Travel Guide to Coron, Palawan ( Where To Stay+ Itinerary+ Where To Eat)

Of the many places I've been to in the Philippines, Coron will always be my most favorite travel destination. I first visited this first class municipality in Palawan five years ago and fell in love with it. Holy Week 2016, I set foot again in this paradise, after a 3 day stay in Culion. Last November, as a pre-birthday celebration, I was back again in my happy place. And given the chance, I would love to visit again.

On this post, I would like to share with you the ultimate guide to Coron. I bet that after your Coron visit, you will lust to come back again.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Air

Cebu Pacific, PAL and Sky Jet fly everyday from Manila to Busuanga. Flights are as early as 6am. Best to book the earliest flight so you can maximize your stay in this tropical paradise.

By Sea

2Go transfers from Manila to Coron/ Puerto Princesa every Tuesday and Friday at 1.30PM and departs from Coron to Manila every Thursday at 4.30PM. For those who doesn't want to bore hole in their wallets, this is a nice alternative. Travel time will be longer, of course, but there are several things you can do while on the ship and it can be fun. On my recent trip to Coron last Holy Week, we traveled via 2Go and yes, it wasn't bad at all! 

WHERE TO STAY

Five years ago,when I first visited Coron, there are not as many accommodations so options may be limited. But to date, lodges and resorts sprouted like mushrooms and choices where you can stay are in bounty. There are high end hotels that cost around 11-15 thousand a night and budget hostels that are as low as 500 for couple sharing.

During peak season, I recommend reserving a room in advance. But on low months, you need not worry about getting a room because, as I've said, there are a lot! Here are some of the accommodations I can recommend:

CORAL BAY BEACH & DIVE RESORT

Phone: +63916 5441843

Location: Popototan Island, Palawan

Email: booking@coralbay.ph

Why stay here: This island is secluded and it boast of rich marine sanctuary, Snorkeling enthusiasts and scuba divers will sure love this place. It is far from the town, at least one hour van ride from the airport and less than an hour boat ride. You sleep in nipa cottages fronting the beach. To those looking for a silent sanctuary and closer to nature, this is the perfect respite.

CORON SOLEIL GARDEN RESORT

Phone:  +632 8066377/ +63915 2126340/ +63939 9269288

Location: Mabentangen Road. Coron, Palawan

Email: customercare@coronsoleil.com

Why stay here: It is the newest high end accommodation in Coron. The place got premium amenities and facilities fit for a luxurious traveler. Rooms are priced as much as 10++ thousand a night- but expect a sophisticated accommodation once there. Believe me, the rooms are fit for a celebrity! :)

For the budget conscious and still want to experience their coddling amenities, there's Coron Soleil Express, an economy-class hotel.

DISCOVERY ISLAND RESORT AND DIVE CENTER

Phone: +63977 8399147

Location: Dicanituan Island, Barangay 5, Coron, Palawan

Email: info@discoverydiversresort.com

Why stay here: Only 5 minutes from Coron Town, this private island resort offers great beach view, native cottages as well as modern aircon rooms. They also offer SCUBA training and diving.

VILLA KHADINE GRAND VISTA RESORT

Phone: +63917 5124670/ +63917 5344646/ +63939 9186878

Location: Governor's Drive, Brgy Poblacion 6, Coron, Palawan

Email: villakhadinegrandvista@yahoo.com

Why stay here: The resort is located on a hill, overlooking the bay. Native villas provide a province-y feel. The view deck offers the perfect spot to savor Coron's nature. Deluxe room which can accommodate 4 pax is at 3K++ and family rooms for 6 pax is at 5,500 (prices subject to change).

Photo Credit: Lakwatserong Michael of www.goviajero.com

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 

AM- Depart Manila to Busuanga (flight)

Transfer to Coral Bay Beach and Dive Resort. Click here to see my Coral Bay Beach experience. 

This island resort is the perfect chill. It is so serene and quiet, you'll have the perfect rest and relaxation your body needs. Go snorkeling or scuba diving during the afternoon or simply lay by the hammock and read a book. The pier, which is Instagram-worthy is my favorite spot- perfect for those OOTD shots. The marine sanctuary is home to lion fishes and hundreds of other fish species. make sure to pick the beach cottages for a nice view of sunrise. Also, there's a hill where one can trek. Night snorkeling is also one of the features of this resort.

