How I Spent 3 Days in Coron, Palawan for Only PHP 4,950 (All-In)

Contributed by Travel Jock

I have to warn you that I don’t have much vacation leave in the office that’s why I was bound to compress this amazing tour to three days and two nights. A pretty basic one, but I still enjoyed it a lot. I will not hesitate to come back!

Promo airfares

Raise your hand if you monitor promo airfares just like me! I got a Manila to Coron (Busuanga) round trip fare for PHP 700 via Cebu Pacific Air, while some of my backpacker friends got an unbelievable PHP 500 via SkyJet Airlines (not to mention they have champagne and mamon!). So for those who want to get promo airfares, try visiting their website every now and then. Philippine Airlines also offers Manila to Coron trips.

Also read: 8 Tricks to Successfully Grab Cheap Promo Flights in the Philippines

Accommodations

There are lots of backpackers lodge and good hotels to choose from. I tried the newly built 10-month old Haven 1916 Bed & Breakfast because of its good location. Plus, my friend really wants to stay there, so I really don’t have much of a choice, do I? Anyway, their standard rooms cost PHP 2,000 per night, and come with breakfast and airport transfers.

Contact: 0915-6818172 / (02) 9845628
Address: Calle Nueva Barangay Poblacion 4, Coron, Palawan, Philippines

Group tour packages

Since I don’t have the luxury of time, I only booked for a one-day tour. Our hotel arranged a “budget- joiner eco tour” charging us PHP 650 per person.

The tour includes 6 destinations:

1. Kayangan Lake
2. Isla Bulungan Beach
3. Hidden Lagoons
4. Twin Peaks Reef
5. Calachuchi Coral Eden
6. CYC island

Special inclusions:

• Licensed Tourist Boat with Lifevest & First Aid Kit
• Entrance Fees
• Tour Assistant
• Picnic Lunch
• Complimentary Tropical Fruit and Drinks

The tour starts at 8AM and ends at 5PM. Don’t forget to bring enough water and snacks to last a day, underwater camera, towels, and a waterproof bag. I rented snorkelling gear, mask and aqua shoes worth PHP 250. There are also different group tours to choose from, so I suggest you make it 4-day trip so you have ample time to maximise this adventure.

Also read: A Perfect Beach Getaway in Coron, Philippines

More town jewels

There are few interesting spots in Coron Town aside from joining group tours.

1.

This is a rare saltwater hotspring pool located 30 minutes away from where we stayed. To go there, you’d have to take a tricycle for is PHP 300. The driver will even wait for you and take you back from your pick-up point.

2.

Bring water and keep your breathing composure with this 700-step climb to Mount Tapyas viewdeck. As the highest peak in town, you’ll have a beautiful panoramic view of Coron.

3.

Well to be honest, it’s not something to look forward to, but you can check out this bayside park where you can have a good vantage point of Mount Tapyas with Hollywood-inspired letters of Coron at the top. You can also enjoy the zipline ride that crosses above water. It’s also near the market, so you can check out some souvenir items.

Also read: 12 Things to Do in Coron, Palawan on Your Very First Getaway

Nightlife

This quiet town of Coron has some good drinking spots for a nightcap and chill nightout. We tried No Name Bar because of its cosy island feel and its good upbeat music in the background. The drinks are affordable and the owner is also very accommodating.

Where to eat

I must say that it’s expensive to eat in Coron. A number of restaurants like Carl’s BBQ offer a variety of delicious food, but they are not quite cost efficient. I also checked out Big Mama’s with a relatively fair budget in comparison. But, the most delicious I’ve tried is WG Diner with yummy seafood—very well cooked! Nonetheless, I suggest you eat on small eateries if you are really on a tight budget.

Itinerary

Your own itinerary will vary depending on your mood, time and interests. Here’s my sample itinerary for your reference:

Day 1: Arrival, City Tour

• 10:00 am – Check-in NAIA Terminal 4
• 11:30 am – ETD NAIA Terminal 4 – Busuanga
• 12:30 nn – ETA Busuanga Airport
• 01:00 pm – Arrival in Coron by van, check in at hotel
• 01:30 am – Late Lunch
• 02:00 pm – Start City Tour
• 02:30 pm – Walk around town and feel the vibe
• 03:00 pm – s
• 06:00 pm – Back to Hotel
• 07:00 pm – Dinner & Nightcap

Day 2: Coron Island Tour

• 07:00 am – Wake up call, Shower & Breakfast
• 08:00 am – Go to assembly point of the group tour
• 09:00 am – Start of the Coron Island Trip
• 05:00 pm – Back to Hotel
• 07:00 pm – Dinner & Nightlife

Day 3: Departure

• 07:00 am – Wake up call, Shower & Breakfast
• 08:30 am – Climb Mount Tapyas View Deck
• 10:30 am – San Agustin Church, Coron Municipal Hall, ; Buy souvenirs & delicacies in Coron Market
• 12:00 nn –  Lunch
• 01:30 pm – ETD Coron (travel by van)
• 02:30 pm – ETA Busuanga Airport
• 03:00 pm – Check in
• 04:30 pm – ETD Busuanga Airport
• 05:30 pm – ETA NAIA Terminal 4, Manila

Budget

Note that it’s my personal budget breakdown. All will actually depend on your budgeting skills and financial instincts. This is an estimated cost for 3days/2nights stay for two. You can cut cost if you choose to have a hostel for accommodation, and dine in small eateries.

Total = PHP 9,900 ÷ 2 (pax) = 4,950 pesos

Coron is just majestic and I will definitely come back to explore more!

Check out my brief video here: