15 EPIC Things to Do In Coron, Philippines (From Our Visit!) + Coron Planning Guide
Coron is hands down one of the most epic places in the Philippines, especially if you’re into island-hopping and snorkelling!
The crystal-clear lagoons and WWII shipwrecks make it an absolute dream to wear your snorkelling mask and explore.
We spent a few months exploring the Philippines, and honestly, the island-hopping in Coron was our favourite!
The town itself isn’t that touristy though, but it’s the perfect base for exploring. We stayed for a few days and reckon 3 days and 2 nights is the sweet spot.
So we wrote this guide to break down all the best things to do in Coron, from swimming in Kayangan Lake to snorkelling sunken ships, plus tips on where to stay, how to get there, and how to avoid the crowds.
Let’s get into it!
But first… travel essentials for Coron
🎉 Activities: These are some of the best tours in Coron:
🛏️ Accomodation: We stayed at The Funny Lion, it was excellent.
❤️🩹 Insurance: This is the travel insurance that we always use
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📞 eSIM: Grab our favourite eSIM and stay connected at all times
15 Epic things to do in Coron
Most of the things to do in Coron are outside of Coron town proper (it isn’t very touristy), but they’re INCREDIBLE, you’ll feel like you’re on a postcard the whole time:
1) Coron Island hopping tour
If you’re in Coron, you have to go island hopping! It’s hands down the best way to see what makes this place so special – hidden lagoons, epic limestone cliffs, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever swim in.
These are full-day tours that cover a mix of beaches, lakes, and snorkelling spots. You’ll visit iconic places like Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Siete Pecados, Malcapuya Island, and Banana Island!
Some tours also include lunch, fees, and even pick up and drop off, which also makes these experiences extremely convenient and budget-friendly.
As for costs, most shared island-hopping tours are around ₱1,000–₱2,000 ($17.06 – $34.11) per person for a whole day.
But we recommend booking a private island-hopping tour if possible! They cost around ₱3,000–₱6,000 ($51.17 – $102.33) but give you more freedom and flexibility.
You can even plan on visiting certain spots like Kayangan Lake outside peak hours so you can avoid the crowds! Here’s an excellent private island-hopping tour if you’re interested.
2) Kayangan Lake
This stunning lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, making it one of the most photographed spots in the Philippines! Most island-hopping tours stop there.
To reach the lake itself, you’ll have to climb about 300 steps up and down. The climb is short but steep, and there’s a famous viewpoint at the top where you can take in the incredible turquoise waters below.
Once you arrive, you’ll see why it’s often called the cleanest lake in the country – the water is SO clear, you can see the rock formations beneath the surface!
Swimming and snorkelling here are an absolute must. Unlike the usual coral reefs, the underwater landscape is filled with jagged limestone formations, giving it an otherworldly vibe.
Try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. If you can, go on a private tour so you can enjoy the lake without the rush!
3) Twin Lagoon
Twin Lagoon is one of the most surreal places you’ll EVER swim. The water has a mix of saltwater and freshwater, creating a thermocline, i.e. you’ll feel sudden temperature shifts as you swim!
The place itself is a set of two lagoons surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, with the only way to get between them being a small crevice you either swim through or climb over at low tide. Talk about an adventure.
The lagoon is also super calm so it’s perfect for a relaxing swim, but if you have a snorkel, bring it! The underwater views are just as stunning, with rock formations creating a maze beneath the surface.
Try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak tour crowds. If you’re on a private tour, request to visit Twin Lagoon last so you get it to yourself!
4) Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is one of Coron’s most unique dive and swim spots. Much like Twin Lagoon, it also has sudden water shifts between warm and cold layers as you go deeper!
The water is incredibly clear, and the surrounding cliffs give it a secluded, peaceful feel. The entrance requires a short wooden stair climb from the boat, but it’s an easy one.
