CORON PALAWAN travel guide with budget travel plan

once is never enough.

Heck, when it pertains to Coron, four times still won’t cut it. This little vacationer town in Palawan one of the first destinations we set foot in as travel bloggers, but even after three a lot more visits, we still can’t get enough of it. Its jagged corners are bursting with natural appeal and cultural significance: from the lakes and lagoons of Coron Island, to neighboring beaches, to shipwreck dive sites and coral gardens, to saltwater hot springs, to postcard-worthy views from its mountaintops. Heck, they even have an African Safari nearby.

Yet, whenever we return, we always find something new. Coron changes fast, and it’s both good and bad. All it took was return to the top of Mt. Tapyas and we observed just how much development has sprawled across this side of the island. new hotels and restaurants flank a lot more of its paved streets. a lot more excursions are opened to tourists, whose numbers, I bet, a lot more than doubled considering that our last visit. prices climb at a near-scary rate.

Coron transforms faster than we update our travel guides, which is part of the reason why we return to Coron a lot more more frequently than to other destinations. Anyway, here’s our latest, a lot of updated Coron travel Guide. Last updated: September 2018.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Coron and Busuanga
How to get to CoronManila to Coron
Cebu to Coron
Clark to Coron
Puerto Princesa to Coron
El Nido to Coron
Busuanga airport to Coron Town

Where to stay in CoronTop budget hotels Under P2000
Top budget guest houses Under P1000
Search for more: Coron Hotels

Where to eat in Coron
How to get around CoronIf you join a group Tour
If you charter a private boat

Coron ToursCoron Island Tour
Coron town Tour
Calauit Safari Park Tour
Malcapuya Island excursion (aka Island Escapade excursion or beaches Tour)
Culion historical Tour
Glittering Fireflies and Plankton excursion (with Buffet Dinner)
Lusong Ship Wreck and Bulog Dos Tour

Sample Coron travel plan + Breakdown of Expenses
Other ideas for the poor Traveler
More ideas on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

Understanding Coron and Busuanga

Coron is just one of the four municipalities that make up the Calamianes, a stellar group of islands that speck the waters of North Palawan. Busuanga Island is the largest of the group and is politically divided into two municipalities: Busuanga and Coron. Coron is the main tourism hub of the region and has a lot more accommodations and tours, and is the normal jump off point to the surrounding destinations, which is why lots of of the attractions in Calamianes are typically associated with Coron even when they are technically part of other towns.

For example, Calauit and Black Island are actually in Busuanga, but a lot of people think they’re in Coron. The town of Culion is also typically identified Coron, when it is, in fact, a separate municipality.

Another confusing bit: Coron town is not on Coron Island. As mentioned, Coron town occupies half of Busuanga Island. Coron Island, emphasis on island, is a separate smaller island off the coast of Coron Town. Still with us? Here’s a map to help you digest it better.

Map of Busuanga, Coron, and Culion

How to get to Coron

For tourists, the main gateway to the Calamianes Islands is Busuanga airport (USU), a lot more formally known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport. It is less than an hour away from the town proper of Coron.

But Coron also has a pier, and over the past few years, new boat routes have opened for tourists coming from Manila and other parts of Palawan like Puerto Princesa and El Nido.

Manila to Coron

Flying is the easiest and fastest way to reach Coron from Manila. Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, and Skyjet all operate Manila-Busuanga flights.

We’ve tried multiple dates to compare prices, and found the following:

Skyjet uses the lowest year-round fares.

Cebu Pacific does a lot more discounts for Coron. So if you’re not in a hurry to travel, you can wait for a Cebu Pacific SALE and you can score roundtrip tickets for as low as P2400 (flights only) or P3100 (with baggage).

Philippine Airlines has good rates, too. There are dates when friend has much lower fares.

Cebu Pacific flight Scan. The highlighted row consists of discount FARES. Year-round fare is around P3,400.
Philippine Airlines Year-round Fares
Skyjet Fares

Cebu to Coron

Philippine Airlines uses competitive Busuanga fares from Cebu and Clark.

Cebu to Coron Fares (Philippine Airlines)

Clark to Coron

If you book in advance, you might snag these fares.

