The Philippines is home to some of the most stunning tropical destinations in the world, and one of the most breathtaking of these is Coron, Palawan. This small town is located in the northern part of Palawan, an island province in the western part of the Philippines. It is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, stunning limestone cliffs, and pristine white-sand beaches that make it a popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners alike.
Coron is known for its rich marine biodiversity, which makes it an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. The town is also home to several historic shipwrecks that were sunk during World War II, making it a popular destination for wreck diving enthusiasts. In addition to its natural wonders, Coron is also home to a vibrant culture and a friendly community, making it a great place to immerse oneself in Filipino traditions and hospitality.
5 Best Places to Visit in Coron, Palawan
1. Kayangan Lake
One of the most popular spots to visit in Coron is Kayangan Lake, which is often called the “cleanest lake in Asia.” This picturesque lagoon is nestled in the heart of Coron Island and is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. To get to the lake, visitors need to climb a steep staircase that provides stunning views of the surrounding islands and the azure waters below.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the lake’s crystal-clear waters. Visitors can go swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking in the lake’s calm waters, which are teeming with colorful fish and other marine life.
Kayangan Lake is a popular tourist attraction located in Coron, Palawan, and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone cliffs. Here are some things that make Kayangan Lake unique:
- Clear Waters – Kayangan Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters that are some of the clearest in the world. The lake’s water is so clear that visitors can see the lake’s bottom, including the colorful corals and fish that swim beneath its surface.
- Limestone Cliffs – Kayangan Lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that create a picturesque view that is unique to the location. Visitors can take a short hike up to the viewpoint to capture breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
- Freshwater and Saltwater Mix – Kayangan Lake is a unique location as it is a mix of freshwater and saltwater, giving the lake a distinct ecosystem that is home to a variety of marine life. The lake’s water is also slightly warmer than the surrounding sea, making it a great spot for swimming.
- Cultural Significance – Kayangan Lake is considered a sacred place by the Tagbanua tribe, who are the indigenous people of Coron. The lake is believed to be the ancestral domain of the tribe and is regarded as a place of healing and spiritual renewal.
Overall, Kayangan Lake is a not just one of the top places to visit in Coron but also a unique destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural significance that Coron, Palawan offers.
2. Twin Lagoon
Another popular spot in Coron is Twin Lagoon, which is located on the other side of Coron Island from Kayangan Lake. The lagoon is divided into two parts, with a small opening in between the two that visitors can swim or kayak through. The water in the lagoon is a stunning shade of turquoise, and the surrounding limestone cliffs create a dramatic backdrop.
Visitors can swim or snorkel in the lagoon’s calm waters, or explore the nearby caves and rock formations. It’s also possible to rent a kayak and paddle around the lagoon, taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Moreover, Twin Lagoon is a popular tourist spot located in Coron, Palawan, and is known for its unique geology and stunning scenery. Here are some things that make Twin Lagoon unique:
- Two Lagoons – Twin Lagoon is unique because it features two lagoons separated by a towering limestone cliff. Visitors can swim from one lagoon to the other through a small opening under the cliff, giving the experience a sense of adventure.
- Thermocline – The two lagoons have distinct temperatures, with the top lagoon being warmer than the bottom lagoon. The difference in temperature creates a thermocline that is visible in the water, creating a unique experience for visitors.
- Limestone Cliffs – Twin Lagoon is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that create a dramatic backdrop to the lagoons’ turquoise waters. The cliffs are also home to a variety of plant and animal life, making them an essential part of the ecosystem.
- Snorkeling – Twin Lagoon is a popular spot for snorkeling, as it is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and corals. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear and explore the underwater world of the lagoons.
Overall, Twin Lagoon is a unique destination that offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. The two lagoons, thermocline, limestone cliffs, and marine life all contribute to creating an unforgettable experience for visitors to Coron, Palawan.
3. Malcapuya Island
Malcapuya Island is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Coron, Palawan. It boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, which makes it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The beach is also surrounded by coconut trees, which offer a natural shade for visitors. Malcapuya Island is a bit of a journey from Coron town, but the beauty and seclusion of the beach make it worth the trip and reigned as one of the best places to visit during your island hopping in Coron, Palawan.
4. Bulog Dos Island
Bulog Dos Island boasts of a beautiful sandbar that stretches out into the crystal clear waters of the ocean. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and taking pictures. The island also has a small beach where visitors can relax and enjoy the view.
5. Banol Beach
Banol Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Coron, Palawan, and is a popular tourist spot for visitors looking for a relaxing day out. Here are some of the great things about Banol Beach:
- Scenic Beauty – Banol Beach is surrounded by beautiful towering cliffs and lush green forests that make for a picturesque view. The crystal-clear waters and white sand beach add to the beauty of the location.
- Seclusion – Banol Beach is relatively secluded, which makes it perfect for visitors looking for a quiet and peaceful spot to unwind. There are fewer tourists, which means the beach is less crowded, giving visitors more space to relax and enjoy the view.
- Snorkeling – The waters around Banol Beach are teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling. Visitors can see a variety of fish and coral reefs while snorkeling in the clear waters of the beach.
- Relaxation – The beach has a laid-back atmosphere, making it perfect for relaxation. Visitors can rent beach chairs or hammocks to enjoy the view, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the beach.
These are just five popular places to visit in Coron. If you want to explore off the beaten paths, we offer private multi day island hopping boat tour between El Nido and Coron or Coron to El Nido.
