Coron is one of a small fishing and trading town on the temperate island of Busuanga, Province of Palawan. Just 1 hour away from Manila via airplane, it is a gateway to the ultimate tropical resorts surrounding the Calamian Island Group Southwest of Manila.
Places to See
Tapyas Ecological Park, Busuanga Island
Go up to its 800 cemented steps and you will find it worthwhile to see the majestic view of Coron Island and its entirety. The scenery and the windy atmosphere on the top provide an experience of nature's beauty that could only be found on the rarest opportunity…
Maquinit Hot Springs, Busuanga Island
Relax and stretch those tired bodies in the flowing salt water spring pools, known to have healing properties and therapeutic benefits. A 30 minute journey from Coron, these two privately maintained pools will soothe even the distant veins of your inner being.
Barracuda Lake, Coron Island
Live to tell the tale… Witness a barracuda 5 feet long roaming the eerie placidness of the lake. Steep limestone cliffs surround this body of water. Temperature ranges from 28-38 celsius, hot but divable up to maximum depth of 100 feet. Do you have the guts to dive and photograph the big barracuda? Can you endure the heat that creeps within the dark misty lake?
Cayangan Lake, Coron Island
Awarded as one of the cleanest lake, it is now under the care of the Tagbanuas, natives of the island who collect an entrance fee of $8.00 per person from foreign visitors.
Calauit Island, Wildlife Safari
This 3,700 hectare sanctuary is a game preserve for African and Palawan wildlife: Calamian deer, mousedeer, peackocks, bear cats, impalas, giraffes and an aviary are the primary attractions of this national park. An admission fee of $5.00 and a fare of another $5.00 is usually charge. Renting a vehicle will be a good advice (a 4 to 6 hours travel time) from Coron to Caluit Island.
Bintuan Coral Gardens
A sanctuary for snorkeling and swimming enthusiasts, this place is teeming with different coral reefs of various shapes, colors and sizes. Great for shallow diving and perfect for coral sight seeing.
Things to Do
Scuba Diving
One of the best wreck diving destination in Asia! Prepare your gear and get ready to see and touch one of the country's national treasure since World War II. Choose from numerous wreck sites all divable and within actual reach of your hands!
- “OKIKAWA MARU” is a 50 feet long wreck, which is often affected by strong tidal currents. Good corals and sponges comprise most of the marine life in this area. Penetration possibilities are for advanced divers only.
- “AKITSUSHIMA”, the Japanese flying boat tender, divers can strikingly breach the engine room to see the four engines lying in the deep blue sea.
- “KOGYO MARU”, a freighter sunk with bulldozer, cement mixer, anti-aircraft guns and airfield building equipment on its Hold. Now, shoals of fish and corals inhabit the wreck.
- “IRAKO”, the hull is still quite intact with corals and sponges outlying the structures. A big ship with clear visibility underwater, but too deep for begineers.
- “TANGAT WRECK”, a freighter with a length of approximately 450 feet, this is an ideal dive spot with various marine life such as giant puffers and banaba fishes roaming on its mast and stern. Cargo rooms can be penetrated easily.
- “NANSHIN MARU”, a tanker with approximately 130-165 feet, it sits upright on sandy bottom where it could be seen in most clear water. Night dive is also possible in this site.
- “GUNBOAT AT TANGAT”, close to Tangat island, this small gunboat or U-boat Hunter is approximately 114 feet and can be reached at a maximum of 59 feet underwater. You can see the shape and explore the ship even at 10 feet under.
- “KYOKUZAN MARU”, a freighter 500-600 feet long located at the Northeast of Busuanga island. Still complete with Japanese cars and trucks in its cargo rooms, this big wreck offers good visibility up to 65 feet.
- GUNBOAT AT LUSONG”, close to Lusong island, this gunboat is similar to the gunboat wrecked at Tangat island. Ideal for snorkeling, the ship's stern breaks the water above during low tide and exposes variety of fish and hard corals to adore.
Ocean Kayaking
Paddle up while strolling in-between islands through an ocean kayak. Revere the limestone scenery and the mangrove forests around it through the vast salt sea.
Horseback Riding
Just half a dollar tricycle ride from Coron lies the land of the cowboys, Mabintangen's-Horse Valley! Enjoy the trip around different plantations, forests, rivers and hills within the islands through horseback riding. Then celebrate Saturday evening with grilled beefsteak and roasted potatoes in the midst of a bonfire's country atmosphere. Half day activity cost at about $12.00, full day at $24.00.
