About Coron
Coron is located in the Calamianes group of islands in Northern Palawan. Four main islands make up the Calamianes Archipelago. These are Busuanga, Coron, Culion and Linapacan. There are four municipalities in the area, but the center of commerce is the town of Coron, which is found on the southeastern tip of Busuanga Island.
Traditionally, the major industry is fishing although during the past ten years, tourism has been steadily increasing and is now the main growth industry. There is also some farming in the barrios.
Language: Pilipino and Cuyonon, Palawan’s native dialect, are the main languages spoken. A majority of the population can also converse in English. Bisaya (or Cebuano) is also spoken by a small segment. The Tagbanuas have their own dialect called Tinagbanua, which is similar to the Calamianes’ own dialect, Caramianen, but it is rarely used today.
Currency: The main currency is the Philippine Peso. US Dollars may be exchanged but at a slightly lower rate than in Manila. A few establishments already accept credit cards. DARAYONAN accepts credit card payments for Mastercard and VISA cards. Debit payments through selected ATM cards is also available.
Banking: The Bank of the Philippine islands (BPI), Land Bank of the Philippines and Allied Savings Bank are the only banks in Coron. All have ATM Machines.
Communications: Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk n Text all have mobile phone signal. Sun does not yet have a cell site in the area. There are several internet cafes in town where one may check and send emails.
How to get there:
By Air: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines-Air Philippines, Sky-Jet and Zest Air have several daily flights from the Manila. Flying time from Manila Domestic Airport to Busuanga Airport is approximately 1 hour. Although, both Airphil/PAL Express and Sky Jet make the trip in about 40 minutes.
Land trip from Busuanga airport to Coron town is 30 to 45 minutes. (For flight schedules and other info, please contact airlines directly).
Note: coming from Manila, Coron is the first airport or seaport. Hence, it does not make sense to fly to Puerto Princessa via a big plane and hope to get to Coron from there. The flight time to Puerto Princessa is also 1 hour.
From Puerto Princessa - Air Philippines flies Puerto-Busuanga at least twice a week. For rates and schedules, please refer to Airphil website.
From El Nido – several big motorized bancas ply the Coron-El Nido route two to three times a week. Please contact us at [email protected] or our telephone numbers for the latest sailing schedules.
From Cebu - Cebu Pacific has a twice a week flight between Cebu and Busuanga. Please refer to Cebpac website for more details.
Major Tourist Attractions:
1.1 Kayangan Lake – adjudged as the country’s cleanest lake for three straight years. It is a good swimming area. Bamboo raft riding is also sometimes available. The twenty to thirty minute trek to the lake offers spectacular views and plenty of photo opportunities. A cave near the summit offers more thrills for the adventurous. Another small cave can be found on the lake at water level. Kayangan is a must-see and is often the first stop in many island hopping tours.
1.2 Barracuda Lake (native name Luluyuuan Lake) – named after a barracuda that supposedly resides within its waters. The path is much shorter than Kayangan but a little more challenging for first timers. Its waters are deeper than its more famous sister. Plenty of photo opportunities. It is also a scuba diving spot.
1.3 Twin Lagoon – two lagoons separated by a wall of rock. During low tide, an opening at the base of the cliff appears, enabling swimmers to cross to the other lagoon. Also ideal for kayaking.
1.4 Banol Beach – perhaps the most well known amongst Coron Island beaches, and arguably the best, Banol actually has two beaches, “Banol nga mabael” (Big Banol) and “Banol nga maite” (Small Banol) . Its rock formations are a photographer’s delight. The natives in it are also a source of Nido or Bird’s Nest (“balinsasayaw” in our native tongue), main ingredient for the Bird’s nest soup found in Chinese restaurants. The best among the “near” Coron Island beaches.