Clark to Coron Fares (Philippine Airlines)

Puerto Princesa to Coron

2Go travel ferries passengers from Puerto Princesa to Coron, leaving every Wednesday and Saturday at 11:59PM and arrives the next day at 3PM.

Here are the rates per accommodation type and additional fees.

Sample computation

El Nido to Coron

Montenegro Fastcraft launched in September 2016 a new Coron-El Nido (and vice versa) route, which cuts the travel time to only 4 hours. schedule and rates below.

Busuanga airport to Coron Town

As soon as you emerge from the airport’s Arrival area, you’ll be greeted by people asking you what hotel you will be staying. Don’t worry, these are barkers trying to find passengers. I was hesitant to opt for them because they were a bit too proactive, to say the least, but they are legit if they are in uniform. They are asking for your hotel so they would know which van/shuttle you must board.

Travel time: 30-40 minutes

Fare is P150 per person

You can also hire the entire van for P1500.

The journey is picturesque because you’ll be driving across a ranch. If you’re lucky, you’ll see herds of cows crossing the road.

Where to stay in Coron

There are so lots of lodging options in Coron but you might still want to strongly consider booking in development specially during summer (March-May).

On our last visit, we were hosted by Coron Soleil, which is a newly built complex that harbors the Coron Soleil garden Resort, a 4-star resort. but here’s the catch: located in the same complex is the a lot more pocket-friendly Coron Soleil EXPRESS, a 3-star budget hotel. The thing is, guests staying at Soleil express have access to the amenities of the complex, which indicates you’ll be able to take pleasure in 4-star resort amenities at the price of a budget hotel!

Here’s Coron Soleil’s psychedelic swimming pool, the centerpiece of the resort.

Check rates & Availability

Top budget hotels Under P2000

If money is an issue, here are some of the top budget hotels under P2000 per night, according to Agoda users as of March 2019.

Hop Hostel. Calle Nueva, Coron town Proper. check rates and Availability

Aquilah Homestay. Calle Nueva St. Brgy. Poblacion 5. check rates and Availability

The Bay area Coron. 183 national Hwy, Coron town Proper. check rates and Availability

Happy Camper Hostel. Coron town Proper. check rates and Availability

Top budget guest houses Under P1000

If you’re working with a really limited budget, consider no-frills, basic guest houses and inns. here are the four highest-rated around and under P1000 per night, as scored by Agoda users.

Ahras Place. Coron town Proper. check rates and Availability

Quiet place to stay in Coron. check rates and Availability

Search for more: Coron Hotels

Where to eat in Coron

Food is expensive in Coron. According to our boatmen, it’s because lots of of the ingredients are being imported from Mindoro. but it doesn’t describe why seafood dishes are also expensive.

The price of restaurant meals range from P150 to P400. That P150 is typically composed of just a cup of rice and a small serving of a Pinoy viand like tapa, adobo, or liempo. Pasta dishes are normally at P250, grilled seafood (squid or fish) at around P200, and fruit shake at P100-P120.

If you’re not picky, you’ll find more affordable meals at carinderias all around town, but they’re getting harder and harder to find these days. but you’ll find those serving tapsilog for P100 or less. There are small kerbside barbeque stands which costs P10-P25 per stick.

On our last visit, we chose to eat at various restaurants in town, but we found that lots of of them are overpriced, and they kinda taste the same. Haha. With the following exceptions:

La Morena Cafe. We bought this seafood pasta and a big glass of melon shake. Both are unforgettable.

Carl’s BBQ. buy the baby Back Ribs. half slab is P350; full slab, P520. substantial servings. and tastes great!

Kawayanan Grill Station. seafood Platter (P450). good for 2-3 people. Fresh and grilled perfectly.

KT’s Sinugba sa Balai. There’s nothing really special about the taste, but the serving here is big and prices affordable, reasonable.

La Sirenetta. Kinilaw na Tuna.

Aside from La Morena, there are two other coffee places along the main road: Coffee Kong and Fika Indulgence. All three serve satisfying drinks and desserts.

Locals also kept on recommending Santino’s Grill and Amigos’ Smokes and Grill. We weren’t able to try ’em. We tried, but both were closed when we checked out because…

Important! a lot of restaurants and cafes in Coron are open only during lunch time (11am-2pm) and at night (6pm onwards). If you decide to have late lunch at around 3pm, your options will be substantially narrower.

