Coron island hopping will certainly be the highlight of your Palawan trip. Aside from a stunning seascape made even more extraordinary by towering karst limestone cliffs, you’re in for a great water adventure with a number of marine parks, coral gardens, lakes, and lagoons.
It’s hard to compete with Palawan’s natural beauty. No wonder it’s labeled as one of the best islands in the world. Coron is a testament to it. People may say beaches or islands can look the same but they can never be equal. When I visited Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, it reminded me of Coron with its limestone karsts. But without second thoughts, I knew Coron is far more astonishing.
Coron Tour Package
Depending on the number of days you’re staying, different operators can offer you a specific Coron island hopping tour. If it’s your first time in the province and if you can only spare a few days, your Coron itinerary should include the Twin Lagoons, Kayangan Lake, and Siete Pecados Marine Park. If you’re in a group, a day tour would cost you around PHP1,500 (~USD30)to PHP2,000 (~USD40).
What to Expect in a Coron Island Hopping Tour
Pickup at Coron Accommodation
If you avail of any Coron Palawan tour package, the operator will pick you up at your accommodation that is around the town. You will travel to Coron pier where your boat ride will be waiting. Depending on where you are staying, going to Coron pier usually takes around 20 minutes.
Don’t worry if pickup is not included in the package you availed because Coron pier is simply accessible. You can just ride a tricycle, getting one should be easy. You can also ask help from where you are staying.
Food
Food is usually included in Coron tours. This is one of the things you should look forward to because you’ll be having a sumptuous seafood feast. Hopefully you get to try the appetizing lato, a grape-like seaweed commonly served in the island.
Comfort Room
There is no bathroom in Coron beach or any island. However, a makeshift toilet is available in your boat in case you really need one.
Coron Island Hopping Tour
With a combination of marine parks, lakes, lagoons, and beaches, you’re in a sure treat for awesome water adventures. Diving in Coron Palawan is a popular activity among others. Depending on the number of days and where you are staying, you can visit a combination of these natural wonders.
Siete Pecados Marine Park
Siete Pecados means seven deadly sins and the name refers to seven small limestone rocks. If you’re looking forward to snorkeling in Coron Palawan, the marine park is one of the recommended places. Aside from the abundance of different school of fish, coral formation is also stunning in the area.
Twin Lagoon Coron
A pair of blue lagoon separated by towering limestone cliffs, the Twin Lagoon is one of the most visited attractions in Coron Palawan. You will arrive at the first lagoon where boats are docked. To get to the second lagoon, you can swim in a small hole underneath the limestone rock. However, this small gap is submerged during high tide and you need to climb to get to the other lagoon.
Personally, I find the Twin Lagoon’s vibe both eerie and enchanted especially if there’s not much crowd. I feel there are magical creatures somewhere in the waters (maybe I’m just being too imaginative).
Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake in Coron was awarded thrice as the cleanest lake in the country. Beautifully hidden, a short hike is needed to get to it. Along the climb, take note of a cave you’ll pass by because that is where you will sight the most photographed spot in Coron. The clear waters of Kayangan Lake reveal wonderful rock formations underneath.
Banol Beach (also called Banul Beach)
With turquoise clear waters, Banol Beach is definitely a chill hanging spot during your Coron island hopping. It is a short stretch of powdery white sand beach where lunch is usually being held.
Coral Garden Coron
A quick stop at what they call the Coral Garden will bring you to a colorful and stunning underwater landscape. You don’t need advanced diving gears because you will see a lot even by simply snorkeling around the area.
Malpagalen Island
Malpagalen Island is known as the island without trees. It is a sandbar next to Club Paradise Palawan. The sandbar is made more striking by mesmerizing rock formations.
Dimalanta Island
Dimalanta Island is another location in Coron with a rich underwater scene. Hop from your boat and get spoiled with an overwhelming marine habitat.
Sample Coron Island Hopping Itinerary
Sample Coron Island Hopping Itinerary 1
– Pickup at accommodation (around Coron town).
– Arrrival at Coron Pier.
– Snorkeling at Siete Pecados Marine Park.
– Hike Kayangan Lake.
– Lunch and siesta at Banol Beach.
– Swim and explore Twin Lagoons.
Sample Coron Island Hopping Itinerary 2
– From Coron town, take a 45-minute boat ride to Dimakya Island.
– Check in at Club Paradise Palawan.
– Chill, swim, and snorkel at Diatoy Island.
– More snorkeling at Dimalanta Island.
– Relax and more photo ops at Malpagalen Island.
