Coron is full of so many exciting activities and wonderful sights that it can be hard to plan accordingly to see as much as you can within your visit - from islands to coral reefs to terrific views. So, to help along the way, here are some of the best experiences and things to do when visiting one of the best vacation spots in the Philippines.
1. Snorkel at coral reefs and wrecks
Scuba divers absolutely love swimming in Coron for a plethora of coral reef views. Aside from that, the waters of the province are also home to historic wrecks like the Skeleton Reef, once a ship used in World War II, with its parts still recognizable till this very day. The only difference is that corals have grown on the ship’s parts, recycling the wreck and finding a way to turn it into their home. Some other great wreck and diving sites are Pass Island, Lusong Gunboat, and Lusong Coral Gardens.
2. Catch a view at the Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake is known for being the cleanest lake in the country, as well as the spot which boasts the most Instagrammable photos of Coron plastered in just about every travel magazine you can name. The crystal clear waters surrounded by limestone cliffs are a beauty to behold in pictures, and even more so in real life. You can even go swimming in the turquoise waters, definitely an unforgettable experience.
3. Go on an Island Hopping Tour
Most people go to Coron for their Island tours, and for good reason - the beaches in the area are simply stunning. Tours in Coron range from as low as 1000 PHP to as high as 2000 PHP (price is for shared group tours only), with some of the most popular itinerary destinations being Malcapuya, Bulog Dos, and Banana Island. Alternatively, you can also go off the beaten track with islands like Coco Beach and Ditaytayan where there’s less people and more room to relax and unwind.
4. Hike Mt. Tapyas
Coron isn't exactly known as a hiking destination, but climbing Mt. Tapyas will give you a stunning, aerial view that makes you appreciate the island and its beauty all the more. For just a 15 minute hike, at the top greets you sights of rolling hills, oceans, and even the nearby islands. The peak of Mt. Tapyas is hard to miss - giant letters spelling ‘CORON’ are stilted on the mound, great to stand in front of for a memorable pictorial.
5. Go on a Food Trip
Given Coron’s proximity to the ocean, it’s a great opportunity to go on a food trip and eat fresh seafood cooked locally at just about any beachside carinderia you can find, serving up shrimp, crab, and barbecued meat galore. If you’re in the mood for western food, Coron is also host to fantastic restaurants like Bistro Coron, Trattoria Altrove, and more!
6. Rent a Bike/Motorcycle
While island hopping is certainly the star of most Coron itineraries, touring Coron town is an affordable and easy way to see the relaxing sights and sounds of the locale. Bike and motorcycle rentals are widespread throughout the area, and with it you can visit plenty of attractions like the local markets, souvenir shops, and even stop by the Maquinit Hot Springs for a great and relaxing way to end the day. Bike rentals usually go for 500 PHP/day, while motorcycles range from 500-800.
7. Take a soak at the hot springs
Swimming and snorkelling around all day can really take a toll on one’s body, and what better way to soothe oneself after a long day than a hot bath at the springs? Maquinit is a saltwater hot spring at the southern coast of Busuanga Island, easily accessible from Coron town by a half hour tricycle ride. Allow yourself to relax against the stone-walled pool and let your worries float away while listening to the gentle rippling of the waters. Not to mention, the view in the morning of the trees and nearby bodies of water make the visit all the more serene.
8. See the animals at the Calauit Safari Park
The Calauit Safari Park is a sanctuary home to exotic animals like giraffes, zebras, and other endangered animals, a great and informational day trip option. At 3000 PHP per person, it’s certainly a good way to get to know more about the wildlife conservation efforts in the area all while exploring the landscapes of Busuanga Island reminiscent of African fields.
9. Visit the Culion Leper Colony
If you’re an avid fan of Philippine history, then a visit to the Culion Leper Colony is a must. It’s a small island where all who were afflicted with leprosy were segregated as to not infect any more of the population, and here many medical efforts were made in order to help patients live as normal lives as possible with advancements in treatment and care. Nowadays very little people live on the island thanks to strides in medicine, but it’s still worth a visit to see glimpses of history and the lives these isolated people led even amidst being separated from normal society and their families. One great place to visit here is the Culion museum which holds artifacts that tell the tale of the leper population.
And those are 9 great things to do in Coron! The possibilities in such a beautiful island are endless, but this is a great place to kick off your adventure - be sure to add these to your itinerary and make your experience in one of the best tropical paradises in the Philippines all the more exciting and memorable.
