4-Day Travel Guide in Coron, Palawan
Coron, Palawan has been on my list of places to visit here in the Philippines.
As I intended, I want to visit El Nido first then Coron. I got this advice from a lot of people who already visited both destinations. You might know that these two beautiful places will always be compared with each other. They are both wonderful, but as I always say, travel and experiences will always be subjective.
For me, I can’t compare both since when I visited El Nido, I did not do freediving so I was just merely enjoying the island and the view hopping. Then visiting Coron was all freediving. For the entire time, I was looking under the water. Literally!
We visited Coron, Palawan with my Freediving Friends and I have to say that it was AMAZING!
All our activities were already planned out since we were a big group. All we wanted was to dive so we skipped some islands and asked for a new destination where we can dive.
But, as always, I’m not really a good itinerary planner, but I’m always willing to share with you some tips and how to explore the best island in the world…CORON.
Pre-travel Guide to Coron, Palawan
Transport:
✈️ Flights:
Book your flight at least 6 weeks before your departure date to get reasonable rates. We booked our flight via Philippines Airlines but you can always check the cheapest low-cost airline in the country, Cebu Pacific.
You can book a flight directly to Coron from Manila, Clark, and Cebu.
⛴️ Ferry:
From El Nido:
You can go to Coron from El Nido with a Fast ferry for PHP1,760 via Montenegro Shipping Lines. Travel time will be about 4 hours.
They have daily schedules and you can check them on their Facebook page or you may contact them at 0917-705-9917 (Coron) and 0921-543-1887 (El Nido) for inquiries.
You can also find a few ferries From El Nido to Coron here.
From Puerto Princesa:
You can check 2GoTravel for schedules.
🚌 Transfers:
From Busuanga Airport to Coron Proper – There will be a lot of available Vans outside the airport that will cost Php150.
The easiest way to get to Coron Proper is by riding tricycles.
⛑️ Travel Insurance
If you need travel insurance, you can buy it in Safetywing, you can choose how many days you need to be insured for your travels.
Accommodations:
Reserve your accommodation ahead of time. You can book on Booking.com without a reservation fee.
My group actually split up during our visit. Some stayed in R2R Bayview Inn and we stayed in Pink House which we booked via Airbnb.
Other Options for less than Php1000 per night:
Book Here for more options:
Booking.comTour and Activities:
FIRST TIP: Coron is a top tourist destination and if you want to DIY island hopping, you might have a hard time. The cheapest and easiest way is to plan ahead and book tours.
You can book it in Klook or GetGuide. They have a list of tours, activities, and even transportation. If you are a planner.
TIPS:
- We took precautions while visiting Coron. We had some medications for Malaria just to be safe. (Thanks Te Doc! :D) But as you would go for any place with ordinary mosquitoes, bring spray or lotion-type mosquito repellent to use during your visit.
- If you are in a big group like us, renting an entire house would help you have cheaper expenses.
- Book your tours in advance. You can also get your tours in your hotels.
- Unlike El Nido, there are available ATMs in Coron. But bring cash just to be sure.
- Learn Cuyunon phrases. It will help you interact more with the locals.
DAY 1 – Coron Town Tour
We arrived in the morning and some arrived at lunch. So we only have a half day to explore. Good thing there’s a half-day tour where you can go around the town proper.
What to Expect:
- Meals are not included
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Things to do:
- Mt. Tapyas – Climb over 700 steps to reach the top of Mt. Tapyas and get rewarding views overlooking Coron.
- Maquinit Hotspring – One of the few saltwater hot springs in the world. Bring swimwear, extra clothes, and a towel if you will have a quick dip.
- Buy Souvenirs – Stroll around the public market and souvenir shops. Buy Cashew foods!
- Landmarks of the town – the Town Plaza, Lualhati Park, and St. Augustine Church
Scheduling:
- Morning tour: 7:00am-11:30am
- Afternoon tour: 2:30pm-7:00pm
Itinerary:
- 7:00am/2:30pm hotel pick up
- Mt Tapyas View Deck
- Maquinit Hotspring
- Public Market
- Town Plaza
- Lualhati Park
- Souvenir Shops
- St. Augustine Church
- Cashew Harvest
11:30am/7:00pm hotel drop off
DAY 2 – Coron Ultimate Tour
What to Expect:
- Hotel pick up and drop off within downtown Coron
- Hotel pick up and drop off within downtown Coron
- Snorkeling gear is provided
- Drinking Water and lunch are included
Things to do:
- Spend a day with views of the towering limestone cliffs and incomparable aquamarine lagoons of Coron
- Kayangan Lake – Visit the picturesque Kayangan Lake or swim in a hole below a rocky outcrop leading to the Big Lagoon
- Siete Pecados – Go snorkeling at the Siete Pecados Marine Park or experience an adventure as you check out Skeleton Wreck
- Enjoy a nice picnic lunch with the backdrop of the crystal clear turquoise waters
Itinerary:
- 8:00am hotel pick up
- Kayangan Lake
- Twin Lagoon
- Siete Pecados
- Marine Park/Skeleton Wreck
- Coral Garden
- 12:30pm lunch at Smith Beach
- CYC Beach
- 4:00pm hotel drop off
DAY 3 – Coron Calauit Safari and Beach Tour
What to Expect:
- Tour to see the savannah of Coron teeming with African giraffes, gazelles, zebras, brown deer, and more
- Morning safari tour around Calauit Game Refuge and Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit either North Cay or Pamilacan Island for an afternoon swim before heading back to Coron town
- Convenient hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are available for travelers staying in Coron Town hotels!
- Lunch is included.
Itinerary:
- 7:00am hotel pick up
- Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary
- 11:00am boat ride to North Cay or Pamilacan Island
- 12:00pm picnic lunch
- 4:00pm hotel drop off
OTHER OPTIONS:
During our visit, we skipped Coron Caluit Safari because we just wanted to dive in the sea. But if you want to do more island-hopping trips and enjoy the water, you can choose the tour options below.
Coron Tour A
Itinerary:
- 7:00am hotel pick up
- CYC beach
- Coral Garden
- 12:00pm picnic lunch at Atwayan Beach
- Hidden Lagoon
- Quin Reef
- Kayangan Lake
- 5:00pm hotel drop off
Coron Tour B
Itinerary:
- 7:00am hotel pick up
- Barracuda Lake
- Skeleton Wreck
- 12:00pm picnic lunch at Banol Beach
- Twin Lagoon
- Reef Garden
- 5:00pm hotel drop off
Coron Tour C
Itinerary:
- 7:00am hotel pick up
- 10:30am arrive at Malcapuya Island
- 12:00pm picnic lunch at Malcapuya Island
- Bulog Dos Island
- Banana Island
- 5:00pm hotel drop off
Coron Tour D
Itinerary:
- 7:00am hotel pick up
- Bulog Dos Island
- 12:00pm picnic lunch at Pass Island
- Lusong Coral Garden
- Lusong Gun Boat Shipwreck
- 5:00pm hotel drop off
DAY 4 – Departure / Buy Souvenirs
If you already bought souvenirs on Day 1 you can just prepare for your departure on your 4th day.
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