There’s barely any marine life here, though. But this doesn’t mean it’s not worth snorkelling – the dramatic limestone formations underwater are absolutely incredible.
We LOVED free-diving this lake, the landscape was both eerie and stunning! There’s a massive 30-metre-deep cave at the bottom if you want to scuba-dive there.
And if you’re lucky, you might even spot the lake’s namesake – barracudas sometimes swim through, but they’re harmless!
5) Skeleton Wreck
Skeleton Wreck is one of the easiest and most accessible shipwreck dives in Coron – it’s 5 to 22 metres under the surface, so it’s perfect for both snorkellers and divers.
It’s also one of the few wrecks in Coron that doesn’t require a deep dive certification, so anyone comfortable in the water can enjoy it!
The wreck itself is the remains of a Japanese supply ship from World War II, now covered in coral and teeming with marine life.
The ship’s skeletal frame is still intact, and you can swim around and through parts of it! Schools of fish, colourful corals, and even the occasional sea turtle make it their home.
Try to go early in the morning when the water is at its calmest. Make it easy by booking a tour like this one that has Skeleton Wreck as its first stop, then continues to Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon.
6) Siete Pecados Marine Park
Siete Pecados Marine Park is one of the BEST snorkelling spots in Coron.
It’s a cluster of seven small islets surrounded by some of the healthiest coral reefs in the area. The water here is crystal clear, there’s abundant marine life, and fishing is banned so the reef is in pristine condition!
We were impressed by how shallow the reef is. It’s really easy to see all the corals without having to dive much.
There are also deeper sections where you can spot bigger fish and even the occasional blacktip reef shark (which we were told are safe to swim with btw).
If you’re keen, this full-day tour includes Siete Pecados, as well as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon!
7) Malcapuya Island
If you’re looking for a chill beach day away from the usual island-hopping routes, this is the place.
It’s a small island with a beach that stretches for about a kilometre, with shallow, calm waters perfect for a relaxing dip.
Just offshore, you’ll find coral reefs with heaps of marine life, including giant clams and colourful reef fish! If you don’t want to swim there, you can pay ~100₱ ($1.74) for a boat to take you to the snorkelling area.
Unlike some of the other islands around Coron, Malcapuya has a few basic amenities. There are some hotels there, and some locals sell fresh coconuts and snacks. So why not stay overnight?
8) Bulog Dos Island
Bulog Dos Island is a tiny slice of paradise with some of the clearest waters in Coron. It’s part of the exclusive Two Seasons Resort, but the public side of the island is just as stunning!
The best thing to do here is simply enjoy the beach. The sandbar that connects to a nearby island appears during low tide, making it a great spot for a stroll or some epic photos.
There’s also great snorkelling, with heaps of marine life to check out just offshore.
But since it’s a small island, it can get packed during peak hours, so try visiting early or consider pampering yourself with an overnight stay at the resort! You’ll enjoy the beauty of Bulog Dos without the crowds.
9) Banana Island
Banana Island is another epic island stop in Coron, with relaxing and resort-like vibes.
Much like Malcapuya Island, there are vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life just offshore – you’ll see clownfish hiding in anemones to giant clams and colourful parrotfish!
It also has a few accommodations – from hammocks to cottages – if you want to stay overnight.
Try to visit as part of an island-hopping tour like this one that includes Malcapuya Island and Bulog Dos, you won’t regret it!
10) Banul Beach
Banul Beach is a small but gorgeous beach, with shallow and ridiculously clear water. Most island-hopping tours stop here for lunch, so no need to plan a separate trip to visit it!
There are a few nipa huts where you can sit and enjoy a classic Filipino-style feast, usually fresh seafood, grilled meats, and heaps of rice.
If you want to go for a snorkel, there are coral patches just offshore, with plenty of colourful fish darting around.
Just make sure to bring cash if you want to buy snacks or drinks from the locals selling them on the beach. We recommend using this bank as it has the best exchange fees for PHP and you can withdraw up to ₱12,000 for free!
