Philippines is indeed blessed with breathtaking 7,500 islands. Among those is Coron, the jewel of the Calamianes Group of Islands. It's an exquisite paradise with rich marine life, charming sea and it's powdery sand, jaw-dropping landscapes surrounded with stunning limestone formations, turquoise and clear waters, and amazing underwater sceneries. Not to mention, their friendly and hospitable locals who will make you feel at home.
Coron is one of the three towns that make up the Calamian Group of Islands. This tropical paradise is made up of around 51 islands and islets, and seven lakes in which only two are open to public while the others are restricted. Everyone would definitely fall in love with its charm.
Chasing sunset at Mt. Tapyas. Definitely worth the 724 steps!
Look at that beauty! No filter nor photo enhancements needed. The Earth never fails to give us breathtaking sceneries like this.
How to get to Coron?
Many airlines have already direct flights going to Francisco Bangoy Airport. If you are on a budget travel, you better stay tuned for the promo fares from Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Skyjet and Air Juan flies directly too from Manila.
If you opt to travel by sea, 2Go Travel has a voyage from Manila to Coron and Puerto Princessa. A fast craft connects El Nido to Coron with 3.5 hours travel time. One-way fare costs around Php 1,800.
How to get around Coron town?
Coron is a small town and going to places is stress-free. From the airport, you may ride a van going to your accommodation for Php 150 only. Tricycles are the main mode of transportation around. There are some agencies who offer city tours for Php600-Php1000. For a big group like ours, we opted to charter tricycles to take us around the town's attractions for only Php 500 per tricycle. If you know how to drive, motorcycles are also available for rent around Php 600- Php 800 per day.
Tricycle contact: Kuya Albert 0905-750-5026
Where to stay?
There are plenty of choices for the accommodations from hostels to high-end ones. Most of them are located at the center of the town which are just walking distance to restaurants, souvenir shops, cafes, and public market. We stayed at Kokosnuss Garden Resort and is just around 10 minutes away from the town center. We booked VIP and Family spacious and clean rooms. They have a restaurant that serves affordable meals, so you don't have to go far away to eat. There are a lot of good restaurants nearby as well. The staff are accommodating and they can also help you book your tours and van transfers.
Kokosnuss Garden Resort: 0919-992-8026
Strolling around Lualhati Park
Discover Coron
Coron has different tour packages and activities that you could choose from. If you want to enjoy a hassle-free trip, you may book your tours with agencies. Rates are already inclusive of the entrance fees, lunch, and light snacks. Doing a DIY trip is also exciting! There are bangkas available for rent. You may visit Calamian Tourist Boat Association to check the standardized rates.
We booked our two-day tour with Ocean Pearl Travel and Tour on a discounted rate! We rented a tricycle for our city tour. We did the Ultimate Coron Tour on the second day for only Php1300/head and Island Hopping on our third day for Php 1500/head only.
Ocean Pearl Travel and Tour: Ate Liza - 0928-604-7458
Here are the other recommended tours that you might want to consider.
Ultimate Coron Tour: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Siete Pescados, Marine Park/Skeleton Wreck, Coral Garden, Malwawey Beach, CYC Beach
Tour A: CYC beach, Coral Garden, Atwayan Beach, Hidden Lagoon, Quin Reef, Kayangan Lake
Tour B: Barracuda Lake, Skeleton Wreck, Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon, Reef Garden
Tour C: (Malcapuya Island): Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos, Banana Island
Tour D: Bulog Dos Island, Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gun Boat Shipwreck:
Coron City Tour: Mt Tapyas View Deck, Maquinit Hotspring, Public Market, Town Plaza, Lualhati Park, Souvenir Shops, St. Augustine Church, Cashew Harvest
Calauit Wild Safari Tour
Siete Pecados
Twin Lagoons
Malcapuya Island
Banana Island
Bulog Dos Island
Sample Itinerary with expenses
Day 1: Php 484
Tricycle ride (City tour): Php 500/6 pax = Php 84
Food for breakfast and dinner: Php 400
Day 2: Php 1700
Ultimate Coron Tour w/ lunch and snacks: Php 1300
Food for breakfast and dinner: Php 400
Day 3: Php 1900
Beach Escapade/Island hopping: Php 1500
Food for breakfast and dinner: Php 400
Roundtrip van transfer to/from airport and accommodation: Php 300 (Php150/way)
Accommodation at Kokosnuss (VIP room): Php 4500x3 nights = Php 13, 500 / 6 pax = Php 2,250
Total: Php 6,634
As others say, Coron is an expensive town. Yup, I must admit that it's pretty expensive there but look! With a budget of Php 6,634, you can already explore the beauty of this paradise. Who says traveling needs to be expensive? Time to save up and crash out this item on your bucket list! *winks*
Shipwreck
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