When people talk about the Philippines, El Nido inevitably comes up in conversation. But does Coron have something to envy? The answer is a resounding absolutely not – Coron stands proudly as one of Palawan's most spectacular destinations, offering pristine beauty, fewer crowds, and experiences that are uniquely its own.

This enchanting destination in Northern Palawan has quietly emerged as a must-visit paradise, boasting crystal-clear lakes, hidden lagoons, historic wreck dives, and some of the best snorkeling sites in Southeast Asia.

Getting to Your Island Paradise

Reaching Coron requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. The primary gateway is Francisco B. Reyes Airport (also known as Busuanga Airport), located about 30 minutes from Coron Town. Since there are no direct international flights to Coron, travelers typically fly from Manila or Cebu, with several daily flights operated by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and PAL Express.

Manila to Coron: 1.5 hoursCebu to Coron: 1 hourAirport to Town: 30 minutes

Must-Visit Attractions

The Crown Jewel: Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake stands as Coron's most iconic attraction and arguably one of the Philippines' most photographed destinations. Often proclaimed as the cleanest lake in Asia, this freshwater gem is nestled within towering limestone cliffs that create a cathedral-like atmosphere.

The journey to the lake involves a moderately challenging hike up more than 300 steps, but the reward is extraordinary. The lake's crystal-clear waters offer unprecedented visibility, allowing swimmers to observe the intricate underwater rock formations that lie beneath the surface.

Cleanest Lake in Asia300+ Steps HikeCrystal Clear Waters

Twin Lagoon: Nature's Hidden Swimming Pool

Twin Lagoon represents one of Coron's most unique natural phenomena, where two separate bodies of water are connected by an underwater passage beneath a limestone wall. This extraordinary geological formation creates a swimming experience unlike anywhere else in the world.

To move between the lagoons, visitors must swim through a narrow underwater opening, adding an element of adventure to the experience. The lagoon's waters display stunning gradients of turquoise and emerald, with the interplay of light and limestone creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Underwater PassageTwo Connected LagoonsUnique Swimming Experience

Barracuda Lake: A Thermal Wonder

Barracuda Lake presents one of Coron's most scientifically fascinating attractions, featuring a unique thermocline phenomenon where distinct layers of hot and cold water create an extraordinary swimming experience. Named after a legendary resident barracuda, this lake offers something completely different from typical tropical swimming spots.

The thermocline effect creates distinct temperature layers that swimmers can literally feel as they dive deeper into the lake. The surface water maintains a comfortable swimming temperature, while deeper layers can reach up to 40°C, creating a natural jacuzzi effect.

Thermocline EffectHot SpringsUp to 40°C Water

Island Hopping Adventures

Coron's island hopping tours are legendary, offering access to some of the most pristine beaches and hidden lagoons in the Philippines. The most popular tours include:

Tour A (Ultimate)

Kayangan Lake, Coral Garden, CYC Beach, Pass Island

Tour B (Adventure)

Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Banol Beach

Tour C (Beach)

Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island

When to Visit Paradise