11) Lusong Coral Garden
This was one of our favourite snorkelling spots in Coron, hands down!
The reef here is absolutely thriving, with some of the most colourful and diverse coral formations you’ll find in the area – from intricate branching corals to massive soft corals swaying with the current.
Plus, it’s a shallow reef, so you’ll be able to get up close without diving deep. The currents are usually mild, making it a relaxed and easy snorkel.
And if you’re lucky, you might even spot sea turtles gliding past or a blue-spotted stingray hiding in the sand!
12) Lusong Gunboat Wreck
This is one of the easiest and most fun shipwrecks to explore in Coron! It’s very shallow – just 3-10 metres of water – so you don’t need dive gear to enjoy it.
The wreck is a Japanese gunboat from World War II, now completely covered in coral and swarming with marine life, much like Skeleton Wreck.
The wreck is surrounded by a reef, making it more than just a historical site. Even if you’re not into shipwrecks, the coral and marine life here are worth checking out.
The visibility is usually great, and the calm, shallow waters make it an easy and relaxed snorkelling spot! Some tours combine Lusong Gunboat with the Coral Garden, so you get the best of both worlds!
13) Mount Tapyas
Mount Tapyas is the second tallest peak on the island (210 metres high) and it’s the BEST spot to enjoy panoramic views of the area.
You need to climb several steps (721 to be exact) to get to the top, most people need around 40 minutes to complete it.
It sounds like a lot, but the climb isn’t too bad, and there are rest stops along the way. Once you’re up there, you’ll see it was worth the effort!
The lookout is open all day, so definitely try to time your visit so you can see the sunset at the top. Just make sure to bring water, as there aren’t any vendors on the trail.
14) Maquinit Hot Springs
This is the perfect way to after a day of island-hopping! Maquinit is one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, and the naturally heated water comes straight from an underground volcano.
There’s an entry fee of ₱200 ($3.48), which gives you access to the area. This includes the hot springs, use of picnic tables, and a wooden boardwalk leading into a beautiful mangrove forest.
The best time to go there is in the evening, when the air is cooler, and the pools feel even more inviting. Just bring cash for the entrance fee! If you’d rather go with an organised tour, check this one – it includes the Hot Springs, Mount Tapyas, and iconic landmarks of Coron Town proper.
15) Go to El Nido with a 3-day island hopping tour
Honestly, this was the BEST tour we did during our 2-3-month stay in The Philippines!
You’ll be island-hopping your way from Coron to El Nido (or the other way around), checking out the surrounding islands that are far away from the usual crowds.
It includes all meals, accommodation, and of course transportation. We even slept on deserted beaches, it was incredible! Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly, too – the whole thing costs around $300 USD.
This is the tour we did! We 100% recommend these guys.
When is the best time to visit Coron?
For us, March to April is the best time to visit Coron. The weather is perfect for island-hopping and snorkelling, plus it’s shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds and slightly better deals!
Peak tourist season is from December to February means higher prices and more people, while the monsoon months from May to November bring unpredictable weather.
How to get to Coron from Australia?
Getting to Coron from Australia requires a bit of planning, but it’s well worth the journey.
Start by flying into Manila from major Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Direct flights take around 8 hours, and airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines frequently operate this route.
From Manila, take another flight (1h 20m) to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga), which is about a 40-minute drive from Coron Town proper. There are several daily flights covering this route!
Another alternative is to:
Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa (PPC), in Palawan Island.
Take a shared van from PPC to El Nido (6 hrs), costs around ₱500–₱700 ($8.53-$11.94) per person.
Once in Coron, getting around is easy with motorcycle taxis, jeepneys, or scooter rentals:
Motorcycle Taxis: Short-distance rides cost ₱20–₱50 per person one-way, while longer trips range from ₱50–₱150.
