If you’re dreaming of an island paradise, you’re in the right page because in this article, we’ll list down the places to explore in one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines — Coron!
This island destination in Palawan has very diverse attractions that captivate tourists. It is famous for its towering karst cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, stunning beaches, and colorful underwater scenery. Aside from the lagoons, beaches, and dive sites, Coron also has unique saltwater hot springs and a viewpoint that offers a stunning sunset view.
Here are all the attractions you shouldn’t miss when visiting Coron. We’ll include all the details of different tours you can book to make planning your trip a breeze. So, put on some sunscreen and let’s dive into this island adventure!
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Coron Island Tour
Out of all the tours you’ll find in this part of Palawan, the Coron Island Tour is the most popular, and for good reason! Coron Island is probably the most beautiful island here. Its jagged coast has imposing limestone cliffs, which cradle stunning lagoons, crystal-clear lakes, and untouched beaches. Every corner of this island screams tropical paradise.
Here are different options for the Coron Island Tour:
- Tour A
- Tour B
- Tour C
- Ultimate Tour
- Super Ultimate Tour
Each of these tours includes a stop at a white beach and a coral garden (except for Tour C), but has a different main attraction. So, what are these main attractions? To give you a clear picture, there are three popular stops on Coron Island: Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake, and Twin Lagoon. Here’s the thing — not all tours will get to stop at each of these attractions, but some tours do have overlaps.
Tour A has Kayangan Lake as its main attraction. Meanwhile, Tour B covers Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon. And the Ultimate Tour stops at Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon.
If you want to visit all three of the main attractions, just book the Super Ultimate Tour. This tour package includes Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, and Twin Lagoon. But if you are more into beaches and alternative island spots, consider taking Tour C or Coron Island Escapade Tour.
Join-In Tours
For your easy reference, here are the five different Coron Island tour options and their stops. We’ve also included the rates for each tour, but do note that these are for group tours, which means you’ll be grouped with other tourists.
All tour packages include the boat fee, tour guide, entrance fees, cottage fees, and a buffet lunch. You can book these tours around town or you can book online. If you prefer to book with Klook, we’ll also put the links for your convenience.
TOUR A
- Kayangan Lake
- CYC Beach
- Coral Garden
- Demanlet/Dimanglet (or Atwayan Beach)
- Siete Pecados (or Quin Reef)
Rate: P900 – P1800/pax
TOUR B
- Barracuda Lake
- Twin Lagoon
- Skeleton Wreck
- Banol Beach
- Reef Garden
Rate: P1300 – P1800/pax
TOUR C
- Malcapuya Island
- Ditaytayan Island
- Coco Beach or Bulog Dos Island
Rate: P1700 – P2200/pax
✅ BOOK CORON ISLAND ESCAPADE TOUR HERE!
ULTIMATE TOUR
- Kayangan Lake
- Twin Lagoon
- Skeleton Wreck
- Banol Beach
- Coral Garden
- CYC Beach
Rate: P1500 – P2000/pax
SUPER ULTIMATE TOUR
- Kayangan Lake
- Twin Lagoon
- Barracuda Lake
- Skeleton Wreck
- Banol Beach or Atwayan Beach
- Coral Garden
- CYC Beach
Rate: P1700 – P2400/pax
✅ BOOK CORON SUPER ULTIMATE TOUR HERE!
Private Tours
If you’re traveling with a big group, you can also opt to charter a private boat. What’s good about booking a private boat is that even though there’s a suggested itinerary, you have control of your time and your itinerary. If you want to skip a stop or stay longer in one, you may choose to do so.
To rent a boat for a tour, just drop by the Calamian Tourist Boat Association in Lualhati Park. Here, you’ll see the prices depending on the size of the boat or number of people in your group and the attractions you want to include in your itinerary.
