Most Beautiful Island in the Philippines? Coron, Palawan Guide
Limestone cliffs, glassy lakes and WWII shipwrecks. How to see Coron, Palawan, getting there from Manila or Cebu, and the best months to go.
In this article
Ask Filipinos to name the most beautiful island in the Philippines and Coron, in northern Palawan, comes up again and again. Its jagged limestone cliffs, clear lakes like Kayangan and Barracuda, and World War II shipwrecks make it unlike anywhere else in the country. This guide covers what to see, how to get there from Manila or Cebu, and when to go.
Why Coron is called the most beautiful island in the Philippines
"Coron" can mean two things. Coron town is on Busuanga Island, where most hotels, restaurants and tour operators are. Coron Island, a short boat ride away, is the dramatic limestone island with hidden lakes and lagoons. It is part of the ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanua people, who help manage access to several sites.
What sets Coron apart:
- Karst scenery: towering grey limestone rising straight from turquoise water.
- Freshwater and brackish lakes inside the island, rare in the country.
- Wreck diving: a cluster of Japanese WWII ships lies in the surrounding bays.
- Island-hopping: dozens of beaches, sandbars and reefs within an hour or two by boat.
Of course, "most beautiful" is a matter of taste. Cebu's Moalboal, Siargao and Camiguin all have passionate fans. Test yourself with our Philippine destinations quiz.
Quick facts about Coron
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Province | Palawan (Calamian Islands, northern Palawan) |
| Gateway airport | Francisco B. Reyes Airport, Busuanga (often called Busuanga or Coron airport) |
| Airport to Coron town | Roughly 30-45 minutes by van |
| Best for | Island-hopping, snorkelling, wreck diving, photography |
| Dry season | Roughly November or December to May |
| Recommended stay | 3 to 5 days |
Top things to do in Coron
Kayangan Lake
Often called one of the cleanest lakes in the country, Kayangan Lake is reached by a short but steep climb up stone steps from a boat landing. Halfway up is the famous viewpoint looking back over a cove of limestone peaks, one of the most photographed views in the Philippines. The lake itself has clear, cool water and boardwalks for swimming and snorkelling.
Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is famous among divers for its strange layers of water: as you descend, the temperature changes noticeably, a phenomenon called a thermocline, and fresh and salt water mix in layers. Snorkellers can enjoy the dramatic underwater rock formations near the surface.
Twin Lagoon
Two lagoons separated by a limestone wall. At low tide you can swim through a gap under the rock; at higher tide, you use a small ladder over it. The water where the two meet is noticeably warmer and cooler in patches.
WWII wreck diving
On 24 September 1944, a US Navy air raid sank a number of Japanese ships around Coron Bay. Today these wrecks are among the most famous dive sites in Asia, covered in corals and fish. Some shallower wrecks can be seen while snorkelling, while deeper ones are for certified divers. Always dive with an accredited operator.
Other highlights
- Mount Tapyas: a climb of hundreds of steps above Coron town for sunset views.
- Maquinit Hot Springs: a saltwater hot spring near the sea, good after a long boat day.
- Siete Pecados Marine Park: a cluster of small islets near town with good snorkelling.
- Beaches and sandbars: many island-hopping tours stop at white-sand beaches for lunch.
Island-hopping tours
Most visitors join tours from Coron town. They are usually named by route, for example a Coron Island tour covering Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon and a few beaches, or a reef and beaches tour.
| Tour type | Typical stops | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Shared group tour | Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, beaches, snorkelling spots | Budget travellers, solo travellers |
| Private boat | Same sites, flexible timing | Families, groups, photographers |
| Dive trip | WWII wrecks, Barracuda Lake | Certified divers |
| Snorkel and wreck tour | Shallow wrecks, reefs | Non-divers who want to see wrecks |
Tour prices, environmental fees and entrance fees change and differ by operator. As a rough guide, shared tours are the cheapest option and private boats cost more but can be split among a group. Confirm what is included (lunch, fees, snorkel gear) before booking, and plan your spending with our trip budget calculator.
How to get to Coron
From Manila
The fastest way is a flight from Manila to Busuanga, about an hour in the air, operated by several Philippine airlines. From the airport, shared or private vans take you to Coron town. Overnight ferries from Manila to Coron have also operated; check current schedules with the shipping line.
From Cebu
Direct flights between Cebu and Busuanga have been offered at times, but schedules vary by season. If none are available on your dates, fly via Manila. See our tips on finding cheap flights in the Philippines.
From El Nido
Fast boats and ferries connect El Nido and Coron, a trip of several hours depending on the vessel and sea conditions. This makes it easy to combine both destinations in one trip.
Best time to visit Coron
The best weather is generally during the dry season, from about November or December to May, with calm seas and clear water. March to May is the hottest period and popular with local tourists during school breaks and Holy Week.
From around June to October, rain and the southwest monsoon can bring rough seas, and boat trips are cancelled when weather warnings are raised. Check the PAGASA typhoon signals guide and official forecasts from PAGASA before travelling.
Responsible travel in Coron
- Follow guides' instructions at sites managed by Tagbanua communities.
- Do not touch or stand on coral, and use reef-friendly sunscreen.
- Take your rubbish back with you.
- Never take souvenirs from wrecks; they are war graves and protected sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coron the most beautiful island in the Philippines?
It is one of the most frequently named, thanks to its limestone cliffs, clear lakes and shipwrecks. Other favourites include Siargao, Camiguin, Bohol and the islands around Cebu, so it depends on what you love.
How many days do I need in Coron?
Three to five days is enough for two or three island-hopping tours, a sunset at Mount Tapyas and a dive or wreck snorkel trip.
Can non-divers see the Coron shipwrecks?
Yes. Some wrecks lie in shallow water and can be seen while snorkelling on organised tours. Deeper wrecks require dive certification.
What is the best month to visit Coron?
The dry months from about December to May usually bring the calmest seas. Avoid peak typhoon months if you want to reduce the risk of cancelled boat trips.
