Ultimate Tour
I think, everyone will agree when I say that “the highlight of every trip to Coron would be the island hopping activity”. As mentioned by a local, "the beauty of Coron cannot be found in the mainland but on the islands surrounding it". Yes indeed! We witnessed these stunning lakes, breathtaking islands, awesome corals gardens, and pristine white sand beaches on one of the best island hopping adventures I've had so far.
This essential Coron Tour is ideal for people who wants to experience that best of Coron natural wonders. This tour covers the top popular tourist destinations in Coron such as Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Siete Picados, Coral Garden, Atwayan Beach and CYC Beach. If you only have one day for island hopping in Coron, this is the best tour package to avail. The tour package includes hotel pick up and drop off within downtown Coron, snorkeling gear, English speaking guide, bottled water, boat transfers, picnic lunch, entrance fees and environment fees for as low as ₱ 1,449 per person for a join-in tour.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- 08:00am hotel pick up
- Kayangan Lake
- Twin Lagoon
- Skeleton Wreck
- Siete Picados
- Coral Garden
- 12:30pm lunch at Atwayan Beach
- CYC Beach
- 05:00pm hotel drop off
OTHER OPTIONS:
TRAVEL TIP: If you have more time, I highly recommend that you take it slow and avail separate tours for you to have enough time to explore Coron's islands and beaches. You have 3 options: Coron Tour A, B and C. Please see available Coron Tours below.
Photo from Klook
2. Coron Tour A
Enjoy the beaches, splash into clear waters and explore all the fun activities that Coron offers. This tour covers a whole day of island hopping adventure to CYC beach, Coral Garden, Atwayan Beach, Secret Lagoon, Siete Pecados and Kayangan Lake. For as low as ₱ 1,038 per person, this join-in tour includes hotel pick up and drop off within downtown Coron, snorkeling mask, English-speaking guide, water, boat transfers, life vest, cottage rental, picnic lunch, entrance fees for all attractions (PHP100 for Coral Garden, PHP100 for Atwayan Beach, PHP300 for Kayangan Lake) and 12% government tax.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- 08:00am hotel pick up
- CYC beach
- Coral Garden
- 12:00pm picnic lunch at Atwayan Beach
- Secret Lagoon
- Siete Pecados
- Kayangan Lake
- 05:00pm hotel drop off
Photo from Klook
3. Coron Tour B
This island hopping tour covers Coron's best spots for island fun adventure. Start your journey by visiting Barracuda Lake which is popular among divers. Then be amazed by Skeleton Wreck which is a sunken warship during WWII, then head on to Banol Beach for your picnic lunch by the beach. Then proceed to Twin Lagoon and enjoy the view of its stunning limestone cliffs and a swim on its tranquil waters. End the tour with a stop at the Reef Garden where you could see beautiful marine life and corals. This join-in tour includes hotel pick up and drop off within downtown Coron, snorkeling mask rental, English-speaking tour guide, boat transfers, life vest rental, cottage fee, picnic lunch, entrance fees to all attractions (PHP200 for Barracuda Lake, PHP100 for Smith/Banol Beach, PHP100 for Skeleton Wreck, and PHP200 for Twin Lagoon) and 12% government tax for as low as ₱ 1,449 per person.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- 08:00am hotel pick up
- Barracuda Lake
- Skeleton Wreck
- 12:00pm picnic lunch at Banol Beach
- Twin Lagoon
- Reef Garden
- 05:00pm hotel drop off
Photo from Klook
4. Coron Tour C
If beaches are your favorites, this tour mostly covers the beaches in Coron. In this tour, you'll be able to enjoy powdery sands, crystal clear waters and bask in the sun by visiting Malcapuya Island, Banana Island and Bulog Dos Island. For as low as ₱ 1,590 per person, thin join-in tour package is inclusive of hotel pick up and drop off within downtown Coron, snorkeling mask rental, English-speaking tour guide, boat transfers, life vest, cottage rental, picnic lunch at Malcapuya Island, entrance fees to all attractions (PHP200 for Barracuda Lake, PHP100 for Smith/Banol Beach, PHP100 for Skeleton Wreck, and PHP200 for Twin Lagoon) and 12% government tax.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- 08:00am start of tour
- Malcapuya Island
- Picnic lunch
- Banana Island
- Bulog Dos Island
- 05:00pm end of tour
Enjoying the sunset from the top of Mt. Tapyas
5. Coron Town Half Day Tour
Aside from the beaches, islands, and lagoons, there are also interesting sites to explore within the Coron town. One of them is the scenic Mt. Tapyas where you will be greeted with a stunning panoramic views of Coron from up above. This tour also includes a visit to Maquinit Hot Springs where you could dip into the natural hot spring swimming pools famous for their therapeutic properties and healing benefits. Also included in this tour are visits to Lualhati Park, St. Agustin Church, Cashew Factory, and of course souvenir shopping. For as low as ₱ 655 per person, this tour includes round-trip transfers to and from your hotel, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Springs and environmental fees.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- 03:30pm hotel pick up