But keep in mind that the rates for chartering a private boat cover only the boat fee. Entrance fees for each stop are not included yet. Here are the entrance fees for some of the main attractions:
- Kayangan Lake: P300/pax
- Barracuda Lake: P200/pax
- Twin Lagoon: P200/pax
- Coral Garden: P100/pax
- Atwayan Beach: P100/pax
- Banul Beach: P100/pax
- Smith Beach: P100/pax
- Skeleton Wreck: P100/pax
You would also need to bring your own food when you go on a private tour or ask the boat operator if they can prepare your lunch. If the latter is possible, expect additional charge.
Now let’s go to the usual stops for the Coron Island Tour.
Kayangan Lake
Hailed as one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake is also one of the most popular attractions here. Hidden behind the towering karst cliffs, the lake is a magnificent revelation for tourists who brave the 15- to 20-minute uphill trek.
On the way there, you’ll reach a viewpoint where you’ll get a panoramic vista of the emerald waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. If you’ve seen photos like the one above, this was taken from that spot. But note that this is not the Kayangan Lake. This is just a view of the bay where the tour boats dock.
At the end of the trail, you’ll reach the lake. The Tagbanua tribe works hard to maintain the lake so that it remains crystal clear. It’s so clear that you’ll be able to see almost 30 meters deep into the waters, which makes it a great spot for snorkeling. The lake has a serene atmosphere where you can enjoy a refreshing swim while admiring the cliffs around you.
If you’re traveling with senior citizens or someone with mobility issues, note that the trek can be challenging due to its uphill climb. Although it is short, it is still tiring. If this is part of your tour and you have a companion who might not be able to do the trek, they can choose to stay on the boat instead.
Barracuda Lake
Named after the barracudas that live here, Barracuda Lake is another breathtaking attraction in Coron. But what makes it different?
Well, the limestone cliffs here are taller. But it’s the lake’s one-of-a-kind thermocline that fascinates adventurers, especially divers. The deeper you go into the lake’s brackish water, the warmer the water gets. Some divers have even shared that if you look close enough, you may just see where the salt water and the freshwater meet. Keep your eyes peeled also for the different shades of blue of the waters!
Another good thing about Barracuda Lake is that it’s easy to get to, which will be a relief for your senior citizen companions. All you need to do is climb a wooden staircase built on top of rocky cliffs. It’s a short trek, but it could get quite slippery so be careful!
Twin Lagoon
Separated by a karst wall, these two pieces of paradise make up one enchanting stop for tourists.
Although it’s not that noticeable from eye level, drone shots like the one above will reveal these two lagoons that comprise the so-called Twin Lagoon.
If you’re wondering how you’ll reach one lagoon from the other, the answer will depend on the tide. The karst wall that separates the two has a hole, so when the tide is low, you can swim through the opening to get to the other side. Meanwhile, when it’s high tide, you can climb the ladder installed here. Just remember to be very careful when taking the stairs.
The waves in Twin Lagoon are very gentle, making it a great spot for swimming. Or you can just let the waves rock you while you admire the beauty of the jagged cliffs and blue waters around you.
Banul Beach
Banul Beach is typically a lunch stop in Coron tours.
At this stop, you’ll enjoy white sand, crystal-clear waters, and striking limestone cliffs that add to its island paradise vibe. This is another picture-perfect backdrop to relax and take in the beauty of Coron. If you also enjoy colorful underwater scenery, there’s a coral garden nearby that you can explore.
Smith Point Beach
Also referred to as Smith Beach, this slice of paradise may be small, but it is still stunning. Similar to Banul Beach, this is one of the usual lunch stops for Coron Island tours. The cove has huts where you can eat or hang out. You can also laze on the white sand and relax after having lunch before your tour continues.
CYC Beach
CYC stands for Coron Youth Club. This beach is surrounded by mangroves and rock formations, making it distinct from other beaches on Coron Island. While this is also a fantastic spot, it can be crowded at times since every Coron Island Tour includes it as a stop. We made a stop here in the past, but we skipped it on our last trip. However, if you don’t mind the crowd, you may want to soak up some sun here too!
