Last February, I had the opportunity to write a feature for Inflight Traveller magazine, issue 27, about Coron. I’m sharing it now because I couldn’t find a copy of the magazine in bookstores until I stumbled upon a digital version on Issuu’s website.
The article follows the classic format of a 10 Things To Do listicle, showcasing the major tourist spots in Coron and Busuanga, and I’m thrilled that my photos were included as well.
Here’s the original version of my story:
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| KAYANGAN VIEW POINT, THE MOST ICONIC SPOT IN CORON |
TEN THINGS TO DO IN CORON
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| TEN THINGS TO DO IN CORON ARTICLE IN INFLIGHT TRAVELLER 27 |
With soft white sands and clear blue waters under a cobalt sky, summer has arrived—bringing with it a yearning for the beach. Palawan, often referred to as the Philippines’ last frontier, is at the forefront of beach destinations, frequently lauded by international media and organizations as one of the best in the world.
►FIND THE LOWEST FLIGHTS TO CORON HERE!
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| TEN THINGS TO DO IN CORON ARTICLE IN INFLIGHT TRAVELLER 27 |
In Palawan, there are three main destinations: Puerto Princesa at the center, El Nido to the north, and Coron further north. Today, we will focus on the latter. Coron is one of the two municipalities on Busuanga Island—Busuanga to the northwest and Coron to the southeast. It’s buzzing with activity and has much to offer.
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| TEN THINGS TO DO IN CORON ARTICLE IN INFLIGHT TRAVELLER 27 |
For most tourists, Coron Town serves as the primary base of operations, housing numerous resorts, restaurants, and attractions. However, keep in mind that there are no beaches directly in Town; you’ll need to take a boat to reach the stunning white sandy shores. For those willing to splurge, luxurious resorts like Huma Island Resort and Two Seasons offer exclusive beaches on remote islands.
So, what are the top activities to enjoy while in Coron? Here’s a list of ten:
HOP AROUND THE ISLANDS
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| MORNING SUN AT CORON’S TWIN LAGOON |
Since Coron Town lacks its own beaches, you can join island-hopping tours to discover the stunning nearby locations. These tours can be arranged through your resort or the Calamian Tourist Boat Association. A typical island-hopping excursion includes stops at various lagoons, inland lakes, and beaches around the limestone-rich Coron Island, also known as Isla Higantes. Popular spots include Banul Beach, Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake (often regarded as one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines), Twin Lagoon, and CYC Beach.
After visiting these highlights, you can explore more distant islands like Malcapuya, Banana Island, Bulog Dos, Waling-Waling, and Ditaytayan Islands. If your schedule allows, further islands such as Dibatok, Calumbayan, Pass, Tara, and the North and South Cay Islands await your discovery.
While traditional outrigger boats are often used for these tours, you can also opt for speedboats or yachts for a more luxurious experience.
►BOOK THE ULTIMATE ISLAND HOPPING TOUR IN CORON HERE!
Use discount code LAKADPHKLOOK
SNORKEL ALONG THE CORALS
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| THE MALWAWEY CORAL GARDEN |
Coron boasts some of the most vibrant and healthy marine life in the Philippines, and snorkeling is often included in island-hopping tours.
Accessible snorkeling spots include Siete Pecados, surrounded by seven islets, the Malwawey Coral Garden filled with impressive table corals, and the shallow reef near the Skeleton Wreck. If you’re up for a bit of a journey, the deeper reef by Banana Island offers great snorkeling too. Additionally, snorkeling in Kayangan Lake is fascinating due to its unique underwater rock formations, even though there are no corals.
All snorkeling gear and life vests are typically provided, allowing you to dive right into the water and relish the spectacular underwater world.
DIVE INTO HISTORIC WRECKS
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| CORON’S SKELETON WRECK |
If you seek an adventure beneath the waves, Coron is the place to be. It is home to twelve well-preserved World War II shipwrecks, making it an ideal spot for an extraordinary diving experience. These wrecks are primarily Imperial Japanese vessels sunk by US Task Force 38 aircraft in 1944.
For beginners, the Skeleton Wreck—a 25-meter-long Japanese supply ship—is visible even to casual snorkelers, and it’s often included in island-hopping tours. For the experienced diver, the most renowned wrecks include the largely intact Irako, the 118-meter-long Akitsushima seaplane carrier, the 140-meter-long Kogyo freighter, and the most popular wreck, the massive 170-meter-long Okikawa Maru Japanese tanker.
To fully enjoy wreck diving, consider participating in liveaboard diving safaris, where you’ll stay on a small boat while visiting various dive sites throughout your trip.
►BOOK CORON WRECK DIVING HERE!
