July 26th, 2023 at 06:14 am
20 Best Places to Visit in Coron Palawan, Philippines
The first image that springs to us when we think about Coron is the imposing karst cliffs that surround exquisite lagoons and lakes. Although these limestone walls have become recognizable, they are not particularly local. Many other places in the Philippines may boast of the same wonders, from El Nido over the water to Caramoan on the other side of the nation, but what distinguishes Coron is the sheer variety of what it has to offer.
Coron is a member of the Calamianes, a group of craggy islands dotting the Northern Palawan waters. The area’s center for tourism is there. Hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and offices for travel operators are strewn around the map. As a result, this became the town of Coron the primary starting point for visitors to destinations in nearby islands and municipalities.
There are many tourist attractions and activities available in Coron, including glistening lagoons, stunning beaches, and amazing dive locations. Even more unusually, they have saltwater hot springs, and, it’s hard to believe, an African safari.
1. Kayangan Lake
After a 15-minute climb up a hill, you can arrive at this picturesque lake; it’s a little difficult but well worth it. But even before you get to the lake itself, you’ll get to enjoy a stunning vista of the halfway-clear, blue waters.
You must hike for a little while to get to the lake itself, but the view of Kayangan Lake will be worth the effort. One of “the cleanest lakes in the Philippines” is extolled as a virtue. Swim while admiring the nearby rock formations.
2. Barracuda Lake
On Coron Island, Barracuda Lake is another well-known lake that is accessible to the general public. According to legend, the lake received its name from a massive barracuda fish whose skeleton was found at its depths. It has brackish water, which is a mix of saltwater and freshwater like the Kayangan Lake, but what makes it more intriguing, particularly for divers, is the thermocline, or layers of cold, warm, and hot waters.
3. Twin Lagoon
For visitors, this is a double treat! Two paradises can be found at this location, divided by a short karst wall. Particularly during the noon hour, the first lagoon where the boats are docked can become very busy. Depending on the tide, there are two methods to get to the second lagoon: climb the ladder over the rock at high tide, or swim through a hole in the rock during low tide.
4. Banul Beach
Coron is endowed with gorgeous beaches on both the mainland and the islands in addition to lagoons and lakes. White-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and coral gardens can all be found at Banul.
The Coron Island Tour typically stops at Banul Beach for lunch, though this is not always the case. When the beach’s capacity for visitors is surpassed, several tour companies move their lunch break to a different location.
5. CYC Beach
The Coron Island Tour often includes access to the Coron Youth Club (CYC) Beach. Due to its crystal-clear waves, fine white sand, and gorgeous beachscape accented with mangrove plants and rock formations, the beach has attracted both domestic and foreign tourists.
6. Siete Pecados
If you want to see all Coron has to offer underwater, check out Siete Pecados Marine Park, which boasts a rich and varied underwater ecology. Along with a variety of marine creatures, it has a vibrant coral garden that both divers and snorkelers enjoy.
7. Mount Tapyas
Mount Tapyas, which is 210 meters high, provides a sweeping perspective of its surroundings. It has a huge cross at the top. You can see the gradient of colors in the sky at sunrise or sunset. But there are over 700 concrete steps to climb to reach the top. But don’t worry, there are chairs at rest areas along the road. You can stop and rest in one of these rest decks if you’re not, particularly into hiking.
8. Maquinit Hot Springs
Maquinit Hot Spring is the ideal place to wind down your day after your island-hopping adventure or your walk up Mount Tapyas. Despite being far from the town center, the hot spring bath attracts a large number of tourists, both domestic and foreign.
9. Calauit Safari
The Calauit Safari Park tempts you with an experience that is distinct from the typical island tourist activities in the Philippines, although not being an African safari. Giraffes and zebras, two creatures that are not native to the Philippines, can live on the island.
It can take a long time to get to Calauit because it is situated in the municipality of Busuanga on the opposite side of the island. You can go by land or by boat to arrive to the Calauit Safari.
10. Black Island
Malajon Island, often known as Black Island by locals and visitors, is located northwest of Busuanga Island. The dark, massive karst rocks that dominate the island’s topography make it appear threatening from a distance. These peaks protrude from a sizable expanse of white sand that descends sharply and breaks the surface of the water. It is a large, joyful playground for beach lovers.