1.5 Atuayan Beach – originally called Katuayan,(a place full of Tuay, a kind of shell) by the natives, Atuayan beach is situated in a cove with a small island near its mouth which makes it child friendly because there is virtually no current. Along with Banol, it has the longest beach among the Coron Island beaches. It also has a decent snorkeling area. Ideal also for kayaking. For the adventurous, Atuayan Lake is located just behind the beach, but one has to scale the near vertical rock cliff to get to the lake.
1.6 Malwawey Island – a small island located off the Western side of Coron Island across Atuayan Beach. It features a nice coral reef (on the side facing Atuayan), and a small shipwreck. It has a very small beach with probably the finest white sand among the Coron Island beaches. Also known as Skeleton Wreck.
1.7 Smith’s Point – a small beach located beside Banol. Nice rock formations. Home to starfishes. It has a wide swimming area.
1.8 Caliwantay – another small beach. Located between Banol and Atuayan, near Malwawey Island. Also called Beach 91.
Coron Island, has other lakes and beaches aside from those mentioned above. Some of these are Kalachuchi Beach, Maynuno Beach (also called Sunset Beach and Beach 69) and Twin Peaks. It is also home to two villages (Banuang Daan and Cabugao), of Palawan’s indigenous people the Tagbanuas. Some parts of the island especially the other lakes are not open to the general public because these are considered sacred ancestral lands.
Coron Island is about twenty minutes away by motor banca from Coron town.
Other destinations....
2. Maquinit Hot Springs – with a temperature ranging from 38 to 41 degrees Celsius, Maquinit’s waters are very relaxing and therapeutical. It is the perfect place to go after a day of trekking and snorkeling. It has a flow output of 85 liters/second or a whopping 5115 liter/minute! It is unique because unlike other hot springs, its waters are salty with a slight sulphuric content. In addition, the algae that grows on its pools walls contain spirulina.
3. Siete Pecados – located near Maquinit Hot Springs, Siete Pecados is a cluster of seven small islands. According to legend, seven sisters went swimming against their mother’s wishes. As a consequence they all drowned and afterwards, seven small islands sprouted from the sea. Siete Pecados is the best snorkeling area near Coron town and one of the best in the Calamianes.
4. Banana Island (native name Dicalubuan) – an island located south of Coron, it features a beautiful white beach and crystal clear waters. One of the best beaches in the Calamianes. The origin of its name is a mystery because not a single banana plant can be found in the island although there are plenty of coconut trees. Neither is it shaped like a Banana.
Lots of shade trees, hammocks and huts allow plenty of opportunities for relaxing. On the eastern tip of the island lies a sand bar which can be reached on foot during low tide. Its wide beach area makes it a good place for teambuilding activities. Kayaking and snorkeling are also possible. Upon reaching the island, one guest sent a text message to a friend saying “I wouldn’t mind getting marooned here.”
Travel time from Coron town is about 1.5 to 2 hrs by banca.
5. Malcapuya Island – facing Banana Island, Malcapuya features a beautiful beach over a kilometer long with fine white sand. Many local boatmen swear it is the best beach in the Calamianes. Its swimming area is home to many giant clams (at the time of this writing).Its long beach makes it very ideal for teambuilding activities.Kayaking is also possible. Travel time from Coron town is 1.5 to 2 hours by banca.
Note: when the Amihan wind is blowing strong, the seas going to Banana and Malcapuya Island can be rough.
6. Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary – established in the mid-70’s, Calauit, features Giraffes, Zebras, Bearcats, Calamian Deer, Mouse Deer (the smallest deer in the world), etc. A two-hour tour on board the center’s tour truck enables the visitor to see these animals in their natural habitat. Calauit is also home to many different species of birds.
The trip to Calauit is four hours by banca from Coron town. One should leave as early as 3:00 AM in order to reach Calauit before the sun gets too hot as the animals tend to look for shade during the middle of the day. The alternative route is a two and a half hour land trip plus a ten minute banca ride to cross the body of water that separates Calauit Island from Busuanga Island. (Darayonan strongly recommends the land trip due to safety reasons).
