Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–18 | $25–50 |
| Food | $5–10 | $10–25 |
| Island Tour | $25–35 | $35–55 |
| Wreck Diving (2 dives) | $60–70 | $70–90 |
| Transport | $3–5 | $5–10 |
| Daily Total | $35–60 | $60–120 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa-free 30 days for most nationalities — extendable to 59 days at Bureau of Immigration
- Fly into Coron Busuanga Airport (USU) from Manila or Cebu, or take the overnight ferry from Manila (12 hours)
- Kayangan Lake entry: ₱300. Environmental fees apply at most island stops.
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance with diving cover is essential if doing wreck dives — standard policies exclude scuba
- The nearest hospital is in Coron town but facilities are basic — serious injuries require evacuation to Manila
- Bring insect repellent for evenings, reef-safe sunscreen, and motion sickness tablets for boat days
Getting Around
- Coron town is walkable — pier, market, dive shops, and guesthouses are within 15 minutes' walk
- Tricycles are the main transport in town — ₱10–20 per person for short trips, ₱150 to Maquinit Hot Spring
- Airport transfers by van cost ₱150 per person (30 minutes) — book through your guesthouse
Connectivity
- Buy a Globe or Smart SIM card at Manila or Cebu airport before flying to Coron — data coverage in Coron town is usable
- WiFi at guesthouses is slow but functional — do not rely on it for video calls or large uploads
- No signal during island-hopping tours — download offline maps and entertainment before heading out
Money
- Currency: PHP (Peso). 1 USD ≈ ₱56. ATMs in Coron town (BDO, Landbank) but they sometimes run out
- Bring sufficient cash from Manila — tour operators, market vendors, and small businesses are cash only
- Dive shops accept cards but charge a 3–5% surcharge. Budget ₱500–1,000 cash per day beyond pre-booked tours
Packing Tips
- Underwater camera is essential — Coron's clarity and wrecks produce some of the best underwater photos in Asia
- Reef shoes for rocky island entries, dry bag for electronics, and snorkel gear if you have your own
- Light rain jacket for unexpected showers — the weather in Palawan can change quickly, even in dry season
Cultural tips
Respect the Islands
Many islands in Coron are ancestral domain of the Tagbanwa indigenous people — Coron Island itself is Tagbanwa land. Follow all rules, pay entry fees, and do not enter restricted areas. The fees fund community programmes.
Marine Conservation
Coron's reefs and wrecks are protected — never remove coral, shells, or artefacts from the water. The WWII wrecks are war graves and removing items is illegal under Philippine and international law.
Local Etiquette
Filipinos are famously friendly and hospitable. Return the warmth — say "Salamat" (thank you) and "Magandang umaga" (good morning). Accept food offerings graciously. Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
Photography
Ask permission before photographing locals and their children. At Kayangan Lake and other popular spots, be patient and share the viewpoint — do not hog the photo spot. Drone regulations require permits in the national park.
Support Local Operators
Choose locally-owned tour operators and guesthouses over international booking platforms. Many bangka boat captains are independent operators — booking directly puts more money in their hands than through middlemen.
Reduce Plastic Waste
Bring a reusable water bottle and refuse single-use plastics. Waste management in remote Philippine islands is limited — take your rubbish back to Coron town where it can be disposed of properly.
