Travel Tips: Things to Do in Coron on Your Vacation

Coron Island in the Philippines is beautiful — so beautiful that locals are fierce about protecting it.  The island — with its bone-white beach, blue-green waters with diverse marine life and shipwreck relics from the war — is unlike any other paradise, inviting you with open waves.  It has a reputation for driving away anything that could spoil its natural beauty, such as the proposed Nickelodeon theme park and the businesses which the country’s environmental body evicted.

And why would anyone not protect the beautiful Coron Island in the Philippines?  The smaller, quieter version of El Nido is just as immaculate and pristine, with its beauty relatively undiscovered.  There are fewer crowds and expenses with choosing Coron over other islands in Palawan or South East Asia– but the things to do in Coron stretch far and wide as its shores.

Things To Do In Coron

Swim in Kayangan Lake

A proof to how fiercely protective the locals are when it comes to Coron Island in the Philippines is Kayangan Lake.  Kayangan Lake is Asia’s cleanest river, under the loving care and protection of the indigenous group Tagbanuas. Kayangan Lake is said to be a place where locals perform rituals to spiritual beings inhabiting the piece of beauty.

The clarity of the emerald green waters will be worth the 300 steps to the lake.  One of the things to do in Coron that you should definitely not miss is going to Kayangan Lake.

Bird-Watching at Kingfisher Park

The birds in Coron Island, Philippines, will be nothing like you’ve ever seen before — since they are endemic to Palawan.  One of the things to do in Coron is definitely to go bird-watching.

Coron Island, Philippines is a sanctuary to birds endemic to Palawan — they will be nothing like you’ve seen before.  Witness wildlife going about their day in the wilderness — the beautiful thing about the animal-watching in Coron Island Philippines is that it is authentic.  Unlike the zoo, the animals are free and roaming around their sacred homes.

There are activities at Kingfisher Park like the Mount Lunes Santo Trek and the Starry-Starry Night Tour.

Seeing Underwater Mountains at Barracuda Lake

There is a whole world under the water, as vast, eerie and mysterious as space itself.  In Coron Island, Philippines, you could witness something bigger than yourself at Barracuda Lake — its underwater mountains.

It is set in an inland lake, quite different from the lakes off the coast with surrounding rock formations.  Barracuda Lake is composed of both fresh and saltwater. You will be swimming from cold to hot temperatures, from 28 degrees to 38 degrees, with three different thermoclines.  The experience is so dramatic you might even feel half of your body going hot and the other freezing.

The lake is so eerie that divers do not delve more than 35 meters deep because of the waters’ color changing to brown with nearly zero visibility.

Barracuda Lake remains a mystery to most divers and adventurers, which should be on your list of things to do in Coron.

Melt into the Maquinit Hot Springs

Speaking of hot, the Maquinit Hot Springs definitely is that piece of Coron Island Philippines.  Cap off a whole day of adventure by plunging into hot waters around 40 degrees Celsius. While it might seem unbearable, the secret is not just to dip your toes but your entire body in.  Next thing you know, your body is melting into the waters. Make sure to do this at night or before sunset.

Diving Into Shipwreck With Busuanga Island

West of Coron Island, Philippines, is Busuanga Island.  The place is more than a picturesque view because of its rich history — WWI Japanese ships sank right off the island’s coast.  Dive shops offer wreck dives where you could swim right in — with the ships already colored with reefs and moss. A trip to the past is definitely one of the things to do in Coron.

Coron Island Hotels

Now that you’ve read about Coron Island Philippines’ beauty and the reason why locals are so intent on protecting it, it is time to know where to stay.

It is worth noting that the hotels are not in Coron Island itself — Coron may pertain to either the town and the island.  The hotels are not in the latter. Coron Island is part of the Calamian Islands, a group of Northern Palawan islands which you may easily access from Coron Island through a boat.  The islands such as the Busuanga Island and Bulalacao Island in Coron are where the hotels are. See how protective people are of Coron Island itself.

Some hotels are situated right by the sea while the cheaper ones require you to travel from the town to the beaches and to the other islands.  We compile the best Coron Island hotels for every price and their contenders.

Two Seasons Coron Island Resort and Spa

Malaroyroy, Coron, Palawan

Two Seasons is a honeymoon destination in its own secluded island, Malaroyroy — which is definitely one of Coron’s best places.  You might have to splash the cash for its bungalows starting at PHP 27,000 (USD 530) a night, but the rooms, amenities, ocean views and privacy on the island are worth the price!  It is definitely the top pick for the luxury Coron Island hotels.

Club Paradise Resort Palawan

PHP 13,500 (USD 270)/night

Dimakya Island, Coron, Palawan

Boutique Coron Island Hotels

La Natura Resort

Barangay 6, Kapayas, Mabintangen Rd, Coron, 5316 Palawan

La Natura Resort gives you more to enjoy with its surrounding forest, outdoor swimming pool, balcony overlooking the garden, massage services, in-house bar, local and Italian restaurants and motorbike renting services — for P4,500 (USD 86) a night.  It’s the top pick for boutique Coron Island hotels and resorts.

Other High-Rating Boutique Coron Island Hotels

Coron Soleil Express Hotel

PHP 4,500 (USD 86)/night

Mabintangen Rd, Coron, Palawan

Mid-Range Coron Island Hotels

The Bay Area Coron

183 National Hwy, Coron Town Proper, Coron, Palawan

For PHP 2,400 (USD 45) a night, you get a double hotel room with a terrace for the stunning views of the sea, garden, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, comfortable beds and free WiFi.  It’s the top pick for mid-range Coron Island hotels.

Other High-Rating Mid-Range Coron Island Hotels

Haisa Apartment

PHP 3,500 (USD 70)/night

Nueva St, Coron Town Proper, Coron, Palawan

Budget Coron Island Hotels

If you don’t mind crashing in a place that is less secluded than the more expensive and luxurious beachfront resorts, then the budget Coron Island hotels in the town proper will save your money and give you the beach experience nearby, nonetheless.

Happy Camper Hostel

Coron Town Proper, Coron, Palawan

The hostel lives up to its name.  If you’re a solo camper, adventurer or traveler, the hostel offers dorm beds for PHP350 (USD7) a night.  It’s the top pick for budget Coron Island hotels given its comfy beds, barbeque facilities, garden and friendly hosts.  Not bad for a hostel so cheap.

Mario’s Travellers Inn

PHP 627 (USD 12)/night

Bancuang Lower Rd, Coron Town Proper, Coron, Palawan

Apo Pension House

PHP 650 (USD 13)/night

Coron – Busuanga Rd, Coron Town Proper, Coron, Palawan