Coron Things to Do Tips by DarleneCMF Top 5 Page for this destination

Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake is located in the northern part of Coron Island. It is a must-experience place in Coron. To get there, you need to climb a not-so-steep slope by the side of a mountain and then down again to get to the lake. The view is breathtaking from the top! The lake itself is expansive. The water is very clear, with small fishes abounding.

There's a boat in the lake that you can hire to take you around the whole area. I would have liked this place more if there were fewer people. When we visited, there were more than 20 tourists so we didn't feel like we own the place (hehe, is that too much to ask?). Nevertheless, it's was enjoyable. :)

Entrance Fee: P200 per person (includes Twin Lagoons, Twin Peaks)
8AM to 4PM

Address: Coron Island

Barracuda Lake - Treacherous Path

Barracuda Lake is not as popular as the Kayangan Lake but still worth a visit if you have time. As with most destinations in Coron, this is accessible by boat. You see a little hut with a bamboo/wooden walkway that leads to a hole in the rock wall. That is the entrance to Barracuda Lake. The way to the lake itself is dangerous considering the height from the ground and sharp rocks. There are pathways and handrails that help with the 'navigation' but you still need some agility especially in reaching for something steady to hold.

There's just a little spot at the edge of the lake that is about knee-deep. Take a few steps forward and it's already very deep. Unlike Kayangan, you can see the bordering rocks around the lake so it's smaller by comparison. It has a flat wall on one side that goes straight down deep in the water (you can't see the bottom). I did not venture too far away from the edge.

And there are no barracudas here, which was a good thing.

Address: Maynuno Beach, Coron

Banol Beach Stopover

Banol beach is a popular lunch stopover for island-hoppers in Coron. This beach is managed by the Tagbanuas - the natives. It's just a short stretch of white san but good enough for resting, bathing, kayaking and re-energizing for the afternoon's activities.

Fee per person: P100

Address: Coron

Directions: Beach is accessible only by boat.

Twin Lagoons

Twin Lagoons. Located on the northwestern tip of Coron Island. The water here is deep and peaceful so it's very ideal for kayaking and snorkeling. The second lagoon is accessible via an opening from the outer lagoon. You have to dive if it's a high tide and the opening is totally submerged.

This is probably my favorite place visited in Coron.

Kayaking through the Mangrove Forest

Not a very popular activity to do in Coron, but I really enjoyed it since I watch a lot of Discovery and NatGeo. :)

The mangrove forest is thick and lush on both sides. If it's a high tide, you can enter from one side and exit at the other end. However, we were there during a low tide and there's not enough depth for the kayaks to navigate through. So we had to turn back around. This activity can take from 30-45 minutes, and a lot of muscle power.

Twin Peaks - Colorful Corals

This is an ideal snorkeling spot. Probably the most variety of corals I have ever seen. The colors are mesmerizing underwater.

The peaks are far from larger groups of islands so the waves/current can be strong especially late in the afternoon. We didn't stay long as it was already getting dark.

Kayangan Cave

This is a small cave that is just on the way to Kayangan Lake. You might miss this if you just take the path directly to the lake. This cave is used by the Tagbanuas as shelter during storms. The guides will advise you not to go inside so we just took pictures at it's mouth.

Turn around and you get a very nice view. Probably the most photographed spot in Coron. :)

Address: Near Kayangan Lake

Maquinit Hot Springs

The best hot springs I've ever been to.

What's unique about the Maquinit Hot Springs is that it's salty. The springs from the mountain is mixed with the seawater and so you get the dual therapeutic effects of saltwater and warmth (40 degrees C). The initial soak was physically difficult, but once you get used to the temperature it's really enjoyable. Then you don't want to leave anymore. :)

We were told that there used to be only one pool, but a bigger pool has been developed to accommodate more people. This is an excellent way to relax tired muscles at the end the day. Maquinit is accessible by land (tricycle from town is P120) or sea.

Entrance fee: P100
Local residents: P50

Directions: Maquinit is accessible by land (tricycle from town is P120) or sea. Very popular place, local residents should be able to help you with directions.

Tapyas Trek

Mt. Tapyas is a popular destination in Coron town. It's a very short distance from the pier. The walk to the foot of the mountain takes ~5 minutes. Climb 726 steps to the top to see a great overlooking view of Coron, the surrounding waters and islands.

Don't do this while the sun is up though. We made that mistake and were dripping with sweat halfway to the top. There are a few resting sheds scattered along the way. The climb is comfortable and safe as the steps are cemented and there are handrails (also useful if you need to drag yourself to the next step). I recommend going there close to sunset and experience sunset at the top. :)

Bring water!

Address: Coron Town, Coron, Palawan