In my years of traveling around the Philippines, visiting the same place twice doesn’t sound ideal to me unless it is one of my favorite local destinations like Coron, Palawan and I would get on the plane in a heartbeat.
A destination mostly featured in travel guides and postcards about the Philippines, I knew I had to show the beauty that the country possesses to my friend who visited for the first time by starting at the island which captured my heart and enchanted my eyes with its crystal clear waters, majestic limestone karst cliffs, white sand beaches and WWII shipwreck diving sites.
Curious about the changes that have happened to it since my last visit during the peak of the pandemic and drawn to its natural wonders which I haven’t seen for a long time, here’s what went down in my second trip to Coron and a handful of travel information including where to stay, must-see spots and island hopping tours when you’re visiting for the first time.
Table of Contents
- How to Get There
- Best Time to Go
- Must-Visit Places in Coron
- Coron Tours
- Where to Stay
- 4D3N Coron Sample Itinerary
- Experiencing Coron for the Second Time
- Coron Travel Tips
How to Get There
Tucked off-coast northernmost part of the province of Palawan, Coron, or more specifically Coron Town Proper where the center of action happens in the area, is located in the southeastern portion of the island of Busuanga.
A lot of confusion happens with its location as across the bay from the town center is the actual Coron Island where most of the popular attractions are found including Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, and Twin Lagoon. But no need to worry because all public transportation will head to the town proper which also serves as the jump-off point to the nearby islands when you say that you are going to Coron.
The most popular way to reach Coron Town Proper is by flying to Francisco B. Reyes Airport, which is Busuanga’s sole public air terminal located 30 minutes from the town center. Major local airlines have regular daily trips to the place coming from big cities like Manila and Cebu including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and the boutique Sunlight Air. From here, one can easily take the shared vans waiting outside the airport which can take you to the Coron Town Proper for ₱250.
Another option of going to Coron is by taking the ferry offered by 2Go Travel which has weekly schedules coming from Manila and Atienza Interisland Ferries which have at least two trips weekly going to the island. The ferries will dock at Coron Port which is located at the sidelines of the town proper and is just a tricycle away from the main center.
Book your Manila to Coron transportation here!
Best Time to Go
Unlocking the most out of your Coron adventure lies heavily on the month of your trip.
Generally, the Philippines only has two seasons which are dry (December to May) and rainy (June to November), and similar to most parts of the country, the best time to go to Coron is during the dry season when the amount of rainfall is low and when tropical typhoons are rare.
However, do take note that this period also includes the busiest time for tourism and the hottest time of the year in the country so you may want to also take note of this if you prefer a more peaceful travel. An insider tip is to visit before the summer months of April and May before locals flock to the beaches. The recent years have also shown June as another good option to visit which observes mostly sunny days and cheaper flights and accommodation because of the dry season nearing its end.
December is also a good time to avoid the crowd and escape the heat but expect the current to be stronger and bigger when you find yourself on island hopping tours because of the northeast monsoon prevailing over the country.
Must-Visit Places in Coron
Out of all of the destinations in the Philippines, Coron is interestingly the only one which I have visited almost all the major tourist attractions that the area offers after only just one trip.
Honestly, all of the spots in Coron are worth the visit but if you have a limited time and is planning to go to the other islands of the country, here are the must-see places that you shouldn’t skip when visiting.
Kayangan Lake
One look up of this place on Google search and you’ll be rewarded with picturesque images depicting an enormous limestone karst cliff surrounded by clear blue waters. Noted to be the cleanest lake in Asia managed by the local Tagbanua tribe, Kayangan Lake is one of the top tourist spots in Coron due to its surreal natural beauty. Aside from picture-taking, visitors can also snorkel and dive in its clear brackish waters.
Twin Lagoon
Another social media favorite (and for a reason), Twin Lagoon is also one of the places that you shouldn’t skip in your itinerary when in Coron.
Similar to the first one, Twin Lagoon boasts clear blue waters bordered by tall towering limestone karst cliffs which meet at one portion, creating two separate lagoons. Visitors have the option to swim under the cliff to reach the other side or climb the makeshift ladder found between the rocks. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area to explore its entire vicinity.