Snorkeling Sites
Coron is well-loved not only for its white sand beaches, but also because of what you’ll find beyond it. Snorkeling is a staple for any visit to Coron because of the colorful life beneath the surface.
From the coral reefs to different fish species and other marine creatures, there’s so much to see! Among the most popular snorkeling sites is Siete Picados Marine Park, but your tour operator may include other sites. Our teammate Pycan took the Coron Island Tour in 2022, and they made a stop at Topspoint Coral Garden. If you’re going snorkeling, don’t forget to pack your underwater camera with you!
Coron Town Tour
The beauty of Coron doesn’t just lie in its beaches and lakes. There are also several attractions that you can include in your itinerary, which are just within Coron Town. You can visit these places by joining a group tour, chartering a tricycle, or pulling a D-I-Y.
DIY tours will include a combination of walking and tricycle rides. If you’re one to prioritize convenience and comfort, here are the group tour and tricycle tour rates.
Group Tour and Tricycle Tour Rates
- Group Tour (Van/Shuttle)
P800 – 900/pax - Tricycle Tour
P900 – P1000
Good for up to 5 pax
You can also book a group tour in advance through Klook! The itinerary covers the following:
- Lualhati Park
- Souvenir Shop
- Mount Tapyas
- Cashew Store
- St. Augustine Church
- Maquinit Hot Spring
But if you’re on a budget and prefer to book a tricycle instead, note that the entrance fees for the attractions are not yet included in the rates.
Alright! Here are the usual stops for this tour.
Town Center
Most attractions within the town center can be reached on foot. Among them is Lualhati Park, where tourists doing island tours board their boats. Aside from hanging out here, there’s a street food market in the afternoons.
Other usual stops in the town center are St. Augustine Church, a cashew store, and souvenir shops. But the actual stars of the town tour are Mount Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Springs.
Mount Tapyas
If you want to see a birds-eye view of Coron and its nearby islands without flying a drone, go to the peak of Mount Tapyas. Rising 210 meters above sea level, the peak is visible across different areas of the town and even from a boat! You don’t really need to hike to reach its peak; you just need to climb up the concrete steps.
If you didn’t avail of a tour, you can either walk or ride a tricycle to get to the jump-off point located just within the town proper. That’s where you’ll find the bottom of the steps that will lead you to the top. If you need to stop to rest, there are benches along the way where you can sit and catch your breath.
When you reach the peak, you’ll be greeted by a massive cross surrounded by picturesque ridges. You’ll also get a breathtaking view of Coron Island and the blue waters dotted with islands. The best time to visit is during sunrise to watch as light spreads across the sky or just before sunset, so you can see the sky burst into different shades of orange.
Maquinit Hot Springs
After climbing up to the peak of Mount Tapyas and savoring the views, have a relaxing dip at Maquinit Hot Springs. Located around 30 minutes from the town proper, the hot springs are in the middle of a mangrove forest near the sea. What makes it unique? Maquinit is a saltwater hot spring. The hot water is said to have therapeutic benefits, especially helping with muscle and joint pains, which makes it a perfect stop after a hike.
When you first step into the pool, you’ll be surprised by how hot it is. But as your body adjusts to the temperature, you’ll appreciate its warmth and feel how it relaxes your muscles. The best time to visit is during late afternoon and stay until after sunset. This way, you’ll get to appreciate the view around the hot spring during the daytime and experience the contrast of the warm water temperature and the cooler sea breeze during the night.
Location: Sitio Maquinit, Barangay Tagumpay, Coron, Busuanga Island, Palawan
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Last entry is at 7:00 PM.
Entrance Fee: Adults, P250; Student, P200; Children (3-10 y/o), P125; Children (2 y/o and below), FREE. Senior citizens and PWDs must present their IDs for a discounted rate.
