Coron

With rugged limestone cliffs, crystal-clear blue lagoons and powdery white-sand beaches, Coron in the Philippines is picture-perfect. Although the region is centred on Coron Town, most visitors come here to explore the many tiny islands found offshore, where you can find secluded coves, lush greenery and diverse marine wildlife. Divers and snorkelers can discover coral gardens and sunken shipwrecks.

Among the Coron hostels, you can stay in sleek contemporary dorms, a traditional woven building or an eco hostel powered by solar energy. Hostels tend to have a social atmosphere with communal spaces such as rooftops and shared barbecue facilities. Take it easy in a hammock under shady mango trees or grab a drink at an on-site bar. Some hostels in Coron are geared towards divers, with discounts for excursions and equipment hire. 

Confusingly, Coron Town and Coron Island are not the same. Coron Town is located on Busuanga Island and it's the main commercial centre for the region; this is where you'll find bars, restaurants and the departure point for diving trips and boat tours. Jungle-clad Coron Island is a short boat ride away and known for its caves, coral reefs and rugged natural scenery. Other areas to explore include tiny Sangat Island, a popular spot for diving and Marcilla Beach, where there are mangrove trees and a long white sandbar offshore. 

Coron is full of natural attractions. On Coron Island, Kayangan Lake has turquoise water so clear that you can see every detail of its rocky floor. It's also home to Barracuda Lake, named after the resident fish – a popular scuba diving spot. At night, you can take boat tours from Coron Town to watch the fireflies and bioluminescent plankton. Above Coron Town is Mount Tapyas – well-worn hiking trails lead to its peak, which has panoramic views out over the islands. 

Francisco B. Reyes Airport (also known as Busuanga Airport) is 16km away from Coron Town. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a jeepney (the journey takes around 20 minutes). To get around Busuanga Island, you can rent a motorbike or hail a tricycle. Boats leave regularly from Coron Town to nearby islands and beaches; you can join a boat tour or even rent a kayak and paddle yourself around. The town itself is compact and relatively walkable.