Use discount code LAKADPHKLOOK
EXPLORE THE HERITAGE OF CULION ISLAND
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| LA IMMACULADA CONCEPCION CHURCH IN CULION ISLAND |
If you have an interest in history, Culion Island is a fascinating destination. Once a leper colony established by the Americans in 1901, it now hosts the Culion Museum and Archives, which documents this somber part of its past. You can also explore the fortifications and the majestic La Immaculada Concepcion Church, built during the Spanish colonial period.
While Culion is technically a separate municipality, it is close enough to include in your usual coron tours.
HIKE UP MOUNT TAPYAS
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| SUNSET AT CORON’S MT. TAPYAS |
Located right next to Coron Town is Mount Tapyas, a 210-meter hill featuring a large “CORON” sign and a white cross at its peak. This mountain is a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking to enjoy an invigorating hike.
While the climb is a bit challenging, wide, well-maintained concrete steps lead from the base to the summit. Be prepared for a workout as you ascend 718 steps to the top! Timing your hike for the late afternoon allows you to soak in the views over the islands as you enjoy a beautiful sunset, all while sipping drinks offered by local vendors along the way.
In addition to the main viewing deck, there are also several pavilions along the trail where you can rest and appreciate the stunning landscape.
►BOOK A TOUR OF CORON TOWN HERE!
Use discount code LAKADPHKLOOK
GO ON A SAFARI
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| FREE-ROAMING ZEBRAS AT BUSUANGA’S CALAUIT SAFARI PARK |
If you’ve ever dreamed of going on a safari but don’t have the budget to travel to Africa, the town of Busuanga, adjacent to Coron, offers a miniature safari experience. Situated on the remote Calauit Island, the 3,700-hectare Calauit Safari Park is home to Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and native species like Calamian deer, Palawan bearded pigs, Philippine crocodiles, Philippine porcupines, binturongs, and the Philippine mouse-deer, all wandering freely across a picturesque landscape.
In the late 1970s, former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos imported exotic animals, such as waterbucks, elands, impalas, topis, bushbucks, and gazelles, though many of these species are now extinct in the park.
►RESERVE A CALAUIT SAFARI & BEACH TOUR HERE!
Use discount code LAKADPHKLOOK
INDULGE IN A FOOD TOUR IN CORON TOWN
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| SAVORY BABY BACK RIBS AT SANTINO’S GRILL IN CORON TOWN |
Once a quiet town with just a few basic eateries, Coron has transformed into a vibrant food destination filled with chic cafes and appealing restaurants. Nearby favorites include Santino’s Grill for baby-back ribs, Trattoria Altrov’e for brick-oven pizza, KT’s Sinugba sa Balay for grilled dishes, affordable Filipino meals at Tita Esh, and of course, bags of locally sourced cashew nuts sold throughout the town.
After dining, many bars offer the perfect setting for a nightcap, with popular options including Sigpin Bar, Coco Bar, Pirates Tavern Bar, Isla Pool Bar, Tribu Kuridas Bar, and Sunburn Rooftop Lounge. Don’t forget to visit the Coron wet market early in the morning to grab fresh seafood that can be prepared by your boatman for lunch during your island-hopping adventures.
PARTAKE IN EXCITING WATERSPORTS
Like many bustling beach destinations, Coron offers an array of thrilling water sports for both adventurous solo travelers and larger groups. These activities are commonly available at the Royal Island Resort and can include jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, fly fishing, and kayaking. Be prepared for excitement and possibly getting splashed!
►BOOK CORON WATERSPORTS HERE!
Use discount code LAKADPHKLOOK
ENJOY A MAGICAL MANGROVE NIGHT TOUR
Don’t think about resting after a long day at the beach! Join a night tour in Coron to be enchanted by magical lights above and below while indulging in a delightful buffet on a floating restaurant. Traverse through the mangroves and witness a mesmerizing display of lights from fireflies in the pristine mangrove forests—a clear indication of an unspoiled environment. Don’t miss the opportunity to observe bioluminescent plankton glowing in the dark waters of the bay.
SOAK IN MAQUINIT HOT SPRINGS
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| THE RICKETY BRIDGE AT MAQUINIT HOT SPRINGS |
What better way to unwind after a day filled with island hopping, hiking Mount Tapyas, or enjoying some culinary delights than by taking a soothing evening dip in the natural thermal waters of Maquinit Hot Springs? Located at the far edge of town, these hot springs can be reached by tricycle or boat if you’re returning from an island excursion.
The natural pools average a temperature of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius and are believed to possess healing qualities. While the water can be quite hot upon first entering, you’ll quickly acclimate and be able to fully enjoy this rejuvenating experience.
►BOOK MAQUINIT HOT SPRINGS HERE!
Use discount code LAKADPHKLOOK