Barracuda Lake
A spot which I was only able to visit on my second trip, Barracuda Lake is also among the must-see places in Coron which offers amazing natural scenery and a unique diving experience.
Named after the type of elongated fish seen in its area, Barracuda Lake is also known for its deep blue brackish waters whose temperature rises as one goes further. The place also boasts more dramatic limestone karst preferred by free divers when compared to the other spots in Coron.
Malcapuya Island
For beach-bumming activities and a laid-back atmosphere, Malcapuya Island should be at the top of your itinerary.
Known for its fine white sand beach comparable to Boracay’s, this island located two hours away from the town proper rewards visitors with an idyllic tropical scenery with its shore dotted with tall coconut trees and crystal clear waters. Snorkeling is also a popular activity in the area which showcases the island’s rich marine life.
Bulog Dos Island
A few minutes away from Malcapuya Island is another must-see destination due to its irresistible off-the-grid tropical charm and the presence of a white sandbar.
Boasting a white sand beach and a 180-degree view of its surrounding waters, Bulog Dos Island also features a sandbar that connects the place to the nearby Two Seasons Hotel which adds a touch of charm to the area’s scenery. The sandbar is also visible throughout the day with the afternoon being the best time to visit due to the golden hour and it being less submerged.
Skeleton Wreck
Probably the nearest WWII shipwreck accessible from the town proper, Skeleton Wreck should also be in your go-to spots in Coron if you have limited time on the island to experience its historic side.
Located off-coast Coron Island, this diving site featuring the wreck of an Imperial Japanese supply boat is popular with free divers especially beginner ones due to its shallow location that is easily visible from the surface. Aside from its coral-encrusted ribs, rich marine life also awaits visitors making it also a good snorkeling spot.
Mount Tapyas
Contrary to the island’s mostly off-coast destinations, Mount Tapyas also sits at the top of the list of must-visit places when in Coron.
Towering over the entire town proper, this 210-meter mountain is visible in all corners of the main center and boasts a viewing deck offering a scenic view of the surrounding islands and an overlooking scenery of the town below. This is amplified further by its Hollywood-inspired sign and gigantic cross that stand in stark contrast against its surroundings especially at night when they are lighted up.
The area is also a popular fitness activity with its 721-step stairway leading to its summit, visited by most locals before sunrise and by tourists during sunsets.
Coron Tours
To reach the different destinations found in Coron, availing of island hopping tours is the way to see these off-the-coast spots. These tours are divided into two types which can be a joiner where you are grouped together with other tourists who want to visit the same destinations as yours and is usually more budget-friendly or book a private one which can be done either on an outrigger boat same as the other type or a more luxurious speedboat.
Joiner tours already include admission fees to the different attractions, boat and life vest rental, guide fees, and complimentary buffet-style lunch and snacks. However, this doesn’t comprise the kayak rental, snorkeling mask, and aqua shoes that one may need during the tour. For private ones, the inclusion varies depending on the organizer.
In my two trips to Coron, I noticed that JY Travel and Tours and Calamian Islands Travel and Tours are two of the popular and big organizers for island hopping and inland excursions. I had the chance to experience both during my visits and the two provided a pleasant service in each trip. Both organizers are also accredited and recognized by the local tourism office which is an important factor to consider if you plan to book with other entities.
Visiting the different destinations in Coron is divided into several tours which travelers can choose from. If you have a limited time on the island, the best ones to pick are the Super Ultimate Tour and Island Escapade Tour which cover most of the must-see spots in Coron. For the other ones, here is a breakdown of the different destinations under them. Also, take note that not all tours have the same set of stops which varies depending on the organizer.
