travel guide coron

Best Attractions in Coron

Coron, in Northern Palawan, is one of the Philippines' most popular island destinations, spanning eastern Busuanga, Coron Island, Culion Island, and about 50 islets making up the Calamian Archipelago. Known for crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant reefs, it also boasts dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and WWII shipwrecks — with Coron Bay ranking among the world's best wreck-diving destinations.Here's a look at Coron's must-visit spots — from hidden lagoons and shipwreck dive sites to dramatic limestone cliffs and islands.

Request a quote

coron, PALAWAN

Must-See Attractions

Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake is one of Coron’s most iconic natural attractions, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The lake is part of the ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa, who consider it a sacred site with deep cultural and spiritual significance.

To reach the lake, visitors climb around 160 steps up and over the limestone cliff. The trail leads to a famous viewpoint overlooking the surrounding islands and turquoise waters before descending to the lake below.

The remarkably clear water, a mix of fresh and saltwater, is ideal for swimming and floating. Its peaceful setting and striking scenery make Kayangan Lake a highlight of any visit to Coron.

Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake is a fascinating natural site on Coron Island, surrounded by dramatic limestone formations and known for its deep, clear waters. It is considered a sacred site by the Calamian Tagbanwa, the Indigenous people of Coron Island, adding an important cultural dimension to its natural beauty.

The lake is particularly popular with divers, who can experience dramatic thermoclines as they move between layers of warm and cooler water. Beneath the surface, unusual limestone formations create an otherworldly underwater landscape, with narrow crevices and rock formations to explore.

Barracuda Lake is one of the highlights of the Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour, combining a unique diving experience with some of Coron’s most spectacular natural scenery.

Twin Lagoons

Twin Lagoon is one of Coron Island’s most spectacular natural attractions, where two lagoons are separated by a dramatic limestone cliff. The calm waters are surrounded by towering rock formations, creating a striking setting for swimming, kayaking and photography.

To reach the inner lagoon, visitors can either swim through a small opening in the rock or climb down a ladder built into the cliff. Inside, the meeting of warm and cooler water creates a fascinating experience as visitors move between the different layers.

Twin Lagoon is part of the Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour, making it an excellent choice for visitors who want to experience several of Coron’s most famous lagoons and natural attractions in one day.

Kayangan Lake, Coron Island, Palawan, Philppines

Aerial view of Coron's Twin Lagoons, Philippines

coron, PALAWAN

Best Places for Snorkeling

Shipwreck in Coron, Diving, Palawan, Philippines

Black Island, Busuanga, Coron, Palawan, Philippines

Malwawey Coral Garden

Malwawey Coral Garden is one of Coron’s top snorkelling spots, known for its shallow, clear waters and colourful coral reefs. The reef is home to a rich variety of tropical fish and other marine life, making it an excellent place to explore the underwater world without needing to dive deeply.

Visitors can snorkel directly above the reef and enjoy close-up views of the corals and fish, while the calm waters make the area suitable for snorkellers of different experience levels. The surrounding limestone scenery adds to the appeal, creating a beautiful contrast between the underwater reef and Coron’s dramatic coastline.

Lusong Gunboat Wreck

Lusong Gunboat Wreck is one of Coron’s most accessible wreck-diving and snorkelling sites. Believed to be a Japanese vessel sunk during World War II, the wreck lies in relatively shallow water and has become an artificial reef, attracting colourful corals and abundant marine life.

Because much of the wreck remains visible beneath the surface, visitors can explore its structure while snorkelling or diving, depending on sea conditions and visibility. Schools of tropical fish can often be seen around the wreck, making it an interesting site for both underwater exploration and marine life encounters.

Black Island

Black Island, also known as Malajon Island, is one of the most scenic snorkelling destinations near Coron. Located off the northern coast of Busuanga, the island is known for its striking black limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.

The surrounding reefs offer excellent snorkelling, with colourful corals and a variety of tropical fish and marine life. One of the highlights is the Black Island Shipwreck, a World War II Japanese vessel that now serves as an artificial reef and attracts a wide range of marine life. Depending on sea and visibility conditions, visitors can explore the wreck and surrounding reef by snorkelling or diving.

The dramatic contrast between the dark limestone cliffs and bright white beach makes Black Island a particularly memorable stop for both its underwater scenery and natural beauty.

Siete Pecados Marine Park

Siete Pecados Marine Park is one of the best snorkelling sites in Coron, known for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. The protected area is made up of seven small limestone islands surrounded by clear, shallow waters, creating ideal conditions for exploring the underwater world.

Visitors can snorkel directly from the boat and discover colourful corals, tropical fish and other marine life just beneath the surface. The dramatic limestone islands rising from the sea add to the scenery, making Siete Pecados a favourite stop for both snorkelling and photography.

coron, PALAWAN

Best Attractions in Coron Town

Mount Tapyas

Mount Tapyas is one of Coron Town’s most recognisable landmarks, rising around 210 metres above Busuanga Island. More than 700 steps lead to the summit, where a large cross overlooks Coron Town, the bay and the surrounding islands.