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recommendsGérard Benoit2023-02-08I was looking for a personalized excursion to the beautiful bay of Bacuit. Seeing the comments, I contacted Mel. Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization. The crew were very friendly and very helpful. And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel. In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I can recommend Mel and his team highly enough. A big thank-you.recommendsAndré Mardoñal2019-10-22⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The island world of Linapacan between Coron and El Nido with the clearest waters in the world is truly a dream for itself! Without a boat you won't be able to see it! But what this boat trips makes so amazing is the crew! Once you come on board they might be shy in the beginning but will make you feel welcome and home from the first moment. Not only that they are looking that you sit comfortable all the time, they will prepare fresh and delicious food what the buy from local markets. They know the best spots and most beautiful islands and will bring you to places where you get this "Robinson Cruisoe feeling". Every day you visit 3 to 5 spots for snorkeling, enjoying a beach or exploring a little island. The accommodation we had was good and simple. We slept in bungalows and tents right at the beach. Sheets and towels were always provided and sometimes towels. After a while you feel like a family on board. We loved living the boat life didn't wanna leave! If you doubt take a longer than shorter trip! For any questions please message me.recommendsSarah Uhan2019-01-31All in all it was a really great experience. It's a once in a lifetime thing to do and you won't get more authentic and basic Philippino experiences anywhere else. We were not so lucky with the wind and waves so we couldn't do all the stops we wanted to unfortunately. So be aware that especially the months from January to May can be very rough on water. But we still saw some great places Benji took us. Benji and his family was very nice and they did everything they could. The food was amazing - always freshly made in authentic Philippino style and way too much for the 2 of us. Make sure to bring enough cash - many of the islands cost extra (entrance fee) and be aware that any kind of accommodation and food (200php per meal) is not included in the boat fee. Also the deposit and commission fee for the agency are a little over the top, especially since the crew does not get any of it. The costs all in all are rather high for phillipino circumstances especially given the basicness of it all. However if you think about that all 5 boat people (in our case) live off of the boat fee alone, you spent the money willingly. Be aware though that accommodation and sanataries are very basic if even existant. So you gotta have the right mindset. Bring tissue, sanatiszer and earplugs to get some better sleep. Another feedback I have concerning the size of the boat. I don't think it is sufficient for more than 4 people. If the weather is like it was these days, you always have to sit on top and it was already a little squeezy with us 2 and 5 boat people. So I guess 4 guests can be fine but more than that won't have the space. There is different boat sizes but make sure to talk about that with Karel in advance. Other than that it was really worth it and we got to see so many great beaches and reefs which we could have never been able to visit without the tour.recommendsEric Liu2018-03-15It was scary to book a 5 day trip with no places to stay confirmed or a strong itinerary. And in the Philippines, communication is difficult. But that is part of changing mindsets to a rural island mindset. In the end, everything worked out. We had some tough moments with bugs. But we also had some amazingly beautiful secluded beaches, the best snorkeling in the world, relaxing on the beach, and freshly made food on the boat while docked at beautiful places (better than being on land). Note, we went with Benji. Recommendations: - you must get a local SIM when you arrive to make sure pickup and everything works out - some islands have bugs - use bug spray! Pros: - a fraction of the cost - away from the crowds - can customize what you want - just ask! - a truly local experience - saw a REAL rural town Cons: - locals aren't really polished tour guides - if you don't ask for it, you won't get it, need to be pretty proactive - pretty simple "activities" - no frills like bathrooms or kayaks etc.recommendsÁngela Deand2017-04-26We can't be more grateful to have had the opportunity of experience the peace in Patoyo Kitesurfing Camping! Spending two weeks in Dimancal Island, gave us the chance to experiment the rural and traditional way of life, in touch with the nature and people. We have learnt how to cook with fire, how to open a coconut and how to survive in an environment where for a time we forget about unnecessary needs, just to focus on enjoy the small details and pleasures of life. Mentioning too the amazing snorkeling and beautiful islands around this place, which make it unique and special. It is a lovely option if you are running away from tourists and overcrowded places in the Philippines. You will find yourself in the middle of virgin beaches and nature, surrounding by charming people. We will definitely come back!recommendsCaroline Danielle2017-02-13We haven't done a Tao tour, but I would suspect that this is a cheaper version of the same thing. Our boat operator (Benji) and the entire crew were were fun, friendly and made an effort to ensure we had a good time. If you get a large group of people together it can be a really inexpensive alternative to other Coron-El Nino and vice versa island hopping tours. The food was good, but more expensive than as advertised by Karl. The price quote we got was 100 php a meal, but the boat charged us 200. Since the food was good we didn't mind the extra expense, but it is important to keep in mind if you're on a budget. Definitely plan for some incidental spending. Our boat did have some mechanical issues and as a result we ended up being stuck in the same place for longer than we wanted to be. That being said, little could have been done about it and the trip was fun nonetheless.recommendsHauk Are Fjeld2017-01-01If you believe that doing the touristic tours in El Nido and going to "The hidden beach" takes you off the beaten path, you are wrong. There are lots of beautiful places in Palawan, but few of these places are without any other tourists. If you want to spend some extra effort on getting away from the tourist places, and don't mind a little "primitive" living, Island Hopping in the Philippines is definitely something you should check outrecommendsArnold Cabiguen2015-05-08The snorkeling in this area is phenomenal. Clearest waters in the world. I guess it's because there is relatively such lower tourist traffic through here, and the locals really protect the reefs!recommendsKarel Kosman2015-05-08Love it so much, just had to say it twice!
A wife and a mother of one with a small family business operation. We love to travel so we know what you need. In our family, I’m the one who loves organizing romantic wedding proposals and El Nido and Coron private day tours.