What is one very memorable experience holidaying in the Philippines is the world-renowned Palawan Island. You may wish to read our linked travel guide for more information, before continuing. The Palawan Province is huge, and it not only encompasses Palawan Island but a few others also.
That's inclusive of Coron Island, and among others. Overall, the Calamian Islands host Coron and El Nido Islands, both are lush and tropical and extremely attractive for your Philippine summer holiday. In other words, these Islands are a stunning alternative to Thailand's Islands, for a summer to remember. And, did you know that the Philippines are up to 25% less expensive that Thailand? True: a holiday to Coron and El Nido is more affordable, especially for families.
Both Coron Island and El Nido Island are a blessing, gorgeous beaches and for the adventurous but each is so different to the other:
We recommend you pick one or the other, to your tastes, but spend time on both. It's also our suggestion when you are holidaying on either Island, to visit the other as well because both have varied attractions and experiences. It's the accepted norm to holiday in Palawan, and then take a short break to Coron Island, say two days, one night.
Also, don't underestimate just how popular these Islands are, leaving it to the last minute to book your tour itineraries. You could be disappointed all tours are fully booked, meaning you've to make your own arrangements to Island hop.
The big appeal of the Philippine Islands is Palawan Island without a doubt but coming up from behind fast is Coron Island. What brings you to Coron Island, stealing you away from Palawan? Continue reading to find out. The Island of Coron isn't small, but its far smaller than its southern neighbor Palawan so the chances are your accommodation will be found in Coron Town, on Busuanga Island. You are ferried between the two to see, touch and feel the sights and experiences of Coron Island.
It's no big deal, nor any big inconvenience either. It actually adds to the drama and excitement (particularly for children) as the imagination conjures up all sorts of things. There is one attraction that is pure gold, we will give more information later but in addition to that natural wonder, there are numerous Islands around Coron. If you are planning on staying a full day (and not a half day) then be sure your tour includes Island hopping to a few of those Islands.
Coron Island is actually part of a larger archipelago, and perfect for Island hopping. Here is why: the best Islands ― our favorites ― for beaches and snorkeling are:
Don't neglect the Busuanga Island paradise in your rush to get to Coron Island archipelago. Because, although Coron Town is super convenient for accommodation, meeting most people's needs, there are hotels and resorts out of town. Along the northern coast are luxurious resorts close to beaches and coral. The Island is your stepping stone from Manila to Palawan, or vice versa (coming to Palawan from Cebu City, for example).
On the other hand, Dibutunay Island has the best of the soft white sandy beaches with pristine clear water. If you want really decent beaches and beautiful beach views inland, then head for this Island. Likewise for the other favorites close to Coron Island, the beaches and waters promise peaceful walks, swimming and interior adventures.
Busuanga Island is the largest of all the Islands in the Palawan Province, is our guess. It's where you are going to be staying for the most part when holidaying in the Coron archipelago, at least. This large Island has the airport you fly to and a wide choice of hotels and resorts on offer to you, in Coron Town. Getting to your hotel is, at most, a 40-minute shuttle ride from the airport.
Because the Coron Island archipelago is hugely popular, it's only in your best interests to book your flights and accommodation a few months in advance of your holiday date. Just to be sure you have secured the best hotel and services for your budget.
Pro Tip: Tell your driver where you are staying in Coron Town and they'll drop you off at the door.
Busuanga Island has an airport servicing domestic flight. The one-hour flight from Manila is very brief, if you only want to holiday on Coron Island as part of your Manila holiday break. There's only the shuttle service from the airport to your hotel accommodation in Coron Town, a few US dollars at most to use. The Island itself is off the southern coast of its larger neighbor, Busuanga. You can only get to Coron Island by ferry or private boat.
The local ferry leaves for Coron Island every 15 minutes destined for Kayangan Lake, with the journey taking about 30 minutes with calm waters. Tickets cost from US$30 per person at the boat station.
You can also get to Coron Island from Palawan, which is much further to the south. Despite Palawan having an international airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport it's much better to find yourself in El Nido to begin with. From there you take a 5-hour ferry taking you to Coron Island. Expect to pay in the region of US$26 per person, one way. It depends on your holiday duration in our opinion:
It's also possible to enjoy a short stay on Coron Island, when your holiday is on Cebu Island. Simply fly to Palawan's international airport, then make your way to the ferry leaving El Nido. To get to El Nido, it's best to pay a little more and hire a van, making it a 5-hour journey for you. The bus is cheaper of course, and an hour longer.
For the best possible sunset experience, reach the summit of Mount Tapyas by late afternoon. Relax, chill out waiting for the sun to set over large swathes of Coron Island. The mountain can't be more than several hundred meters above sea level, making it possible for most people to climb the concrete steps. The summit has a viewing platform which is normally crowded, so choose wisely your lookout place.
A top beach destination, El Nido has gorgeous views out into its bay. Found towards the northern end of the Palawan Island, the peninsula is crowded during May, June and into July (peak season). Palawan Island has many attractions for couples and families, read our separate travel guide (link below) for more information. The iconic El Nido is only a small part of the Palawan holiday experience. It's safe to say usually a stop gap on most people's journey to the Coron Island archipelago.
