11 Best Things to Do in Coron, Philippines

If Coron is not already on your travel bucket list, get a pen ready! Consider Coron a smaller, quieter, yet equally pristine version of El Nido. Like its neighbor, Coron boasts natural wonders that defy logic and challenge your perception of reality. You can swim through underwater mountains, explore hidden lagoons, snorkel over otherworldly reefs, and relax on beaches with baby powder-soft sand—the adventures never cease.

As the northern part of Palawan has only recently gained recognition among travelers, everything beyond El Nido (especially Coron) remains relatively undiscovered. This once-sleepy fishing town is gradually awakening to welcome tourists for exploration. This means that adventures in Coron are less crowded, more budget-friendly, and less impacted by tourism compared to many other island destinations in Southeast Asia. Before Coron becomes a global “Top 10” destination, come and savor a slice of paradise.

1. Coron Bay

Coron Bay is a mesmerizing destination where unforgettable adventures unfold. Imagine yourself immersed in a mesmerizing journey through a captivating labyrinth of azure waters, gracefully meandering amidst towering limestone cliffs that evoke vivid memories of the enchanting world depicted in the film ‘Avatar’. The sheer surreal beauty of this place is so extraordinary that it feels almost too extraordinary to be true.

The bay is home to several shipwrecks that have fostered the development of vibrant natural reefs. The stunning reefs and sunken ships create perfect opportunities for diving and snorkeling adventures.

Experience the thrill of Island Tours as you embark on a journey through the picturesque Coron Bay. Discover hidden inlets, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the bay’s finest swim spots and be captivated by the breathtaking viewpoints that offer a panoramic perspective of this stunning destination.

2. Kingfisher Park

You are going to experience a lot of beach lounging and snorkeling in Coron, so why not add some variety to your itinerary for a day?

Kingfisher Park offers a captivating travel experience, surrounded by lush mangroves and abundant bird species, waiting to be explored. Palawan boasts a remarkable array of unique vegetation and animal species that are exclusively found in this captivating destination.

There are a few travel experiences you can enjoy, such as embarking on The Mount Lunes Santo Trek and indulging in the Starry-Starry Night Tour. However, one of the most sought-after experiences at Kingfisher Park is embarking on a thrilling kayaking adventure through the enchanting mangroves. This allows you to intimately observe the diverse wildlife inhabiting both the lush mangrove forests and the captivating underwater world beneath your kayak.

Consult with a knowledgeable local tour guide who will assist you with all of the aforementioned aspects.

3. Banana Island

Looking for a romantic getaway? Discover the enchanting allure of Banana Island, where you and your beloved can find countless romantic hideaways to embrace each other’s warmth.

Snuggle up together in a charming bungalow nestled above the tranquil waters with no one else around; let your loved one lovingly push you on a swing suspended from a weathered tree while your toes dip into the water; or explore the vibrant reefs hand-in-hand while snorkeling and discover precious treasures for one another.

Once you find yourself filled with excitement and wanderlust, find a serene spot by the beach and witness the mesmerizing beauty of the setting sun. Now, that’s a travel adventure.

4. Bulog Island

If you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable travel adventure, consider heading to the mesmerizing Bulog Island. The sandy beaches are adorned with powdery white sand, while the mesmerizing waters transition gracefully from a crystal-clear hue to a vibrant turquoise, creating a picturesque backdrop that could easily be mistaken for a scene straight out of an Instagram post.

When the tide is low, a picturesque beach emerges, offering the perfect opportunity to capture stunning jumping photos that create the illusion of floating in the vast expanse of the ocean.

And, if that was not enough, the way the palm trees sway in the breeze looks like something out of a travel magazine. When exploring Coron, make sure to include a visit to the stunning Bulog Island in your itinerary.

5. Maquinit Hot Springs

Are you able to withstand the scorching temperatures of a desert hike? Embark on an exhilarating journey to immerse yourself in the rejuvenating hot springs of Coron, where temperatures range from 39 to 40 degrees Celsius.