Probably the best option to experience Calauit is to go camping and stay overnight in the island.
Note: when the Habagat wind (Southeast Monsoon) is blowing strong, there is a portion of the “sea” trip (just before reaching Calauit) that can be very rough.
7. Calumboyan Island – like Banana island, its name is a mystery. Lumboy, is the Cuyonon term for “Duhat”, a berry like fruit tree. However, not a single Duhat tree can be found in the island although coconuts are plentiful.
Calumboyan, offers one of the best reefs for snorkeling. Its white and shady beach make it an ideal picnic place. A destination definitely worth going.
8. Lusong Gunboat Wreck – an authentic WWII Japanese ship. Shallow enough that it does not require the tourist to go scuba diving to view it.
9. Coral Garden – another excellent snorkeling area. After seeing Coral Garden, one American guest said “I have never seen such beauty, and I have gone snorkeling in many parts of the world.” His six year old companion put it more eloquently when he said… “totally wicked…”.
10. Paz Island – located a few minutes banca ride, south of Calumbuyan. Features a nice white sand beach with plenty of shade trees. The southwestern side of the island is rocky and can offer nice photo opportunities for those who like to photograph such sceneries.
11. Decalve Marine Park – a marine protected area like Siete Pecados. Decalve is another good area for snorkeling.
Note: Calumboyan, Lusong, Coral Garden, Decalve and Paz Island are located in the same area and should be visited on the same day.
12. Mt. Tapyas Eco-park – located on top of a hill with a big cross in the middle, the park can be reached by climbing a stairway of more than 700 steps. The viewing deck offers a panoramic view of Coron Bay.
13. Culion Town – a trip to historic Culion town includes a visit to a centuries old Spanish Church, an ancient watch tower, and a museum where one can view an audio-visual presentation of the town and its history. Additional tours include:
13.1 Historical Walk – from Culion’s Pier Dos, students of the Loyola College of Culion (a Jesuit run school), will take you on a walking tour of the town stopping at significant places.
13.2 Fishing Trip – students from LCC will gladly accompany you and even teach you how to fish local style (no need for rods or other fancy fishing gear).
13.3 Mangrove Tour – paddle through a mangrove forest
13.4 Snorkeling off Bogor Island – another marine sanctuary, the reef off Bogor Island is a good snorkeling spot
14. Dibatoc Island – located near the eastern entrance of Coron Bay, the beach at Dibatoc Island is one of the best in Coron. However due to its location, it is not an advisable destination when the Amihan (easterly winds)is in full swing.
15. Dibotunay Island – one of the best beaches in the Calamianes. Located on the Busuanga side, 3 hours away by banca from Coron town.
16. North Cay, South Cay, Maltatayoc, Pamalican – a cluster of small islands located off the coast of Salvacion (Busuanga’s, capital town). About 2.5 hours by banca from Coron town or 30 minutes from Salvacion. Of these, North Cay is the best among the three and has cottages (with bathroom and toilet facilities), that allow guests to stay overnight.
17. Diwaran Island – located on the eastern part of the archipelago off the coast of Borac and Marcilla, Diwaran (or Dinaran as listed in maps), is a beautiful island with white sand beaches on its three sides. It is the site of a proposed resort of the famous Banyan group. In fact ground breaking ceremonies were held in early 2009 with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guest of honor. However, todate, construction of said resort has not started.
Diwaran may be reached by sea (2 hours from Coron town) or by land (a 1.5 hour trip thru Borac/Marcilla and a 15 minute banca ride). At certain times, the seas to Diwaran can be very rough.
There are other destinations such as Bulog Dos, Malaroyroy, CYC Beach and Black Island. For more information on these please contact us.