How to get around Coron

There are so lots of interesting and special destinations in Coron and in nearby towns of Busuanga and Culion. If traveling just within Coron town proper, you can simply take a tricycle. Fare is P10 per person.

But when checking out island destinations, you have two options: join a group excursion or charter a private boat.

If you join a group Tour

You’ll be paying per person and will be sharing the trip with other tourists. You’ll find these excursions used by various operators throughout the town. This is terrific for those traveling alone or with a small group.

Pros: You don’t need to worry about anything else. You just pay one time, show up, and the agency will do everything for you. You also get to meet other travelers.

Cons: You have nearly no control of the travel plan and how much time you will be spending at each stop.

If you charter a private boat

You will need to book with Calamian vacationer boat Association. Their office is at the near end of the Lualhati Park. They have standardized the rates of boat trips depending on the size of the boat needed, the number of passengers, and your destination.

Is it cheaper? only if you’re a big group. rates depend on the boat size. For example, for Coron Island Tour, a boat that can accommodate 2-4 passengers costs P2700, 5-8 pax for P3250, or 9-15 pax for P3800. Obviously, you’ll be maximizing this if you’re a group of 10 or bigger.

Pros: Although there is a suggested itinerary, you have total control of your time and schedule. If you want to stay longer somewhere, you can. If you want to skip a stop, you can too. and as I said, if you’re a big group, it will turn out much more affordable than joining a group tour.

Cons: The published rates cover only the boat fee. NOT included are the excursion guide fee (P500) and entrance fees. Food is NOT included either, so you will need to bring your own provisions. Fortunately, the public market is near the port and the boatmen can prepare and cook your meals at no extra cost, so you can simply shop for ingredients before your trip.

Coron Tours

The following are some of the most popular excursions in Coron with the normal destinations covered. Inclusions vary so please confirm with the excursion or boat operator first before you seal the deal. I also indicated the normal rates as of March 2017, but bear in mind that these rates vary from operator to operator.

We also supplied links to corresponding Klook tours. However, we have to say that we actually find the excursions on Klook a bit pricier than usual. I would still just find another excursion when I’m there. but if you’re a long-time Klook user and you’re a lot more comfortable booking with them, go ahead.

For you want to pull a diy or charter a private boat, you’ll find the entrance fee rates in the photo caption. However, like I said, if you’re joining a group tour, you don’t need to worry about the entrance fees because they’re included in the group excursion package.

Coron Island Tour

Group tour: P1500-P1800 per pax (All in)

Private boat: P2700 for 2-4 pax, P3250 for 8 pax, P3800 for 9-15 pax

✅ check updated KLOOK RATES

This is the classic Coron Island Tour. The normal group excursion rate is somewhere between P1500 and P1800. However, you’ll find excursions for only P1300 or even as low as P750. Why the big difference? check the itinerary. the most famous attractions in Coron are Kayangan Lake and twin Lagoon. lots of of the uses we found don’t cover both. Some just include Kayangan Lake and a few other stops, or twin Lagoon and a few other stops. If you want to make the most of your stay, book a excursion that has both in the itinerary.

✅ book THIS TOUR

Coron town Tour

Group tour: P550+ per pax

✅ check updated KLOOK RATES

Alternatively, you might want to do this by yourself because all these are easily accessible by tricycle and even walking (except Maquinit)

Mt. Tapyas does not require an entrance fee. It’s best took pleasure in at sunrise!

Maquinit Hotsprings can be reached by tricycle. Fare is P350 roundtrip. entrance fee: P200 per person. best took pleasure in after climbing Mt. Tapyas.

✅ book THIS TOUR

Calauit Safari Park Tour

Group tour: P2500-P3000 per pax
Private boat: P9300 for 2-4 pax, P10400 for 5-8 pax, P17000 for 15 pax

✅ check updated KLOOK RATES

If you’re joining a group Tour, you have two options: by land or by sea.

If by sea, you will be stopping at the following:

Other stops: North Cay, South Cay

I personally like touring by sea because I am in love with Black Island, which is typically not included in land tours.

If by land, your stops will be 2 – 4 in the following, depending on the agency. Make sure to check the travel plan first before booking with any travel agency:

Calauit Safari Park

Concepcion Falls

Malbat