The climb can be challenging, particularly in the midday heat, but the panoramic views from the top make it worthwhile. The cross is also illuminated at night, making it a distinctive feature of Coron’s skyline.

The best time to climb is early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and the views can be especially impressive around sunset. Comfortable footwear and drinking water are recommended.

Mount Tapyas is included in the Coron Town Sightseeing Tour, making it easy to combine the climb with other local attractions.

Maquinit Hot Spring

Maquinit Hot Spring is a natural saltwater hot spring located around 25 minutes from Coron Town. Set between lush hills and the sea, it is one of the most unusual places to relax in the area and is particularly enjoyable after a day of island hopping, diving or hiking.

The warm water reaches around 40°C and fills a series of natural pools surrounded by mangroves and tropical vegetation. Visitors can simply soak in the pools and enjoy the peaceful setting, making it a relaxing way to end a busy day exploring Coron.

Maquinit Hot Spring can be visited by tricycle from Coron Town and is also commonly combined with other attractions on a Coron Town sightseeing itinerary.

Sunset view from Mount Tapyas Coron, Philippines

coron, PALAWAN

Best Islands in Coron Bay

Malcapuya Island, Coron Island Hopping, Palawan, Philippines

Sandbar at Ditaytayan Island, Coron, Palawan, Philippines

Crystal Clear water at Bulog Dos Island, Coron, Palawan, Philippines

Malcapuya Island

Malcapuya Island is one of the most beautiful islands around Coron, known for its long stretch of powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters and unspoilt tropical scenery. Located around 1.5 hours by boat from Coron Town, the island feels wonderfully removed from the mainland.

The calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming, while the surrounding reef adds to the island’s natural beauty. Sea turtles are also occasionally spotted in the waters around the island.

With its palm-fringed beach and peaceful atmosphere, Malcapuya is an excellent choice for visitors looking for a picture-perfect island escape.

Ditaytayan Island

Ditaytayan Island is a peaceful tropical paradise known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand and spectacular coastal scenery. Its most distinctive feature is the long Ditaytayan Sandbar, which emerges at low tide and gradually disappears beneath the sea as the tide rises.

Visitors can walk along the sandbar, swim in the surrounding waters and enjoy uninterrupted views across Coron Bay and the nearby islands. The island’s unspoilt character and lack of development make it particularly appealing for those looking to escape the busier tourist spots.

Ditaytayan Island is often combined with Malcapuya and Bulog Dos on a full-day island-hopping tour.

Bulog Dos Island

Bulog Dos is a tiny, uninhabited island surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and beautiful white sand. Its small size and untouched setting give it a secluded feel, while the surrounding sea provides a stunning backdrop for swimming and photographs.

The island is particularly famous for its sandbar, which appears at low tide and connects Bulog Dos with neighbouring Bulog Uno. Walking along the narrow strip of sand with the sea on both sides offers spectacular views of Coron Bay and the surrounding islands.

coron, PALAWAN

Best Island Resorts & Retreats

Two Seasons Coron Island Resort

Two Seasons Coron Island Resort is an exclusive island retreat set on a private island surrounded by the clear waters of Coron Bay. The resort combines a beautiful white-sand beach with lush tropical surroundings, offering a peaceful setting away from the mainland.

The island is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing, with a range of activities available for those who want to explore the surrounding waters. Its private setting and well-appointed accommodation make it particularly appealing for couples, families and travellers looking for a comfortable island escape.

Two Seasons Coron Island Resort is a great choice for visitors who want to combine the natural beauty of Coron with the comfort and privacy of a private-island resort.

Discovery Coron

Discovery Coron is an upscale island resort set on Dimakya Island, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by tropical scenery and the clear waters of the Calamian Islands. The resort combines comfortable accommodation with a relaxed island atmosphere, making it a good choice for both couples and families.

Guests can enjoy the white-sand beach, swimming and snorkelling, while the surrounding waters offer opportunities for diving and island excursions. The resort’s secluded location also makes it ideal for travellers looking to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Palawan.

Discovery Coron offers a more traditional resort experience, with the convenience of having a range of activities and facilities available without sacrificing the feeling of being on a remote tropical island.

Paolyn Houseboats

Paolyn Houseboats offers one of the most unusual ways to experience Coron, with floating accommodation anchored in the spectacular waters of the Coron Island. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, the setting feels far removed from a conventional island resort.

The houseboats provide direct access to the sea, allowing guests to swim, snorkel, kayak and explore the surrounding coves and lagoons straight from their accommodation. The peaceful location also makes it possible to enjoy Coron’s dramatic landscape away from the day-trip crowds.

For travellers looking for something genuinely different, Paolyn Houseboats offers an intimate and memorable retreat immersed in the natural beauty of Coron.