Coron is full of so many exciting
activities and wonderful sights that it can be hard to plan accordingly to see
as much as you can within your visit - from islands to coral reefs to terrific
views. So, to help along the way, here are some of the best experiences and
things to do when visiting one of the best
vacation spots in the Philippines.
1.
Snorkel at coral reefs and wrecks
Scuba divers absolutely love swimming in
Coron for a plethora of coral reef views. Aside from that, the waters of the
province are also home to historic wrecks like the Skeleton Reef, once a ship
used in World War II, with its parts still recognizable till this very day. The
only difference is that corals have grown on the ship’s parts, recycling the
wreck and finding a way to turn it into their home. Some other great wreck and
diving sites are Pass Island, Lusong Gunboat, and Lusong Coral Gardens.
2.
Catch a view at the Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake is known
for being the cleanest lake in the country, as well as the spot which
boasts the most Instagrammable photos of Coron plastered in just about every
travel magazine you can name. The crystal clear waters surrounded by limestone
cliffs are a beauty to behold in pictures, and even more so in real life. You
can even go swimming in the turquoise waters, definitely an unforgettable
experience.
3.
Go on an Island Hopping Tour
Most people go to Coron for their Island
tours, and for good reason - the beaches in the area are simply stunning. Tours
in Coron range from as low as 1000 PHP to as high as 2000 PHP (price is for shared group
tours only), with some of the most popular itinerary destinations being
Malcapuya, Bulog Dos, and Banana Island. Alternatively, you can also go off the
beaten track with islands like Coco Beach and Ditaytayan where there’s less
people and more room to relax and unwind.
4.
Hike Mt. Tapyas
Coron isn't exactly known as a hiking
destination, but climbing Mt. Tapyas will give you a stunning, aerial view that
makes you appreciate the island and its beauty all the more. For just a 15
minute hike, at the top greets you sights of rolling hills, oceans, and even
the nearby islands. The peak of Mt. Tapyas is hard to miss - giant letters
spelling ‘CORON’ are stilted on the mound, great to stand in front of for a
memorable pictorial.
5.
Go on a Food Trip
Given Coron’s proximity to the ocean, it’s
a great opportunity to go on a food trip and eat fresh seafood cooked locally
at just about any beachside carinderia you
can find, serving up shrimp, crab, and barbecued meat galore. If you’re in the
mood for western food, Coron is also host to fantastic restaurants like Bistro
Coron, Trattoria Altrove, and more!
6.
Rent a Bike/Motorcycle
While island hopping is certainly the star
of most Coron itineraries, touring Coron town is an affordable and easy way to
see the relaxing sights and sounds of the locale. Bike and motorcycle rentals
are widespread throughout the area, and with it you can visit plenty of
attractions like the local markets, souvenir shops, and even stop by the
Maquinit Hot Springs for a great and relaxing way to end the day. Bike rentals
usually go for 500 PHP/day, while motorcycles range from 500-800.
7.
Take a soak at the hot springs
Swimming and snorkelling around all day can
really take a toll on one’s body, and what better way to soothe oneself after a
long day than a hot bath at the springs? Maquinit is a saltwater hot spring at
the southern coast of Busuanga Island, easily accessible from Coron town by a
half hour tricycle ride. Allow yourself to relax against the stone-walled pool
and let your worries float away while listening to the gentle rippling of the
waters. Not to mention, the view in the morning of the trees and nearby bodies
of water make the visit all the more serene.
8.
See the animals at the Calauit Safari Park
The Calauit Safari Park is a sanctuary home
to exotic animals like giraffes, zebras, and other endangered animals, a great
and informational day trip option. At 3000 PHP per person, it’s certainly a
good way to get to know more about the wildlife conservation efforts in the
area all while exploring the landscapes of Busuanga Island reminiscent of
African fields.
9.
Visit the Culion Leper Colony
If you’re an avid fan of Philippine
history, then a visit to the Culion Leper Colony is a must. It’s a small island
where all who were afflicted with leprosy were segregated as to not infect any
more of the population, and here many medical efforts were made in order to
help patients live as normal lives as possible with advancements in treatment
and care. Nowadays very little people live on the island thanks to strides in
medicine, but it’s still worth a visit to see glimpses of history and the lives
these isolated people led even amidst being separated from normal society and
their families. One great place to visit here is the Culion museum which holds
artifacts that tell the tale of the leper population.
And those are 9 great things to do in
Coron! The possibilities in such a beautiful island are endless, but this is a
great place to kick off your adventure - be sure to add these to your itinerary
and make your experience in one of the best tropical paradises in the
Philippines all the more exciting and memorable.
