Coron or El Nido? Choosing Between Palawan’s Breathtaking Paradises
Palawan, often hailed as the Philippines’ crown jewel, has become famous for its marine biodiversity and tropical scenery. Among its famed destinations, Coron and El Nido stand out as two premier spots, each offering unique experiences that make choosing between them a delightful challenge.
Whether you’re looking for pristine beaches, epic adventures, or serene escapes, understanding what Coron or El Nido has to offer will help you plan your dream vacation. I would always recommend to visit both these because they are equally amazing in my opinion but if time is limited you may have to choose between the two.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes each place special and help you decide which one best suits your travel style.
Why Choose Between Coron and El Nido?
Both Coron and El Nido have gained global recognition for their awe-inspiring natural beauty. Coron boasts dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and a reputation for being a diver’s paradise. On the other hand, El Nido is known for its intricate island-hopping tours, hidden lagoons, and rich biodiversity. El Nido is popular because it is more developed and has a livelier nightlife whereas Coron is quieter and with lesser tourists. Deciding between the two comes down to your preferred activities and travel interests.
Let’s break down and compare the two using the following categories: scenic attractions, island hopping tour packages, and activities.
Coron Versus El Nido – What are the sights to see?
Coron’s Notable Attractions
Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake
Kayangan is touted as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, the lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The lake’s crystal-clear waters offer unparalleled snorkeling opportunities and a view that perfectly encapsulates the splendor of Coron. Barracuda Lake is less popular but I’ve included it as they are pretty much in the same category.
If you are into diving, you will love diving in these lakes. Both are brackish, which means the water is a mix of freshwater and salt water. If you get lucky you can get Barracuda lake all to yourself but for Kayangan Lake, you will need to head there in the early morning to avoid the big groups of tourists.
To reach Kayangan Lake you will do a bit of trekking. Around 15 minutes of uphill trek but it’s totally worth it when you see the view.
Twin Lagoon
These connected lagoons are a perfect blend of adventure and beauty. The first lagoon is where the boats dock and can get crowded in the afternoon. The second lagoon is at times less crowded but can be challenging to reach. One way to get there is by taking a ladder over a rock, this method is preferable during high-tide and the other way is to swim through underneath the rock at low tide.
The unique experience of transitioning between the two lagoons leaves visitors enchanted. To reach the second lagoon
World War II Wreck Diving
Coron is world-famous for its underwater exploration opportunities. Several well-preserved Japanese warships lie beneath the surface, making it a top destination for diving enthusiasts looking for history-rich, adrenaline-fueled experiences.
These shipwreck diving spots are just a short boat ride from the mainland and lie within accessible depths for recreational divers. Coron has numerous dive operators, so booking a dive tour to explore these historic sites is easy and convenient.
El Nido’s Natural Wonders
Big and Small Lagoons
The lagoons are accessible by boat and offer a mix of activities from kayaking and snorkeling to simply taking in the beauty of the towering karst formations. These two are part of Tour A and Tour D of El Nido island hopping day tours.
Tour A takes you to other sites like Miniloc Island, Simizu Island, and 7 Commandos Beach. The views at Miniloc and Big Lagoon are often what you see in postcards and photos of El Nido.
The Small Lagoon, which was formerly part of Tour A was reassigned to Tour D to address overcrowding. Both if these are lagoons are spectacular with turquoise clear waters. You can choose to go kayaking around Big lagoon, just let your tour guide know ahead of your tour so they can prepare what you need before you leave town.
Nacpan Beach
Also referred to as El Nido twin beach, Nacpan-Calitang beaches are for travelers seeking a more relaxed environment. Nacpan Beach is a slice of paradise with its long stretch of powdery white sand and calm, inviting waters. Nacpan is one of the best beaches in my book and I would love to visit it again.
Nacpan beach is reachable via land tour. You can ride a tricycle or rent a van to get there. The locals usually call it Tour E and also includes Nagkalit-kalit Falls, Las Cabanas, or Marimegmeg Beach in the itinerary.
Related: Exploring El Nido, Palawan On a Budget
Hidden Beach and Secret Beach
True to their names, these spots are tucked away and can be reached by swimming or maneuvering through narrow rock passages. Hidden and Secret Beaches are part of Tour C. The adventure involved in reaching Secret Beach add to the allure because to get there, you will need to swim through a small opening in between rocks. Once you got through you will find yourself in a hidden pocket of fine sand and turquoise waters enclosed by karst cliffs.
A note of caution though, this tour goes a bit farther, including the following stops to the itinerary: Matinloc Shrine, Matinloc Island, Tapuitan, and Helicopter Islands. Matinloc faces the West Philippine Sea where waves can get big and violent. When you go, make sure the weather is pleasant.
Island-Hopping and Tours – Is it Coron or El Nido?
