Coron is one of the popular vacation sites for foreigners and fellow Filipinos whether for summer outing or Christmas vacation. As I was researching about Coron, I discovered a misconception between the island and the town. Often times, we thought that those islands are “THE CORON”. However, it is only a part of the Calamian Islands or Calamianes. In fact, Coron Town or the municipal of Coron is in Busuanga Island. Mind-blown. Anyway, let’s get to the exciting part, planning your own D-I-Y Coron adventure!
This travel guide is based on my Coron adVIENtures last December 22-26, 2018 for my Christmas vacation. This wasn’t supposed to be a solo adventure since I planned this with a friend but due to some issues, I got there by myself.
How to get there
- Fly to Busuanga Airport (Travel Time: 1hr 20 mins)
The fastest way to reach Coron is flying to Busuanga Airport via Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines or SkyJet. If you wanna save time, this is the best option. Regular round-trip airfare is about Php5,000+.
- Take a van going to Coron Town
Coron Town is 30-45 mins away from Busuanga Airport. No to worry about the transport since there are vans outside that you could take for Php150. Just tell them the name of your hotel and they’ll determine which van you could ride. You may opt to schedule a shared or private transfer via Klook for the same price.
- Fast Craft / Ferry from El Nido
Take either of the fast or slow ferries for P1,700 and P1,300 respectively. You may opt for this option if you are traveling for 6 days and up to enjoy both the beauty of El Nido and Coron.
Places to Visit
There are lots of island hopping tours to avail once you are in town for as low as P1,200. Here is the list that you could choose from depending on your travel dates, preferred sites to visit and budget.
Lakes
- Kayangan Lake
- Barracuda Lake
Ship Wrecks & Corals
- Skeleton Wreck
- Coral Garden
Lagoons
- Twin Lagoon
- Green Lagoon
Beaches & Islands
- Atwayan Beach
- CYC Beach
- Malcapuya Island
- Coco Beach
- Ditaytayan Island
Hike on Mt. Tapyas
Tours
These are the tours offered by travel organizers in Coron and their estimated prices, you could also book online through Klook. As for my tours, I only booked mine upon reaching the hotel with the flyers I received at the airport. I’ve chosen Asriel Roan Travel and Tours (Lisa – 09751149824) since it was the cheapest, and fastest to respond with my text inquiry.
Inclusions: Pick Up / Drop Off, Lunch, Cottage Rental, All Entrance Fees, Licensed Tourist Boat and Tourist Guide.
| Tours | Price | Destination |
Town Tour |
PhP 800 | Lualhati Park, Souvenir Shop, Centennial Shrine, Mt. Tapyas, Cashew Factory, Maquinit Hotspring |
Tour A |
PhP 800 | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
Tour B |
PhP 1,100 | Barracuda Lake, Smith/Banol Beach, Skeleton Wreck, Reef Garden, Twin Lagoon |
Ultimate Tour |
PhP 1,200 | Kayangan Lake, Siete Pecados, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Coral Garden, Atwayan/Banol Beach, CYC Beach |
Super Ultimate Tour |
PhP 1,500 | Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Atwayan/Banol Beach, Siete Pecados, Coral Garden |
Island Escapade Tour |
PhP 1,200 | Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island |
Reef and Wreck Tour |
PhP 1,200 | Pass Island, Lusong Gun Boat, Lusong Coral Garden, East Tangat Wreck |
Calauit Safari Tour |
PhP 2,000 | Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary, Pass Island, Lusong Gun Boat, Lusong Coral Garden |
Busuanga Island Tour |
PhP 2,300 | Salvacion, Black Island, Panlaitan Island, Debotunay Island |
Read: Dumaguete – Siquijor: An Adventure of Chasing Turtles, Dolphins and Waterfalls | Travel Guide
Where to Stay
Booking a place to stay wouldn’t be a problem since there are affordable hotels, transients and resort s around. The list below is my recommendations if you want to stick within your budget and also are walking distance from the port and restaurants.
Amphibi-ko Resort
National Highway, Poblacion, Coron, Palawan, Coron, Palawan
Micasa Lodge
National Highway, Brgy Poblacion 1, Coron, Palawan
Barangay Poblacion 6, Coron, Palawan
Read: Port Barton: A Hidden Paradise in San Vicente, Palawan | Travel Guide
Where to Eat
Restaurants and eateries are everywhere in Coron town whether you want Asian, American or European cuisine but they are pricey. One meal may cost you Php200-300 so choose wisely. Here are the places where I’ve eaten.
