Busuanga Island Cruise Port Guide (Things to Do, Beaches, Transport) | Philippines

Quick Facts: Port — Coron, Busuanga Island | Country — Philippines | Terminal — Coron Port (Coron Poblacion Pier) | Tendered arrival (small boat transfers to pier) | Distance to Coron town center — approximately 500m on foot | Time zone — Philippine Standard Time (PST), UTC+8

Coron is one of the most spectacularly beautiful cruise destinations in Southeast Asia, sitting in the northern Palawan province of the Philippines and drawing visitors for its Japanese WWII shipwrecks, crystalline lakes, and reef-draped limestone karst islands. Because ships anchor offshore and tender passengers in, timing matters — budget an extra 20–30 minutes each way for the tender process, and get your tender ticket early if your ship uses a ticketing system.

—

Port & Terminal Information

The Coron Poblacion Pier (sometimes called Coron Town Pier or Coron Wharf) is the main arrival point for cruise passengers tendering ashore. It sits right on the edge of Coron town along the waterfront, which makes it one of the more convenient tender-to-town setups in the region — you step off the tender and you are already in the thick of things.

Find the terminal’s location pinned on Google Maps before you leave the ship, so you have a reference for your return tender time.

Terminal facilities:

• ATMs: There are a handful of ATMs in Coron town within a 5-minute walk of the pier (Landbank and BDO branches on National Highway). ATMs do sometimes run out of cash on busy days — withdraw before exploring.
• Luggage storage: No formal left-luggage facility at the pier itself; some nearby guesthouses and tour operators will hold bags for a small fee (~₱50–100/bag).
• Wi-Fi: Not available at the pier, but free Wi-Fi is offered at several cafes and restaurants within a 5–10 minute walk.
• Tourist information: The Palawan Tourism desk near the pier and the Coron Municipal Tourism Office (a short walk inland) can provide maps and island-hopping operator lists.
• Shuttle: No dedicated cruise shuttle; tricycles and tuktuks are available immediately outside the pier.
• Medical: Coron District Hospital is approximately 1km from the pier; basic first aid from tour operators is widespread.

—

Getting to the City

Coron town center is so close to the pier that most attractions, restaurants, and tour booking offices are walkable. The bigger logistical question is how you’ll reach the islands and dive sites, which require a boat.

• On Foot — Coron town center, the local market, and most restaurants are within a 5–15 minute walk of the pier along the main National Highway strip. Mount Tapyas (the famous staircase viewpoint) is about a 20-minute walk plus a 709-step climb. Flat shoes are fine; the streets are generally manageable, though uneven in spots.

• Tricycle (the local “taxi”) — The standard and most common transport around Coron town. A short hop costs ₱10–20 per person shared, or ₱50–100 for a private ride within town. Agree the price before getting in — there’s no meter. Tricycles can take you as far as the barangay roads but don’t reach the outer islands.

• Tuktuk / E-Trike — Increasingly common for slightly longer distances around Busuanga Island itself. A ride to Coron town market runs ₱20–30; out to Maquinit Hot Springs runs ₱100–150 return by private tuktuk.

• Taxi/Private Van — No traditional metered taxis operate in Coron. Private vans or jeepneys can be chartered for day trips around Busuanga Island (e.g., to Calauit Safari Park) for approximately ₱1,500–2,500 for the vehicle for a half day. Your tour operator or guesthouse near the pier can arrange this.

• Hop-On Hop-Off — There is no HOHO bus service in Coron. The island’s geography (most attractions are on water) makes it impractical.

• Rental Scooter/Motorbike — Scooter rentals are available near the town center for approximately ₱500–700/day and are a great option for exploring Busuanga Island’s land-based sites (Calauit, Concepcion). Bring your license; road conditions vary. Not useful for island-hopping, of course.

• Bangka Boat Charter — This is the essential Coron transport. The traditional outrigger bangka is how you reach every lake, lagoon, snorkel site, and island. Most island-hopping tours include boat transport. Expect to pay ₱2,500–4,000+ for a private bangka charter for the day, or join a shared tour from ₱600–1,200/person.

• Ship Shore Excursion — Worth it for wreck diving (the ship’s dive excursion typically guarantees properly certified guides and equipment) or for the Calauit Safari Park trip, where logistics are genuinely complicated to arrange independently. For standard island hopping, you’ll save money and get equal quality going independently — Viator and GetYourGuide both list excellent local operators at lower prices than most ship packages.

—

Top Things to Do in Busuanga Island Philippines, Coron

Coron’s big draw is the water — world-class wreck diving, snorkeling reefs, hidden lakes, and island-hopping routes that feel like a dream. But there’s surprising variety for non-divers too, from a wildlife safari to ancient coral and a surprisingly good local market scene.

