Coron is an island that anchors the northern half of Palawan, arguably one of the most beautiful islands in the country. The island has become a top destination in the Philippines, with many visitors traveling far and wide to explore this island’s stunning wreck dives submerged and scattered along the coastline. In addition to drawing in divers, this island is a wonderful destination for those who enjoy snorkeling, boat tours, island hopping, and so much more.
Thankfully, the island is accessible by air, sea, and land! But before venturing to Coron, be sure to read our comprehensive transportation guide to the island!
Getting to Coron by Plane
There is an airport in Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa. Ideally, you will want to fly into the Coron Airport on Busuanga Island, known as the Busuanga Island Airport in Palawan (and the Francisco B. Reyes Airport after a former Mayor of Coron). This will save you from having to get additional transport upon landing. There are regular flights from Manila to Coron. It only takes about an hour and 20 minutes to fly to Coron from Manila. There should be a wide selection of non-stop flights from Manila that take off every few hours. Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific are the two major airlines that fly to Coron (Busuanga).
The Coron Airport is a quaint domestic one that is in the heart of Busuanga Island. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Coron Town from the airport. It is so small, in fact, that only propeller planes can land on its short runway. You’ll be surprised by the sheer size (or lack thereof) of this airport, and it also lacks the usual airport amenities and facilities including air-conditioning and a luggage carousel.
From the airport, you can get a minivan for PHP 150 per person or PHP 1,500 for the entire van to Coron Town. If you do not want to pay for the entire van, you will have to wait for it to fill up before departing for Coron Town.
Coron Airport
Location: Coron Island, 5316 Palawan, Philippines, Coron
Contact: +63 48 723 2886
Getting to Coron from Puerto Princesa
If you fly into Puerto Princesa, you will have to get a car, minibus, or van to El Nido and then an additional ferry to Coron. There is a highway that goes from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Be prepared as this road is incredibly curvy and takes about six hours in total. You can book a combination ticket from Puerto Princesa to Coron which is inclusive of land and sea transportation with 2Go Travel. It will take you an entire day to get to Coron, and combination tickets are about PHP 2,500 per person.
Getting to Coron from El Nido
Getting from El Nido to Coron can take anywhere from four to eight hours dependent on the boat you decide to take. It is about 130 kilometers away from El Nido. It is pretty easy to organize a trip though it is highly recommended that you book the boat ahead of time, especially during peak season. The two ferries you can choose from in El Nido are:
- Montenegro Lines High-Speed Ferry
- Phimal Fast Ferry High-Speed Ferry
Both ferries will cost you about PHP 1,700 for a one-way ticket per person and can be booked ahead of time at 12GoAsia or Coron Ferry. Keep in mind that in addition to the cost of the ferry, you will also need to pay PHP 20 per person for the harbor tax. To get to Coron, you will depart from the El Nido Ferry Terminal and either arrive at the Coron Port or the XCN Coron Pier. The boats depart daily at both 6 a.m. and again at noon!
Getting to Coron from Manila by Boat
Embrace adventure and travel to Coron by sea! From Manila, it can take up to 15 hours to get there. If your boat departs at 7 p.m., for example, you will arrive at 9 a.m. There are two boats that go there via 2GO Travel from Manila – St Leo The Great and St Augustine of Hippo. Before you book, you will be asked if you are traveling with insurance and if you are traveling with infants.
There are three different types of accommodation in the boat that you can select:
- Super Value Class: about PHP 1,200
- Tourist Class: about PHP 1,500
- Cabin for Six: about PHP 2,200
There are additional taxes and fees upon booking, and the price is inclusive of meals and linens. In order to board you will need to bring one printed copy of your e-ticket itinerary receipt and present a valid form of identification. There are also boats that go from Manila to Puerto Princesa City, which stop halfway at Coron Town on the island of Busuanga. You can book this boat on 2GO Travel, as well!
Getting Around Coron, Palawan
Coron Town is quite condensed, which makes it relatively easy to explore on foot. If you need to reach a destination that is not within walking distance, you can opt to get a tricycle. You’ll normally find many of these waiting to take passengers to destinations on the side of the road or you can wave one down. Drivers will normally have set fares to particular destinations which can be slightly bartered down, but do be respectful of your driver and agree on a fair price! You can also rent a motorbike to get around Coron but this is not normally recommended as the roads are quite narrow and do not receive regular maintenance.
How to get to Ocam Ocam Beach
One of Coron’s most stunning beaches is Ocam Ocam Beach. This area of the island boasts of an array of marine life, a nearby stunning waterfall, quiet yet pristine coastlines, and is within a boat ride to the must-see Black Island. It is certainly well worth a visit if you have several days on the island. It takes about 1.5 hours to get here from Coron Town.
By Bus
To get to Ocam Ocan Beach by bus, you will need to go to the Q Bus Station. It is about a five-minute walk from Coron City Center. You will need to pay PHP 150 to get in a public van, which will take you to Saleacion. There are normally a few stops along the way depending on where the other passengers are going. This ride should take about 1 hour and fifteen minutes. From Saleacion, you can get dropped off in a private van at Ocam Ocam Beach for an additional PHP 1,000-1,500. Ocam Ocam Beach is about 30 minutes form Saleacion. If you don’t want to get a van, you can get a tricycle for about PHP 500. The van can hold about 12-14 people in total. We recommend traveling here with a few friends if possible to bring down the cost.
Q Transport Services
Location: Bgy. 5, Coron, Palawan, Mimaropa
Contact: 0917 555 5452 | [email protected] | Facebook
Hours: the public van from Coron City runs every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
By Van
You can get to Ocam Ocam Beach by private van, but it will cost a little bit more. First, make your way to Gateway (where boats are dropped off). From here, you can get a van. These will cost you PHP 3,000 one-way, so it is best to try to go with several people to bring this cost down. Vans are unfortunately able to charge this much because drivers make more money with airport transports. It is not recommended that you take a tricycle or motorbike to Ocam Ocam Beach. The road is quite bumpy for one and tricycles will likely overcharge you!
How to get to Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is a fresh body of water off the coastline of the island. It is considered to be a sacred place by locals and is also known as Lake Cayangan. As its name suggests, this emerald water is often frequented by giant barracudas. It is about an hour boat ride away from Coron Town, but the scenery along the way is stunning enough to make the journey worth it. In addition to snorkeling, you can also dive here. Both are wonderful day excursions from the island of Coron.
More Information About Getting from Manila to Coron and Transportation in the Philippines
Did you love this article about how to get from Manila to Coron and around the island? Do you want even more information about getting around the Philippines? Then be sure to check out this list of articles we’ve rounded up that will have you exploring this stunning country like an absolute professional!
- Travel Guide to Coron From Puerto Princesa for Phil Guru
- CORON PALAWAN TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary for The Poor Traveler
- How to get from El Nido to Coron: A Guide for the Coron to El Nido ferry, the Philippines by Nic Hilditch-Short for The Roaming Renegades
- Palawan Travel Guide: Traveling to Puerto Princesa, Coron, and El Nido by Sam for Follow Your Road
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