Calauit Safari Tour
Although technically not a part of Coron, Calauit Safari Park is easily accessible from here. Located in Busuanga, it is one of the unique attractions you can visit during your trip. It’s not really an African safari, but it’s a distinctive site that’s not usually seen in the Philippines. If you book a tour to get here, it is usually bundled with other attractions, and the itinerary would depend on the tour you book. Here’s one we found on Klook:
✅ BOOK CALAUIT SAFARI + BEACH TOUR HERE!
For the Calauit Safari Tour, you have two options, depending on how you want to reach the park: by land or by sea.
By Land
If you choose the land tour, you’ll ride a van for most of the tour, but you’ll still have to get on a boat to get to Calauit and Black Island. The land tour also includes stops at Malbato Chapel and Busuanga Town. Here are the usual stops:
- Calauit Safari Park
- Black Island
- Malbato Chapel
- Busuanga Town
By Boat
If you choose a boat tour, Black Island is also part of the itinerary. Aside from that, you’ll also stop at a white beach and a coral garden (which changes depending on the tour operator). Another important thing to know is that traveling by boat to Calauit takes over three hours, so start your day early. Here’s the typical itinerary:
- Calauit Safari Park
- Black Island
- Lusong Coral Garden
- Gun Boat Wreck
- White Beach (Pamalican, Dibutunay, etc.)
Now let’s talk about the stops.
Calauit Safari
Established on August 21, 1976, Calauit Safari is where you can get an up-close encounter with wildlife in Palawan. It was formerly called Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, located on Calauit Island, covering almost 3800 hectares.
Brought here by boat from Kenya were 104 animals, such as giraffes, zebras, and six types of antelopes. What was once an island sprawling with greenery was turned into a savanna, with most of the island’s residents being relocated or displaced to accommodate the safari. Nowadays, you’ll see giraffes, zebras, and Calamaian deer roaming freely around the island. Families, especially those traveling with kids, would surely enjoy this tour.
But to be very honest, we don’t really support attractions like this that involve animals. Now you might be asking, why are we including it on this list if that’s our stance? While we don’t condone this, we do recognize that the animals are already here anyway, and funds are needed to maintain the park and take care of the animals.
Black Island
Malajon Island, or Black Island as it’s known to locals and tourists, is located off the coast of Busuanga. Its striking dark limestone cliffs, rising from the white sands, are visible long before you reach the shore.
But this attention-grabbing facade isn’t all there is to this island. You’ll find caves with natural pools, the biggest of which can be accessed by climbing a short ladder. From its cracked open floor, you can get a glimpse of the water that fills its miniature lakes. Stalactites hang from its ceilings, and its walls are covered in sparkling white silica.
Meanwhile, not too far from the shore is the skeleton of a boat that sank many years ago. The island is also a good snorkeling and diving site, with its waters teeming with colorful fishes and coral reefs. And if you just want to take in the serene beauty of the island, just lie on a beach mat and spend some time on the white sand beach.
Dibutunay Island
If you book a private boat tour, you can make a stop at another island along the way. Among the many possible options are Talampulan Island (Panlaitan), Pamalican Island, North Cay, and South Cay.
During our team’s most recent trip to Coron, we were brought to Dibutunay Island. We were told it was a great spot to swim, and it was true. The water here gets deep quickly, so it’s good for swimming or floating around. However, don’t expect fine sand here. While the sand here is fair, it’s mostly a mixture of fine grains or shingles, which are crushed shells and corals.
Where to Stay in Coron
If you are still looking for a hotel in Coron, you can check out some of these top-rated accommodations according to online user reviews.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- ZURI RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SUNZ EN CORON RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - TWO SEASONS CORON BAYSIDE HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CORTO DEL MAR HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SKYLODGE RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Hotels.com
- THE FUNNY LION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CORON SOLEIL GARDEN RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - TWO SEASONS CORON ISLAND RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - BLUE WATERS INN CORON
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - BACAU BAY RESORT CORON
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
For a more detailed list that you can refer to, check out our Top 10 Hotels & Resorts in Coron article.
Find more Coron Hotels!
Updates Log
2025.07.16 – First uploaded
Additional Writing by: Astrid Alvarez
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