TOP TOURIST SPOTS IN CORON PALAWAN

Coron is among the top tourist destinations in the Philippines with a unique charm more than just its countless visually-arresting scenes that would surely keep one coming back to it. On my recent trip back to this town, I was yet again able to witness and experience its captivating wonders. It was all easy and hassle-free with Bacau Bay Resort Coron as they also offer organized tours. They brought us to some of the top tourist spots in Coron Palawan and experienced the best out of it through the various things that we can do in these places, too! Here’s what went down with our Sun and Sea experience in Coron with Bacau Bay Resort.

Top Tourist Spots in Coron Palawan

Mt. Tapyas

Upon our arrival at the town, we rested for hours at the hotel then proceeded with the town tour late in the afternoon. On our first day, we visited the tourist attractions located in Coron town: Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot spring.

The best time to go to Mt. Tapyas is at around 4:30 PM. An hour would be enough for the 800-step walk to the top; just in time for the sunset. While waiting for the sunset, you can enjoy the view of Coron islands from afar and the rolling hills of the Coron town on the other side. Take note that there is no entrance fee to this attraction.

As the evening approaches, we walked our way down and drove to Maquinit to get a relaxing dip in its saltwater hot spring.

Maquinit Hot spring

Maquinit hot spring is a usual tourist go-to after a day of exploring the islands of Coron or a hike to Mt. Tapyas. This unique mangrove-fringed saltwater hot spring is more or less 30 minutes away from the town proper.

As of April 2023, the management of Maquinit hot spring closes the spring at 8:00 PM. The entrance fee is at Php 250.00 per head. If you’re going to the hot spring via a chartered tricycle, the fare is at Php 750.00 for a round trip from the town v.v.

You may also want to read: Coron Palawan Budget Travel Guide 2022

On our second day, we visited Barracuda Lake, Banul Beach, Skeleton Shipwreck, Twin Lagoon and Kayangan Lake. We departed from the pier of the resort at 8:30 AM, after breakfast. Before the actual trip, our boatman dropped by the Coastguard office to log our trip. After few minutes, he came back and we’ve finally embarked on a fun and exciting trip!

Barracuda Lake

Our first destination was Barracuda Lake which is also known as Luluyuan Lake. People named it as such since it has been a home to a barracuda that is about 1.5 meters long according to the ones who have seen it. This barracuda does not show up to tourists often as it hides on the far side of the lake, too. The lake, I must say, is a paradise for me as a freediver. With its clear, warm and brackish water, I could descend easily and comfortably even without fins. The towering limestone karst rocks that tourists could see from the surface are just more majestic underwater. More so, divers could feel the thermocline when diving into it!

You may also want to read: How Do I Start Freediving? A Beginner’s Guide

Banul Beach

After two long hours of freediving in Barracuda lake, we proceeded to Banul Beach for our lunch. Famished by the fun activity at the lake, we feasted on the platter of grilled fish, chicken inasal and stuffed squid with fresh tropical fruits on the side. The beach is among the lunch area when on an island hopping in Coron with long stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters. there are nipa huts with tables and benches where we could stay and eat while staring at the beauty of the beach in front of us.

After lunch, you might wanna burn some calories as you walk on the long stretch of Banul beach’s white sand.

Skeleton Shipwreck

Among the most fascinating and top tourist spots in Coron Palawan are the historical 1940 World War II Japanese Shipwrecks. This is what makes this town a unique tourist destination. There are more or less 12 of it around Coron Bay. Three of it (East Tangat, Lusong Gunboat and Skeleton Shipwreck) can be enjoyed even by those who are just snorkeling or freediving; the rest can be explored through SCUBA diving. During our island hopping tour, we visited one of the shallow shipwrecks. Its bow is at 5 meters depth while the other end of the ship is at around 22 meters deep.

You may also want to read: The Differences between SCUBA Diving, Freediving and Skin Diving

Twin Lagoon

We sailed from Skeleton Shipwreck to one of the most interesting lagoons in Coron, Palawan – the Twin Lagoon. The boats would usually dock on the first lagoon where the tourists would swim from to get to the other side, the hidden one. There are two ways to get to the other: when it’s low tide, the guides would often ask the tourist if they would like to swim through a crevice beneath the high jagged karst to the other side; or, they could just climb up to the ladder. It is also among those spots where a lot could enjoy kayaking and of course, taking pictures.

Kayangan Lake

The last destination in our island hopping tour itinerary is Kayangan Lake – one of the cleanest lake not just in the Philippines but also in Asia. It is among the tourist spots in Coron Palawan that we all shouldn’t miss! It is characterized by fascinating clear brackish lake water, caves and rock formations from the surface and below. Before finally reaching the lake, you need to take a 10 to 15-minute hike to the view deck. On the first half of the climb, there is a cave and a view deck where you can witness a postcard worthy scene of the islands nearby.

Then from the view deck, you need to start the descent to the lake itself. What will welcome you is a small cove surrounded by the towering karsts and lush green with long boardwalk; and of course, the crystal clear brackish lake water that is just so inviting you’d take a plunge in no time.

Take note that Kayangan lake is open only up to four in the afternoon.