CORON ISLAND, CORON, PALAWAN | Backpacking Coron:Top 10 Things To Do

CORON ISLAND  | Coron, Palawan

Coron, one of the regions of Mimaropa in the province of Palawan, boasts an extensive surface and landmasses of almost 270 sq. mi that separates two seas: South China Sea (west) and Sulu Sea (northwest). Over the years, it have become a must-visit destination, either for locals or tourists. Plethoric vista, virgin waters and genuinely accommodating people must have been all summoned by the Mighty to be in this Eden.

HOW TO GET TO CORON  |

1. Fly to Busuanga; airfare varies and travel time takes about an hour.
2. There would be vans that are parked just immediately after you exit the airport; join other passengers bound for Coron. Travel time is approximately 30-45 minutes; rate is Php 150.
3. Once the city proper is reached, you may ask the driver to bring you to your accommodation of choice or hail a tricycle for Php 10.

AND, AS ALWAYS, GET LOST!

STAY | From Snug Guesthouses to Opulent Island Resorts

Insane numbers of hostel, lodges and pensionhouse are lined up on the streets of Coron. Finding a place where to spend a few days of your vacation will not be a problem. There is no need for a reservation unless you will be travelling during the peak season. High-end accommodation is not necessary, since most of your time would be spent outside.



Coron Guapos Guesthouse, one of the favorites in the island, is a great option for those who just need a decent place where to wrap themselves after a day of fun-filled activities. It is just about ten-minute walk away from the market and 15-minute walk from the jump-off point of Mt. Tapyas. A common area, used for socials, is generally provided to guests. A large lawn with hammocks, tables and lounge chairs are well enjoyed every morning or during late afternoon coffee break. Restrooms with bathroom sinks, showers and flush toilets are well maintained. A reliable free wifi is also available in almost all the corners of the hostel. Price ranges from Php 400-1000. A single room is charged at Php 400; double ranges from Php 500 to Php 700; group rate maximum of four is at Php 1000.

LIST OF ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN CORON

CORON GUAPOS GUESTHOUSE | Brgy. 5, Coron, Palawan

0999 993 6639/ 0917 579 0049/

Rate starts at Php 400 (fan room)

CORON BACKPACKER GUESTHOUSE | Brgy. 5, Coron, Palawan

0916 400 4871/ 0919 388 6028/ coronpackpacker@gmail.com

Rate starts at Php 500

AMPHIBIKO | Brgy. 5, Coron, Palawan

0908 936 3830/ inf@amphibiko.com

Rate starts at Php 1,350 (A/C room)

PATRICK AND TEZZ GUESTHOUSE | Brgy. 4, Coron, Palawan

09279531407/ padie71@yahoo.com

Rate starts at Php 450

SEADIVE RESORT | Brgy. 3, Coron, Palawan

0917 808 6697/ 0920 8714/ http://seadiveresort.com/

Rate ranges from Php 450 (fan room) to Php 1600 (A/C room)

** A few hotels with pools and recreational pads are also available ranging from Php 1,800-5,000 **

PRINCESS OF CORON | Brgy. 1, Coron, Palawan

0918 695 0563/ princessofcoron@yahoo.com

Rate starts at Php 1,800

GMG HOTEL | National Highway, Cor. Don Pedro St. Coron, Palawan

0922 883 0006/ 0918 947 5871/ http://www.gmghotelcoron.com

Rate starts at Php 2,500

THE FUNNY LION | Brgy. 5, Coron, Palawan

0905 395 5445/ inquiries@thefunnylion.com/ http://thefunnylion.com/

Rate starts at Php4,500 (tour and transfers are also accommodated)

 ** If you have the means and would like to splurge, why not? **

TWO SEASONS CORON ISLAND RESORT & SPA | Malaroyroy, Bulalacao Island, Coron, Palawan 5316
0917 566 5820 to 80/ http://www.twoseasonsresorts.com/coron/

Rate starts at Php 22,500/night (tour and transfers are also accommodated)

GETTING AROUND | Transportation and Monetary Support

The most common type of public transportation in Coron is motorbike. Bikes are readily available all over the town and often cause congestion along the cramped alleys. A minimum standard rate of Php 10 is charged for a short distance ride. Rental of these vehicles is also a great option for those who may want to scout the place on their own. Private rental normally costs around Php 500/ 24 hours. As for me, exploring the island by foot is more advantageous. You'd get to see interesting spots (souvenir stores, restaurants, thrift shops and coffee bars) that you would just normally leave out when you're in a vehicle. 

Monetary entreatments are catered by a few banks sited in the town: BPI, Metrobank and Land Bank. Money transfer providers: Cebuana Lhuillier, MoneyGram, Smart Money Padala, LBC, are all conveniently available that help arrange financial sustenance.