The key is to immerse yourself completely in the travel experience and remain perfectly still! After a minute or so, your mind will start to wander, and you will begin to immerse yourself in the journey.

Experience the enchantment of the hot springs under the starry night sky as the ambient temperatures begin to cool. Traveling makes for a more pleasant experience. In addition to that, exploring Maquinit Hot Springs during sunset offers a truly breathtaking experience, where you can witness the enchanting sight of twinkling stars and a radiant moon illuminating the night sky. Traveling just can’t be beat.

6. Underwater Mountains in Barracuda Lake

These underwater rock formations are not only enigmatic but also uniquely situated within an inland lake, in contrast to the usual coastal rock formations. Just when you believed Coron could not become more otherworldly, it surprises you with this.

Barracuda Lake stands out as an extraordinary dive location where you’ll glide through the underwater peaks as if you were Peter Pan, navigate through clearly distinguishable layers of salt and freshwater, and encounter warm pockets where the water temperature can soar to nearly 40 degrees Celsius.

There is truly no other dive site like this anywhere in the world, so seize the opportunity while you are here.

7. Siete Pecados

If you are seeking to immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world, this dive site is perfect for you. Siete Pecados is a breathtaking travel destination known for its abundant marine life, including vibrant schools of tropical fish, diverse coral reefs bustling with fascinating creatures, and stunningly colorful underwater landscapes.

For an unforgettable travel experience, consider renting a private boat to explore the enchanting destination of Siete Pecados. Begin your day with an exhilarating snorkel excursion, ensuring a refreshing start while escaping the scorching sun and bustling crowds.

When you travel, remember to ask your tour guide to bring fish food along so that you can make lots of underwater friends.

8. Banol Beach

Banol Beach is a compact, picturesque stretch of white sand, ideal for a leisurely day of sunbathing and wading in the refreshing waters.

In place of reggae bars and guesthouses, you will find lush jungle forests and well-prepared picnic areas. Prepare a bag filled with snacks, cold beverages, and water to turn it into a delightful outing.

This beach is typically peaceful, providing ample room for you to capture fantastic photographs. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a professional camera, every shot comes out incredibly Instagram-worthy.

9. Wreck Dive in Busuanga Island

Just to the west of Coron Island lies Busuanga Island, which boasts an underwater marvel that divers find irresistible.

In 1944, numerous Japanese WWII ships were struck during an aerial assault, leading to their sinking just off the coast of Busuanga Island. This is where these immense vessels met their ultimate fate.

Numerous dive shops provide these wreck dive experiences, allowing you to explore the interiors and surroundings of these ships, which are now adorned with vibrant coral reefs and eerie underwater moss. It is a thrilling dive adventure that more than justifies the roughly one-hour boat journey to reach the site.

10. Lake Kayangan

That’s enough of shoreline swimming; it is time to venture into the inland waters. Imagine Coron Bay located deep within the forest, and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect at Lake Kayangan.

Strap on some comfortable shoes and embark on a 15-minute hike involving approximately 300 stairs. While the climb requires some effort, the lush forest surroundings make the journey all the more enjoyable.

The lake is stunning, featuring a shallow shoreline perfect for wading. From an elevated vantage point, you can easily observe the lake’s sudden drop into a deeper swimming area. Comprising 70% freshwater and 30% salt water, this lake is believed to be inhabited by benevolent spiritual beings and is therefore a location where locals conduct spiritual rituals.

11. Twin Lagoons

Also known as the “hidden lagoons,” the Twin Lagoons offer a truly unique experience. These lagoons are essentially two small lakes formed within limestone cliffs, nourished by the nearby turquoise ocean water.

During low tide, the water surface lies beneath a stunning limestone archway that you can swim through to reach the other lagoon. While swimming through the water, you’ll encounter both warm and cold spots, adding to the delightfully peculiar experience.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Coron: Best Areas & Hotels