nomadworkationretreat official logo

Ultimate Guide to Coron

Ultimate Guide Coron

Where to work?

Our recommendation is:

Finding a cafe that’s around the town that has free wifi for its guests like Coffee Kong in Coron Town. This would be one of the recommended cafes to work at in Coron. Not only do they have good wifi, but they also have a nice selection of bites for when you decide to take a break from working.

Coron offers a stunning backdrop for remote work, and co-working spaces have emerged as a vital resource for digital nomads and freelancers seeking a productive environment amidst the beauty of this tropical paradise. One highly recommended co-working space is Casa Fidelis Coworking, which provides a collaborative workspace environment suitable for digital nomads and remote workers. While it may not be exclusively a coworking space, some accommodations offer communal areas that can serve as makeshift workspaces with decent Wi-Fi. 

If those still don’t work for you then I suggest you check if your accommodation has good wifi before you arrive. Majority of accommodations nowadays provide free wifi to their guests, it’s just a matter of how good their wifi is, will it allow you to complete your basic work tasks such as Hotel Lagoon Coworking Space. They offer a convenient working space for digital nomads and remote workers looking to combine work with leisure during their stay. With comfortable seating, high-speed internet, and a serene atmosphere overlooking the lagoon, it provides an ideal setting for productivity. Whether you need a quiet space for focused work or a place to collaborate with fellow professionals, Hotel Lagoon’s working space caters to the needs of modern-day travelers.

In general, Coron has a good internet connection so using your data plan to use it as a hotspot is not a bad last resort.

Where to stay?

If you stay in Coron just for a night or two:

For those planning to spend a night or two in this enchanting paradise, there are several recommended areas and places to stay. One popular option is to book accommodation in Coron Town proper, which provides easy access to local markets, restaurants, and tour operators. Here, travelers can find a range of budget-friendly guesthouses, cozy boutique hotels, and mid-range resorts that cater to various preferences and budgets. For those seeking a more secluded and luxurious retreat, the stunning beaches of nearby Busuanga Island offer exclusive resorts and eco-lodges nestled amidst pristine landscapes. Whether you prefer the convenience of urban amenities or the tranquility of island living, Coron promises an unforgettable stay filled with unforgettable experiences.

If you’re looking for a place that offers luxurious accommodations amidst stunning natural beauty, we recommend Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa. Another excellent choice is nestled in the pristine Busuanga Bay, Busuanga Bay Lodge stands out as a premier accommodation choice in Coron. Offering luxurious villas and suites with breathtaking views of the bay, this resort provides unparalleled comfort and relaxation. With its stunning infinity pool, spa facilities, and exquisite dining options, Busuanga Bay Lodge promises a memorable stay amidst the natural beauty of Coron.

Stay for a week or longer:

I recommend you to stay around Coron Town Proper as this is the main area of the island which will make everything more accessible for you.

If you want to escape the crowds, how about staying on the west coast of Busuanga. Here you can enjoy nature without the hustle and bustle of the town. There are accommodations that offer dorm rooms, if you’re traveling solo and want to stay within your budget.

If you’re really trying to escape the tourists, why not stay on one of the nearby islands of Coron? Here you can really have your privacy or if you just really want to see marine life without the horde of tourists. There are plenty of resorts to choose from – however, it will be more on the pricey side as you might expect.

For budget-friendly accommodation options for a week or longer in Coron, Philippines, consider staying at Hop Hostel or Coron Guapos Guesthouse, both offering affordable dormitory-style beds and private rooms. If you’re a bit more free with your budget, TAG Resort offers a blend of modern comfort and tropical charm, with spacious rooms, lush gardens, and a serene ambiance perfect for relaxation. Alternatively, La Estancia Busuanga Inc. provides an idyllic escape with its tranquil beachfront location, elegant villas, and personalized service, promising an unforgettable stay amidst the beauty of Busuanga Island.

Where to eat?

Of course, that highly depends on where you stay.

The main area of Coron is called Coron Town so that is where I will be focusing on.

