Coron is located in the northern part of Palawan, and although the town itself isn’t very special, it is the perfect base to explore some of the most beautiful islands and lagoons in the Philippines. Many travelers come here for the spectacular surroundings: towering karst cliffs, hidden beaches, stunning underwater worlds, and crystal-clear lagoons that are just begging to be explored. Coron is also the starting or ending point of the multi-day expedition between Coron and El Nido, an absolute highlight of a trip through the Philippines. Curious about what else there is to do? Below, you’ll find all the best activities, restaurants, and accommodations to stay at.

How to Travel to Coron?

Most people travel from Manila or El Nido to Coron. Below you can read how to travel to Coron from these destinations.

What to Do in Coron?

In and around Coron, there are plenty of fun activities and beautiful places to visit. Here are 10 suggestions!

Island Hopping Around Coron

In the area around Coron, you’ll find blue-green lagoons, white sandbanks, and idyllic beaches lined with palm trees. These beautiful islands have become incredibly popular, so be prepared to share these spots with others. Still, it’s absolutely worth it to hop on a traditional bangka boat that will take you to the most beautiful locations. There are various day tours to choose from, each with its own route and highlights. To help you choose, we’ve listed all the different day tours and highlighted the best spots and islands.

Visit and Support Coron Animal Savers

Are you an animal lover? Then make sure to take the time to visit Coron Animal Savers. This animal shelter gives street dogs a second chance at a better life and is entirely run on donations. Therefore, dog food, snacks, money, or other supplies are always welcome. Even a small contribution can make a big difference.

As a volunteer, you can help in various ways. You can walk the dogs in the morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) or in the afternoon (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM), or help with washing and feeding from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. It’s not only fun but also incredibly valuable, for both you and the dogs. Would you like to help out? Be sure to contact them via their Instagram to arrange a time to visit.

Eat Fresh Fish and Drink Cocktails at Cabo Beach

Cabo Beach is the perfect place to relax for an afternoon. This cozy beach, with shallow waters and a beautiful view of the surrounding islands, is well-maintained and has a laid-back atmosphere. There are homemade huts with benches, ideal for relaxing in the shade with a drink in hand. In the middle of the area, you’ll find a volleyball court and a cocktail bar, making Cabo Beach a great social spot. The barbecue starts in the late morning, and later in the day, music – sometimes even karaoke – adds to the atmosphere. Whether you’re craving freshly grilled fish, a crispy pizza, or a quick sandwich, there’s plenty of choice to satisfy your hunger. There’s also a small shop where you can buy snacks and drinks, so you can fully enjoy your day by the sea and the sunset.

Discover the Quiet Marcilla Beach

Want to escape the crowds for a while? Head to Marcilla Beach. This pristine beach is rarely visited by people and is perfect for a peaceful walk or a refreshing swim, far from the hustle and bustle of Coron’s town center. It can be a bit of an adventure to get there. Marcilla Beach is about an hour’s drive from Coron, over an unpaved road that can be challenging on a scooter. Even a tricycle might struggle with this route.

Tip: Got hungry? Grab a bite at Side Trip Snack House before heading back.

Kayak to Siete Pecados for Snorkeling

Siete Pecados is a great snorkeling spot just outside Coron’s town center. At this small office, you pay for entry and can rent snorkeling gear and a kayak. In about 15 minutes, you’ll paddle to the snorkeling site right off the shore. Once there, tie your kayak to a floating platform and dive in to explore the underwater world. Don’t feel like paddling? You can also take a boat to get there.

Diving at Shipwrecks in Coron

For wreck diving enthusiasts, Coron is a true paradise! Scattered across the ocean floor are numerous Japanese shipwrecks from World War II, making Coron one of the most unique dive spots in the Philippines. Since the wrecks are at various depths, both beginner and experienced divers can explore these historical remnants underwater. The wrecks now serve as homes to rich marine life. In Coron’s town center, you’ll find several dive schools, such as Neptune Dive Center, which is well-rated.

Have Cocktails at Hop Hostel during Sunset

At the rooftop bar of Hop Hostel, you can enjoy cocktails and a spectacular sunset every evening. You don’t have to be a guest to visit the rooftop bar. After sunset, they sometimes host parties and games like beer pong tournaments. It’s a fun place to meet other travelers and have a great evening.

Climb Mt. Tapyas and Watch the Sunset

Another great place to watch the sunset is from the viewpoint of Mt. Tapyas. Although the name might suggest a massive volcano, it’s actually a hill that’s only 210 meters (689 ft) tall. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb 721 steps, which is a good 15-minute workout.

Leave about an hour before sunset so you have enough time to walk up leisurely, take in the views, and find the perfect spot to watch the sun dip behind the islands into the sea. Arriving a bit too early? Take a short walk along the hillside paths behind Mt. Tapyas and enjoy the peace and the view before the sky fills with spectacular colors. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, especially on hot days, as the climb can be pretty intense.

Relax at Maquinit Hot Springs

If you can’t get enough of the heat, Maquinit Hot Springs is a perfect place. These saltwater pools are heated by a deep natural spring and are located right in the mangroves, just a 20-minute drive from Coron. There are two pools: one with a pleasant temperature around 30°C (86°F), and another where the water temperature can rise to 40°C (104°F).

Since it can be quite hot during the day, it’s recommended to visit in the late afternoon. By sunset, it gets lively, but there’s almost always a quiet spot to relax in the warm water. Don’t stay in too long and drink plenty of water, as the heat can be intense. This is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of island hopping or diving and enjoy a drink while closing the day.

Play Basketball with the Locals

Basketball is an incredibly popular sport in the Philippines, and on the way to the hot springs, you’ll encounter one basketball court after another. If you’re heading to the hot springs on a scooter, it’s fun to stop by and join a game. The locals will definitely invite you to play!

Tips for Good Restaurants in Coron

• Le Voyage – Here, you can enjoy delicious fresh juices, oatmeal pancakes, smoothie bowls, and a selection of hot dishes.
• Ala-E Hippie House – A cozy and creative café where you can play games and enjoy tasty cocktails while reggae tunes play in the background.
• Trattoria Altrove Coron – Authentic Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizzas and fresh homemade pasta.
• Mama Café – The perfect place for fresh smoothies, hearty sandwiches, and flavorful pastas.
• AlFresco Coron – This atmospheric rooftop restaurant serves delightful dishes like grilled tuna, quinoa mango salad, and chili con/sin carne. There are many vegetarian options.
• Bam Bar – For a fun atmosphere and great cocktails, this bar is the place to end your evening.

Our Favorite Spots in Coron

One of the best hotels in Coron is The Ridge. The location is perfect: it’s situated on a hill just outside the busy center. This allows you to enjoy a beautiful view in peace while being just minutes away from all the restaurants in Coron. If you’d rather not walk up the hill, the hotel offers a free shuttle service. The rooms are equipped with a comfy bed, good air conditioning, and you’ll be served a delicious breakfast in the morning. Prefer a cozy hostel? Then Hop Hostel is the coolest option in Coron. The atmosphere is great, and it’s amazing to watch the spectacular sunset from the rooftop every evening. Unlike many hostels in the Philippines, the beds here are big and soft – both in the dorms and the private rooms. Since the bar is on the roof, you won’t be disturbed by the music in your room. There’s also a lovely pool, yes, with a view! Prefer a quiet b&b? Then we recommend The Bay Area. This comfortable accommodation is located in the center of Coron, and great attention has been paid to the decoration. Everywhere there are potted plants, and everything is spotless. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly, the restaurant serves delicious food, and the rooms are equipped with a comfortable bed and a warm shower.

The Ridge Coron More Information

Hop Hostel More Information

The Bay Area More Information