—

Must-See

1. Kayangan Lake (₱200 environmental fee) — Regularly cited as one of the cleanest lakes in Asia, Kayangan sits inside a narrow lagoon framed by dramatic karst limestone cliffs on Coron Island. The 10-minute climb to the iconic viewpoint and then the descent into the impossibly clear brackish water is one of those experiences that actually lives up to every photograph. Most island-hopping tours include it — the Coron Island Hopping Tour A with Kayangan Lake on Viator 🎟 Book: Coron Island Hopping Tour A with Kayangan Lake starts from just USD 25 and covers the highlight beautifully. Allow 1.5–2 hours including the viewpoint hike and a swim.

2. Japanese WWII Shipwrecks — Coron Bay (dive: ~₱2,500–4,500 with gear rental; snorkel: some accessible from surface for free with a bangka) — In September 1944, American aircraft sank a fleet of Japanese supply ships sheltering in Coron Bay, and they have been resting on the seafloor in 20–40 meters of water ever since. The Okikawa Maru, Olympia Maru, and Irako are encrusted with coral and sea fans and teem with fish — some of the most atmospheric wreck diving in the world. Non-divers can snorkel shallower sections of several wrecks and still see extraordinary marine life. Book a guided wreck dive or snorkel tour on Viator to maximize your time. Allow 3–5 hours for a 2-dive trip.

3. Mount Tapyas & the Giant Cross (free) — The 709-step concrete staircase up Mount Tapyas is Coron’s most iconic viewpoint, offering panoramic views over Coron Bay, the surrounding islands, and — on clear mornings — the horizon toward Palawan. Go early in your shore day (before the heat peaks) or just before tender cutoff for a golden-hour view. The climb takes 15–20 minutes up; the view is worth every step. Allow 1 hour round trip.

—

Beaches & Nature

4. Twin Lagoon (₱200 environmental fee, included in most island tours) — Accessible only by bangka and then by swimming or kayaking through a low cave entrance, Twin Lagoon is two connected bodies of water at different temperatures — the outer lagoon warm, the inner cooler. The swim-through cave moment is genuinely magical, and the colors are extraordinary. Bring a waterproof phone case. This is typically included in the Coron Island Tour B (Shared Tour) 🎟 Book: Coron Island Tour B (Shared Tour) for USD 45. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour on site.

5. Maquinit Hot Springs (₱200 entrance) — One of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, Maquinit sits in a mangrove-fringed cove about 4km from Coron town — roughly 15 minutes by tuktuk (₱100–150 return). The pools reach 39–40°C and are a wonderful way to end a day of snorkeling or wreck diving. Open daily 8:00 AM–9:00 PM. Evening visits are less crowded and genuinely atmospheric. Allow 1–1.5 hours.

6. Barracuda Lake (₱200 environmental fee) — Barracuda Lake is a thermocline wonder — within a single dive or deep snorkel, you pass through dramatically distinct layers of temperature and salinity. Named for the large barracuda historically spotted here (now rarely seen, but the name stuck). This is more of a diver’s attraction than a casual swim spot but is often included in multi-stop island tours. Allow 1 hour.

7. Siete Pecados Marine Park (₱100 conservation fee) — Seven tiny coral islets just minutes from the pier by bangka, Siete Pecados is an excellent and easy snorkeling spot with dense coral gardens and abundant reef fish. It’s a perfect option if you have limited time or are snorkeling for the first time. Often included as a stop on shared island-hopping tours. Allow 45 minutes.

8. CYC Beach (Coron Youth Club Beach) (₱100–150 entrance) — A lovely white sandbar island accessible by a short bangka ride, CYC Beach is a great half-day add-on for families or those who want a simpler beach day alongside their lake and reef stops. It can get crowded around midday on busy cruise days, so arrive early. Allow 1–2 hours.

—

Day Trips

9. Calauit Safari Park, Busuanga Island (₱500–800 entrance, plus ~₱1,500–2,000 transport) — In 1977, Ferdinand Marcos relocated a herd of African wildlife — giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and bushbucks — to this island reserve to protect them from Kenyan poaching. Today, Calauit is a surreal and wonderful wildlife sanctuary where you can hand-feed a giraffe against a backdrop of Philippine jungle. It’s about 90 minutes north of Coron town by road and bangka transfer, making it a tight but feasible full-day add-on. Check a Private Guided Coron Island Eco-Adventure on Viator 🎟 Book: Private Guided Coron Island Eco-Adventure for USD 120, which can incorporate this kind of extended itinerary. Allow 4–5 hours including transport.

10. Coron Island Tribal Area (₱1,500–2,000 tribal fee per group) — Coron Island itself is ancestral domain of the Tagbanua indigenous people, who control access to the island’s interior. Parts of the island beyond the permitted tourist sites (Kayangan, Twin Lagoon) require an additional tribal permit, which is arranged through the Tagbanua Foundation office in Coron town. A visit here gives you a glimpse of one of the Philippines’ most culturally intact communities. Arrange through a reputable local guide — this is not a spot to show up independently.

—

Family Picks

11. Coron Island Hopping (Shared Tour) (from USD 25–50/person) — For families, a shared island-hopping tour is the single best value activity in Coron. You get a bangka, snorkel gear, a guide, and a packed route hitting Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, a snorkel reef, and usually a sandbar beach — all in one 8-hour day. The Coron Island Escapade Tour (Shared Tour) covers the classics beautifully for USD 50/person. Kids 5 and up generally handle this very well. Life jackets are always provided.

