Island activities you CAN’T miss!
Whether you crave a blood-pumping, adrenaline-inducing adventure or a sunny day out on a tranquil beach, the tiny island of Coron, Palawan, is the paradise of your dreams.
From exploring hidden lagoons and uncovering the secrets of a sunken shipwreck togazing at stunning limestone cliffs, there’s plenty of things to do for everyone―and we’re stoked for you to try them all out!
If you’re planning an unforgettable trip to the “World’s Top Island,” don’t forget to add these activities to your itinerary!
Safe travel reminders
As of 2021, Coron, Palawan is open to fully vaccinated domestic and international travelers. That said, here are the things that you’ll need to prepare before your beach getaway:
- Only tourists aged 15 to 65 years old are allowed entry
- Vaccination card (fully vaccinated)
- Approved S-Pass Travel application
- Negative RT-PCR Test result taken within the last 48 hours
- Booking from a licensed hotel and tour agency (with Mayor's Permit, DOT Accreditation, and Safety Seal)
Check out the complete list for all travel requirements!
1. Visit the twins
Photo Source: @thelakwatsero on Instagram
Jumpstart your vacay with Klook! Where freshwater meets saltwater, the Twin Lagoon is Coron’s biggest attraction. As the name suggests, it’s made out of two jewel-toned lagoons joined together by limestone cliffs and natural arches. To get there, visitors will have to book a boat tour going to the famed lagoon. Because it’s a hot spot for swimming and snorkeling, it’s ideal to head out to the destination early in the morning before the crowd arrives.
2. Discover the underwater mountains of Barracuda Lake
Photo Source: @marcnelson on Instagram
There’s nothing that a good dip won’t fix! Enjoy a refreshing dip into the enticing waters of Barracuda Lake. One of the eight lakes that adorn Coron, Barracuda draws in the most experienced divers in the world. And no, it’s not because of the lake’s crystal blue waters or even the magnificent display of rock formations. But instead, the thousand-year-old mountains found at the deepest descent of Barracuda Lake.
For veteran divers and scuba enthusiasts, diving at Barracuda is a one-of-a-kind experience. It starts off with a cool temperature, but it gets warmer as you plunge deeper into the lake!
3. Take an iconic photo at Kayangan Lake
Photo Source: @cindyounice on Instagram
Perhaps one of the most recognizable spots in Coron, Palawan is Kayangan Lake. Featuring deep azures and stunning greenery, the lake is a must-see sight! Where the panyain, or the nature spirits, are said to dwell, tourists can freely swim and snorkel to their heart’s content. Bask in the unique experience of diving headfirst into warm and cold waters!
Of course, picture-taking is a must. Aside from the lake itself, you can climb the cliff where a viewing deck overlooks the Twin Lagoon. Here, you can take a ton of iconic selfies and photos with the cleanest lake in the country as your backdrop.
4. Island hop Coron’s most beautiful beaches
Photo Source: @travelwithbrothers on Instagram
A proper tropical vacation in Coron, Palawan wouldn’t be complete without hitting the beach! For travelers searching for the most remote beaches in the province, look no further. Klook has you covered! Island hop to Coron’s most far-off yet stunning turfs: Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, and Bulog Dos Island. Join local guides on a private laidback boat tour with Klook!
5. Wreck dive at Coron Bay
Uncover the remains of the past at Coron Bay! In between Busuanga Island and the main Coron Island are the sunken wreckages of 12 World War II Japanese wartime ships. Once proud warriors of the seas, the ships are now home to coral reefs and rainbow-colored fishes, making Skeleton Reef one of the top wreck diving spots in all of Southeast Asia―one that’s worth the swim!
As you dive past the wrecks 10-feet under the sea, you’ll feel like a true pirate in search of missing treasure. Pay a visit to the historical site with an exciting boat tour with Klook!
6. Meet curious sea critters at Siete Pecados
Photo Source: GoPro Facebook Page
Not far off the sunken shipwrecks of Coron Bay is the best snorkeling site in Palawan! Siete Pecados, literally meaning “seven sins”, is made up of seven small rocky islets off the eastern coast of Coron Island.