Along Coron-Busun Road, there are plenty of eateries to choose from to get quick bites, one I would recommend is Umamikusina. This is a budget friendly place that specializes in traditional Filipino and South-East Asian cuisine, filling the dishes with all kinds of flavor and spices.

If you’re getting sick of indoors and are looking for somewhere to eat with a nice outdoors atmosphere, Kawayan Grill is where you should go. You will be seated in outdoor huts that are surrounded by fairy lights making you feel relaxed after your long day out. Kawayan specializes in different kinds of seafoods, from lobsers to clams; however, if that’s not what you’re craving for, they do have other options available like barbeque and other asian dishes. It’s more on the pricey side ranging from 280-600 Pesos (which is expected for seafood) but the price will be worth the food and ambiance that you will be served for the night.

For vegans / vegetarian diets:

There are a handful of restaurants that have the dietary requirements for vegans or vegetarians, one of these is Pacifico Coron Bar and Restaurant.

The two-floored building serves a wide variety of international foods; western dishes like pizzas and burgers, asian dishes like sushi and ‘silog’. Of course they have amazing, must-try fruit shakes on their menus, not only nice to look at, but also refreshing to help you get through the rest of your day.

Like a local:

If you’re looking for local food with rooftop seating, Levine’s Eatery is where you should go. Here you can find a Coron taste of Filipino local food that is budget friendly. Not only can you find ‘typical’ Filipino main and desserts, but if your company is craving something different, they also have burgers and pastas options to choose from.

For a date / with a view:

How about an overlooking view of the greenery and sea while you eat? Asia Grand View Hotel Restaurant is located North-West of Coron Town slightly elevated to be able to give you a beautiful Coron view while you eat. Here you can choose from a variety of Filipino and international foods on their menu while you listen to live music. Their price is in the mid-range making it affordable for the food and view you are served

What to do?

Stay in town:

Coron is where people go to relax and venture out into the waters of Palawan, so there isn’t much to do that isn’t related to the sea.

The main attraction at Coron is discovering the World War II shipwrecks scattered around the bay making it a total of 12 sunken vessels to snorkel or dive down to.

By Bus:

Calauit Safari Park: About 1 hr 20mins – 2hrs from Coron Town. There isn’t much public transport available in Coron so your best bet to get to the Safari Park is either get a tour or rent a car/motorcycle.

By Ferry:

Culion Island: How about the Island of no return? A history filled island near Coron, that is a lesser known tourist island in Palawan is also worth visiting, why not take on a history tour to know why it is called The Island of no Return? A scene that is becoming more popular with the tourists are the Bay of Buddhas that are 4 meters tall that are surrounded by a sea life filled coral reef co-living with even more Buddhas underwater.

El Nido*: Another popular go-to place in Palawan is El Nido, you can choose either a fast or slow boat to get to the other island , and depending on which you choose, the duration of your journey can be between 4-8hrs and cost 2-3,500 Pesos.

Once you’re there, time to start the journey; What’s Palawan without a little island hopping? Start off by discovering some of the hidden islands and beaches of El Nido and then, if you’re feeling sporty enough, why not take an attempt at hiking Taraw Peak that will give you a breathtaking view of the area.

How to get to Coron from: MANILA!

  1. Flight: The most convenient way to reach Coron from Manila is by taking a direct flight to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (- Busuanga Airport). Several airlines operate daily flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Busuanga Airport in Coron. The flight takes approximately 1 hour.

  2. Ferry and Bus: If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take a ferry from Manila to Coron. First, you’ll need to travel to Batangas Pier, which is about 2-3 hours from Manila by bus or private car. From Batangas Pier, ferries depart for Coron regularly. The ferry journey takes around 9-11 hours depending on the sea conditions and the type of ferry you choose.

  3. Ferry and Bus via Puerto Princesa: Another option is to fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. From Puerto Princesa, you can take a bus or van to El Nido, a journey that typically takes around 5-6 hours. Once in El Nido, you can then take a ferry or a fast boat to Coron, which usually takes around 3-4 hours. We wouldn’t recommend this route because not only is it more time consuming, but it might also make you go over budget with all the change of transportation.

How to get to Coron from: CLARK!