As this is an island, you will have to order food at their resto. A meal costs around 300- 500. Electricity are available only at night. Mobile signal is a little difficult too. You'll have a perfect day devoid of FB and social media activities.

Day 2

6AM- Breakfast

7AM- Boat Transfer then van transfer to town

9AM- Island Hopping:
Snorkeling at Siete Picados
Twin Lagoon
Lunch at Banol Beach
Kayangan Lake
5PM Back to hotel

Snorkeling at Siete Picados

 Twin Lagoon (outer lagoon)

 Banol Beach

 The most photographed spot at Coron on our way to Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake

Group Photo with Team Byaheros MNL (photo credit: Oscar Bornea of www.daddyosc.com)

Almost sunset

Day 3
5AM- Depart from hotel to Calauit Safari
630AM- 7AM- Stop over for breakfast
9AM- Caluit Safari
12NN- Island hopping
Pamalican Island
North Cay Beach
5PM- Back to hotel

 Close encounter with the giraffes and zebras at Calauit Safari

Beach bumming at Pamalican Island

Snorkeling at North Cay Beach
Depending on your length of visit, you can also opt to visit shipwrecks, climb Mt. Tapyas. dip at Maquinit Hot Spring or spend a day or over night at Culion (click here for my Culion trip).

WHERE TO EAT

Santino's Grill (located at 37 Brgy. Tagumpay, Coron Town Proper, Coron, Palawan)

What to order: A slab of baby back ribs cost only P500. I also love their seafood curry express. Finish your meal with the refreshing Citrus Blast (kalamansi, lemon, orange and dalandan with cucumber) and Ube- Nangka Turon ala-mode.

Coron Soleil Garden Resort ( located at Mabintangen Road, Coron, Palawan)

What to order: Crabs. More crabs. Their restaurant offers international, Filipino and Coron dishes- everything's delectable!

Lolo Nonoy's (located at Brgy 3, National Highway, Coron, Palawan)

What to order: I love their danggit! They also serve a variety of dishes like sisig, liempo and shrimps.

WHAT TO BRING

Coron is very picturesque so make sure you bring your camera to capture its beauty. As you will be doing lots of water activities, I highly recommend bringing an action/ underwater camera. An abundance of marine life and live corals await ones eyes. Life vest are usually provided by tour operators but snorkeling gears are sometimes not included in the package-either you rent them (around 150/ day) or bring your own. Wear rash guards and sun screen. Bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm because there are many things you can do at this island. A waterproof bag also secures your gadgets and other valuables from getting wet. 

TOUR PACKAGES

Calamian Island Travel and Tours

205 Evamag Building, Don Pedro Street, Brgy 2, Coron, Palawan

Email: calamiantours@yahoo.com, coron_travel@yahoo.com, calamiantravel@yahoo.com, palawandestinations@yahoo.com

Phone: 0947-994-4070/ 0939-569-6596/ 0917-532-5717/ 0917-532-2719

Their package usually includes van transfer to and from the airport, lodge/ hotel accommodation, tour, breakfast and lunch inclusions. A 3D2N package costs around 6K++ / pax.

The guides are the friendliest and 'funniest' we've met.

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Sharing with you the ultimate fun that we had:

Coron Palawan will always be one of my more happy places.The lagoons and beaches are colored like a fairy tale; its waters gleam like a diamond on a dancing girl. Its underwater scenery and the rich marine sanctuary are the best that I've seen. Truly, swimming on the beaches of Coron is one of the best experiences I've had. The people are warm and friendly- it was a separation anxiety at its finest when I bid goodbye to Coron the first time. Thinking about Coron always put a smile on my face, like sunshine over a flower. 

Coron is beautiful as the dawn, dominant as the sun. Its beauty maddens my soul like wine. Be here and experience wonderful memories like I did. Until next time, Coron!

READ MY OTHER POSTS

CULION

CORAL BAY BEACH AND DIVE RESORT

CORON SOLEIL GARDEN RESORT

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