The Best Coron Itinerary: 3 Days of Epic Island Adventures

Set against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear lagoons, Coron is one of the Philippines’ most stunning island destinations.

Here, you’ll find pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, and breathtaking views.

It’s truly a tropical paradise – one that offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.

I recently had the chance to visit Coron (after years of dreaming about it) and was absolutely blown away by how beautiful the islands are and how much they have to offer.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking to unwind by the ocean, Coron has something for everyone!

Best of all, the local community is incredibly friendly and very welcoming, so you’re sure to feel right at home in this stunning paradise.

That being said, let’s dive right in and explore the perfect Coron itinerary for 3 days!

This is when you’re most likely to experience the best weather conditions with warm temperatures, clear skies, and sunny days.

The only downside to the dry season is that it also happens to be peak travel season for the Philippines. Which means, you’re also likely to encounter more crowds and higher prices.

If you wish to avoid this, you can instead travel to Coron during the shoulder season in the months of May and November.

While you may encounter a few rain showers here and there, the weather should be mostly pleasant with fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

And finally, we have the rainy season, which occurs between June and November. 

Although you are more likely to experience heavy periods of rain, winds, and storms around this time – the sun still does come out and it’s possible to have a great time. 

In fact, I visited both Boracay and Palawan during the rainy season before, and while I did get hit with a few rain showers, my trips were largely unaffected.

The important thing during this time of the year is to remain flexible and have a few backup plans in place.

🌟 Still not sure when to visit Coron? Be sure to check out my detailed month-by-month guide to weather in the Philippines!

It’s actually a municipality that encompasses 32 outer islands and half of Busuanga, the largest island in the area.

Busuanga is where you’ll find Coron’s main hub, Coron Town Proper, which is home to many of the area’s hotels, restaurants, shops, and markets.

You can find direct flights to USU from Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), El Nido (ENI), and Clark City (CRK). 

The airport is located about 30-40 minutes outside of Coron Town. So, you’ll need to arrange for transportation. 

Shuttle vans are typically available upon arrival. Or, if you prefer, you can book a transfer ahead of time online.  

It’s also a good idea to check with your hotel to see if they offer an airport shuttle service.

There’s a fast ferry that goes from El Nido to the Coron Port in Coron Town. The travel time for this is about 5 hours.

If you plan to go this route, it’s best to purchase your tickets in advance, as the ferry is known to sell out quickly, especially during peak travel season.

Once you arrive in Coron Town, it’s quite easy to hire a tricycle on-site. Or, you can also check with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle service.

It’s also possible to rent a scooter on the island of Busuanga. Just be sure that you feel comfortable driving in off-road conditions – because some of the roads here aren’t well maintained.

And, finally, the most common way to travel between islands is by boat. 

There are several boat tours that you can join – both private and shared. More information on that will be provided below!

Here, you’ll find a number of restaurants, bars, shops, and markets – so feel free to wander around, do a bit of souvenir shopping, and sample the local fare.

The Coron Public Market in particular is an interesting place to visit if you’d like to try some street food and check out a traditional Filipino market. 

Nearby, you’ll also find Lualhati Park, which offers great views overlooking the harbor. This is also where you’ll find the “I am Coron” sign.

And, finally, there’s the San Agustin Parish Church. Dating back to 1901, it’s the only Catholic church in Coron and is quite beautiful to see.

Pro Tip: Be sure to try some of the local cashews in town! I didn’t realize it until I arrived, but apparently, Coron is known for its cashew products.

From here, you can see the mountains of Busuanga, Coron Town, the harbor, and many of the smaller surrounding islands. 

There’s also a giant Coron sign at the top of the mountain, as well as a large metal cross that lights up at night.

To reach the top, you’ll need to climb 721 steps – so come prepared with walking shoes and water! It’s quite the workout, but well worth it for the views!

Pro Tip: Time your visit for sunset – the views from here are absolutely incredible around this time of day!

Nestled amongst the mangroves, it’s located about half an hour outside of Coron Town and is accessible via tricycle, scooter, or guided tour.

The waters here are heated by underground volcanic activity and can get very hot (up to 104°F or 40°C)! So, I’d advise against jumping right in, you’ll probably want to take it slow.

In addition to the hot springs, the property has changing rooms, showers, picnic tables, and cottages for rent.

There’s also a boardwalk that meanders through the mangroves and offers views of the ocean.

Pro Tip: It’s best to visit at night – during the day it’s simply too hot outside to truly enjoy the hot springs!

Some of the most popular tours include: Coron Tour A, Coron Tour B, and Coron Super Ultimate Tour.

It’s also possible to arrange for your own private tour if you prefer a more personalized experience. We did this through our hotel and really enjoyed the freedom it provided.

Regardless of which tour you choose, you’ll have an opportunity to visit some of the islands’ most stunning natural wonders. 

To do so, you can join a beach boat tour – there are several top-rated ones to choose from including Coron Tour C, Coron Island Escapade Tour, and Coron Island Escapade Malcapuya.

