3 days, 2 nights in Coron Town, Northern Palawan
Tips:
- There are two ATM’s available in Coron Town Proper, but be aware that cash shortages and power outages can make them useless. Again, bring cash!
- No taxis or buses operate in the town, it’s best to travel around on tricycle.
- Tricycle fare is 10 pesos per head within the town proper.
- Coron Town is not to be mistaken with Coron Island – you can travel by boat to Coron Island, which is a separate smaller island off the coast of Coron.
Coron has a rich underwater history; home to shipwrecks from WWII, tropical islands and coral reefs protected by dedicated locals. Coron is changing fast, when you climb to the top of Mt. Tapyas you realise just how much development is sprawled across the island. Coron Town occupies half of Busuanga Island, many tourists either fly to Coron and travel from Busuanga Airport or by boat from Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
We chose to stay in Coron Town for the duration of our stay, partly because we wanted to finish the holiday with a relaxing end and because we’d already done quite a lot of snorkelling / island hopping on the boat so we wanted to base ourselves inland. On reflection, I wish we had spent a couple of days on Coron Island to enjoy island life for a little bit longer, so do your research into Coron Town / Coron Island before you go!
Coron is actually a pretty small town and its main attractions are close to each other so it doesn’t take long to explore the surroundings. If you are keen scuba diving or want to try out scuba diving, it’s a great place with over 11 underwater sunken wrecks to explore.
Hotel: Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel
Coron’s Two Season’s Bayside Hotel is a 5-star eco-friendly accommodation lining in the water, it’s situated in an ideal location to both Coron Island and Coron Town.
The hotel is one of the newest in Coron Town, with an infinity pool and private jetty for day trips. It’s listed as the newest luxury 5 star accommodation on the island.
It’s one of the furthest hotels from the main strip, so you have to ride a tricycle to get around, and the hotel name is not to be confused with Two Seasons Coron Island.
The lobby is modern and airy, lined with dining paraphernalia to pay homage to the underwater adventures awaiting to be discovered in Coron. On the upper floors there are a gym, sun terrace, jacuzzi and roof deck offering expansive views of the horizon.
The rooms are kitted out in dark wood with air conditioning, iPod speakers, flat screen TV, mini bar and Wifi (which actually works!)
Scuba diving – ship wrecks
Coron’s reefs and wrecks tell plenty of stories. In September 1944, during World War II, the American navy attacked Japanese ships in Manila Bay causing some of them to withdraw to Coron Bay, where they thought they would be clear of the US Navy’s range. They were later discovered by the Americans who launched a surprise aerial attack, sinking 11 ships, resulting in wreck sites that offer aquatic views for divers today.
Diving shops line the streets of Coron town and they all offer options for beginner and experienced divers. I recommend booking in advance, as they tend to get booked up.
We tried to book at the popular Reggae dive shop, but they were full booked so we were recommended to try “Safety Stop” dive shop instead. I’d highly recommend this place, the instructors and dive masters have worked for many years in the other dive shops across Coron and they have now collectively set up their own place here, which is family run.
They run ‘discovery’ dives with one master and two divers, great for making you feel safe and looked after. Most of the shallow wrecks also are a site for snorkelers, so arrange with your dive master the best time slot to go so that it’s not over crowded.
The outside of the wrecks have now, after sixty years in the water, become some of the finest artificial reefs to be found laden with both hard and soft corals and beautiful fish!
We completed two dives on our trip – one ship wreck and one coral dive. Lunch was prepared and served on board by the crew. The trip lasting around 4-5 hours in total.
Mt. Tapyas
The 720 steps leading up to the Mt.Tapyas viewing deck are worth the hike. It provides one of the most astonishing views of Coron, and if you go at sunset, the view is amazing!
At 210 meters tall, Mt. Tapyas is the one of the most dominant land features on Busuanga Island, with the words “CORON” proudly replicating the Hollywood sign in the hills of LA.
Entrance is free, and once you reach the top, it’s best go to the side of the hill to watch the sunset. The best time to climb is around 4pm, so you can reach the top without running.
Remember to bring lots of water, as it’s easy to get dehydrated on the climb up and there’s no shops or places to buy drinks at the top.
Places to eat:
Don’t expect gourmet food in Coron, the food and facilities are simple and rustic, and there’s not many choices in terms of variety.
Pronounced al-tro-ve meaning “something different”, this Italian restaurant has a modern mix of everything. From its Japanese-inspired seating, to its native customs such as removing your footwear before entry, it’s a homely and intimate place.
The restaurant owners also have a branch in El Nido, and both branches have a well-earned reputation. At both sites you can’t book, so expect to wait in line for a table.
As you enter the restaurant you can see the chefs freshly preparing the brick oven-based pizzas. If you have a real craving for pizza, you’ll be satisfied – the pizzas are served as very generous portions and you can customise with any of your favourite toppings.
The thin crust pizzas here make a nice respite from “Filipino Power” – rice!
This mermaid themed restaurant is in a remote location (behind the main high street) at the edge of a pier. The ambience and setting make this restaurant one of the most relaxing spots to eat in Coron Town, follow the signs from the street to this hidden area.
The cocktail menu offers a good selection, such as a speciality “Blue Mermaid”, it’s a great spot to watch the sunset go down with a cocktail in hand! In the evening it has a more romantic vibe, with bright twinkling lights dressing the exterior of the restaurant.
The best food on the menu is predominately seafood. One thing to be aware of is that the service here is notoriously slow (even the waiters admit this). But for me it didn’t ruin the experience – this is still my favourite restaurant in Coron!
This tiny 16 seat restaurant serves authentic Korean food, such a tasty Bibimbap. This place is especially great for vegetarians, as they serve up lots of tofu and vegan options. The place is very much a “no frills” setting, with simple interior but the service is good.
Travel: It’s time to travel back to Manila by propeller plane from Busuanaga airport.
out of the office adventures 
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