In addition to swimming, diving, and lazing on the beach, the island has public caves that you can explore. The largest is reachable by ascending a brief ladder. Its floor is broken up, revealing the icy, clear water that filled its tiny lakes. Its walls are made of rocks with brilliant white silica coatings, while stalactites adorn its roof.
11. Pamalican Island
In Palawan, there are two Pamalican Islands: the well-known one is in Cuyo, which is solely held by Amanpulo, and the other is in Busuanga, which is close to Coron. This 50-hectare island, which is located west of Busuanga, is bordered by a significant area of light-colored sand, and it is covered in a thick forest. The ideal location for beach enthusiasts to swim and relax is here.
12. Lusong Coral Garden & Gun Boat
Another frequent stop on the Calauit Safari Tour itinerary is Lusong Coral Garden. Both those who know how to dive and those who are content with snorkeling will find this activity spectacular and delightful. Awe-inspiring marine life can be seen frolicking in and out of the many coral formations in the large coral garden.
13. Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos & Banana Island
These island getaways are ideal for individuals who enjoy swimming and lazing on the beach. Powdery white sand beaches, azure waters, and rock formations are the only things all three have in common, but each of them still has something unique to offer and will let you appreciate Coron’s stunning natural surroundings.
14. Fireflies and Plankton Tour
You won’t soon forget the magical experience of taking this tour! In Coron, fireflies emerge at night and fly across the mangroves, producing a brilliant display. But it goes further than that. When you glance down and put your hand in the water, the natural lighting continues, leaving a mystical trail made possible by the bioluminescent plankton.
15. Parasailing
It’s exciting to see and experience Coron in this way. Parasailing is an option if you want to see aerial views of the region’s natural wonders without having to exert yourself by climbing a mountain. As you take in the stunning sight from above, feel the wind’s embrace.
16. Water Sports
In addition to island hopping excursions, Coron offers a variety of water sports. Each provider provides several bundles with unique inclusions and/or mixes them with additional excursions or activities. Pick the one that best fits your preferences, spending limit, and schedule. Several options include:
- Banana Boat
- Fly Fish
- Jet Ski
17. Culion Island
Another day trip from Coron is to Culion Island, which is also a part of the Calamianes. Culion, the largest leper colony in the world, has been cut off from the outside world for over a century and has had to deal with the stigma that comes with it.
The island settlement is gradually becoming a more popular tourist destination. The Culion Museum and Archives, Culion Church, Aguila Viewpoint, Balanga Falls, San Ignacio Farm, Pulang Lupa, and diving/snorkeling locations are a few of the places to visit.
18. Coron Town Tour
Coron offers more than just beach and island hopping activities. For those who are curious about how the residents live, the town center also has a few attractions. The customary stops are as follows:
- Public market
- Souvenir shops
- Town Plaza
- Lualhati Park
- St. Augustine Church
- Maquinit Hot Springs
- Mount Tapyas
19. Shipwreck Diving
At the height of World War II, a fight between the US Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1944 left around a dozen battleships at the bottom of Coron Bay sunken. These shipwreck diving locations are within recreational diving depth and are only a short boat journey from the mainland. The enormous wartime shipwrecks are said to be among the best preserved in the entire globe.
The Irako, Olympia Maru, Okikawa Maru, Kogyo Maru, Akitsushima, and Morazan are a few of the well-known wrecks. You won’t have any trouble scheduling a diving tour in Coron Town because there are a lot of dive shops there.
20. Seafood Galore
Expect the meals to be rather expensive because Coron is a well-known island resort with a limited supply of food supplies. Certainly, even seafood! The cost of lunch at a restaurant might range from $5 to $10.
Top Coron Resorts & Hotels
The best hotels, hostels, resorts, and flats in Coron are listed below.
- Happy Camper Hostel
- Blue Waters Inn Coron Palawan
- Haisa Apartment
- Acacia Garden Inn
- Coron Eco Lodge
- Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel
- Bluewave Hotel
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