- Souvenir Shop
- Lualhati Park
- Mt. Tapyas
- Cashew Factory
- St. Agustin Church
- Maquinit Hotspring
- 07:30pm hotel drop off
Photo from Klook
6. Coron Reefs and Wreck Day Tour
For the diving enthusiasts, this Coron Reefs and Wreck Day Tour is the ideal tour for you. This tour covers Lusong Gunboat shipwreck, a WWII vessel-turned-famous diving site in Coron, as well as Coral Gardens and lunch on Pass Island. For as low as ₱ 1,915 per person, this private tour includes hotel pick up and drop off, buffet picnic lunch and light snack, admission to attractions and English-speaking tour guide.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- 07:30am hotel pick up
- Lusong Gunboat
- Lusong Coral Gardens
- Lunch in Pass Island
- 05:00pm hotel drop off, end of the tour
Photo from Klook
7. Coron Glittering Fireflies and Bioluminescence Night Tour
This night tour will let you enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the mangrove swamps where you'll get to witness the magical glow of the fireflies at night. The best part is, delicious buffet dinner at Pange’t Floating Restaurant is also included in the tour package. For as low as ₱ 888 per person, the tour also includes hotel pick up and drop off, admission to attractions and English-speaking tour guide.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- 06:00pm hotel pick up
- Mangrove Forest Park
- Buffet dinner at Pang-e't Restaurant
- 09:00pm hotel drop off, end of the tour
Photo from Klook
8. Coron Calauit Safari and Beach Tour
In this tour, you will be able to see and interact with the adorable animals living on Calauit Island during the safari adventure. It also includes a visit to the amazing beaches of Black Island or North Cay. For as low as ₱ 2,338 per person, you can avail this tour which includes hotel pick up and drop off within Coron town, English speaking guide, bottled water, boat transfers to North Cay and Pamalican Island, picnic lunch, entrance fees to Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary and environmental fee.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Calauit Safari Tour
- 07:00am-7:30am hotel pick up
- Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary
- 12:00pm lunch at Bulwang Fishpond Restaurant
- Relax/swim at Rio Aplaya Beach
- 05:00pm hotel drop off
Calauit Safari with North Cay Island
- 07:00am-7:30am hotel pick up
- Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary
- 12:00pm lunch at Bulwang Fishpond Restaurant
- 01:00pm-2:00pm boat ride to North Cay Island
- 05:30pm hotel drop off
Calauit Safari with Black Island
- 07:30am hotel pick up
- Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary
- Busuanga Town
- Lunch at Ocam-ocam Beach or Rio Playa Beach
- Black Island Cave
- Black Island Beach
- 06:00pm hotel drop off
OTHER OPTION: If you want to visit the Calauit Safari and a visit to the historic and natural attractions in the town of Busuanga, you may avail the Coron Calauit Safari and Busuanga Town Tour.
Photo from Klook
9. Enjoy Coron Water Activities
If you want to experience thrilling water activities in Coron such as banana boat ride, jet ski, flying fish, kayaking and paragliding, here are some of the water activities you may want to try. I also included some water activity packages that you could avail.
- Parasailing and Clear Kayak Experience
- Banana Boat Ride and Clear Kayak Experience
- Flyfish Ride and Clear Kayak Experience
- All-in Watersports Experience in Coron
- Coron Watersports Thrills with Clear Kayak Experience
- Jet Ski and Clear Kayak Experience
Photo from Klook
10. Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort Palawan: Fly + Stay + Dine
- Enjoy an exclusive 4D3N or 5D4N stay at the luxurious Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort (SETIR) in Culion.
- Experience a hassle-free and safe all-in travel package inclusive of flight + accommodations + dining credits.
- Fly via Sunlight Air's chartered plane departing from a private terminal in Metro Manila.
- Choose from 4 different spacious villas depending on your travel group's preference.
- Get access to SETIR's expansive amenities ranging from spa, sauna services, restaurants, dive shops, and many more!
Photo from Klook
Sample Coron Itinerary (4 Days and 3 Nights)
For first-timers in Coron, a 4 days and 3 nights Coron itinerary is the most ideal to fully enjoy the most of the top tourist spots, activities and things to do in Coron. Feel free to adjust this itinerary depending on the activities you want to do and on your flight arrival and departure times.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL + CORON TOWN HALF DAY TOUR
- 10:00 am - arrival in Busuanga Airport
- 10:30 am - take the airport transfer to Coron - ₱ 180 per person
- 11:30 am - arrive at the hotel, have lunch, check-in and rest √ See hotels & resorts in Coron here!