Jeepneys: Fares range between ₱10–₱20 per person one-way, depending on the route.
Scooter Rentals: Renting a motorcycle or scooter costs between ₱300–₱500 per day, providing flexibility to explore the area at your own pace.
How many days to stay in Coron?
We think 3 days and 2 nights is more than enough in Coron. There isn’t much to do in the town itself, you’ll be able to check out the main highlights of it in an afternoon or two!
The minimum should be 2 full days, though. And if you want to see everything there is to see – the main islands, the shipwrecks, etc – staying 4-5 days might be best.
Where to eat in Coron?
Coron’s packed with foodie spots, but these are some go-to picks that won’t wreck your budget or your appetite:
- El Kuvo ($-$$) Fresh seafood, grilled favourites, and island-inspired cocktails come together at this laid-back Coron gem. With top-notch ceviche, local classics like Kare Kare, and a super chill vibe, it’s a must-visit for anyone hitting Palawan.
- Gavin’s kitchen + bar ($-$$) Tucked away in Coron, this cozy spot dishes up fresh, flavour-packed meals—from stuffed squid to shrimp pasta—with plenty of gluten-free options too. Friendly staff, great vibes, and food so good you’ll want to come back the next night.
- AlFresco Coron ($-$$) This ocean-view spot serves up fresh local seafood with a modern twist—don’t miss the tuna with mango or the grilled fish. Relax on the open-air terrace with a cold drink and enjoy top-notch service in the heart of Coron.
- Follow Your Taste ($-$$) Fresh, homemade, and full of flavour—this chill Coron spot is known for its tuna ceviche, Greek yogurt bowls, and solid coffee. Friendly vibes, great prices, and the kind of place you’ll want to come back to.
- Hermanos Tapas and Wine Bar ($-$$) Generous portions, bold flavours, and friendly service make this one of Coron’s go-to spots for Spanish-style tapas. Don’t miss the ginger lemon fish, patatas bravas, or veggie-friendly options like the cashew spinach.
Top accommodations in Coron
We recommend staying in Coron town proper as you’ll have easy access to the tours, food, entertainment, etc.
We stayed in The Funny Lion and it was great value for money! There’s an awesome rooftop bar if you want some cocktails in the arvo.
Here are other epic options in Coron Town Proper:
Best budget-friendly stay: Hop Hostel
Best for families and groups: Coron Westown Resort
Best hotel: The Ridge Coron
Best luxury: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort
If none of these fill your needs, go here to look for more accommodation options in Coron!
Top Tips
There are no ATMs that accept international cards outside of Coron Town, and cash is king everywhere. Many restaurants, tour operators, and even some hotels don’t accept cards!
So, withdraw enough cash before heading to more remote areas. If you need to get cash in town, do it soon – some ATMs might run out of money on weekends and holidays.
Also, always clarify what’s included when booking a tour. Some don’t include entrance fees or charge a bit for snorkel rentals.
Did you know?
One of the biggest historical events tied to Coron happened during World War II when the U.S. Navy bombed a Japanese fleet hiding in Coron Bay.
In September 1944, a surprise air raid sank about a dozen Japanese warships and supply vessels, turning the bay into the wreck diving site it is today.
Of all the shipwrecks in Coron, the Irako is considered one of the best-preserved and most challenging deep dives in the Philippines. This massive refrigeration ship sits at around 40 meters deep and is still almost fully intact!
FAQs
What is Coron Palawan best known for?
Coron is best known for its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and world-class wreck diving sites from World War II. It’s a top destination for island hopping and snorkelling!
The bottom line
Coron is one of the most epic destinations in the Philippines! Whether you’re island-hopping through hidden lagoons, snorkelling over WWII shipwrecks, or soaking in volcanic hot springs, every day here feels like an adventure.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll constantly be torn between exploring more and just sitting back, taking it all in.
Have you been to Coron? What was your favourite spot? Let us know in the comments!
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