Captivating Coron: DIY Travel Guide to the World’s Best Island
♬ Every night in my dreams, I see you, I feel you…
That is how I know you CORON…(xxx)
Once more you open the door and you’re here in my heart..
And my heart will CORON and on… ♪
Pardon me for my intro but I just couldn’t get enough of my Coron trip. My soul is filled with so much joy I can confidently sing Titanic’s OST “My Heart Will Go On”. Oh yes, Celine Dion is shaking. LOL.
It took me exactly one year from my first ever Coron trip to finally make a blog. Well, I had to return back because Coron stole my heart, and this time with my family. The natural beauty of Coron is beyond words. It surely lives up to every traveler’s fantasy of being a picturesque paradise with a wide array of activities you can indulge. And I don’t intend to stop exploring Coron until I can finally experience all the alluring gems it has to offer.
Thrilled of my favorite paradisiacal adventure to date, let me take you to the captivating Coron, unarguably the best island in the world.
Coron is known for its awe-inspiring karst limestones, clear blue waters, pale white beaches and best diving spots. It is part of the Calamian Group of Islands in the Province of Palawan in the Philippines. Though Coron as a destination refers to the town itself located in Busuanga Island, it shouldn’t be confused with the equally stunning Coron Island that’s part of Calamian archipelago. Other beautiful destinations in Palawan such as Puerto Princesa, Underground River, Balabac and El Nido have their fair share of idyllic spots, but there’s nothing like Coron getaway, the crème de la crème!
PLACES TO VISIT (TOUR PACKAGES IN CORON)
For many years, Coron’s immense natural beauty has already captivated the hearts of both locals and tourists alike. In fact, it has consistently landed on the top spot in surveys for being one of the best islands in the world conducted by various international organizations.
In spite of its popularity, it’s noteworthy to expect a very organized tour while offering various packages for all discerning travelers to ultimately enjoy their Coron experience. Depending on the length of stay in Coron, you can always choose the tour itinerary that best works for you, may it be a DIY, joiner tour or private tour.
Coron Island Tour A
Your Coron trip would not be complete without visiting the main tourist attractions in Coron Island like Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quinn Reef, CYC Beach, Coral Garden, Balinsasayaw Beach. Tour A starts at a package worth Php 800.
Coron Island Tour B
And there’s Coron Island Tour B. It has a separate route that activates the equally magnificent side of Coron Island including Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Malwawey Beach and Reef Garden.
Coron Ultimate Tour
It’s a combination of Tour A and Tour B but minus Barracuda Lake (unless it’s SUPER ULTIMATE). The duration of each trip per spot is much shorter compared to either Tour A or Tour B as Coron Ultimate Tour packs everything in one optimum itinerary. If you’re visiting Coron for a short time, then this tour is the one you shouldn’t miss.
For more visual diaries about this tour, read my blog entitled CORON ULTIMATE TOUR.
Calauit Safari Tour (+ Black Island)
Now becoming a popular tourist attraction in Coron, Calauit Safari Park offers unique wildlife encounter that’s very different from all other Coron tours combined. However, it’s more than that! It’s totally one for the books! Read my one of a kind Calauit Safari experience here: CALAUIT SAFARI
Although Calauit Safari Tour has different side trip destinations, choose the tour agency that offers Black Island. Why? It’s eerily beautiful making the trip worthwhile! When in Coron, explore the off-the-beaten path and head to a remote island off the coast of Salvacion, Busuanga. Mix one part history to two parts rugged beauty, and add a dash of trendy glamour. You get Black Island!
See what’s in store for you at BLACK ISLAND.
Island Escapade Tour
Coron trip would be insufficient if you don’t try the classic island hopping. There are two amazing routes to choose from: (C1) Malcapuya Island, Coco Beach and Ditaytayan Sandbar and (C2) Malcapuya Island, Banana Island and Bulog Dos Sandbar.
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls you! Read our Island Escapade Tour experience here: TRIPLE BEACH TREATS IN CORON
Reef and Wrecks Tour
The main highlight of this tour is the pristine Pass Island. But wait until you see the amazing world down there. The Reef and Wrecks Tour is considered a diver haven as the itinerary is blessed with series of divine diving spots such as Lusong Gunboat, Lusong Coral Garden and East Tangat Wreck.
