Hailed as the "Last Frontier" of the Philippines, Palawan is a tropical paradise nestled in a UNESCO-protected marine ecosystem.
Colorful flora and fauna abound amid friendly marine life including beautiful sea turtles and the rare, gentle dugongs. The province is also renowned for its pristine beaches, cerulean waters, and unique towering limestone rock formations.
Its strong commitment to sustainable tourism makes it a cherished sanctuary for travelers who seek adventure and tranquility.
Coron Town is the vibrant gateway to Palawan’s world-famous lagoons, shipwrecks, and pristine beaches. Unlike the remote islands surrounding it, Coron Town itself is a charming mix of local life, cozy cafés, bustling markets, and tour hubs. It’s the perfect base for island-hopping adventures.
The local market is a great place to sample fresh seafood and tropical fruits, while souvenir shops sell handcrafted goods made from shells and pearls. Tricycles are the main mode of transport, making it easy to navigate the town’s laid-back streets. Its friendly atmosphere, great food, and easy access to Coron’s natural wonders make it an essential stop for anyone visiting this tropical paradise.
Hailed as the cleanest lake in Asia, Kayangan Lake is Coron, Palawan’s primary attraction, being one of the most photographed spots in the Philippines with its crystalline waters enveloped by vast granite rock formations.
As part of the turquoise seas of the Calamian Group of Islands, Kayangan Lake’s beauty is a sight to behold especially underwater, where it resembles a magnificent moonscape.
Nature lovers will appreciate the picturesque skyline, lush limestone cliffs and irresistibly inviting natural swimming pool of Barracuda Lake.
One of the world’s most unique dive sites, its exotic allure is hidden under its layers of fresh and salt water with dramatic temperature shifts, which can reach as high as 38°C.
An astonishing 30-meter cave is found on a 33-meter dive on the north wall of the lake. Named after the resident fish species that used to swim in its waters, Barracuda Lake is a 30-minute boat ride away from Coron and is accessible by a 25-meter climb over a jagged rocky wall.
Coron is one of the most visited destinations for wreck diving in the Philippines.
Listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s Top 10 Best Scuba Diving Sites in the World, Coron Island’s aquatic views from the sunken Japanese shipwrecks of World War II vintage is revered by divers worldwide. Wreck dive sites are found in depths as shallow as 10–30 feet (3.0–9.1 m) and as deep as 120–140 feet (37–43 m). Most are in the range of about 60–80 feet (18–24 m).
Wreck diving sites in Coron Bay include the Irako wreck, Okikawa Maru wreck, Akitsushima wreck, Kogyo Maru wreck, Olympia Maru wreck, Kyokuzan Maru wreck, East Tangat gunboat wreck, Nanshin Maruwreck, Lusong Gunboat Wreck, and Skeleton Wreck.
The photogenic Twin Lagoon highlight the majestic features of Coron. The first lagoon is where the boats dock, while the second lagoon is hidden, and accessible through a small crevice under a rock, or a ladder over the rock during high tide.
Revelers will experience the unique alternating temperatures of the lagoon, where cold freshwater meets hot salt water, all while being surrounded by breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and rock formations.
Tucked away in the mangroves and limestone cliffs of Coron, Maquinit Hot Springs is one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world. This natural geothermal spring reaches soothing temperatures of 38–40°C (100–104°F), making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of island hopping. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, helping to relieve muscle tension and promote circulation.
Maquinit Hot Springs is best visited in the late afternoon or evening when the warm waters contrast beautifully with the cool sea breeze. Getting to Maquinit is an adventure in itself. A 25-minute tricycle ride from Coron Town Proper takes you down a winding, bumpy road, adding to the sense of escape. Once there, wooden walkways lead to the pools, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning coastal views.
Just a short boat ride from Coron Town Proper, Siete Pecados Marine Park is a snorkeler’s paradise and one of the best-preserved marine sanctuaries in Palawan. Named after the seven small islets that make up the area, this underwater haven is teeming with vibrant coral gardens, swaying sea fans, and an incredible variety of marine life.
The legend behind its name tells of seven sisters who drowned at sea, their spirits said to have formed the islets—a story that adds a touch of mystery to this already enchanting spot. Thanks to its protected status, Siete Pecados remains one of the healthiest reef systems in Coron. The best time to visit is during high tide when visibility is at its peak, allowing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking marine biodiversity.
Located on a secluded island off the coast of Busuanga, Calauit Safari Park offers a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience in the heart of Palawan. The park is home to exotic species like giraffes and zebras, as well as endemic Philippine animals such as Calamian deer and Palawan bearded pigs. The open grasslands and rolling hills of Calauit create a stunning backdrop, making it a unique escape from the usual island-hopping adventures in Coron.
Reaching Calauit Safari Park requires a scenic boat or van ride from Coron Town. The best time to visit is early morning when the animals are most active, and the heat is still manageable. Beyond wildlife encounters, the island also features mangrove forests and quiet coastal areas, perfect for exploring.