Island-hopping is a key highlight in both Coron and El Nido, but each has its unique flavor:
Coron Island-Hopping
Coron’s tours are noted for their variety, from snorkeling around coral gardens to exploring lakes and hot springs. Popular tours often include stops at Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Banul Beach, CYC Beach, Barracuda Lake, Siete Pecados Marine Park, Black Island, and Malcapuya Island, known for its powdery sand and clear waters.
Most of these attractions are accessible through organized tours, where you can either charter a private boat or join a group tour. You can inquire with your host/accommodation if they can arrange this for you.
Coron also has an edge for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts due to its extensive reefs and shipwrecks.
El Nido Island-Hopping
El Nido’s tours are classified into four main types—Tours A, B, C, D, and E—each offering different sets of islands and attractions. Tour A is highly popular for its combination of lagoons and snorkeling sites, while Tour C is favored for its beaches and hidden coves like Matinloc Shrine and Helicopter Island. El Nido offers more lush, beach-laden settings with its numerous idyllic shorelines and limestone islands.
Most of these tours if not all will take a full day and buffet lunch is included in the tour packages.
Adventure Activities: Coron Versus El Nido
For thrill-seekers, Coron offers a treasure trove of experiences.
Wreck Diving
Coron’s sunken WWII ships provide unique dive spots you won’t find in El Nido. This is the main attraction for divers. Coron diving site has well preserved wrecks of supply ships, gunboats, tanks and ammunitions, and planes that are easily penetrable. Among the most famous wrecks are Irako, Akitsushima, Kogyo, and Okikawa.
Other diving sites in Coron are Barracuda Lake and The Cathedral Cave.
Mount Tapyas Hike
A moderately challenging trek up 700 steps rewards you with panoramic views of the island and its surrounding waters. At the summit, you’ll find a giant cross, a landmark that adds to the view’s dramatic appeal. Sunrise or sunset from the top is especially magical, with the sky awash in vibrant hues.
Don’t worry—there are rest stops with benches along the way where you can pause and catch your breath. If hiking isn’t your favorite activity, you can stop for a break at one of these decks and enjoy the view as you go.
To get to Mount Tapyas, you can either walk to the base independently or charter a tricycle for convenience. For a completely hassle-free experience, consider booking a Coron Town Tour, which includes this popular site. Bring plenty of water and sun protection to stay comfortable during your climb.
El Nido caters to those who appreciate a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Cliff Climbing in Taraw Cliff
A challenging climb that offers an incredible view of Bacuit Bay.
Taraw Cliff is renowned for offering what’s widely considered the most breathtaking view of El Nido. The trail however is known for its steep, razor sharp rocks, thus some consider it a risky climb.
But luckily there is a safer way up. You can now reach the viewpoint by taking Ferrata Nature’s Canopy Walk. This trail starts right within the town, making it easy to find, and it offers a more secure climb with helmets and guides provided. The view isn’t quite as high as the original, but it’s close enough.
Water Sports
El Nido’s beaches, like Las Cabanas, Miniloc, Big Lagoon are ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Coron or El Nido: Which Should You Choose?
I will always recommend to visit both if you have the time and resources. But if you are time constraint it boils down to your travel style and preference.
Between El Nido and Coron, I would say choose Coron if you’re passionate about wreck diving and unique underwater experiences. If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere with fewer crowds. If you’re keen on exploring lakes and lagoons that feel untouched and secluded.
Choose El Nido if you want diverse island-hopping tours with varied attractions. If you appreciate scenic beaches combined with adventure activities like cliff climbing. If you’re looking for a mix of relaxation and dynamic exploration, with a slightly more vibrant nightlife.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
When to visit?
January to April marks the dry season in El Nido and Coron, bringing sunny days and ideal beach weather. March and April is peak summer months in the Philippines so expect bigger crowds. I find January to February the best time to visit. The weather is still fantastic, but the crowds haven’t fully arrived, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Is Coron or El Nido safe?
Both El Nido and Coron boast an extremely low crime rate, making it a safe destination for travelers. Although please do not to leave your belongings unattended. Always secure your belongings whether indoors or outdoors.
Can I travel Coron or El Nido with kids?
Absolutely. Just make sure to prepare everything ahead of your trip. Keep in mind that hospitals can be several hours away from the tourist spots, so take precautions to stay safe during your visit. Always check the weather forecasts, ask your hotel for clean water (best to buy distilled bottled water at the supermarket), and remember to check your with tour guides/boatmen before allowing your kids to swim.
Are there ATMs in El Nido and Coron?
ATMs are scattered throughout the towns of El Nido and Coron but it would be wise to anticipate down times or cashless machines. If you are flying in to Puerto Princesa airport you can withdraw and exchange money there. You can also book some of your tours and activities with a trusted agency and pay ahead of your trip.
Both Coron and El Nido encapsulate the allure of Palawan. They offer unforgettable experiences that blend adventure, relaxation, and natural wonder. Ultimately, whether it’s Coron versus El Nido or if you’re planning a trip to both, your journey will be worth it.
