Your Ultimate Guide to Coron: Top Attractions Revealed
With its crystal-clear waters, stunning landscapes, and fascinating marine life, Coron and the Calamian Islands offer a plethora of attractions that are sure to leave you breathless. In this article, we'll take you through the must-see sights and experiences to add to your itinerary for a truly unforgettable trip.
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Essential Coron | 4 Days
Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour
Coron Island Hopping by Shared Boat
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Coron, located in the province of Palawan in the Philippines, is a first-class municipality that boasts breathtaking natural beauty. It encompasses the eastern portion of Busuanga Island, Coron Island, and approximately 50 smaller islets.
This stunning collection of islands forms the Calamian Archipelago, situated in Northern Palawan and separating the South China Sea from the Sulu Sea.
Must See Attractions in Coron Island
Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake is a stunning freshwater lake located in Coron Island, which is part of the Calamian Islands in the northernmost tip of Palawan, Philippines. It is known for its crystal-clear water, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, making it one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting the region.
To reach Kayangan Lake, visitors must hike up a steep trail that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and waters. Upon reaching the top of the trail, visitors are rewarded with a panoramic view of the lake and its stunning surroundings.
The lake itself is approximately 300 meters wide and 100 meters long, and its water is so clear that you can see the bottom even at a depth of 10-15 meters. Kayangan Lake’s water is composed of 70% freshwater and 30% saltwater, offering tourists the option to swim, snorkel, or float around using a life jacket.
Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is a unique natural wonder located in Coron Island, Palawan, Philippines. This stunning lake is known for its crystal-clear water, unusual rock formations, and the presence of a large barracuda fish that lives in its depths.
To reach the lake, visitors must take a boat to the entrance and then climb a steep wooden staircase that leads to the water. The climb can be challenging, but the reward is worth it as visitors are greeted with a breathtaking view of the lake.
Barracuda Lake is known for its thermocline, a phenomenon where the water temperature changes abruptly at a certain depth. In this case, the temperature changes from warm to cold at around 14 meters deep, creating a unique and eerie sensation for swimmers.
The lake is also home to unusual rock formations that are perfect for diving and exploring. Visitors can swim through narrow crevices and tunnels, or climb up and jump off the rocks for a thrilling experience.
One of the highlights of Barracuda Lake is the large barracuda fish that lives in its depths. The fish is considered sacred by the indigenous Tagbanua people, and visitors are asked to respect its presence and not disturb its habitat.
Twin Lagoons
Twin Lagoons is a popular tourist destination located in Coron Island, which is part of the Calamian Islands in the northern part of Palawan province in the Philippines. It is called “twin” lagoons because there are two lagoons separated by a limestone cliff.
To reach the lagoons, visitors typically take a boat from Coron town and travel through a narrow channel surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. As you enter the first lagoon, you’ll notice that the water is crystal clear and has a beautiful emerald green color. The lagoon is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, and you can see various types of marine life swimming around.
To get to the second lagoon, visitors must swim through a small opening in the limestone cliff, which can be quite challenging depending on the tide. The second lagoon is much larger and deeper than the first, and the water is a deep blue color. The lagoon is also surrounded by steep cliffs, and there are usually fewer people here, making it a more peaceful and serene spot.
Other attractions near Busuanga
Shipwrecks
Coron’s rich history is evident in the many Japanese shipwrecks from World War II scattered throughout the area. These sunken vessels have become a popular attraction for divers and snorkelers alike, surrounded by impressive rock formations and diverse marine life. With wrecks located in depths ranging from 10 to 140 feet, visitors of all experience levels can explore these fascinating pieces of history.
Pass Island
Pass Island is a picturesque island situated between Culion Island and Coron Island, and is known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
The Pass Island Shipwreck, also known as the Lusong Gunboat Wreck, is a popular diving site. The shipwreck is believed to be a Japanese gunboat that was sunk during World War II. The wreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs. The ship’s structure is still largely intact, and divers can explore the engine room, the gun turrets, and other parts of the ship.
The wreck lies in shallow waters, making it an ideal dive site for beginners as well as experienced divers. The water around the wreck is crystal clear, with excellent visibility, making it easier to spot the marine life and explore the wreck’s nooks and crannies.
Black Island
Black Island, also known as Malajon Island, is one of the beautiful islands in the Calamian Islands in the northern part of Palawan province in the Philippines. It is located about 22 kilometers away from Coron town, and it is famous for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and black limestone cliffs.
The island got its name from the black limestone cliffs that tower over its beaches. The cliffs are said to have been formed from volcanic activity thousands of years ago, giving the island a unique and distinctive appearance. The contrast between the black cliffs and the white sandy beaches is a sight to behold.
One of the attractions on the island is the Black Island Shipwreck, which is a World War II Japanese ship that was sunk during the war. The shipwreck has now become an artificial reef and is home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Calauit Island
Situated off the north-western coast of Busuanga Island, Calauit island is part of the Municipality of Busuanga. In 1997, the entire island was declared a wildlife sanctuary and game preserve and has since been transformed into a popular tourist attraction, known as the Calauit Safari Park.