So finally, you booked for Coron. You checked for reviews from different sites: tripadvisor (if I'm guessing it right). You seek suggestions from others, or you create your own run and you do what it is that you do. Or maybe, you call their bluff. Below is just a few of the hundred or thousand things that you might want to try on the island.

#10 | Feast

E A T |
SEAFOOD

Coron Island is practically all about seafood. The island, being blessed with rich marine life, is a haven for seafood fanatics: Fish, edible aquatic plants and seaweeds, seashells of various types and just almost everything under the sea, are served on a daily basis. Majority of the island tour packages are inclusive of hefty buffet lunch; recipes and the manner it is cooked depend on the fresh catch brought in by local fishermen. 

Some people would even buy daily catches from the port and have it cooked in a restaurant for a considerable fee. The freshest and cheapest are sold directly by locals fresh off their boats on afternoons.

#9 | Indulge

N I G H T  L I F E / B E A C H  L I F E |

- RESTAURANTS - BARS - COFFEE - BEER - 

When the sun is down and the tide is high, Coron starts to light up to beam the whole island. Though it has been pretty much conservative when it comes to real partying than that of Boracay, it still completes the experience.  Quaint cafés, restaurants and bars are situated mainly at the town proper and along Busuanga Road. Many foreign entrepreneurs have set up their businesses, some years hence, Coron have been presenting multicultural flavors – Italian, Korean, Mexican, Filipino and Japanese.

A FEW BARS IN CORON

• L A  M O R E N A – quaint café great for book reading and late afternoon chats.
• C A F E  R E A L , located on the quieter side of the town, offers hefty serving of pasta dishes. Several tables are arranged in the A/C room, a small garden is provided and serves as the designated area for smoking. Their aglio olio is at around Php 150 (good for sharing); beers and pica are also offered.
• C O R O N  C A S A – burrito, salsa, nachos? Mexican, eh?
• S E A  D I V E  R E S O R T – a dive resort that turns into a party crib come afternoon. Their restaurant has a nice balcony with picturesque view of the ocean.
• S I N U G B A  S A  B A L A Y – fresh grilled seafood plus al fresco dining setting.
• S I G B I N  B A R  &  T A T T O O – great hippie music with cool boho dudes. Temporary and permanent inks are available.
• B E E R – stores, usually operate up until midnight, are selling cold beers. Grab a few bottles to go before you call it a night!
• G R I L L – one remarkable barbeque stand, located on the corner of Poblacion 4, sets the island mood every night. Cheap pica, rice meals, fruit shakes – all at affordable prices.

#8 | Socials

M I N G L E |

" NO ONE IS EVER REALLY A STRANGER "

There is no more liberating than to explore unfamiliar places and meet new faces. The meek smiles, stolen glances and quick hellos, quite often develop into something meaningful and deeper bonds. While the meeting of varied cultures provides us a great avenue to understand others, it is also an opportunity to meet ourselves. It’s incredibly amazing how people from different parts of the world are gathered altogether – in one place and all at the same time. Each has its own two compelling reasons when travelling: to hide or to expose, to fight or to make peace, to win or to yield. For whatever it is, every single encounter with another soul is unique.

#7 | Sink

D I V I N G  &  S N O R K E L I N G |

- GREEN LAGOON - ISLAS DE CORAL - QUIN REEF - 

The incredible clear waters and aplenty ecosystem of Coron are the top reasons why diving enthusiasts from all parts of the world come and visit. The wonders of its ocean allow sightings of the rarest and prettiest corals and sea creatures. Make sure to pack your own snorkel set, as you will be using it for the entire course of your tour. Often, the captain stops the boat somewhere in the middle of the sea to allow guests for a few minutes to an hour of snorkeling. This can be a little scary for no-pro like me, but you have to try this - it was extremely amazing! Rental of these gears are at Php 150-200/tour, dive classes are offered by numerous agencies at the town.

G R E E N  L A G O O N |

#6 | Afloat

B E A C H  B U M |
- ATWAYAN BEACH - CYCBEACH - SUNSET BEACH - MALCAPUYA BEACH - BANANA ISLAND - SMITH BEACH - BULOG DOS ISLAND - 

You have heard of Boracay, Calaguas, Bohol or Cebu, now combine them all and you'd get Coron! Pristine shores skirting the luminous waters of the island, fine sand depositing in between your toes, and giant pieces of rocks shading a portion of the area as you get a tan - all these during my beach hopping tour. No posh amenities on these beaches, but deym! You wouldn't need one. As of this writing, Banana and Malcapuya are the only islands that offer overnight accommodation. Rate varies, depending on the number of pax and size of boat to be used. The other beaches: Atwayan, CYC and Bulog Dos are mostly visited just for a quick dip. Sunset and Smith are the most common venues for lunch.

