Manila – Coron

Description

Coron is a town in the province of Palawan, Philippines, that is known for its stunning natural attractions and rich cultural heritage. Coron is part of the Calamian Islands, a group of islands that offer diverse experiences for travelers, from island hopping, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and more. Coron is also home to some of the best wreck diving sites in the world, where you can explore the remains of Japanese ships that sank during World War II. If you are looking for a tropical paradise with breathtaking scenery and adventure, Coron is the place to be.

Here are some of the things you can do and see in Coron:

• Visit the lakes and lagoons of Coron Island. Coron Island is a sacred place for the indigenous Tagbanua people, who have preserved its natural beauty and cultural significance. You can take a boat tour to see some of the most popular attractions on the island, such as Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, and Banol Beach. These places offer crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and diverse marine life.
• Explore the beaches and islands around Coron. There are many islands and beaches near Coron that you can visit for a day or overnight trip. Some of the most popular ones are Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island, Black Island, and Pass Island. These islands have white sand beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, and palm trees. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or just relax on these islands.
• Dive into the shipwrecks of Coron Bay. Coron Bay is one of the best places in the world to dive into shipwrecks. There are about a dozen Japanese ships that sank in the bay during World War II, creating an underwater museum of history and marine life. You can dive into these wrecks and see the artifacts, guns, engines, and other parts of the ships, as well as the fish, corals, and sea turtles that inhabit them. Some of the most famous wrecks are Irako, Okikawa Maru, Akitsushima, Olympia Maru, and Tangat Wreck.
• Hike up to Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring. If you want to see a panoramic view of Coron town and the surrounding islands, you can hike up to Mt. Tapyas, which is about 700 steps from the base. You can also see a giant cross and a Hollywood-style sign that spells “Coron” at the top. After the hike, you can reward yourself with a dip in Maquinit Hot Spring, which is a natural saltwater hot spring that can soothe your muscles and skin.
• Experience the culture and history of Coron. Coron is not only a place of natural wonders, but also a place of culture and history. You can learn more about the Tagbanua people and their way of life by visiting their ancestral domain on Coron Island or joining their cultural activities. You can also visit some historical sites in Coron town, such as the Lualhati Park, where you can see a statue of Manuel Quezon, the former president of the Philippines who died in Coron; the St. Augustine Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Palawan; and the Coron Municipal Hall, which is a colonial-style building that houses the local government.

How to travel around Coron:

• The easiest way to travel around Coron is by renting a motorcycle or a tricycle. You can find many rental shops in Coron town that offer daily or hourly rates. A motorcycle rental costs around PHP 500-700 per day (USD 10-14), while a tricycle rental costs around PHP 800-1000 per day (USD 16-20). You can use these vehicles to explore the main island of Busuanga and visit some attractions like Concepcion Falls or Ocam-Ocam Beach.
• Another way to travel around Coron is by joining organized tours or renting a private boat. You can book tours from various travel agencies or hotels in Coron town that offer packages for island hopping, diving, safari park visits, and other activities. A typical island hopping tour costs around PHP 1500-2000 per person (USD 30-40), which includes lunch, entrance fees, boat transfers, and guide services. A private boat rental costs around PHP 2500-3500 per day (USD 50-70), which allows you to customize your itinerary and visit any island you want.

Where to stay in Coron:

There are many options for accommodation in Coron depending on your budget and preference. You can choose from hotels , resorts , guesthouses , hostels , or even cottages on private islands . Here are some of the best places to stay in Coron according to different categories:

• Best Airbnb in Coron: Your own bamboo chateau! Live the Southeast Asian dream with your own personal bamboo cottage. Complete with bamboo furniture, wicker walls, and jungle encapsulated decking, you’ll be feeling like a local in no time.
• Best Hostel in Coron: The Hub Backpacker Hangout. The Hub Backpacker Hangout is a social and welcoming hostel that is close to the town’s best restaurants and bars. This hostel has a full kitchen, BBQ area and a bar that serves the cheapest rum and beer in town.
• Best Hotel in Coron: Asia Grand View Hotel. This colourful and conveniently located property is a great hotel in Coron. It offers chic accommodation as well as a beauty centre, kids pool, and an incredible in-house restaurant. This hotel is close to some of Coron’s top attractions, such as Kayangan Lake and Maquinit Hot Spring.
• Best Resort in Coron: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa. This luxurious and secluded resort is the ultimate place to stay in Coron if you want to splurge and pamper yourself. This resort is located on a private island that has white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery. You can enjoy the resort’s amenities, such as an infinity pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar, or join their activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and island hopping.