- Coron Tour A
- Core destinations: Kayangan Lake, CYC Beach
- Organizer-dependent destinations: Reef Garden, Coral Garden, Green Lagoon, Atwayan Beach, Las Islas de Coral, Siete Pecados, Quin Reef
- Coron Tour B
- Core destinations: Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Skeleton Wreck
- Organizer-dependent destinations: Reef Garden, Coral Garden, Smith Beach, Banul Beach
- Coron Ultimate Tour
- Core destinations: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake (Super Ultimate Tour), CYC Beach, Skeleton Wreck
- Organizer-dependent destinations: Reef Garden, Coral Garden, Sunset Beach, Las Islas de Coral, Beach 91, Balinsasayaw Reef, Twin Peaks Coral Garden, Atwayan Beach
- Coron Island Escapade Tour
- Core destinations: Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island
- Organizer-dependent destinations: Banana Island, Ditaytayan Sandbar, Coco Beach
- Reef and Wrecks Tour
- Core destinations: Lusong Gunboat, Lusong Coral Garden, Pass Island
- Organizer-dependent destination: East Tangat Shipwreck
- Coron Town Proper Tour
- Core destinations: Mt. Tapyas View Deck, Maquinit Hot Spring, Lualhati Park, St. Augustine Church, Souvenir Shops, Cashew Factory/House, Coron Town Plaza
- Organizer-dependent destination: Public Market, Harbor Center
- Calauit Safari Tour
- Core destinations: Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Black Island, Buluang Floating Restaurant, Busuanga Town Proper
- Organizer-dependent destination: Malbato Church, Ocam-Ocam Beach
Where to Stay
When I first visited Coron during the peak of the pandemic, the town proper was almost like a ghost town at nighttime with most businesses closed and only a few establishments operating catering to the very small number of tourists in the area. Hence, I wasn’t really able to explore this side of Coron during my first visit.
But lo and behold, the quiet and dark streets of Coron Town Proper pandemic time was replaced with the exact opposite in my recent visit to it with its streets flooded with speeding tricycles, tourists walking side-by-side and multi-colored lights and buzzing music oozing from the bars beside it.
This is the nightlife district of the town center and is one of the handful of barangays that make up the entire Coron Town Proper. This is also one of the areas where tourists can choose from the handful of accommodation options on the island.
To help you narrow down the best spot to stay, here are the different accommodation areas in Coron sorted based on their locations and character, and a few suggested lodging too:
Nightlife Center
The young, wild, and free neighborhood in the town proper, Barangay 2 is home to the area’s buzzing nightlife scene with its streets dotted with bars and restaurants catering to tourists in search of booze, music, or Western cuisine. As one can imply, this is also one of the noisiest areas in the town at night, hence, if you’re a light sleeper, you may want to skip this neighborhood.
- Casa Coron Hotel
- Bambam Hostel
- Casa Coron Ecolodge
Docking Port Area
For those in search of lodging located within walking distance from the docking port of island hopping tours, Barangay 3 is the best pick because of its close proximity. It also sits near Lualhati Park and is a stone’s throw away from the lively district of Barangay 2 minus the hustle and bustle.
- A&A Abe Bayfront Inn
- Balaibinda Lodge
Mount Tapyas Area
If you want quick access to the stairway going to the summit of Mount Tapyas, then Barangay 4 would be the best-suited area for you. Most accommodations in this neighborhood are located just a few meters from the start of the path while still being a walking distance from the heart of the town center. The noise level here ranges from mild to none, making it one of the ideal choices for light sleepers. This is also where we stayed during my recent visit to Coron.
Quiet Area
Tucked in a spot relatively far from the center of action in the town proper, Barangay 1 boasts a peaceful and quieter atmosphere for visitors in search of a more relaxed setting while still being in the main center. However, one downside that I noticed in staying in this area is its dark streets at night due to the town being generally not well-lit. Hence, you may want to take note of this when considering this area for your accommodation.
Highway and Bayfront Area
If you prefer more accessible lodging minus the steep streets found in the previous barangays, Barangay 5 is dotted with accommodation options that sit beside the main highway. This neighborhood is generally quiet and is an easy 10-minute walk from the town center. This is also the area where I stayed when I first visited Coron.
Barangay 5 is also home to a few bayfront resorts facing Coron Harbor for travelers seeking lodging options near the sea.
- Sun Valley Tourist Inn
- Sunburn Suites
- The Funny Lion
- Bacau Bay Resort
Coron Port Area
For luxurious accommodation options found near the town center, Coron Port area is home to two of the biggest hotels in the vicinity and sits closely beside the municipality’s main port. However, this location can also be a downside due to the different ferries and ships honking during departure.