Interestingly, the animals that visitors can see in the safari park were not native to the Philippines but were imported from Africa in the 1970s. This was done to save them from the threat of extinction due to rampant hunting and poaching. The collection includes majestic giraffes, numerous zebras, and several antelopes.
To make the safari park more conducive for the imported animals, the bamboo forests in the area were cleared and developed to resemble the savannahs of Kenya. This effort to recreate their natural habitat helped the animals adapt better to their new home.
Today, the imported animals continue to thrive in the safari park, with their population steadily increasing over the years.
Attractions in Coron town
Mount Tapyas
Mount Tapyas is a popular tourist destination located in the town of Coron, on Busuanga Island, in the northern part of Palawan province in the Philippines. The mountain rises to a height of 210 meters and offers spectacular panoramic views of Coron and the surrounding islands.
To reach the top of Mount Tapyas, visitors must climb over 700 steps to reach the summit. The climb is challenging, but the breathtaking views from the top make it well worth the effort. Once at the summit, visitors can take in stunning views of Coron town, the nearby islands, and the beautiful blue waters of the sea.
There is also a large cross at the summit, which serves as a landmark and a popular spot for taking photos. The cross is lit up at night, making it visible from afar and adding to the beauty of the town’s skyline.
For those who don’t want to climb the steps, there are tricycles available to take visitors to a mid-way point on the mountain, where they can enjoy beautiful views and take photos.
Visitors are advised to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes for the climb. The best time to climb Mount Tapyas is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to avoid the heat of the day and to take advantage of the stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Maquinit Hot Spring
Located about 25 minutes from the center of Coron, Maquinit hot spring is the only known saltwater hot spring in the Philippines. The hot spring is nestled between a hill and the sea, providing a picturesque landscape that is as beautiful as it is relaxing.
The hot spring’s water temperature reaches up to 40 degrees Celsius, providing a soothing and rejuvenating experience for visitors after a long day of physical activity such as swimming, island hopping, diving, and hiking. The warm water and scenic surroundings make Maquinit hot spring an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Coron.
Visitors can hire a tricycle or take a boat to reach the hot spring after their island hopping activity. They can then soak in the warm waters of the hot spring, which is believed to have therapeutic benefits, especially for those with joint and muscle pains.
Other Islands in Coron Bay
Malcapuya Island
Malcapuya Island is a popular tourist destination located in the Calamian Islands of the Palawan province in the Philippines. It is part of the municipality of Coron and is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs. The island is about a 1.5-hour boat ride from the town of Coron.
The island is surrounded by a shallow reef that is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish and coral formations. The waters around the island are also a popular spot for sea turtles, which can often be seen swimming in the area.
Ditaytayan Island
Ditaytayan Island is a small island located in Coron Bay. The island is known for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, which make it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Ditaytayan Sandbar is s a long, narrow strip of white sand that emerges during low tide and disappears during high tide. The sandbar is surrounded by crystal clear waters and offers stunning views of the nearby islands and the open sea.
Ditaytayan Island is surrounded by coral reefs, which are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic creatures. Visitors can explore the coral reefs by snorkeling or diving and get up close with the marine life.
Bulog Dos Island
Bulog Dos Island is a small, uninhabited island located in Coron Bay. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Visitors can explore the coral reefs and see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.
One of the unique features of Bulog Dos Island is its sandbar that emerges during low tide, which connects the island to a neighboring island called Bulog Uno. The sandbar is an excellent place to take photos and offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and the open sea.
Classic Coron Tour Options:
Experience the ultimate Coron adventure with our Island Super Ultimate Tour. Discover stunning lakes, gorgeous lagoons, and spectacular snorkeling sites, including Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons, Beach 91, CYC Beach, Balinsasayaw Reef, and Twin Peak Reef.
Escape to some of the most idyllic tropical islands of Coron and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters with the Coron Island Hopping Tour. Discover the beauty of Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Ditaytayan Island, and Sandbar while basking in the sun on the beach and snorkeling amidst the underwater world.
Embark on an unforgettable snorkeling adventure with the Coron Reef and Wreck Tour, where you can witness the diverse marine life and explore the fascinating World War II shipwrecks resting in the shallow parts of the sea. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to discover the history and natural beauty of Coron’s underwater world.
Discovering Coron in 4 days
Day 1: Arrival in Coron – Explore Coron town
Arrive at Coron-Busuanga airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Coron town, including Mount Tapyas for scenic views of Coron Bay, and Maquinit Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.
Day 2: Discover Coron Island
Explore Coron Island on a full-day tour by boat. Visit Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, and Twin Lagoons for picturesque turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs. Discover marine life and colorful corals at Twin Peaks Reef and Balinsasayaw Coral Garden, and relax on CYC Beach and Beach 91.
Day 3: Island Hopping
Indulge in a fun-filled day of island hopping. Visit beautiful islands like Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island and Ditaytayan Island, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the pristine white sand beaches.
Day 4: Departure from Coron airport
Bid farewell to paradise as you check out of your hotel at 12:00pm and transfer to Coron-Busuanga airport for your departure.