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Coron Island is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including crystal-clear lagoons, coral reefs, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Activities such as island-hopping, snorkeling, diving, and visiting Kayangan Lake are must-do experiences. Exploring the twin lagoons, relaxing on white sand beaches, and hiking to panoramic viewpoints are also highly recommended.
Coron Island, a 20-minute crab boat ride from Coron Town, boasts a stunningly beautiful and mysterious skyline, reminiscent of a scene from the movie "King Kong." Flying over Coron offers a breathtaking view of the island's interior. Lush greenery crowns the fortress-like cliffs, while the other side offers a more inaccessible landscape dotted with lakes.
Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake are Coron Island's main attractions. Kayangan Lake, accessible via a 10-minute steep climb, offers crystal-clear waters that flow gently into the cliffs, creating a lunar-like underwater world. Barracuda Lake, on the other hand, is more appealing to divers, boasting several layers of water: fresh, salt, and brackish, each with a distinctly different temperature.
Tropical rainforest climate; Coron Island has 7 saltwater lakes surrounded by steep cliffs, the most famous of which are Kayangan Lake and Langyu Lake, known as "the cleanest lakes in the Philippines", making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Shipwrecks, coral gardens, seawater hot springs;
Recommended 1-day tour
Free island access
All day
Coron Island is known for its rich biodiversity and historical significance, especially during World War II. The island is home to several shipwrecks, which are now popular dive sites. It is also revered for its natural beauty and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with many endemic species of flora and fauna.
Coron Island is located in the northern part of Palawan, Philippines. The nearest town is Coron, which can be reached by plane from Manila or Puerto Princesa. From Coron town, visitors can take boat trips to the island. Taxis are available in town, but boats are the primary mode of transportation to the island.
Coron Island is open year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to May, when the weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor activities like snorkeling and hiking. The rainy season, from June to November, should be avoided due to the risk of storms.
There is usually a small entrance fee to access some areas of Coron Island, such as Kayangan Lake and the twin lagoons, which ranges from 200-300 PHP ($4-$6). Tickets can typically be purchased through local tour operators or directly at the sites.
Booking in advance is not strictly necessary for most attractions. However, it is recommended to book island-hopping tours or boat rentals at least a day in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (December to May), to ensure availability.
To fully explore Coron Island, plan for a 2-3 day trip. This allows enough time for island-hopping, snorkeling, diving, and visiting the top attractions like Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoons, and the shipwreck sites.
Must-see highlights include:
Guided tours are widely available and often included in island-hopping packages. These tours are typically conducted in English, but some guides may also offer services in other languages such as Filipino or Mandarin. It's advisable to book a guided tour for a more informative experience.
The best viewpoints include:
A recommended itinerary includes:
Night visits are not commonly available, but some resorts offer sunset cruises. Light shows are not part of the typical Coron Island experience, as the focus is on nature and outdoor activities. Special tours like stargazing or private island tours can be arranged with local operators.
Coron Island is most crowded during the dry season (December to May), especially around holidays. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the off-season (June to September), though some attractions may be less accessible due to weather conditions.
Basic facilities are available in certain areas of Coron Island, such as Kayangan Lake and Banol Beach, including toilets and small food vendors. However, more extensive facilities are found in Coron town, where you can find restaurants, shops, and more comfortable accommodations.
While Coron Island is accessible for most visitors, elderly and disabled individuals may find certain activities, like hiking to viewpoints or navigating the lagoons, challenging. The island's natural terrain includes uneven paths and stairs, so some areas may not be fully accessible.
Cash is the most widely accepted payment method on Coron Island and in Coron town. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger restaurants in the town, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for island activities and small vendors.
There are several restaurants and cafes in Coron town offering a variety of cuisines, including Filipino, seafood, and international options. Near the island, most dining options are limited to small local eateries and beachside cafés.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in Coron town, especially at more modern restaurants catering to international tourists. Halal food options may be limited, but it is possible to find Muslim-friendly eateries in the town.
There are several accommodations available in Coron town, ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Popular options include:
Nearby attractions include:
Souvenir shops in Coron town sell items such as handcrafted jewelry, locally-made bags, and wooden carvings. Popular souvenirs include Filipino handicrafts, coconut products, and Palawan-themed items like t-shirts and keychains.
To continue your trip, you can return to Coron town and take a flight back to Manila or Puerto Princesa. Alternatively, ferries are available from Coron to other destinations in Palawan. Local transportation options include taxis, jeepneys, and tricycles for travel within Coron town.