Island Accommodations
If you’re wondering if it’s possible to stay in one of the many islands of Coron, the answer is yes! There are a handful of accommodation options located in the nearby islands for travelers in search of off-the-grid tropical ambiance. However, due to its secluded locations, the price per stay in these places is relatively more expensive when compared to the ones found in and near Coron Town Proper.
- Paolyn Houseboats, Coron Island
- Balinsasayaw Resort, Uson Island
- Two Seasons Coron Island Resort, Bulog Dos Island
4D3N Coron Sample Itinerary
Since my friend and I planned to visit another island, we limited our stay in Coron to four days to have ample time to explore the other parts of the country. Personally, I deem this timeframe sufficient to see and cover the major attractions in the area. But if you want to fully experience what the island has to offer, I highly suggest staying longer to see the other less popular spots which are more serene and relaxing. This was what we did on my first trip to Coron and the decision was definitely one of the best ones I made. But if staying longer isn’t an option, here is the actual four-day itinerary we did during our recent trip to the island.
Experiencing Coron for the Second Time
Exploring Coron Town Proper and Climbing Mt. Tapyas
My second trip to Coron started with our flight to the island from Manila in the middle part of the morning which we booked via Cebu Pacific. Travel time was approximately around an hour and we found ourselves at Francisco B. Reyes Airport which hasn’t changed since my last visit in 2021 except for the absence of disinfection areas that were observed pandemic time.
After claiming our luggage, we queued up in line at the exit of the arrival area to pay the environmental, tourism and development fee of ₱200 before heading outside to look for a ride to the town proper.
Contrary to my first trip, our booked accommodation didn’t have a complimentary airport pick-up, hence, we needed to board one of the shared vans waiting outside of the airport to reach Coron Town Proper. For ₱250, you’ll be sharing the van with more or less 10 other tourists and will be dropped off exactly at your accommodation. Travel time can take around 30 minutes or more than an hour depending on the distance of your lodging from the airport. Payment will be made at your accommodation, though, interestingly, our lodging didn’t charge us for this during our trip.
Since it was too early to check-in our room, we took the time to explore the town by walking towards Lualhati Park to get a view of the nearby Coron Island and Mount Tapyas.
Similar to my observation with the airport, the park didn’t change that much. Although the streets have become busy, signaling the return of normal life on the island. A lot of businesses have also opened up again with the presence of cafés, restaurants, and various stores catering to tourists in the area.
After checking in at noon, resting, and having a late lunch at Inasal Eats Co., our exploration of the town proper continued with our climb to Mt. Tapyas later that afternoon.
Since our accommodation was near the stairway, we just walked to the start and were once again welcomed by the same set of stairs that made me catch my breath three years ago. Similar to my first experience, climbing still became challenging for me in which I needed to rest every 100 steps. But after more or less 15 minutes, we finally reached the viewing deck and were rewarded with a 180-degree view of the town proper and the neighboring islands.
Contrary to my first visit and despite the physical challenge required in reaching the destination, the top of Mt. Tapyas was surprisingly filled by a handful of tourists, especially at its western and northern portions which seemed to have become a favorite spot of foreigners wanting to catch the sunset. Interestingly and probably because I’ve seen the area in a better and serene time, seeing the same view didn’t provide the thrill I felt before. Nonetheless, the eastern part of the mountain where its pavilion is located provided a quick respite from the crowd and a more peaceful atmosphere elevated by the view of the nearby mountain range.
After a quick drop by at the souvenir shop found at the foot of Mt. Tapyas’ stairway and at our accommodation to drop off my friend’s drone, we resumed our exploration of the town proper by heading towards the bustling Coron Town Plaza where a handful of activities were ongoing during our visit, including a night market and match games of basketball and volleyball at the center of the square.
Probably due to the Christmas season at that time, the surrounding streets were dotted by a handful of vendors offering street food, clothing, and general merchandise which further added to the lively scenery of the place. Despite being a local accustomed to such Christmas bazaars, I also found myself amused with the scene which was very far from my first experience of Coron.