- Island Boy Grill
- Get Real Cafe and Bar
- Sunburn Rooftop Lounge
- Buzz Express
Read: Bohol: Island Hopping, Chasing Waterfalls + Cave Pools | Travel Guide
- Included Lunch on Island Hopping Tours
Sample Itinerary
For those who want to maximize a 4D/3N in Coron, here’s my sample itinerary if you love island hopping. Aside from the suggested tour below, you may choose to add Calauit Safari Tour the little safari in Busuanga. It all depends on your budget, time and sights you want to see.
| Date | Time | Activity |
| Day 1 | Flight to Palawan | |
| 9:00 | Check-in | |
| 10:50 | ETD to Busuanga | |
| 12:10 | ETA in Busuanga | |
| 12:30 | Take a van to Coron town proper | |
| 14:00 | Check-in hotel | |
| 15:45 | Hike Mt. Tapyas or avail the Coron Town Tour | |
| 17:45 | Hire a tricycle to Maquinit Hotspring | |
| 18:10 | Arrival at Maquinit Hotspring | |
| 19:00 | Back to Coron Town | |
| 19:30 | Dinner / Socials | |
| 22:30 | Sleep | |
| Day 2 | Coron Super Ultimate Tour | |
| 7:00 | Wake Up / Prep | |
| 8:00 | Breakfast | |
| 9:00 | Wait for pick up (tricycle) | |
| 10:00 – 16:00 | Super Ultimate Tour
Kayangan Lake |
|
| 17:00 | Back to Hotel / Freshen Up | |
| 19:00 | Dinner / Socials | |
| 22:30 | Sleep | |
| Day 3 | Malcapuya Island tour | |
| 7:00 | Wake Up / Prep | |
| 8:00 | Breakfast | |
| 9:00 | Wait for pick up (tricycle) | |
| 10:00 – 17:00 | Island Escapade Tour
Malcapuya Island |
|
| 18:00 | Back to Hotel / Freshen Up | |
| 20:00 | Dinner / Socials | |
| 22:00 | Sleep | |
| Day 4 | Back to Manila | |
| 8:00 | Wake Up / Prep | |
| 9:00 | Breakfast | |
| 12:00 | Check Out | |
| 12:30 | Take a Van to Busuanga Airport | |
| 14:00 | Check-in | |
| 14:40 | ETD to Manila | |
| 16:00 | ETA in Manila |
Read: Iloilo: Gigantes Island, Concepcion, Guimaras and Iloilo City | Travel Guide
Sample Budget
Here are my expenses for this trip. It was supposed to be a trip for 2 with a friend whom I was with on my Iloilo adVIENtures, that’s why the budget for the accommodation was a bit pricey but it was worth it. As for food expenses, I don’t hold back on that but you can adjust it to your preference and budget.
| Expenses | Amount | Total |
| Airfare | 1,083.32 | 1,083.32 |
| Accommodation | 1,581.11 | |
| Amphibi-Ko Resort | 3,162.22 | |
| Transportation | 300.00 | |
| Van to Coron Town | 150.00 | |
| Van to Busuanga Airport | 150.00 | |
| Food | 2,743.00 | |
| Dinner at Island Boy Grill | 300.00 | |
| Dinner at Get Real Cafe and Bar | 500.00 | |
| Drinks at Sunburn Rooftop Lounge | 480.00 | |
| Snack at Hop Hostel | 400.00 | |
| Dinner at Amphibi-ko Resort | 357.00 | |
| Dinner at Buzz Express | 706.00 | |
| Island Hopping / Tours | 3,400.00 | |
| Coron Island Tour A | 800.00 | |
| Island Escapade Tour | 1,200.00 | |
| Super Ultimate Tour | 1,400.00 | |
| Other Expenses | 862.00 | 862.00 |
| Total | Php 9,969.43 |
I hope this DIY Coron travel guide helps you plan your trip whether you are on a solo flight or a barkada trip.
Safe travels always!
Highly energetic post, I loved that a lot. Will there be a
part 2?