A sanctuary for marine life, the tropical islet is a favorite Coron, Palawan tourist spot for beginner and amateur divers. One can find tons of species of fish, barracudas, stingers, and turtles on its waters! The multi-colored peacock wrasse, pufferfish, butterflyfish, and sea turtles also inhabit Siete Pecados’ coral reefs.
7. Go on a safari adventure at Coron Calauit Safari
Photo Source: @aer_rocks on Instagram
South Africa or Palawan? We can’t tell which is which! For those who can’t afford a plane ticket to Cape Town, Coron Calauit Safari is your next best bet. Located at Calamian Island, the wildlife preserve allows visitors to get up close and personal with their favorite animals. Climb aboard the rusty old classic Pinoy Jeep and explore the vast plains, where you can feed gentle giraffes and striped zebras.
8. Kayak through the mangrove forest
Photo Source: @ksushzzz on Instagram
Besides the Caluit Safari, another proof that Coron is a thriving refuge for marine and wildlife species is the Kingfisher Park in Malbato, a haven for mangroves, exotic birds, and endemic frogs. You can spot sea planktons and other quirky critters through a scenic kayak tour of the thick mangrove forest inside the park. And should you decide to stay for dinner at Kingfisher, you’ll be greeted by thousands of fireflies under the clear night sky!
9. Hike Mount Tapyas
Photo Source: @rinancalunia on Instagram
Take the scenic road and see the island paradise in all its glory! Mount Tapyas, Coron Town’s highest viewpoint, is only 742 steps up the summit. Explore rolling hills, trek challenging hiking trails, and arrive just in time for the sunset!
10. Plunge into the waters of Royal Island Watersports
What’s an island vacation without some water action? Get your blood pumping at Royal Island Watersports, Coron’s first and only waterpark. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the island by parasailing or go on a bumpy yet thrilling jet-ski ride. Other adrenaline-inducing activities include flyfish, banana boat, bandwagon, hurricane, and more!
11. Hole up at your private beach at Bamboo Island
Photo Source: Bamboo Private Islands Facebook Page
Spend the night in luxury at Coron’s premier private beach resort, Bamboo Island. Far from the crowds, the resort offers guests total privacy. Enjoy exciting water sports such as kiteboarding and paddleboat racing without bumping into anyone. Or, simply cozy up in the designer-made bamboo cottages while you fall asleep under the stars.
12. Venture into Coron’s local fish market
Photo Source: @leodelonero on Instagram
Dig deep into the community by visiting the Coron Public Market. A common pit stop before private island hopping tours, the fish market at Busuanga Road is a bustling, lively scene brimming with island natives and tourists alike. Here you can shop freshly caught fish for cheap and have it cooked on board while sailing the seas. Feast on grilled salmon and galunggong (blue mackerel) as you go on the ultimate island escapade at Coron, Palawan.
13. Eat with locals
Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=4883004111731572&set
Because the way to the heart is through the stomach, you’ll fall madly in love with Coron even more for its many charming restaurants! Whether you’re craving grilled seafood or classic pinakbet (vegetable stew dish), dine-in spots run by locals at Coron Town offer hearty Filipino food. One of our favorites is KT’s Sinugba sa Balay at San Augustin Street. On site, you’ll find thatched nipa huts where you can bite into native dishes and even enjoy a boodle fight. Share a beer with locals and indulge in the best food and stories on the island!
14. Put on your thinking caps at Culion Museum and Archives
Photo Source: @_renagbonnn on Instagram
History buffs, rejoice! Not only is the tiny island of Coron a paradise, but the town is also filled with curious pieces of history. One of which is the Culion Museum and Archives,a must-visit Coron, Palawan tourist spot. Right beside the town’s sanitarium and hospital, the museum contains interesting bits on the history of leprosy on the island as well as colony life in the 1900s.
15. Dip into Maquinit Hot Springs
Photo Source: @2bags1van on Instagram
Finally, end the trip with a relaxing soak at Maquinit Hot Springs! On the southern coast of Busuanga is one of the last few saltwater hot springs left in the world. Maquinit Hot Springs feature scaldingly hot waters and beautiful island views―perfect after a tiring trek to Mount Tapyas. Because the springs are a popular tourist site in Coron, it’s best to visit the place at night, when most people are ready to hit the sack.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