Alternatively, you can also opt to explore the beaches that are closest to your hotel by land. 

• Go Wreck Diving: Coron is known for its wreck diving. In fact, it’s been dubbed the wreck diving capital of the Philippines! There are so many wrecks here from WWII that you’re bound to stay busy for days.
• Partake in Watersport Activities: From kayaking to snorkeling, wakeboarding, water skiing, parasailing, and banana boats, Coron offers a wealth of water sports. You can partake in these activities at your hotel or at the Royal Island Watersports complex.
• Chase Waterfalls: The island of Busuanga is home to a number of stunning waterfalls. They’re located a bit off the beaten path though, so you’ll need to hire someone to take you or rent a scooter for the day. Popular waterfalls include: Concepcion Falls, Kilien Falls, and Guchi Waterfall. 
• Hike for the Views: While Mount Tapyas might be the most popular hike on Busuanga Island, it’s not the only one. Another notable hike with incredible views is Mount Tundalara (also known as Mount Dalara).  
• Join an Expedition from Coron to El Nido: For a truly adventurous excursion, consider traveling by local boat from Coron to El Nido. Along the way, you’ll stop by small lesser-known islands, sleep on the beach, and learn more about the local culture.

🌟 Planning to spend more time in the Philippines? Be sure to check out my 10 day Philippines itinerary!

• Coron Town Proper: Located in the heart of Coron, this is where you’ll find a majority of the municipality’s restaurants, hotels, and shops. It’s also a great place to stay if you’re looking to partake in any island hopping experiences, as it offers easy access to the Coron Town Port. 
• Outer Islands: For beach lovers and adventurers alike, the outer islands are a great option. Although a bit pricey, the hotels here offer private access to some of Coron’s most scenic and pristine landscapes. I personally stayed at Paolyn Houseboats on Coron Island and absolutely loved it!
• Busuanga West Coast: Perfect for those looking to escape the crowds, the west coast of Busuanga offers a more peaceful, relaxing atmosphere surrounded by pristine nature and abundant wildlife. While there aren’t as many hotels here, there are a handful of resorts, beachfront hotels, and glamping experiences.  

🌟 For more information on Paolyn Houseboats, be sure to check out my full review and guide!

• Seafood: The seafood in Coron is incredibly fresh and amazing! Here, you’ll find everything from lobster to crab, shrimp, squid, and a variety of fish – much of it is brought straight from the boats to the restaurants! 
• Sinigang: A traditional Filipino sour soup, sinigang is essentially meat mixed with a variety of vegetables and served in a tamarind-flavored broth. While pork sinigang is most common throughout the Philippines, in Coron sinigang na lapu-lapu (or fish sinigang) is popular.
• Lumpia: A deep-fried spring roll, lumpia is typically filled with some combination of ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables. It’s usually served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
• Pork Adobo: One of the most famous dishes in the Philippines, pork adobo is a tangy, sweet, savory meat dish that is typically served with rice. To make it, the pork is simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Bananacue: A popular Filipino street food, bananacue is a skewered banana that’s been coated in caramelized brown sugar and deep-fried. You can usually find it for sale at local markets.

Is Coron Worth Visiting?

Coron is, without a doubt, absolutely worth visiting. In fact, it’s one of my favorite places in the Philippines. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but there’s so much to do and the people are so welcoming and friendly. It’s also not overcrowded like some other destinations in the Philippines.

How Many Days in Coron is Enough?

I’d say you need at least 3 days minimum to fully explore the highlights of Coron. This will allow you ample time to check out the town, partake in an island hopping tour, and visit the beaches. If you have more time, however, consider staying an extra day or two. You’ll be able to squeeze in more island hopping and/or you can take a day just to relax by your hotel pool!

Is It Safe to Go to Coron?

Yes, generally speaking, Coron is a safe destination for travelers. That being said, you’ll still want to exercise the normal precautions that you would anywhere else. Namely, remain alert in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure to avoid petty theft and crime.

What is the Difference Between Coron and Coron Island?

Technically speaking, Coron is a municipality that encompasses 32 smaller islands plus the eastern portion of Busuanga Island. One of the islands within Coron is Coron Island – which is where many of the popular island-hopping destinations reside. The terms are often used interchangeably, which can create some confusion. Just know that when people say they’re traveling to Coron, they typically mean the municipality – as Coron Island is owned by the local Tagbanua tribe and is not developed for tourism.

Is Coron or El Nido Better?

This is honestly a really hard question to answer – because they’re both incredible destinations! Ideally, if you can, I’d say add them both to your Philippines itinerary. But, if you have to choose, I’d recommend doing so based on your personal preferences. In short, El Nido is a better option, if you’re interested in partaking in nightlife, as there’s a bit more to do here. Coron, on the other hand, is going to be your best bet, if you’d prefer a quieter, more relaxing escape. That being said, they both offer incredible beaches and unforgettable island hopping experiences – so either way, you really can’t go wrong!