- CORON TOWN HALF DAY TOUR [ BOOK HERE ] - ₱ 655 per person
- 03:30 pm - hotel pick up
- Souvenir Shop
- Lualhati Park
- Mt. Tapyas
- Cashew Factory
- St. Agustin Church
- Maquinit Hotspring
- 07:30 pm - hotel drop off
- 08:00 pm - dinner - ₱ 250 per person
- 09:00 pm - sleep
- DAY 1 EXPENSES - ₱ 1,085 per person
DAY 2 - CORON ISLAND HOPPING TOUR
- 06:00 am - wake up and prepare
- 07:00 am - breakfast - ₱ 150 per person
- ULTIMATE CORON ISLAND HOPPING TOUR - ₱ 1,449 per person
- 08:00 am - hotel pick up
- Kayangan Lake
- Twin Lagoon
- Skeleton Wreck
- Siete Picados
- Coral Garden
- 12:30 pm - lunch at Atwayan Beach
- CYC Beach
- 05:00 pm - hotel drop off
- CORON FIREFLIES AND BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT TOUR [ BOOK HERE ] - ₱ 888 per person
- 06:00 pm - hotel pick up
- Mangrove Forest Park
- Buffet dinner at Pang-e't Restaurant
- 09:00 pm - hotel drop off, end of the tour
- 10:00 pm - sleep
- DAY 2 EXPENSES - ₱ 2,487 per person
DAY 3 - CORON CALAUIT SAFARI TOUR + BLACK SAND ISLAND
- 06:00 am - wake up and prepare
- 07:00 am - breakfast - ₱ 150 per person
- CORON CALAUIT SAFARI AND BLACK SAND ISLAND TOUR [ BOOK HERE ] - ₱ 2,338 per person
- 07:30 am - hotel pick up
- Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary
- Busuanga Town
- Lunch at Ocam-ocam Beach or Rio Playa Beach
- Black Island Cave
- Black Island Beach
- 06:00 pm - hotel drop off
- 07:00 pm - dinner - ₱ 250 per person
- 09:00 pm - sleep
- DAY 3 EXPENSES - ₱ 2,738 per person
DAY 4 - DEPARTURE
- 06:00 am - wake up and prepare
- 07:00 am - breakfast - ₱ 150 per person
- 08:00 am - check-out
- 08:30 am - take the airport transfer to Busuanga Airport - ₱ 180 per person
- 09:30 am - flight check-in
- 11:00 am - departure
- DAY 4 EXPENSES - ₱ 330 per person
TRAVEL TIP: For more Coron Sample Itineraries, please check out my post: SAMPLE CORON ITINERARIES for 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour or More!
Coron Budget Trip and Expenses
If you will follow the above 4 days and 3 nights itinerary, here is the breakdown of expenses and the estimated budget you should prepare. Given that:
- You will be traveling with a travel buddy sharing some of the expenses.
- You will be availing join-in tours.
- You will be staying in a budget hotel for 1,500 pesos per night. (1,500 x 3 nights = 4,500 / 2 = PHP 2,250 per person)
- You will be taking the shared airport transfers.
- Your budget for breakfast is 150 pesos and for dinner is 250 pesos per person.
- Rates and prices are correct at the time of posting.
4D3N BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES PER PERSON
- HOTEL - ₱ 2,250
- DAY 1 - ₱ 1,085
- DAY 2 - ₱ 2,487
- DAY 3 - ₱ 2,738
- DAY 4 - ₱ 330
TOTAL - ₱ 8,890 per person
If this doesn't fit your budget, you may adjust your itinerary and make it 3 days and 2 nights and omit the Calauit Safari Tour. This will bring down your expenses to:
3D2N BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES PER PERSON
- HOTEL - ₱ 1,500
- DAY 1 - ₱ 1,085
- DAY 2 - ₱ 2,487
- DAY 3 - ₱ 330
TOTAL - ₱ 5,402 per person
Not included in these budget computations are the following:
- Round trip airfare Manila-Coron-Manila
- NAIA and Coron Airport terminal fees
- Food expense for snacks
- Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses
Coron Travel Blogs
- THE FUNNY LION, "Lovely Boutique Resort in Coron, Palawan"
- My 4-Hour Flight to Busuanga
- Hiking Mt. Tapyas plus a Soothing Dip at Maquinit Hot Springs
- Killing Some Time in Coron Town Proper
- Coron Island Hopping Packaged Tour and Gimik Night
Coron Travel Requirements? What do you need to travel to Palawan?
Currently, Coron is open for tourists on point-to-point and bubble tourism only. The list of Coron, Palawan travel requirements and entry protocols depend on the type of traveler and vaccination status. Please read my post Coron, Palawan Travel Requirements for Tourists and Visitors for more details.
Where to get affordable and convenient RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test for your trip to Coron, Palawan?Avail of Klook’s RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen tests with up to 40% off retail rates for a seamless testing experience! You may get your test results within 1 hour for antigent tests and as fast as 24 hours for RT-PCR tests! |
amaziiiinnggg
ReplyDeleteThis is the ultimate Coron Travel Guide I need! Thank you for posting the top best things to do in Coron Palawan tourist spots and places to visit!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this. Keep it up!
ReplyDelete