Things to Do in Coron, Philippines

Coron is a breathtaking island paradise in northern Palawan, Philippines, renowned for its pristine limestone karst landscapes, crystal-clear lagoons, and world-class diving sites. This small town serves as the gateway to the spectacular Coron Island and the surrounding Calamian archipelago, offering some of the most stunning natural beauty in Southeast Asia. The area is famous for its Japanese shipwrecks from World War II, making it a premier diving destination, while its emerald lagoons, hidden beaches, and towering limestone cliffs attract nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the globe. Beyond its natural wonders, Coron town itself maintains a charming, laid-back atmosphere with a growing selection of restaurants, accommodations, and tour operators. The local Tagbanua people have inhabited these islands for centuries and continue to be the traditional custodians of Coron Island, which remains largely protected and pristine. Whether you're seeking underwater adventures, island hopping excursions, or simply relaxation in one of the world's most beautiful settings, Coron offers an unforgettable tropical escape that showcases the Philippines at its most spectacular.

Top Things to Do in Coron

Island Hopping Tours

Explore the stunning lagoons, beaches, and limestone formations of the Calamian archipelago on full-day boat tours. Popular destinations include Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, and various pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. These tours typically include lunch and snorkeling equipment.

Booking Tip: Book through reputable tour operators for ₱1,200-2,000 per person. Choose tours with smaller groups (under 15 people) for a better experience. Book 1-2 days in advance during peak season, and look for operators that provide life jackets and quality snorkeling gear.

Wreck Diving

Dive among the famous Japanese shipwrecks from World War II, considered some of the best wreck diving sites in the world. The clear waters and well-preserved vessels create an underwater museum experience, with ships like the Okikawa Maru and Irako offering incredible exploration opportunities. Both beginner and advanced divers can enjoy these sites with proper guidance.

Booking Tip: Expect to pay ₱3,500-5,000 per day for two dives including equipment. Choose PADI-certified dive shops with good safety records. Book 2-3 days ahead during peak season, and ensure the operator provides recent dive briefings and quality equipment maintenance.

Kayangan Lake Visit

Visit the Philippines' cleanest lake, nestled within towering limestone cliffs on Coron Island. The lake offers incredibly clear freshwater perfect for swimming, and the viewpoint provides one of the most photographed vistas in the country. The short hike to the viewpoint rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding karst landscape.

Booking Tip: Usually included in island hopping tours for ₱200 entrance fee. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos. Some operators offer exclusive early access tours for ₱2,500-3,500 per person.

Mount Tapyas Sunset Hike

Climb the 700+ steps to the summit of Mount Tapyas for panoramic views of Coron town, the surrounding islands, and spectacular sunsets. The moderately challenging hike takes about 20-30 minutes and is marked by stations of the cross along the way. The summit features a large cross and viewing deck perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Free to access, best visited 1-2 hours before sunset (around 4-5 PM). Bring water and wear good walking shoes as steps can be steep and uneven. Consider hiring a local guide for ₱500-800 if you want historical information about the area.

Maquinit Hot Springs

Relax in natural saltwater hot springs located about 30 minutes from Coron town center. These therapeutic springs maintain temperatures around 38-40°C and are surrounded by mangrove forests, creating a unique and relaxing experience. The springs are particularly enjoyable after a day of island hopping or diving activities.

Booking Tip: Entrance fee is ₱200 per person, open until 10 PM daily. Best visited in late afternoon or evening when temperatures are cooler. Tricycle transport costs ₱300-500 round trip, or rent a motorbike for ₱400-600 per day to get there independently.

Getting There

The primary way to reach Coron is by flying into Busuanga Airport (USU), which receives direct flights from Manila (1.5 hours) and Cebu (1 hour) via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and PAL Express. From the airport, it's a 45-minute van or bus ride to Coron town center, costing around ₱150-200 per person. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Manila (14-16 hours) or El Nido (3-4 hours) with 2GO Travel or other operators, though flights are more convenient and time-efficient for most travelers.

Getting Around

Coron town is small and walkable, with most accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators within easy walking distance of each other. For longer distances or trips to attractions like Maquinit Hot Springs, tricycles are the most common transport option, costing ₱100-500 depending on distance and negotiation skills. Motorbike rentals are available for ₱400-600 per day and offer more flexibility for exploring. Habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are also available for reaching more remote areas, while bangka boats are used for all island hopping and diving excursions.

Where to Stay

Coron Town Center

Mount Tapyas Area

Barangay Poblacion 5

Coron Bay

Decalachao Beach

Banuang Daan

Food & Dining

Coron's dining scene has evolved significantly, offering everything from fresh seafood and traditional Filipino dishes to international cuisine. Local specialties include grilled seafood, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and traditional Palawan dishes featuring fresh fish and tropical fruits. Popular restaurants range from budget-friendly local eateries like Kawayanan Grill and Bistro Coron to upscale establishments such as Santino's Grill and La Sirenetta. Many accommodations also offer excellent restaurant facilities, and the town center has numerous cafes, bakeries, and bars. Don't miss trying the local cashew products and fresh tropical fruits from the public market.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Coron is during the dry season from November to May, with December to February offering the most comfortable weather conditions with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. March to May can be quite hot but still excellent for water activities, while June to October is the wet season with higher chances of rain and rough seas that may affect boat tours and diving conditions. However, Coron can be visited year-round, and even during the wet season, rain often comes in short bursts rather than all-day downpours, and the landscape becomes lush and green.

Insider Tips

Book island hopping tours the day before rather than morning-of to secure better boats and avoid disappointment during peak season

Bring reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen can damage the pristine coral reefs and lagoons you'll be visiting

Download offline maps and bring a portable charger as WiFi and cellular signals can be spotty on remote islands and during boat tours

Things to Do in Coron