12. Coron Town Market & Palengke (free to browse) — Coron’s lively public market along the National Highway is a fantastic sensory experience — fresh tropical fruit, local dried fish, native crafts, and the extraordinary energy of a working Philippine fishing community’s daily market. Older kids love it; it’s compact enough to be manageable with younger ones. Best visited in the morning (7:00–10:00 AM) when it’s most active and freshest. Free, though you’ll want ₱200–500 to spend on snacks and souvenirs.

—

Off the Beaten Track

13. Concepcion & Lusong Coral Garden (bangka hire ~₱2,500) — North of Coron town on the island’s quieter northeastern coast, Lusong Island hosts one of the region’s most beautiful and accessible coral gardens — a shallow reef directly beneath the wreck of the Lusong Gunboat, whose rusted hull breaks the surface and can be snorkeled without any diving certification. It’s less visited than Siete Pecados or Kayangan and rewards those who arrange a private bangka. The Coron Palawan Snorkeling & Island Hopping Tour (Private) for USD 105 can be customized to include this site. Allow 2 hours on site.

14. Malcapuya & Banana Islands (~60–90 min by bangka from Coron) — These two stunning sandbars and reef islands to the southwest of Coron are far less crowded than the main tour circuit and have some of the best snorkeling in the area — vivid reef, sea turtles, and clear water. Because of the travel time, they suit a full-day private charter more than a shared tour. Arrange through any Coron town operator for approximately ₱3,500–5,000 for a private bangka.

—

What to Eat & Drink

Coron’s food scene is firmly centered on incredibly fresh seafood — the fishing boats come into the bay daily, and what you eat for lunch may have been swimming that morning. Don’t miss kinilaw (raw fish cured in vinegar and chili — the Filipino answer to ceviche), freshly grilled panga ng tuna (tuna jaw), and whatever whole fish is listed as the day’s catch.

• Lolo Nonoy’s — Beloved local restaurant near the town center, famous for its grilled seafood platters and crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckle). A grilled fish platter with rice costs approximately ₱200–350. Consistently recommended by local guides.

• Kawayanan Grill Station — Casual open-air grill restaurant popular with locals and returning visitors; grilled bangus (milkfish) and fresh prawns for ₱150–300/dish. Portions are generous and the setting is relaxed.

• Kinilaw — Order this anywhere you see it on a menu. Raw fish (usually tuna or tanigue/Spanish mackerel) marinated in coconut vinegar, calamansi juice, ginger, chili, and onion. ₱150–250 per serving; pairs perfectly with a cold San Miguel beer.

• Tamilok — The adventurous eater’s Coron rite of passage: woodworm extracted from rotting mangrove wood, eaten raw with vinegar and chili. You’ll find it at the market and at a few restaurants near the pier. ₱100–150 for a small serving. It tastes like oyster. Trust us.

• La Sirenetta Restaurant & Bar — Italian-Filipino fusion with a waterfront deck; great for a sundowner cold beer or a wood-fired pizza after a day on the water. Mains ₱350–600. Closes around 10:00 PM.

• Coron Public Market Food Stalls — The cheapest and most authentic eating experience: Filipino breakfast plates (tapsilog — cured beef,

🎟️ Things to Book in Advance

These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.

Coron Palawan Snorkeling & Island Hopping Tour (Private)

★★★★☆ (31 reviews)

Twin Lagoon is the key highlight of the experience. These two stunning lagoons are perfect for swimming in the most picturesque location you can imagine.……

⏱ 9 hours  |  From USD 105.00

Book on Viator →

Coron Island Tour B (Shared Tour)

★★★☆☆ (11 reviews)

Spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach life with this tour of some of Coron's best spots for island fun! You'll……

⏱ 8 hours  |  From USD 45.00

Book on Viator →

Coron Island Escapade Tour (Shared Tour)

★★★☆☆ (6 reviews)

Spend a day in the most beautiful ISLAND in Coron! Malcapuya Island renowned throughout the region as one of the most singularly beautiful Islands in……

⏱ 8 hours  |  From USD 50.00

Book on Viator →

Shared Busuanga Airport to Coron Hotel Transfer

★★★★★ (1 reviews)

Your vacation in Coron starts at the island's only airport, 20 kilometers from downtown, where most hotels are. As such, booking a reliable and comfortable……

From USD 10.00

Book on Viator →

Coron Island Hopping Tour A with Kayangan Lake

★★★★☆ (7 reviews)

Coron Island Hopping Tour A is one of the most famous activities in the Island of Coron. This full-day activity will immerse you in the……

From USD 25.00

Book on Viator →

Private Guided Coron Island Eco-Adventure

Bespoke Eco-Adventure: Immerse in an extraordinary journey where nature, culture, and conservation intertwine. Our eco-adventure package offers unforgettable experiences while promoting conservation tourism. Step into……

⏱ 6h 30m  |  From USD 120.00

Book on Viator →

This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.