For dinner, we ended up at Bam Bar, which, aside from serving alcohol, also offers a variety of dining options ranging from Filipino, American, and French to Mediterranean from the collection of restaurants found within the same vicinity. Customers can easily enter, select a spot where to sit, and choose their desired meal from the handful of restaurants compiled together in the general menu that will be handed over to you.
We also dropped by Salud by Get Real, which is a Mexican restaurant and bar where we grabbed a few more drinks before calling it a day.
Super Ultimate Tour
Missing the chance to see Barracuda Lake during my first visit to the island, I ensured to see this must-see destination on my second visit to Coron by opting for the Super Ultimate Tour offered by Calamian Islands Travel and Tours onKlook for ₱1,690. As mentioned above, aside from Barracuda Lake, stops in this tour also compose other must-visit spots on the island including Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon for my friend who will be seeing these tourist attractions for the first time.
The tour started with the complimentary hotel pick-up from 7AM to 7:30AM which we almost missed because the driver arrived earlier than expected and decided to leave after. Nonetheless, the service returned around 7:30AM where we proceeded to pick up another set of tour joiners in a nearby location before heading to the docking port in Lualhati Park where we waited for our assigned boat to arrive before proceeding to boarding.
At the boat, we met with our guides and captain for the day and were oriented about what to expect in the tour including the destinations we would be visiting and the different water equipment that we may need including the kayak (₱1,300/good for 2 pax; ₱1,500 good for 3 pax), snorkeling mask (₱200) and aqua shoes (₱150) that can be rented before leaving the docking port.
After acquiring the equipment rented by the tour joiners, we then proceeded to our first stop of the day which was Kayangan Lake which took around 20 minutes of travel time.
Contrary to my first visit where our boat docked in front of the stairway leading to the area’s viewing deck and probably because our visit was already late in the morning, our tour group was dropped at the farther end of the boarding platform where we needed to walk towards the stairway and were able to notice that a handful of other groups have already arrived before us.
This foot traffic was further reflected when we reached the viewing deck and were welcomed by a queue of visitors waiting for their turns to get photo ops with Kayangan Lake’s iconic scenery. Nonetheless, before reaching this spot, tourists are required to climb the steep stairway leading to it first which may or may not be challenging depending on one’s physical ability. The queue for photo ops in the viewing deck also did not take a long time and people can resume the descent going to the main lake after having their pictures taken.
If there is one thing that has not changed in Kayangan Lake after three years, it would definitely be its beauty. Despite seeing it for the second time, the place still provided an air of amazement and excitement in me with its sparkling clear blue waters and lush surrounding limestone cliffs that still remain unmatched when compared to the other destinations I visited. Although there were more tourists in the area on my recent visit which decreased the serenity of the spot, this did not prevent me from still having a relaxing and good time in Kayangan Lake where I just found myself floating and savoring the moment in its clear waters.
After more or less 40 minutes of staying in Kayangan Lake, we found ourselves making our way back to our boat where our tour guide had announced that we would be dropping next at the nearby Barracuda Lake.
A destination that I was keen to see since I hadn’t visited it on my first trip, travel time to the place took around 10 minutes where we were welcomed by a smaller docking port where our group was dropped off. After getting off, our guide directed us to a path in between the cliffs where we needed to climb a makeshift ladder and pass through a narrow platform before reaching the main lake.
One prominent difference between Barracuda Lake from Kayangan Lake is its darker shade of blue color which reflects its deeper depth. If you have thalassophobia (fear of deep water), this place may trigger it because one wouldn’t have a chance to see its surface below. The surrounding limestone karst cliffs appear to be bigger and lusher and when viewed underwater have more dramatic and rugged features. Based on the scuba divers that we have chanced upon during our visit, the water’s temperature in the area also increases as one goes deeper into it. Marine life is also present in the place with the small fish that we have seen in its waters. The nearby small beach found at its sideline provides a respite from the place’s deep waters with its shallow area.
My first experience in Barracuda Lake turned out to be a positive one because it felt very different from the other tourist spots in Coron which contradicted my initial impression of it. I believe the place would be more enjoyable if you have freediving or scuba diving skills to further explore its beauty underwater. Nonetheless, even without these skills, one wouldn’t have a hard time enjoying Barracuda Lake with the unique experience that it offers.
