Coron, Palawan is once again reopening its doors to tourists from all over the Philippines after it was closed due to travel restrictions and community quarantine brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on to know the latest Coron travel requirements and health protocols to help you plan your trip to the paradise island of Coron, Palawan.
Coron, one of the most popular destinations in Palawan known for its amazing dive sites, stunning beaches, and beautiful lakes and lagoons, has reopened to leisure travelers from the Philippines and foreign tourists. This Coron travel guide is updated as of the date stated below. Take note that travel requirements and protocols are subject to change by the LGU, however, I always try my best to regularly update the information on this blog.
UPDATED as of March 24, 2022
Effective March 2, 2022, Coron, Palawan is removing the "swab test before travel" requirement for fully vaccinated travelers. Partially and non-vaccinated travelers are also welcome in Coron, Palawan provided they comply with the latest travel requirements. For tourists visiting Coron via Manila, see this updated Entry Requirements to the Philippines for your safe travel.
Who are Allowed to Travel to Coron, Palawan
- Coron, Palawan is now open to tourists from anywhere in the Philippines and foreigners
- Returning citizens/APOR from within and outside Palawan
Coron Travel Requirements for Tourists coming from outside Palawan:
Fully Vaccinated
Approved S-Pass (https://s-pass.ph) upon submission of the following:
1. Identification Card
2. Vaccination Card
3. Confirmed DOT-accredited and LGU licensed hotel and tour/diving booking
4. Round trip tickets
Partially and Non-vaccinated
Approved S-Pass (https://s-pass.ph) upon submission of the following:
1. Identification Card
2. Negative RT-PCR test result conducted within 48 hours by any DOH-accredited laboratory
3. Confirmed DOT-accredited and LGU licensed hotel and tour/diving booking
4. Round trip tickets
Children (below 5 years old)
Approved S-Pass (https://s-pass.ph) upon submission of the following:
1. Birth certificate or Passport
2. Confirmed DOT-accredited and LGU licensed hotel and tour/diving booking
3. Round trip tickets
Travel Requirements for Tourists coming from within Palawan (except Calamianes):
Fully Vaccinated
Approved S-Pass (https://s-pass.ph) upon submission of the following:
1. Identification Card
2. Vaccination Card
3. Confirmed DOT-accredited and LGU licensed hotel and tour/diving booking
4. Round trip tickets
Partially and Non-vaccinated
Approved S-Pass (https://s-pass.ph) upon submission of the following:
1. Identification Card
2. Negative RT-PCR test result conducted within 48 hours by any DOH-accredited laboratory
3. Confirmed DOT-accredited and LGU licensed hotel and tour/diving booking
4. Round trip tickets
Children (below 5 years old)
Approved S-Pass (https://s-pass.ph) upon submission of the following:
1. Birth certificate or Passport
2. Confirmed DOT-accredited and LGU licensed hotel and tour/diving booking
3. Round trip tickets
Guidelines for Tourists:
1. Mandatory checking of travel requirements upon arrival at the Francis B. Reyes (Coron Airport).
2. Tourists are required to pay the Environmental Fee of P200.
3. Mandatory use of staycation hotel vehicle or any authorized rented transport vehicles.
4. Hotels, tours and diving must be pre-booked and arranged with DOT-accredited establishments, tour operators and dive shops.
How to Get to Coron, Palawan
BY PLANE: The fastest and most convenient option to get to Coron, Palawan is by plane. Philippine Airlines (PAL) has direct flights from Manila (NAIA 2) and Cebu (Mactan International Airport) to Coron via Busuanga Island Airport (Francisco B. Reyes Airport) and vice versa. Travel time is around 1 hour and 20-30 minutes.
From Busuanga airport, it will take around 20-30 minutes travel by land to Coron town proper where most of the accommodations are located. You can arrange your airport transfer with your travel agency or hotel/resort.
BY SEA: 2GO Travel used to offer ferry trips from Manila to Coron and vice versa. Currently, there are no schedules. They have yet to resume their operations to Coron. Visit their website for the latest updates.
BY SEA FROM EL NIDO: Starting April 1, 2022, Montenegro Shipping Lines will start sailing from El Nido to Coron and vice versa every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Departure from Coron is 6:00 am while from El Nido is 12:00 noon. Below are the passenger fares. Visit their website to book.
