I first visited Coron in August of 2009 during what was the peak moment of my last relationship. Not soon after, the whole thing crumbled, but the memories of the place remained fond in my mind—unhinged by life's untimely jab. Coron, however, became one of my favorites among the places I've been to so far. It was a popular, touristy destination, but that didn't matter because there was something about the emerald waters, blue skies, and the laid-back seaside town that endeared itself to me.
One More Time Around Coron
When my friend Anne pitched the idea of traveling to Coron, I immediately said "oi, oi, oi!" In no time, we were on a plane bound for Busuanga along with her former Pfizer colleagues Grace, Ana, and Jen. We rented an outrigger boat captained by friendly boatmen Fredo and Sonny. Like their "Godfather" namesakes, we cruised the sea like gangsters—not looking for a drive-by hit, but a sensation of getting visually high. We were certainly not disappointed.
Returning to the Island Loop
Similar to my first time here, the destinations we visited on our first day comprised the classic "Coron loop" tour. It included Banol Beach, Kayangan Lake, Siete Pecados, Twin Lagoon, and several snorkeling and shipwreck sites.
For three days, we hopped from one island to the next to the point that one could get seasick—but who cares? There was never a dull moment, especially surrounded by such magnificent scenery. From towering limestone cliffs, rocky islets, and dramatic mountain formations to the clear blue skies and shimmering azure-green waters, every angle felt like a postcard come to life. It felt as if a higher power had devoted extra time to painting this landscape.
Tagbanua Ancestral Domain & Conservation
The only slight inconvenience was collecting individual "entrance fees" at each stop. We didn't mind paying; it was simply awkward reaching into dry bags for wallets while dripping wet. Our boatman explained that the surrounding islands are owned by indigenous Tagbanua families—the earliest ancestral inhabitants of Coron. Since the Ancestral Domain law was enacted, these fees directly benefit their community as part of Palawan's eco-tourism framework, which I fully support.
He added that local authorities are working to streamline this process by establishing a unified payment center at the town hall, where travelers can pay a single fee covering access to the various lakes and coral gardens. This centralized system also ensures funds are transparently routed toward local community welfare—including medical assistance for elders and educational scholarships for Tagbanua youth.
We enjoyed island lunches on Banol Beach on our first day, Malcapuya Island on the second, and near Coral Garden by Culion Island on the third. We feasted on fresh crabs, grilled fish, eggplant, okra, sweet mangoes, squid, and pork liempo. They were the kind of days where you completely forget about the corporate desk job waiting for you back in Manila.
Coron is best experienced with good friends, as splitting boat rental costs among four or five people makes the trip much more affordable. For a budget traveler like myself, visiting Coron remains one of my pricier trips, but it is worth every single peso. I wouldn't have returned otherwise.
Reflections & Environmental Vigilance
Of course, even in paradise, environmental threats linger—as we witnessed at CYC Beach. It looked completely altered compared to my first visit in 2009. Fredo shared that one night, an unauthorized barge arrived and extracted tonnes of white sand from the shore. The result was a degraded beach with exposed roots and discolored sand.
What happened at CYC Beach serves as a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant in protecting natural ecosystems. Reports of illegal black coral harvesting and sea turtle poaching are deeply disheartening. Preserving these resources is crucial so that future generations can experience them intact.
I still believe Coron will remain pristine as long as travelers and locals actively advocate for its conservation. Indifference comes at a heavy environmental price, strengthening my resolve to support sustainable travel practices.
As the girls giggled while discussing their favorite movie, Love and Other Drugs, and reminisced about past relationships, I sat quietly reflecting on my own. I had last stood on these shores two years ago under very different personal circumstances. Returning here, I felt a bit older, perhaps a bit wiser, but still deeply captivated by Coron.
Travel offers perspective—it’s not merely about sightseeing, but developing an awareness of the world's delicate state. Even paradise requires stewardship to protect it against commercial exploitation and thoughtless destruction.
Whether you identify as a tourist, backpacker, or traveler, responsible choices begin with simple habits—leaving no trace, respecting wildlife, and honoring local rules. Coron reminded me once again what true natural wonder looks like, along with the responsibility we all share in preserving it.
On the final evening of our island hopping tour, the setting sun painted the sky in fiery crimson hues. Standing at the harbor watching the colors fade across the water, I felt a quiet sense of hope that we can continue to protect places like Coron for generations to come.
Related Stories & Guides for Coron & Culion:
Planning a broader adventure across the province? Check out our complete Palawan Travel Guide for itineraries, transport tips, and island-hopping essentials.