The above information was prepared by Chin Fernandez of Darayonan Lodge & My Blue Backpack Travel & Tours
Updated February 15, 2012
Coron is located in the Calamianes group of islands in Northern Palawan. Four main islands make up the Calamianes Archipelago. These are Busuanga, Coron, Culion and Linapacan. There are four municipalities in the area, but the center of commerce is the town of Coron, which is found on the southeastern tip of Busuanga Island.
Traditionally, the major industry is fishing although during the past ten years, tourism has been steadily increasing and is now the main growth industry. There is also some farming in the barrios.
Language: Pilipino and Cuyonon, Palawan’s native dialect, are the main languages spoken. A majority of the population can also converse in English. Bisaya (or Cebuano) is also spoken by a small segment. The Tagbanuas have their own dialect called Tinagbanua, which is similar to the Calamianes’ own dialect, Caramianen, but it is rarely used today.
Currency: The main currency is the Philippine Peso. US Dollars may be exchanged but at a slightly lower rate than in Manila. A few establishments already accept credit cards. DARAYONAN accepts credit card payments for Mastercard and VISA cards. Debit payments through selected ATM cards is also available.
Banking: The Bank of the Philippine islands (BPI), Land Bank of the Philippines and Allied Savings Bank are the only banks in Coron. All have ATM Machines.
Communications: Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk n Text all have mobile phone signal. Sun does not yet have a cell site in the area. There are several internet cafes in town where one may check and send emails.
How to get there:
By Air: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines-Air Philippines, Sky-Jet and Zest Air have several daily flights from the Manila. Flying time from Manila Domestic Airport to Busuanga Airport is approximately 1 hour. Although, both Airphil/PAL Express and Sky Jet make the trip in about 40 minutes.
Land trip from Busuanga airport to Coron town is 30 to 45 minutes. (For flight schedules and other info, please contact airlines directly).
Note: coming from Manila, Coron is the first airport or seaport. Hence, it does not make sense to fly to Puerto Princessa via a big plane and hope to get to Coron from there. The flight time to Puerto Princessa is also 1 hour.
From Puerto Princessa - Air Philippines flies Puerto-Busuanga at least twice a week. For rates and schedules, please refer to Airphil website.
From El Nido – several big motorized bancas ply the Coron-El Nido route two to three times a week. Please contact us at [email protected] or our telephone numbers for the latest sailing schedules.
From Cebu - Cebu Pacific has a twice a week flight between Cebu and Busuanga. Please refer to Cebpac website for more details.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Coron Island – home to the indigenous Tagbanua tribes, Coron Island with its towering gray limestone cliffs, blue-green lakes and numerous coves and lagoons is the area’s main tourist attraction.
1.1 Kayangan Lake – adjudged as the country’s cleanest lake for three straight years. It is a good swimming area. Bamboo raft riding is also sometimes available. The twenty to thirty minute trek to the lake offers spectacular views and plenty of photo opportunities. A cave near the summit offers more thrills for the adventurous. Another small cave can be found on the lake at water level. Kayangan is a must-see and is often the first stop in many island hopping tours.
1.2 Barracuda Lake (native name Luluyuuan Lake) – named after a barracuda that supposedly resides within its waters. The path is much shorter than Kayangan but a little more challenging for first timers. Its waters are deeper than its more famous sister. Plenty of photo opportunities. It is also a scuba diving spot.
1.3 Twin Lagoon – two lagoons separated by a wall of rock. During low tide, an opening at the base of the cliff appears, enabling swimmers to cross to the other lagoon. Also ideal for kayaking.
1.4 Banol Beach – perhaps the most well known amongst Coron Island beaches, and arguably the best, Banol actually has two beaches, “Banol nga mabael” (Big Banol) and “Banol nga maite” (Small Banol) . Its rock formations are a photographer’s delight. The natives in it are also a source of Nido or Bird’s Nest (“balinsasayaw” in our native tongue), main ingredient for the Bird’s nest soup found in Chinese restaurants. The best among the “near” Coron Island beaches.
