Coron

A WWII Japanese shipwreck diving mecca, with the turquoise limestone scenery of Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon and Barracuda Lake, plus sunset on Mount Tapyas and saltwater hot springs.

Coron lies in the Calamian Islands at the northern tip of Palawan province in the Philippines. When visitors say "Coron," they generally mean Coron Town on the southeastern corner of Busuanga Island and Coron Island opposite, which is managed by the indigenous Tagbanua people. The area is known for its limestone karst islands, clear lakes and WWII wrecks: in 1944, US air raids sank more than ten Japanese supply ships, making Coron Bay one of the world's top wreck-diving sites. Activities fall into four areas: ① Coron Island hopping – Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, Skeleton Wreck and Coral Garden, CYC Beach; ② southern island hopping – Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos sandbar and Ditaytayan Island; ③ around Coron Town – sunset from Mount Tapyas, Maquinit saltwater hot springs, and snorkeling at Seven Sins Marine Park; ④ northern and western Busuanga – Calauit Safari Park and Black Island, plus Culion Island to the south. Climate: November to May is the dry season, with March–May offering the best sea conditions; June–October is the southwest monsoon with heavy rain, and island-hopping boats are often cancelled because of wind and waves, but wreck diving is possible year-round. Getting there: Busuanga Airport (USU) has direct flights from Manila and Cebu, about 1 hour, and it is about 40 minutes by road from the airport to town; there are also overnight ferries from Manila and fast boats to and from El Nido (about 4 hours, running in the dry season). Allow 3–5 days. Notes: each island-hopping stop charges separate environmental and landing fees, so bring enough cash in pesos; ATMs in town are few and often out of order; Coron Island is indigenous territory, so you may only visit designated areas, and stepping on coral is forbidden.

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