🛶 Coron – Palawan: A Sunken Paradise of Emerald Waters and WWII Mysteries

Coron, located in the northern Calamian Islands of Palawan, is a diver's dream and nature-lover’s haven. Famous for its crystal-clear lakes, limestone cliffs, and sunken WWII shipwrecks, Coron offers raw, untamed beauty that's both thrilling and peaceful — a paradise still largely unspoiled.

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📍 Where is Coron?

• Northern Palawan, separate from El Nido

• Part of the Calamian Group of Islands

• Main hub: Coron Town on Busuanga Island

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✈️ How to Get There

• ✈️ Fly to Busuanga Airport (USU) – Direct from Manila, Cebu, or Clark

• 🚌 30–45 minutes van ride from the airport to Coron Town

• 🚢 Ferries from El Nido (~3.5–4 hours)

🧾 Environmental and entrance fees are collected before tours.

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🌟 Top Attractions in Coron

🏞️ Kayangan Lake

• Cleanest lake in the Philippines, with jade-colored water surrounded by karst cliffs

• Short but steep hike to a panoramic viewpoint before swimming

📸 Most iconic photo of Coron is taken here!

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🌊 Twin Lagoon

• Two lagoons separated by limestone walls — one accessible via kayak or a small crevice swim-through

• Magical spot where warm saltwater meets cold freshwater

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🛥️ Barracuda Lake

• A surreal dive site with thermoclines and towering underwater cliffs

• Named after the elusive barracuda said to inhabit its depths

💧 Ideal for scuba divers and open-water swimmers.

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⚓ WWII Shipwreck Diving

• Over 8 Japanese shipwrecks sunk during WWII

• Sites like Irako, Okikawa Maru, and Olympia Maru offer world-class wreck diving

🐠 Home to sea turtles, schools of jackfish, and thriving coral reefs.

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🏖️ Malcapuya, Banana & Bulog Dos Islands

• White sand beaches with turquoise waters, great for picnics and snorkeling

• Part of Island Escapade Tour – perfect for non-divers

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🔥 Maquinit Hot Springs

• One of the few natural saltwater hot springs in the world

• Best visited at sunset after a day of island hopping

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🐠 Top Tours in Coron

• Ultimate Tour – Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck

• Island Escapade Tour – Malcapuya, Banana, Bulog Dos

• Wreck Diving Tours – For certified divers (Open Water or Advanced)

🛶 Private boat tours are customizable and well worth the price for flexibility.

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🍽️ Where to Eat

• Trattoria Altrove Coron – Pizza and pasta, wood-fired goodness

• Lolo Nonoy’s – Local Filipino dishes, affordable and hearty

• La Sirenetta – Sea-view dining with a tropical ambiance

• Kawayanan Grill – BBQ and seafood, casual local vibe

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🏨 Where to Stay

• 🏝️ Two Seasons Coron Island Resort – Luxury eco-resort on a private island

• 🛏️ The Funny Lion – Stylish mid-range hotel with a rooftop bar

• 💰 Hop Hostel – Budget-friendly, social atmosphere

• 🏠 Coron Soleil Garden – Great for families and couples

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📅 Best Time to Visit

• 🌞 December to May – Dry season with calm waters

• 🌧️ June to October – Rainy season, but fewer crowds and lower prices

• 🧭 March to April – Best visibility for diving

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📸 Top Photo Spots

• Kayangan Lake view deck

• Twin Lagoon from a drone

• Sandbar at Bulog Dos Island

• Sunset at Maquinit Hot Springs

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🌿 Sustainability Tips

• Use reef-safe sunscreen

• Respect marine wildlife and corals

• Book eco-certified island tours

• Bring reusable water bottles and dry bags