  1. Flight : From Clark International Airport (CRK) take a flight to Busuanga Airport (USU); Several airlines operate flights between these airports, with varying schedules so it’s advisable to book in advance to secure the best fares and maybe even get a discount. Upon arrival at Busuanga Airport, you can take a van or a tricycle to reach your accommodation in Coron town, which is approximately a 30 to 45-minute drive away, depending on traffic.

  1. Land and Sea: Take a bus or shuttle from Clark Airport to Manila (NAIA Terminal 3 or other bus terminals in Manila). From Manila, you can either take a flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 or 3 to Busuanga Airport or opt for a ferry or fast craft from the Port of Manila to Coron. If you choose to travel by sea, the ferry or fast craft ride takes longer (around 8 to 12 hours) compared to a flight (approximately 1 hour). However, it can be a scenic journey and might be a more budget-friendly option.

How to get to Coron from: CEBU!

  1. Flight : The most efficient way to reach Coron from Cebu is by air. Several airlines operate flights between Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) and Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) in Coron. You can check with airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or AirAsia for flight schedules and ticket prices. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  2. Ferry : Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Cebu to Coron.  First, you’ll need to travel from Cebu Airport to Cebu City. You can take a taxi or a shuttle service from the airport to the Cebu Port where you’ll find ferries that sail to various destinations, including Coron. You’ll likely need to take a ferry to Manila first, and then another ferry from Manila to Coron. This journey can take significantly longer than flying, usually around 24 to 36 hours in total.
  3. Combination of Air and Sea Travel: Another option is to fly from Cebu to Manila and then take a ferry or flight from Manila to Coron. This option may offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling and may be more comfortable than taking multiple ferries.

 

How to get to Coron from: DAVAO!

  1. Flight: Start by booking a flight from Davao International Airport (Francisco Bangoy International Airport) to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (- Busuanga Airport) in Coron. Several airlines operate this route, including Philippine Airlines, SkyJet, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. The flight duration is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.

  2. Land and Sea: Take a bus from Davao City to Surigao City. Several bus companies operate daily trips between these two cities, with travel durations ranging from around 7 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Upon reaching Surigao City, proceed to the Surigao City Port, where you’ll find ferries bound for Coron. Ferry schedules and availability may vary, so it’s advisable to check in advance and book your ferry ticket. The ferry journey from Surigao City to Coron typically takes around 15 to 20 hours, depending on sea conditions and the type of vessel.

  3. Alternative: Ferry : Instead travelling to Surigao City, take bus or arrange for private transportation to General Santos City (GenSan). The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. From General Santos City, you’ll need to travel to Coron via ferry. This journey involves multiple legs and can take approximately 24 to 36 hours, depending on ferry schedules and routes. Keep in mind that ferry schedules and routes may vary, so it’s essential to double-check information with local authorities or ferry companies before your trip. Additionally, be prepared for potential delays or changes to your itinerary due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

 

Once you arrive:

  1. Hotel Transfers: Many hotels and resorts in Coron offer airport transfer services for their guests. It’s recommended to check with your accommodation prior to your arrival to arrange for a pick-up. If you want to book this through an agency, you can search up ‘PPS to El Nido Van Transfers’ on Facebook or on Google. Generally this costs between 500-650 Pesos per person or 5,000-6,000 Pesos if you want the whole van to yourselves. Most often, representatives will be waiting at the airport exit with a signboard displaying the hotel’s name.

  2. Tricycle / Motorcycle Taxi: Tricycles are the most common mode of transportation in Coron. These motorized three-wheeled vehicles can easily navigate through the town’s narrow streets. You can find tricycle terminals near the airport or along major roads. Negotiate the fare with the tricycle driver before boarding. Tricycles are suitable for short distances or if you’re traveling alone or with a small group. Coron Town, is approximately a 30 to 45-minute drive from the airport. 

  3. Public Transportation: Public transportation options in Coron mainly consist of jeepneys and vans. Jeepneys are colorful converted jeeps that operate along set routes within the town and nearby areas. Vans are also available for longer journeys, such as trips to tourist destinations or neighboring towns. You can inquire about schedules and fares at the airport or at designated terminals in town.