1.5 Atuayan Beach – originally called Katuayan,(a place full of Tuay, a kind of shell) by the natives, Atuayan beach is situated in a cove with a small island near its mouth which makes it child friendly because there is virtually no current. Along with Banol, it has the longest beach among the Coron Island beaches. It also has a decent snorkeling area. Ideal also for kayaking. For the adventurous, Atuayan Lake is located just behind the beach, but one has to scale the near vertical rock cliff to get to the lake.
1.6 Malwawey Island – a small island located off the Western side of Coron Island across Atuayan Beach. It features a nice coral reef (on the side facing Atuayan), and a small shipwreck. It has a very small beach with probably the finest white sand among the Coron Island beaches. Also known as Skeleton Wreck.
1.7 Smith’s Point – a small beach located beside Banol. Nice rock formations. Home to starfishes. It has a wide swimming area.
1.8 Caliwantay – another small beach. Located between Banol and Atuayan, near Malwawey Island. Also called Beach 91.
Coron Island, has other lakes and beaches aside from those mentioned above. Some of these are Kalachuchi Beach, Maynuno Beach (also called Sunset Beach and Beach 69) and Twin Peaks. It is also home to two villages (Banuang Daan and Cabugao), of Palawan’s indigenous people the Tagbanuas. Some parts of the island especially the other lakes are not open to the general public because these are considered sacred ancestral lands.
Coron Island is about twenty minutes away by motor banca from Coron town.
Other destinations....
2. Maquinit Hot Springs – with a temperature ranging from 38 to 41 degrees Celsius, Maquinit’s waters are very relaxing and therapeutical. It is the perfect place to go after a day of trekking and snorkeling. It has a flow output of 85 liters/second or a whopping 5115 liter/minute! It is unique because unlike other hot springs, its waters are salty with a slight sulphuric content. In addition, the algae that grows on its pools walls contain spirulina.
3. Siete Pecados – located near Maquinit Hot Springs, Siete Pecados is a cluster of seven small islands. According to legend, seven sisters went swimming against their mother’s wishes. As a consequence they all drowned and afterwards, seven small islands sprouted from the sea. Siete Pecados is the best snorkeling area near Coron town and one of the best in the Calamianes.
4. Banana Island (native name Dicalubuan) – an island located south of Coron, it features a beautiful white beach and crystal clear waters. One of the best beaches in the Calamianes. The origin of its name is a mystery because not a single banana plant can be found in the island although there are plenty of coconut trees. Neither is it shaped like a Banana.
Lots of shade trees, hammocks and huts allow plenty of opportunities for relaxing. On the eastern tip of the island lies a sand bar which can be reached on foot during low tide. Its wide beach area makes it a good place for teambuilding activities. Kayaking and snorkeling are also possible. Upon reaching the island, one guest sent a text message to a friend saying “I wouldn’t mind getting marooned here.”
Travel time from Coron town is about 1.5 to 2 hrs by banca.
5. Malcapuya Island – facing Banana Island, Malcapuya features a beautiful beach over a kilometer long with fine white sand. Many local boatmen swear it is the best beach in the Calamianes. Its swimming area is home to many giant clams (at the time of this writing).Its long beach makes it very ideal for teambuilding activities.Kayaking is also possible. Travel time from Coron town is 1.5 to 2 hours by banca.
Note: when the Amihan wind is blowing strong, the seas going to Banana and Malcapuya Island can be rough.
6. Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary – established in the mid-70’s, Calauit, features Giraffes, Zebras, Bearcats, Calamian Deer, Mouse Deer (the smallest deer in the world), etc. A two-hour tour on board the center’s tour truck enables the visitor to see these animals in their natural habitat. Calauit is also home to many different species of birds.
The trip to Calauit is four hours by banca from Coron town. One should leave as early as 3:00 AM in order to reach Calauit before the sun gets too hot as the animals tend to look for shade during the middle of the day. The alternative route is a two and a half hour land trip plus a ten minute banca ride to cross the body of water that separates Calauit Island from Busuanga Island. (Darayonan strongly recommends the land trip due to safety reasons).