Montenegro passenger fares:
Regular - PhP2,640
Student (with valid ID) - PhP2,244
Senior Citizen (with SC ID) - PhP1,886
Children (3-7 years old) - PhP1,320
Where to Stay in Coron, Palawan
Here are some of the DOT-accredited accommodation establishments in Coron, Palawan.
- Club Paradise Resort
Dimakya Island, Coron, Palawan
Click here to book
- Coron Westown Resort
Sitio Dipulao, Brgy. Poblacion 6, Coron
Click here to book
- MO2 Westown Lagoon
Coron - Busuanga Road, Coron
Click here to book
- Coron Paradise Bed & Breakfast
Barangay Poblacion 5, Coron
Click here to book
- Blue Waters Inn Coron Palawan
Real St. Bgy 3, Coron
Click here to book
- Mountain View Garden Inn
Tapyas Road, Coron, Palawan
Click here to book
Coron Tours and Activities
Island hopping is the main attraction in Coron, Palawan. Those who are traveling solo or in small groups or on a budget, can sign up for Joiners Tours without having to rent a private boat. Click the link below to book for the specific tours online.
Choose Tour A if you like some beaches, lagoon and lake. This is the most popular tour which is recommended for first timers. Tour B and Coron Reefs/Wrecks are suited for those who love to snorkel or free dive. Tour C is for beach lovers. Ultimate Tour is a combination of Tours A and B. This is best if you have a limited number of days in Coron and want to maximize your time. Each of these tours take a whole day (8-9 hours) except for the Land Tour which would only take around 4 hours (starts around 4pm just in time for the sunset at Mt. Tapyas).
Coron Tour A
1. Kayangan Lake
2. Coral Garden
3. CYC Beach
4. Atwayan Beach
5. Secret Lagoon
6. Siete Pecados
Coron Tour B
1. Barracuda Lake
2. Banol Beach
3. Skeleton Wreck
4. Twin Lagoon
5. Reef Garden
Coron Island Ultimate Tour
1. Kayangan Lake
2. Twin Lagoon
3. Sunset beach/Atwayan Beach
4. Siete Picados/Reef Garden
5. Skeleton Wreck
6. Coral Garden
7. CYC Beach
Coron Tour C (Island Escapade Tour)
1. Malcapuya Island
2. Banana Island
3. Bulog Dos Island/Ditaytayan Island
Calauit Safari and Beach Tour
1. Calauit Game Refuge and Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Black Island, North Cay, or Pamalican Island
Coron Reefs and Wrecks Day Tour
1. Lusong Gunboat shipwreck
2. Lusong Coral Garden
3. Pass Island
Coron Land Tour
1. Coron town (souvenir shops, public market, Lualhati Park and St. Augustine church)
2. Maquinit Hot Spring
3. Mt. Tapyas
Sample Coron Itinerary
3D/2N
Day 1
-Arrival in Coron
-Coron Land Tour
Day 2
-Coron Island Ultimate Tour
Day 3
-Departure from Coron
4D/3N
Day 1
-Arrival in Coron
-Coron Land Tour
Day 2
-Coron Island Ultimate Tour
Day 3
-Island Escapade Tour
Day 4
-Departure from Coron
5D/4N
Day 1
-Arrival in Coron
-Coron Land Tour
Day 2
-Coron Tour A
Day 3
-Coron Tour B
Day 4
-Island Escapade Tour or Calauit Safari and Beach Tour
Day 5
-Departure from Coron
Travel Notes and Reminders
1. DIY is currently not allowed in Coron, Palawan. Pre-booked accommodation and tours are required upon application of S-PASS.
2. There is no need for quarantine upon arrival in Coron.
3. RT-PCR test is not required for fully vaccinated travelers. Only partially and non-vaccinated travelers are required to provide negative test result of swab test.
4. Based on my personal experience, S-PASS was approved in 10 minutes after online application. For questions regarding S-PASS and travel requirements, email eoccovid19coron@gmail.com.
5. Among the travel must-haves to Coron are mask and snorkel, aqua shoes and dry bag. There are shops that rent out and sell these but I recommend bringing your own for health reasons. These items also tend to be pricier there.
6. Bring enough cash, however, there are banks and ATMs in Coron town proper.
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