The next stop on our itinerary was having lunch at Beach 91 which is another destination that I visited for the first time.
One of the handful of stopovers for lunch by island hopping tours, Beach 91 boasts a small white sand beach towered by a gigantic karst cliff and three pavilions, thatched with nipa leaves and equipped with long wooden tables and benches for dining tourists. Aside from being a dining spot, the place also features crystal clear turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and kayaking which we also tried after having our lunch.
Despite the latter activity which I didn’t experience three years ago, I still find the place less appealing compared to the previous lunch spot we visited near Skeleton Wreck which was perched at the side of the cliff and floating above clear turquoise waters. Nevertheless, the experience of getting close to the under-construction floating lodges of the famous Paolyn Houseboats while kayaking the area also provided a good experience for my second visit.
Another spot which I also visited for the first time, Balinsasayaw Reef turned out to be another charming surprise to me after dropping by it as our fourth stop for the day.
One of the handful of snorkeling spots off coast Coron Island, this destination boasts rich marine life underwater with the coral reef found beneath it. We were able to see a lot of different types of fish in it but what stood out the most to me and made the place special was the presence of a sea turtle that we spotted while snorkeling in the area; a treasured moment for me because after years of trying my luck of seeing one in the different islands of the Philippines, I finally saw one. Hopefully and as what other cultures believe, this chance encounter may become a good omen of what lies ahead.
Capping off our island hopping tour was another destination that is definitely a good way to end our excursion and is also one of my favorite spots on the island.
Boasting sparkling clear blue waters and majestic limestone karst cliffs bordering it, Twin Lagoon was the last stop in our itinerary. Similar to my other observations on the island, this spot hasn’t changed much with its beauty being similar to how I last seen and remembered it. The only differences in this trip were the time when we visited it which we previously did in the morning and the kayaks being allowed at the other side of the lagoon making it possible to reach the shallow area at the other end. As expected, I found the place less serene due to the presence of other tourists which was understandable but didn’t beat my first experience when we got the lagoon all to ourselves before.
After around an hour of kayaking, taking pictures, and exploring the area, we found ourselves on the way back to our boat and eventually back to the town proper just as the sun started to set.
After being dropped off back at our accommodation, a quick rest, and freshening up, we headed outside again to grab dinner at Trattoria Altrove, which was a place I’ve been wanting to try since my first visit but wasn’t able to since it was closed that time, and got to taste their signature brick oven pizza, paired with a glass of wine to seal the day.
Island Escapade Tour
After a pleasant experience on the previous day’s island hopping tour, we booked another one on our third day in Coron this time covering the white sand beaches included in the Island Escapade Tour. Coincidentally, we also booked the same organizer for this tour on Klook which cost ₱1700 per head.
Similar to the previous day, our tour started with being picked up from our accommodation by the organizer’s van and doing an attendance check on the docking port before heading to our assigned boat for the day where met a new set of guides who oriented us on what to expect and the captain for the tour who will be taking us to our first stop for the day which was Malcapuya Island.
Contrary to yesterday, travel time from the port going to our first destination took a solid two and a half hours due to the strong current we encountered along the way which made the trip a bit longer and surprisingly made me nauseous. This was the opposite of my first experience when I did the same tour three years ago at the beginning of March when the current was more peaceful.
Upon finally reaching the island, we were rewarded by the same beauty of the place that I remember three years ago with its powdery fine white sand shore and its alluring sparkling clear turquoise waters which we got to experience as soon as we started our snorkeling activity.
Contrary to the conventional way, our experience of snorkeling on the island had a slightly funny twist because, instead of swimming on our own, we explored the area while a small rented outrigger boat (₱100/person) moved while holding onto its crossbeams at its sides. A moment which I definitely haven’t had on my first trip to the island or in any of my previous travels and which made me doubt its safety, we somehow managed to successfully see the rich marine life in the waters of Malcapuya Island which boasted a coral reef where a handful of colorful fish and box jellyfish live.
After a hearty set lunch, catching up with the other joiners of the tour, and swimming in the island’s turquoise waters, we found ourselves back on the boat this time headed to Ditaytayan Island to see its well-known sandbar.
