Coron is currently my favorite Philippine destination. This was my third visit to the islands, and finally, the weather was perfect. My first two trips in 2012 and 2015 were not so fortunate. As they say, the third time’s a charm, and this time, I enjoyed clear blue skies throughout my stay, which truly showcased Coron’s beauty.
How to Get to Coron
Our team flew from Manila to Coron via Busuanga Airport with Cebu Pacific Air, which operates 5-6 flights daily from Manila and from Clark (Pampanga) to Coron.
For those coming from El Nido, Montenegro Lines offers daily trips between El Nido and Coron, with a travel time of 3½ to 4 hours. The ferry leaves El Nido at 0600H and departs Coron at 1200H.
From the airport, a van ride to Coron town takes about 30 minutes and typically costs 250 PHP. For hassle-free transfer, you may book it via Klook at 250 PHP below.
Getting Around Coron Town
Tricycles are plentiful and the most convenient way to get around, costing about 20 PHP per person. Most restaurants are near the port, so staying in a nearby hotel or resort is convenient.
Island hopping and diving are the main attractions in Coron, so expect to spend most of your day on a boat or in the sea.
Where to Stay
There are several budget hotels and Inns in Coron which you can consider. We would highly recommend the following hotels located in Coron Town that are very close to everything (i.e. restaurants, the port for island hopping, market, bars, etc).
Bluewater Inn Coron
Coron Eco Lodge
Sunz En Coron is a good hotel with pool and just a tricycle away from the town.
Sunz En Coron Resort
Tour Itinerary (4D/3N)
Day 1 – Coron Town Tour
1300H: Arrival at Busuanga Airport Typically, arrivals at Coron Town are in the middle of the day, making it a good time to explore the town.
1400H: Arrival at the hotel. Settle in, leave your belongings, and explore. Visit souvenir shops, the Town Plaza, Luwalhati Park, and St. Augustine Church before heading to Mt. Tapyas for the sunset. You may book a half-day guided tour around town via Klook below for only 800PHP.
1700H: Trek to Mt. Tapyas Ride a tricycle to the base for 20 PHP per person. Climb over 700 concrete steps with handrails to the top for a breathtaking sunset view.
1915H: Maquinit Hot Spring. After the trek, relax at Maquinit Hot Spring, a rare saltwater hot spring. A tricycle ride costs around 300 PHP (roundtrip) for 3-4 people and takes about 45 minutes. The entrance fee is 200 PHP. Then head back to town for dinner.
2100H: Dinner. Alternatively, you can have dinner before visiting Maquinit Hot Spring.
Day 2 – Ultimate Coron Island Tour
0700H: Breakfast
0900H – 1700H: Ultimate Coron Island Tour. You can choose between a private tour by renting a boat through the Calamian Tourist Boat Association Inc. or joining a group tour. Group tours are hassle-free, including entrance fees, lunch, an English-speaking guide, and snorkeling gear, costing around 1,500 PHP – 1,950 PHP per person. You may book the tour by Klook below for as low as 1,800PHP per person.
However, expect crowded spots during peak season.
For a private tour, customize your itinerary and ask the boatman to take you to less crowded spots. Buy lunch at the market (seafood!) and let the boatmen cook it. Pay entrance fees on-site, handled by your boatmen. Boat rental for 2-4 people costs about 3,500 PHP.
Entrance fees:
Kayangan Lake: 300 PHP per person
Barracuda Lake: 250 PHP per person
Banul Beach: 150 PHP per person
Twin Lagoon: 200 PHP per person
Siete Pecados: 100 PHP per person
Malwawey Reef Coral Garden: Free
CYC Beach: Free
Top spots include Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, and Twin Lagoon. We started our private tour at 7 AM to avoid crowds at Twin Lagoon.
Twin Lagoon We were the first to arrive, which was great for a more private experience.
Kayangan Lake A must-visit with stunningly clear water and picturesque limestone cliffs.
Banol Beach A beautiful spot for lunch, with turquoise waters perfect for kayaking.
Barracuda Lake Similar to Kayangan Lake but less crowded.
Siete Pecados A good snorkeling spot, though we didn’t go in due to rain.
1700H: Return to the port
1700H – 1900H: Happy Hour!
1900H: Dinner
Day 3 – Malcapuya Island Loop Tour
0700H: Breakfast
0900H – 1700H: Malcapuya Island Loop Tour Join a group tour (1,700 PHP – 1,90 PHP) or rent a boat (5,700 PHP). Early departures help avoid crowds. We joined a group tour via klook for 1,700 PHP per person. You may consider booking with them also for a hassle-free vacation.
Bulog Dos Island Features beautiful rock formations and a sand bar connecting to Malaroyroy Peninsula.
Banana Island Lunch is typically served here. Explore the western beach after lunch.
Malcapuya Island Comparable to Boracay’s beach, with powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Arriving at the back side avoids coral damage.
1730H: Return to the port
1900H: Dinner
Day 4 – Return to Manila
0700H: Breakfast Spend the morning packing and shopping for souvenirs if needed.
1100H: Arrival at the airport
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