Coron Palawan – Highlights, Travel Tips & My Experience at Ocam Ocam Beach
Coron in Palawan is considered one of the most beautiful island destinations in the Philippines. Emerald-colored lagoons, spectacular World War II shipwreck dives and relaxed beaches make Coron especially appealing to backpackers, adventure travelers and those looking to slow down. In this travel guide, you’ll find the top things to do in Coron, along with practical tips on getting there, island hopping tours, accommodations and the best time to visit – plus my personal experience at Ocam-Ocam Beach.
- Overview: What Makes Coron So Special
- Quick Facts (Prices, Timing & Orientation)
- Top Things to Do & Highlights
- Island Hopping in Coron (Tours, Prices, Private vs. Join-in)
- Diving & Shipwrecks (WWII)
- How to Get There: Flights, Ferry & Transfers
- My Experience & Accommodation Tips
- Best Time to Visit Coron
- How Many Days Do You Need?
- Renting a Scooter in Coron
- From Coron to El Nido – Island Hopping Route
- FAQ
Overview: What Makes Coron So Special
Coron is famous for its turquoise lagoons framed by dramatic limestone cliffs (Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon), excellent snorkeling spots like Siete Pecados, and world-class World War II wreck diving. Compared to El Nido, Coron feels quieter and less hectic – ideal if you want to combine adventure with relaxation. Kayangan Lake is often described as the “cleanest lake in the Philippines” and is managed by the Tagbanua community, with strict rules such as mandatory life vests.
Quick Facts (Prices, Timing & Orientation)
| Topic | Typical Info |
|---|---|
| Standard day tour (join-in) | Approx. ₱1,700–2,300 per person depending on tour (“Escapade”, “(Super) Ultimate”, “Reefs & Wrecks”) |
| Private tour (banka / speedboat) | From ~₱8,000–15,000+ total (plus entrance fees) |
| Ferry El Nido ↔ Coron | ~3.5–5 hours, multiple operators |
| Nearest airport | Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU), Busuanga Island |
| Airport → Coron Town | Shared van shuttle, ~30–45 minutes |
Top Things to Do & Highlights
I’ve put together the most popular highlights in Coron below. Since we personally spent more time relaxing on the beach and decided to join an expedition from Coron to El Nido, the following attractions are based on research rather than firsthand experience.
- Kayangan Lake – short hike to a viewpoint followed by swimming in crystal-clear brackish water; life vest required.
- Twin Lagoon – two lagoons separated by a limestone wall; access depends on the tide.
- Barracuda Lake – famous for its thermocline effect with dramatic temperature changes.
- Siete Pecados Marine Park – excellent snorkeling with colorful coral reefs.
- Mount Tapyas & Maquinit Hot Spring – sunset viewpoint and natural saltwater hot spring.
- Ocam-Ocam Beach – quiet beach area with simple but charming beachfront accommodations.
Island Hopping in Coron (Tours, Prices, Private vs. Join-in)
Tour names in Coron differ from those in El Nido. Common packages include “(Super) Ultimate” (Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon), “Reefs & Wrecks” (shipwrecks and coral reefs), and “Island Escapade” (Malcapuya, Bulog Dos, Ditaytayan). Join-in tours usually cost around ₱1,700–2,300 per person, while private tours depend on boat size and group size. We skipped island hopping in Coron because we chose a 3-day / 2-night expedition from Coron to El Nido instead.
Diving & Shipwrecks (WWII)
On September 24, 1944, the U.S. Navy sank several Japanese ships in Coron Bay. Today, these wrecks are among the most famous dive sites in the Philippines, including Akitsushima, Kyokuzan Maru and Skeleton Wreck. Depths range from shallow snorkeling-friendly wrecks to advanced dives at 30–40 meters.
Barracuda Lake is especially unique due to its thermocline and halocline layers. At around 14 meters, water temperatures can jump dramatically, making it a memorable experience for divers and freedivers alike.
How to Get There: Flights, Ferry & Transfers
- Flights: Fly to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island from Manila or Cebu with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific/Cebgo or Sunlight Air.
- Ferry El Nido ↔ Coron: Daily ferries, travel time around 3.5–5 hours depending on sea conditions.
- Airport transfer: Shared vans run regularly to Coron Town (30–45 minutes).
My Experience & Accommodation Tips
We spent a total of five days in Coron: two nights in the northwest at Ocam-Ocam Beach in a very simple but beachfront accommodation, followed by three nights in a treehouse. If you need to leave early the next morning, staying in Coron Town is usually the more practical option.
Sanctuaria Tree House: Located in the jungle on a hilltop with stunning ocean views. While not directly on the beach, it features a small pool and well-equipped treehouses.
Ocam-Ocam Beach: Offers accommodations for all budgets, from basic bamboo huts to more upscale resorts. We paid around ₱700 per night for our simple but charming stay.
Best Time to Visit Coron
The dry season generally runs from November to May, with the most stable weather between December and March. The rainy season (June to October) brings fewer crowds and lush landscapes but also higher chances of rain. I visited in October and experienced mostly good weather, though we did feel the outer effects of a typhoon – something to keep in mind.
How Many Days Do You Need?
That depends on your travel style. Coron can easily fill several days, while some travelers see it mainly as a gateway to El Nido. I recommend staying at least three days to fully experience the island atmosphere.
Renting a Scooter in Coron
Scooter rentals are widely available in Coron and are highly recommended if you want flexibility. Places like Ocam-Ocam Beach are accessed via unpaved roads, and rental prices are very affordable. We paid around ₱600 for 24 hours, with discounts for longer rentals.
From Coron to El Nido – Island Hopping Route
Travelers between Coron and El Nido can choose between a fast ferry (~3.5–5 hours) or a multi-day island hopping expedition with overnight stays on remote islands. You can find my detailed guide with routes, operators and costs here: Island Hopping Coron ↔ El Nido.
FAQ about Coron Palawan
Join-in tours typically cost around ₱1,700–2,300 per person. Private tours are more expensive but allow for flexible schedules and routes.
Absolutely. Coron is quieter and especially appealing to divers, adventure travelers and those seeking a more relaxed vibe. Combining both destinations is ideal.
Yes, daily ferries operate between El Nido and Coron, with travel times of about 3.5–5 hours depending on conditions.
Shared van shuttles run frequently and take around 30–45 minutes.
Yes. The lake is managed by the Tagbanua community, and wearing a life vest is mandatory.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to May, with peak conditions from December to March.