A place that used to be an unofficial stop when I first visited it, I was surprised to find out that Ditaytayan Island is now one of the handful of destinations for the Island Escapade Tour. I was also a bit stunned to realize that the beautiful long white sandbar that I first saw before was now shorter which our guide explained was caused by the winds and waves blowing the sand away. The addition of canopy tents on the island too made the place lose its off-the-grid charm which I used to admire before. Nonetheless, for first-timers, I think the spot would still be a good destination to tick off in Coron.
After around 30 minutes or so of lounging in the place, we then proceeded to our final stop of the day which was Bulog Dos Island.
Another favorite spot in Coron, my second visit to this charming island was still a pleasurable experience with its beauty and scenery being the same as I remember it before. Its fine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and quiet atmosphere set the background for a relaxing island getaway. Unlike in Ditaytayan Island, the sandbar here didn’t lose its size and was more visible and less submerged during this second visit.
Due to the long distance of the day’s destinations, we returned to the town proper with the darkness mostly enveloping the community as our boat docked.
After being dropped off back to our accommodation and freshening up, we grabbed a quick dinner at the island’s branch of Andok’s where we had the place’s signature chicken and a serving of the local dish, pork sisig, which we innocently ordered without knowing that it would play an important role in the turn of events in the remaining parts of the trip. We also went back to the town plaza one last time to buy a few more grubs before returning to our accommodation and prepared for our travel to El Nido the next day.
Ferry to El Nido from Coron
A no-brainer follow-up destination when you’re already in Coron, going to El Nido became the second leg of our trip which we decided to visit by taking the ferry from the town proper which was another first for me.
For ₱2800, we were able to book seats on Klook the day before via Montenegro Lines which has regular trips to and from the destination. Nonetheless, the night before our departure, the company advised us that they currently don’t have ferries for the scheduled time and that we will be transferred instead to Atienza Shipping Lines which will be leaving an hour earlier. Left with really no choice, we just followed what the ferry company advised and went to Montenegro Lines’ ticketing office the following morning to claim our boarding tickets.
After claiming our tickets, we then found ourselves inside Coron Port where we passed by a few security checks and where we needed to pay the port fee of ₱20 before being allowed to go through the boarding area. Not long after this, we were directed to board our assigned ferry, leaving Coron past 6AM in the morning.
Coron Travel Tips
For a more convenient travel to Coron, here are a few handy tips to take note of from someone who visited the island twice.
- Most of the destinations in the Coron Town Proper Tour are located closely to each other (except for Maquinit Hot Spring) and can be easily done by DIY. Hence, if you want to save more you can opt to explore the town by yourselves to have more control over your time.
- If visiting Maquinit Hot Spring through DIY, especially if via scooter or tricycle, be advised that the road leading to it is unpaved and if you prefer a more comfortable travel going to it, joining the Town Proper Tour may be a better option.
- Invest on your own snorkeling mask and aqua shoes on island hopping tours, especially if you plan to travel in the other islands of the Philippines to skip on paying on daily rental fees.
- Bring extra cash when doing island hopping tours for unexpected purchases when visiting the different destinations.
- Big dining establishments accept cards for payment. Nonetheless, small businesses mostly observe cash only payments.
- Big local banks like BPI and Metrobank have branches in the Town Proper where you can withdraw cash in its ATMs.
A mix of seeing new and the same places I visited during my first trip to the island in 2021, experiencing Coron for the second time provided me with mixed feelings of familiarity, wonder and realization; familiarity for having to retrace my steps that I took before; wonder for seeing and having new experiences in both spots that I visited and haven’t been to; and realization that, despite having seen it already before, Coron’s natural beauty didn’t fail to enchant me once again.
Although there were also a handful of changes that I spotted on the island, all of these were reflection of how the place adapts to change, especially after the irresistible impact of the pandemic to everyone’s lives.
Will I be back for the third time? The latter can only tell. But one thing is for sure, with the kind of experience that Coron provides, it’s hard to pass on the memories that one can have it in.
Visiting Coron for the first time or have already been to it like me? Let’s hear out your thoughts in the comments below!
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