Coron

Coron sits on Busuanga Island in the Calamianes Group of Islands in northern Palawan. But here is the thing that confuses almost every first-timer: Coron is both a town and a separate island. Coron Town is on Busuanga. Coron Island — the one with Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon — is a short boat ride away. They are not the same place. The town has about 65,000 residents. The Tagbanua people are the original inhabitants and hold ancestral domain rights over Coron Island, which was formally recognized in 1998. Most tourists will visit Kayangan Lake without ever knowing the Tagbanua opened it to outsiders only in 2001, after performing traditional ceremonies. The lake's water is 70% fresh, 30% saltwater, and the Tagbanua consider several of Coron's lakes sacred. Beyond the Tagbanua, you will hear Cuyonin (also spelled Cuyonon) spoken around town — it was the lingua franca of Palawan province until the late 1980s, when Tagalog-speaking migrants from Luzon arrived in large numbers. Today most locals speak Filipino (Tagalog) and English fluently, but the older dialect still floats around markets and fishing communities. The WWII shipwrecks define the underwater landscape. On September 24, 1944, American planes bombed a fleet of Japanese ships in Coron Bay, sinking up to 24 vessels. The wrecks now sit between 12 and 43 meters deep, covered in coral, and rank among the most accessible wreck dives in the world. That history is everywhere once you start talking to dive guides — it is not just a tourist selling point, it is genuinely woven into how people here understand the place.

Coron is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft is possible in crowded public market areas, so keep your bag zipped and don't flash expensive gear unnecessarily. The bigger safety issues are on the water. Always book boat tours with licensed operators who provide functioning life jackets — not just ones hanging on a hook for show. Typhoon season runs June through November. If you're visiting during those months, check forecasts before every boat trip because conditions can change fast. The Tagbanua sacred areas on Coron Island are restricted. Wandering off marked paths is not just disrespectful — in some areas it is prohibited, and guides take this seriously. For medical emergencies, Coron Town has basic health facilities, but serious cases require evacuation to Puerto Princesa or Manila. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended. There is a BPI and Landbank in the town proper, but ATM availability is limited — bring more cash than you think you need, especially for multi-day island trips. Mosquito repellent is essential at dawn and dusk.

Big change for 2026: effective March 29, 2026, flights to Coron no longer depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila). They now operate from Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga. Factor in the extra travel time from Metro Manila to Clark — it's roughly 1.5–2 hours by road outside rush hour. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, SunlightAir, and AirSwift fly to Busuanga Airport (USU). The flight itself takes about one hour from Clark or Cebu. From Busuanga Airport, a van to Coron Town Proper takes 45 minutes and costs around PHP 250 per person. Once in town, tricycles are the primary way to get around. Short rides cost PHP 10–50 depending on distance. Rent a scooter for around PHP 400–500/day if you want to explore beyond the town center — it opens up beaches, waterfalls, and dining options that tricycles won't take you to easily. For the classic Palawan circuit, the El Nido to Coron ferry (Montenegro Lines or Atienza) takes 8–10 hours and costs PHP 1,700–2,500. Fast craft options run 5–6 hours for PHP 3,500–5,500, available in dry season. The passage boat over 3 days through the Linapacan archipelago costs PHP 5,500–9,500 all-inclusive and is the most memorable way to travel between the two destinations — book 5–7 days ahead in peak season. Island hopping is done by outrigger boat. Join a group tour for PHP 1,500–1,800 per person, or charter a private boat (sometimes comparable in price for groups of 3–4).