Where to eat and what to eat in Coron:

Coron has a variety of restaurants that serve local and international cuisine. You can find seafood, Filipino, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Swiss, and more. Here are some of the best places to eat and what to eat in Coron according to different categories:

• Best Seafood Restaurant in Coron: Kawayanan Grill. Kawayanan Grill is a restaurant that offers a diverse selection of seafood and exotic dishes. The house specialty, the seafood platter, includes a variety of grilled and fried seafood such as crab, fish, shrimps, and squid with garlic butter sauce on the side. Exotic meals such as Bird’s Nest, a type of soup made of swiftlet bird’s saliva, and Crocodile sisig (chopped crocodile on a sizzling plate) are local favorites.
• Best Filipino Restaurant in Coron: The Old House Restaurant. The Old House Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Coron that serves authentic Filipino cuisine. The best fried chicken and pasta in town are their specialties. You can also try their kare-kare (oxtail stew with peanut sauce), sinigang (sour soup with meat or seafood), adobo (meat marinated in vinegar and soy sauce), and lechon kawali (deep-fried pork belly).
• Best Italian Restaurant in Coron: Altrove Coron. Altrove Coron is one of the most popular and best places to eat in Coron. With Italian food that rivals some places in Italy, it’s not too difficult to see why. This spot is a natural favourite among the traveler crowd, therefore be prepared to wait for a table if you haven’t pre-booked. You can enjoy their pizza, pasta, salad, and gelato in a cozy and rustic setting.
• Best Spanish Restaurant in Coron: Hermanos Tapas and Wine Bar. Hermanos Tapas and Wine Bar is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves Spanish tapas (small plates) and wine. You can sample their croquettes, patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic), tortilla española (potato omelet), paella (rice dish with meat or seafood), sangria (wine with fruit), and more.
• Best Japanese Restaurant in Coron: Ramen Sakura. Ramen Sakura is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in ramen (noodle soup) and gyoza (dumplings). You can choose from different types of ramen broth, such as shoyu (soy sauce), miso (fermented soybean paste), tonkotsu (pork bone), or spicy tantanmen. You can also get the gyoza to start, very crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Coron offers a variety of dining options, from local Filipino dishes to international cuisines. Some of the native Filipino dishes that you can try in Coron are:

• Adobo: A dish of meat or seafood marinated and cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. It is usually served with rice and can be spicy or mild.
• Sinigang: A sour soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, onions, and various vegetables. It can have pork, beef, chicken, fish, or shrimp as the main ingredient.
• Lechon: A whole roasted pig that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is often served with a liver sauce or vinegar.
• Kare-kare: A stew of oxtail, tripe, and vegetables cooked in a peanut sauce. It is usually eaten with shrimp paste (bagoong) and rice.
• Halo-halo: A dessert of shaved ice mixed with various ingredients such as sweet beans, coconut gel, jackfruit, ube (purple yam), leche flan (custard), and evaporated milk.

Some of the best places to eat in Coron are:

• Lolo Nonoy’s Food Station: A popular restaurant that serves Filipino and international dishes at affordable prices. Try their adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare.
• Kawayanan Grill Station: A cozy place that offers grilled seafood, meat, and vegetables. Try their lechon kawali (deep-fried pork belly), grilled tuna belly, and squid sisig (chopped squid with onions and chili).
• La Sirenetta Restaurant & Bar: A romantic place that overlooks the Coron Bay. It serves Italian, Asian, and Filipino dishes. Try their pizza, pasta, and halo-halo.

Coron is a destination that will surely captivate your senses and your heart. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, Coron has something for you. Plan your trip to Coron now and discover why it is one of the best places to visit in Palawan.