Coron Town Tour
Coron Town Tour has the cheapest package among all tours. The highlight of this tour is no other than the unassuming Mt. Tapyas. It can be done DIY if you’re traveling on a budget as it is just a walking distance from the town proper. What I love about this activity other than it’s FREE is its accessibility, level of climb difficulty and the best view. Thousands of paved stairs will lead you to the pinnacle where you can marvel at the serenity of Coron town. And I tell you, the view at the summit of Mt. Tapyas is definitely worth the climb. Best time to go: SUNSET!
After a taxing but rewarding climb at Mt. Tapyas, you can relax at Maquinit Hot Spring. It’s a perfect place to soothe your aching body and savor that much-needed respite. You may rent a motor bike or cab to go there, so brace yourself for a 25-minute long and bumpy ride. Entrance fee is Php 150.00 per person.
TOUR AGENCIES IN CORON
Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling in group, you can experience the best of Coron at an affordable price by booking a joiner tour. With lots of travel and tour agencies available in Coron, it’s sometimes confusing as to what package is best for you.
You don’t even have to book these tours ahead because even upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted with lots of tour coordinators that will offer their respective tour packages at a discounted price, much lower than what are being advertised to the public. You can canvass on your own by comparing and referring to these flyers that you can collect from various agencies in Coron.
If you want my honest opinion, I highly recommend Wonderful Island Travel and Tours. DOT-accredited travel agency, service is excellent, tour is safely implemented and organized and the packages are mostly cheaper compared to other agencies — definitely a good bang for your buck! If you have special request, you can even have it arrange with the agency owners and operators themselves.
Contact Wonderful Island Travel and Tours via Facebook or call them via mobile +63 916 246 8708.
ACCOMMODATION (WHERE TO STAY IN CORON)
In both times that I visited Coron, I stayed only in one place – Jazmine’s Place. Why do I keep on coming back? Decent accommodation, strategic location and value for money.
Jazmine’s Place is a charming and modernly styled hotel, strategically located in the midst of Coron town. The hotel boasts its fourteen rooms and suites set in a relaxing intimate ambiance. Ideal choice for those who want a quiet and relaxing haven close to all key destinations.
The room is very spacious with sufficient amenities like A/C, fan, TV, single beds, queen-sized bed, towels, clothes drier, own comfort room and kitchen. WiFi connection is available at the reception area. Accommodation ranges from Standard, Deluxe, Super Deluxe to Grand Deluxe! You can also book for the Suite Room that fits a family or group of six. Breakfast is free too! Pick-up and Drop-off service from/to Busuanga Airport is also available.
For more info about Jazmine’s Place, refer to their website.
RESTAURANTS (WHERE TO EAT IN CORON)
There are lot of food shops and restaurants in Coron, located close to each other. I personally think most of the prices are high compared to the usual eatery in other places but who cares, you’re in the best island in the world, right?!
We tried “samgyupsal” at Coron’s First Tabletop Grill Restaurant, Inihaw Project Coron on our first night. The food offerings are mostly good at a fair price and the staff are very accommodating. You can also try some of the neighboring restaurants with good food such as KT’s Sinugba sa Balay, Karl’s BBQ, Kawayanan Grill Station, Buzz Express, The Oldhouse, Blemoon Restobar, Pedro’s Gelato and more.
If you ran out of cash, some establishments accept credit cards. Likewise, there are available banks, ATMs and money transfer services in town.
DIY ITINERARY + BUDGET
Spending Php 8,250 for your Coron Trip for 5D4N is already a good deal. If you have shorter days, or opted for a separate tour package, or booked a backpacker-type of accommodation with a fee of less than Php 200 per night, then this amount will totally decrease up to more than half the cost. With all the exciting adventure, stunning sights, good food and great company of the people you love, I can claim that my Coron experience has no better alternative, either way.
HOW TO GET TO CORON
Coron is a major tourist destination in Palawan and accessible via plane and boat trips. The fastest way to reach Coron from major cities in the country is via air travel (approximately 1 hour). It has its own airport located in Busuanga town – Francisco B. Reyes Airport which is 30 minutes away from Coron town proper.
If you’re looking for cheap flights to Coron, check out Cebu Pacific‘s super low fares. If you’re from the Queen City of the South, watch out for the newest route from Cebu direct to Coron this October 2019.
Writing this DIY travel guide makes me want to return to Coron again. Yup, Coron fever is real. Is it just me or is Coron a truly captivating destination that every traveler should add in their bucket list? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
🎼You’re here, there’s nothing I fear.. And I know that my heart will CORON..
We’ll stay forever this way.. You are safe in my heart and..
My heart will CORON and on! ♬