Probably the best option to experience Calauit is to go camping and stay overnight in the island.
Note: when the Habagat wind (Southeast Monsoon) is blowing strong, there is a portion of the “sea” trip (just before reaching Calauit) that can be very rough.
7. Calumboyan Island – like Banana island, its name is a mystery. Lumboy, is the Cuyonon term for “Duhat”, a berry like fruit tree. However, not a single Duhat tree can be found in the island although coconuts are plentiful.
Calumboyan, offers one of the best reefs for snorkeling. Its white and shady beach make it an ideal picnic place. A destination definitely worth going.
8. Lusong Gunboat Wreck – an authentic WWII Japanese ship. Shallow enough that it does not require the tourist to go scuba diving to view it.
9. Coral Garden – another excellent snorkeling area. After seeing Coral Garden, one American guest said “I have never seen such beauty, and I have gone snorkeling in many parts of the world.” His six year old companion put it more eloquently when he said… “totally wicked…”.
10. Paz Island – located a few minutes banca ride, south of Calumbuyan. Features a nice white sand beach with plenty of shade trees. The southwestern side of the island is rocky and can offer nice photo opportunities for those who like to photograph such sceneries.
11. Decalve Marine Park – a marine protected area like Siete Pecados. Decalve is another good area for snorkeling.
Note: Calumboyan, Lusong, Coral Garden, Decalve and Paz Island are located in the same area and should be visited on the same day.
12. Mt. Tapyas Eco-park – located on top of a hill with a big cross in the middle, the park can be reached by climbing a stairway of more than 700 steps. The viewing deck offers a panoramic view of Coron Bay.
13. Culion Town – a trip to historic Culion town includes a visit to a centuries old Spanish Church, an ancient watch tower, and a museum where one can view an audio-visual presentation of the town and its history. Additional tours include:
13.1 Historical Walk – from Culion’s Pier Dos, students of the Loyola College of Culion (a Jesuit run school), will take you on a walking tour of the town stopping at significant places.
13.2 Fishing Trip – students from LCC will gladly accompany you and even teach you how to fish local style (no need for rods or other fancy fishing gear).
13.3 Mangrove Tour – paddle through a mangrove forest
13.4 Snorkeling off Bogor Island – another marine sanctuary, the reef off Bogor Island is a good snorkeling spot
14. Dibatoc Island – located near the eastern entrance of Coron Bay, the beach at Dibatoc Island is one of the best in Coron. However due to its location, it is not an advisable destination when the Amihan (easterly winds)is in full swing.
15. Dibotunay Island – one of the best beaches in the Calamianes. Located on the Busuanga side, 3 hours away by banca from Coron town.
16. North Cay, South Cay, Maltatayoc, Pamalican – a cluster of small islands located off the coast of Salvacion (Busuanga’s, capital town). About 2.5 hours by banca from Coron town or 30 minutes from Salvacion. Of these, North Cay is the best among the three and has cottages (with bathroom and toilet facilities), that allow guests to stay overnight.
17. Diwaran Island – located on the eastern part of the archipelago off the coast of Borac and Marcilla, Diwaran (or Dinaran as listed in maps), is a beautiful island with white sand beaches on its three sides. It is the site of a proposed resort of the famous Banyan group. In fact ground breaking ceremonies were held in early 2009 with the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guest of honor. However, todate, construction of said resort has not started.
Diwaran may be reached by sea (2 hours from Coron town) or by land (a 1.5 hour trip thru Borac/Marcilla and a 15 minute banca ride). At certain times, the seas to Diwaran can be very rough.
There are other destinations such as Bulog Dos, Malaroyroy, CYC Beach and Black Island. For more information on these please contact us.
The above information was prepared by Chin Fernandez of Darayonan Lodge & My Blue Backpack Travel & Tours
Updated February 15, 2012