But none less valuable. There are dozens of small Islands off the coastline, and booking a tour is advisable so you can experience the best spots:
Somewhere in among the many Islands is a secret beach, which is secluded. Pick a tour operator who'll take you there for a few hours of uninterrupted harmonious relaxation. Or charter a private boat, recommended for couples wishing more privacy.
We reckon the best time is from early November onwards through the Christmas and New Year period, until late April. All the best activities and experiences, are mostly outdoors and it's those months that are the driest on the Island. If you like things hot then delay your holiday to this beautiful destination until either March or April, to enjoy temperatures of 85°F. From May its actually more hotter but then you've got more rainy days going into early summer.
Our personal experience is if you are on a short holiday (a week for example, or less) then enjoy a 2-day, one night itinerary to Coron Island, from Manila. That's give you the best experience of both worlds: Coron Island and Manila. You have enough time to enjoy the lakes, Island hop and go snorkeling and diving. Because there are wonderful attractions on Palawan Island, but you've not enough time to enjoy Manila and all what Palawan offers.
If you've got much longer for your Philippine holiday, two weeks, then most definitely head to Palawan as a priority for a full week. You can then either go to Coron Island for a day or two towards the end of your second week, or give it a miss altogether to spend more time in the capital.
Surely one of the "big ticket" items on any holiday itinerary to the Philippines is Lake Kayangan. It would be a real shame in our eyes for you to holiday in the Calamian Islands and not experience this body of blue-green hued translucent freshwater lake. It's your dream come true to swim in such waters that are clear, pure and pristine. There are several options for you:
Just be wary of the rocks beneath the surface, that's all. One of the most gorgeous feelings you'll have though, is the urge to see the rock formations up close and personal. In quite a few places, the lake is found to be as deep as 15 meters, so don't underestimate the thrill you could get holidaying here. Everyone loves being near and in water, that's true, isn't it? It's why we can't get to the beach soon enough. Those same feelings, that urge swells up inside you ― once there.
Getting to the lake is by boat only and you'll be dropped off on one of the many stretching walkways, making your way to where there are (wooden) steps. Start climbing 300 odd steps, they're not really a challenge, even for those of you who aren't particularly fit, to finally descend down the other side. It is a steep climb be warned (so take your time, there's no hurry), but roughly half way there, the views of the bay below make it all worthwhile. Rest, catch your breath and capture those stunning views from the platform built for the purpose of taking your photos.
It's recommended you go as part of an itinerary or tour. It's a better experience knowing a lot of the smaller details are taken care of for you, particularly the travel aspects. You just want to really enjoy yourselves and any package all-inclusive is perfect. As much fun as the lake is for you for snorkeling, there are beaches close by for sunbathing on, topping up your tan nicely. You can opt for a half-day or a full-day package, and one that includes accommodation inclusive, or not.
If you are willing to pay more for a tour then go private and then you negotiate when you move on from one location to another. If you find you'd like to stay for longer on the lake then you can, which may not be the case with a cheaper tour operator.
There are several other lakes on Coron Island, however we never found the time to visit those. Perhaps any package you do go with will include those: ask about what lakes you do get taken to before booking and paying.
In any regard, we strongly urge you to go diving for WW2 shipwrecks. Dotted around the Islands are 10 Japanese navy battle ships that were sunk, some at a grand depth of 45m. The waters are calm and visibility most days. Only dive to those depths with a certified local diving guide, one who knows the locations well and currents. And, if you've previous diving experience of course. Out of interest, there are wrecks off the coast of Bohol Island too.
The best times are in March, April and May, you can expect lows of 75°F and highs of 90°F all year round, the temperatures are steady and consistent. Avoid going to Coron Island from mid-June onwards, until November when the rainy season comes to an end. Be wary though, November, December and January are peak seasonal months to the Philippines, for Coron Island. And, for Palawan the rainy season may linger, early into the following year.
If you've already been to any of Thailand's Islands and are considering somewhere else, then put the Philippines on your bucket list for sure. You are going to be thrilled by the natural beauty inland, and offshore too. The waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving, as you would expect being in the tropics, of course.
We could say the food is amazing and the locals super friendly, but you get that elsewhere throughout Asia, don't you? What makes Coron and El Nido so special for us were the Island lakes. Being surrounded on all sides by rising rocks, cliffs and mountainesque sights wants to make your eyes pop out. The whole holiday snorkeling experience leaves you dazed and gasping for more.
Peak season flights can be limited, in terms of when airlines actually fly so keep that in your thoughts deciding when to book. We always say to book in advance as early as possible once you've made the decision to holiday somewhere.
And as we said earlier, the Philippines are anything up to a quarter cheaper than like for like holidays in Thailand. That's worth taking note of as well, because holidays are generally becoming more expensive. A life fact, so do consider the Philippines and even if you're not ready for holidaying on Coron Island, there are other superb Islands: Bohol and Cebu Islands are darned marvelous too.
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