Planning a trip to 5 Must-See Places in Coron, Palawan?
Hello, travel lovers! Ready to explore one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines together? Coron is a tropical island in Palawan Province, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and shallow coral reefs. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled, adventurous trip, Coron is the best choice. It’s often compared to El Nido, Palawan’s popular destination, but Coron has its own unique charm. While El Nido is famous among honeymooners and beach lovers, Coron is a bit quieter and is perfect for family vacations and diving adventures.
Here are some must-visit places you won’t want to miss:
1. Kayangan Lake
This iconic and well-known lake is one of Coron’s top attractions. In fact, Coron Island has over 10 lakes. Kayangan is renowned as one of the cleanest and most popular lakes in Asia. The lake boasts turquoise waters, stunning limestone formations, and rich underwater marine life. It’s accessible via a steep 10-minute hike.
Kayangan and Coron Island, in general, have been home to the indigenous Tagbanua tribe for generations. To reach the lake, all visitors must take a relatively long path with about 200 steps that lead to a cave. The cave offers a unique view of the island, making it another popular spot for photography. Depending on your stamina, reaching the lake takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Kayaking and diving are prohibited at Kayangan Lake, and you must wear a life jacket at all times while swimming. One of the lovely quotes displayed on the sign says: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, keep nothing but memories, kill nothing but time.”
After reaching the cave, you’ll come to another path that leads to Kayangan Lake. As you pass through this narrow trail, the smiling faces of tourists returning from the lake promise the joy and fun you’ll experience at Kayangan.
The lake is so clean that you’ll be tempted to dive right in, while the surrounding scenery is so breathtaking that you’ll want to sit back and enjoy the clear water, trees, and rocks. What you decide to do first is up to you.
2. Malcapuya Island
Malcapuya Island: A Haven for Solitary Travelers in the Philippines
Malcapuya Island, part of the Calamian Archipelago in Palawan, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking solitude and unspoiled nature. It’s one of Coron’s most beautiful and secluded beaches.
This island is famous for its soft white sand, warm clear waters, and unique rock formations. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and watching the sunrise. The shallow waters make it perfect for long swims. As some areas of the beach are rocky, wearing water shoes is a good idea.
You might also spot giant clams and young reef sharks here. The island is home to the longest stretch of white sand in Coron. With its beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax and take photos.
To reach Malcapuya Island, the best option is to travel from Coron Town in Palawan, which is about 1.5 to 2 hours by boat. Visitors can join various tours that include pickup from Coron Town and visits to other beaches, or rent a private boat to go directly to the island. Keep in mind that Malcapuya is undeveloped, and only a few families live there.
3. Twin Lagoon
One of Coron’s stunning lagoons is the Twin Lagoon, where the first lagoon is the docking point for boats, and the second is hidden. Here, you can experience the amazing merging of fresh and saltwater, with the seawater being slightly warmer. Shortly after diving in, you’ll feel the cooler underground freshwater currents. The second lagoon is accessible by swimming through a narrow entrance under the rocks. This natural masterpiece, with crystal-clear waters and towering limestone formations, will leave you in awe.
The azure waters of the lagoon will make you wonder if you’re in paradise or dreaming. The name Twin Lagoon suggests you’ll encounter not one but two paradises. Reaching Twin Lagoon is only possible by sea.
It’s one of the most famous attractions in Coron, so you may encounter crowds, but the beauty of the lagoon is undiminished. Life jackets are mandatory for swimming in the lagoon, as they are throughout Coron Island.
Like Kayangan and Barracuda Lakes, the water in Twin Lagoon is so clean and clear that you can easily see the bottom. This makes it possible to gauge its depth.
If you plan to take drone photos of the lagoon or other parts of the island, be aware that the limestone cliffs may interfere with your drone’s GPS. Many people lose control of their drones, causing them to crash. So, it’s better to avoid using them here.
4. Sunken Japanese Wreck
Coron Bay is most famous not only for its untouched natural beauty but also for its remarkable and unique diving spots. One standout diving site in Coron is the Sunken Japanese Wreck. There are 12 sunken Japanese ships from World War II, sunk in 1944. While these wrecks represent a moment in history, they also offer an incredible underwater discovery.
This is an extraordinary place for diving, with the top of the shipwreck only about 5 meters below the surface, so you don’t even need to dive, although diving is recommended. The wreck is well-preserved but covered in stunning coral formations and surrounded by an impressive array of fish.
5. Calauit Safari Park
It might seem far-fetched, but Calauit Safari Park offers tourists a piece of Africa. Located in Calauit, you can walk through the wilderness and have close encounters with various wildlife.
The closest you can get to an African safari in the Philippines is at Calauit Safari Park. You’ll see graceful giraffes strolling around and zebras grazing nearby. Getting close to the tallest land animal and feeding them is truly exciting.
Calauit Safari Park covers about 3,800 hectares. Previously known as a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary, the park offers a unique experience.
How did the giraffes and zebras get here?
By boat! A hundred and four animals, including six species of antelope (impala, gazelle, bushbuck, eland, waterbuck, and tobi), were also brought here from Kenya. The lush island was transformed into a savanna – its residents relocated and bamboo forests cleared to create a suitable environment for the animals.