A T W A Y A N  B E A C H |

C Y C  B E A C H | 

S U N S E T  B E A C H |

M A L C A P U Y A  B E A C H |

B A N A N A  I S L A N D |

S M I T H  B E A C H |

B U L O G  D O S  I S L A N D |

#5 | Time Travel

S U N K E N  B UT  N O T  F O R G O T T E N |
- SKELETON WRECK -

Irako Shipwreck, about 147-meter long and 19-meter wide, recessed in the waters of Coron during World War II ( the years in between 1939-1945). The ship, although has run aground at a depth of approximately 400 meters, has become a shelter for various endangered marine species. Diving into the wreck and having a close-up encounter, steer one's imagination or speculation. Snorkeling is the second bet of spectators who cannot go that deep; clear water still warrants visibility of the ship. I believe this is one of the best dive/snorkeling spots I visited, as tremendous number of beautiful fishes and corals were sighted.
** no photo available, as my camera is not water resistant** 

#4 | Capture

P H O T O  O P |

- BARRACUDA LAKE - KAYANGAN LAKE - TWIN LAGOON - 

If you are more inclined on visuals than kinetics, and if you favor just visiting the attractions over doing adrenaline-pump activities, then Coron might be the ideal destination for you. Diving, snorkeling, swimming and mountain climbing; these are activities that might not work for everyone, but sightseeing? Who would say no? Coron, being comprised of several islands and islets, is endued with unimaginable giant cliffs that border its lakes, lagoons and beaches. It is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Its natural lighting and shadows are unbelievably crazy; it is somewhat similar to the up-to-date filters of Instagram, and that’s an understatement. Needles to say, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to start or revise your long overdue portfolio.  

B A R R A C U D A  L A K E |

K A Y A N G A N  L A K E |

Kayangan Lake, tagged as one of the cleanest and clearest waters in the country and across the globe, is serenely seated within the skyscraper cliffs and mountains of Coron. A 15-minute easy hike would lead you to the viewing deck; awesome landforms, snorkeling area and a hidden cave sited just a few meters from the dock area. Whew! A must see in the island.

Kayangan Lake as viewed from atop

swimming area

T W I N  L A G O O N |

approaching the gates of Twin Lagoon

#3 | Fly

C  L I M B |

- MOUNT TAPYAS - 

Don't give too much heed to what people tell you to do in the island. Most reviewers would advise you  to do sea activities, but you need to know that an itinerary must be based on your liking.

Try reversing your gears unto the mountains.

Coron is not just about water. There is more to it than that. It's not entirely about swimming or diving; sometimes it's also about climbing or hiking. The excitement is not always found deep in the waters, but up on the mountains. There can never be more rewarding than doing things what people normally don't do. While most of the island and islets are cramped with tourists,  two giants: Dalara and Tapyas, are waiting for you. Tapyas can be conquered easily, as 700 + concrete stairs are provided. Great scenery of the whole paradise and outstanding sunsets are best viewed from the deck. Three of my afternoons were spent on its top, seated against stones, while waiting for the the sun to rest and the moon to take over.

U N A N G  L I W A N A G  S A  T U K T O K |

S U N S Y E T  S A  T U K T O K |

For three consecutive days of coming back and hiking myself onto the top of this giant; keeping up with the pace, catching my breath, and just plain wandering around. The view, as always, has always been glorious.

#2 | Soak

R E L AX |

- MAQUINIT HOTSPRING - 

It is safe to say that a vacation is directly proportional to relaxation. The sole idea of having one is to depart from anything that consumes you - your thoughts and physicals. But not all destination offer satisfying spa packages to gratify these needs. But, somewhere afar off unto the uphill part of Coron, there is one popular spa that is worth the visit. Maquinit Hotspring is a perfect go-to place when you are ready to conclude your day. After the climax you had from swimming to climbing, here comes the resolution phase. Soak your tired body to its natural thermoregulated waters while overlooking the sea. Surely, it got just enough warm touch like that of a masseuse and an oomph like that of a masseur.

Maquinit is located about 30-45 minutes from the town; a private service would normally costs around Php 300-350; Php 500 if a city tour is included; entrance fee is Php 200.

#1 | Repeat

G O  H A R D  O R  G O  H O M E |
 - REPEAT CHORUS - 

For a week in the island of trying and feeling a little of everything by doing nothing - catching sunshine, guarding moonlight, meeting people, greeting cultures, soaring mountains, plunging unto ocean, feeling alive, playing dead, embracing souls: the young and old. Finally, as it seemed to me, things happened so quickly in a slow mo. Just incredible.

By the time you read this, I'll probably make plans on how to get my ass back to Coron. Aside from the tan amassed while lounging on its stunning beaches and pictures gathered by my lens, I was able to bring home tons of nice memories too. A few things I get to try for the first time (though it was scary as **ck) had solidified the saying that firsts are almost always the ones that last.

If you are done with numbers 10-9, congratulations!

Now, repeat.