Which is a better destination, Coron or El Nido? First-time Palawan travellers might fall into the trap of confusion since Palawan has several places to visit. You might wonder which is the nearest place or the most convenient spot to go. Each island has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your preferred activities or purpose.
Come with us and let us explore the two most-visited places of Palawan.
El Nido
Enjoy island-hopping with your friends and family. El Nido offers a beautiful place to visit. It is the leading lights of Palawan Island with the most islet around the area. Its limestone cliff is the perfect getaway for risk-takers who wants to experience new bucket lists in their lives.
The breath-taking sceneries will make your anxieties disappear like a snap of a finger. Take your partner at the most alluring place in the world. If you are planning on taking pictorial together, it would be the ideal location for both of you. You will indeed find no dull moments on this island!
Coron
See the glimpse of the paradise through Coron travel. The available itineraries will make your life turn around for the best. You can trek, dive, swim, or simply watch the beautiful sceneries of the island. It has the most refined white-sand beaches that move you inspired all around. The sea’s turquoise clear water makes everything engaging and exciting. The Coron beaches’ white sand lets you enjoy and appreciate its entire beauty. It will make you feel renewed and find the purpose of life. If you want to get sight of the full wonders of Coron, take the Mount Tapyas trekking adventure to the highest peak
Getting There
El Nido
By Plane (El Nido Airport):
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- from Manila (Daily)
- from Clark (2-3 flights per Week)
- from Cebu (4 flights per week)
- from Caticlan(1 -2 flights per Week)
By Van from Puerto Princesa:
(Schedule : First trip
By Bus from Puerto Princesa:
Cherry Bus– Schedule here
Roro Bus– Schedule here
By Sea from Coron:
Montenegro Ferry (Fastcraft / 4 hours / Daily Trip) – Php 1,76o
Big Outrigger Boat (daily)
Coron
By Plane (Francisco B. Reyes Airport):
-
- from Manila (daily)
Cebu Pacific
-
- from Manila (daily)
- from Cebu (daily) NEW!
Philippine Airlines:
-
- from Clark (daily)
- from Cebu (daily)
By Ferry:
2GO Ferry
from Manila (twice a week) / from Puerto Princesa (once a week)
By Sea from El Nido:
Big Outrigger Boat (daily)
Fastcraft (Daily)
Tours
It is easy to get lost with the varieties of itineraries and tours available in Palawan. Enjoy the perfect travel based on your preferred visits suited for your needs. Whether you enjoy diving, trekking, or snorkelling, you will find your favorite through the Palawan day tours. Enjoy and get the most of it!
El Nido
El Nido Tour A (Php 1,200/pax)
El Nido Tour B (Php 1,300/pax)
El Nido Tour C (Php 1,400/pax)
El Nido Tour D (Php 1,000/pax)
Other Tours:
- Tour E: Twin Beach (Nacpan – Calitang) and Nagkalit-kalit Falls
Coron
Island Escapade (Php 1,950/pax)
Calauit Safari Tour (Php 2,500/pax)
Other Tours:
- Coron Reef and Wrecks
- Busuanga Island Hopping Tour
Other Activities
For adventurous travelers, the El Nido Day Tours can provide great experiences such as spelunking, island hopping, and snorkeling. Some of the highlights of these tours are the Nacpan-Calitang Beach, Small and Big Lagoon, Snake Island and more.
El Nido
Climb Taraw Cliff
- Climb the Taraw Cliff
- Zipline at Las Cabanas
- Chase Sunset at Corong-Corong Beach
- Visit Nagkalit-Kalit Falls
- Motorcycle Tour
- Kayaking to Cadlao Island
- Scuba Diving
- Explore Ille Cave
- Dip at Bulalacao Falls
- Reggae by the Beach
Coron
Freediving at Barracuda Lake / Photo by freediving-coron.com
- Free Diving at Barracuda Lake
- Wreck Dive in Busuanga Island
- Visit Culion Island
- Explore Conception Falls in Busuanga
- Hike Mount Darala, Busuanga
- Coron Firefly Watching Tour
- Swimming at Black Island
- Pass Island, Busuanga
- Try Cashew Nuts in different flavors
- Rent Mountain Bike
Accommodations
Of course, a tour would not be fun if you do not accommodation to rest in at night. You don’t have to worry over your stay. El Nido and Coron have various types of accommodations which are perfect for solo travellers, backpackers, or luxury travellers.
You have to consider certain things before choosing your place. It depends on your budget or the services you are willing to pay. If you are a thrifty traveller, you can still find affordable hotels where you can receive great amenities. The location is also one of the essential things you need to consider. Look for hotel near or next to your destination.
El Nido
(Photos from Agoda)
Cauayan Island Resort (Rates Here)
El Nido Resorts – Matinloc (Rates Here)
El Nido Resorts – Lagen (Rates Here)
El Nido Resort – Pangulasian (Rates Here)
More Accommodations:
Coron
(Photos from Agoda)
Huma Island Resort (RATES HERE)
Two Seasons Island Resort (Rates Here)
Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort (Rates Here)
Busuanga Bay Lodge(Rates Here)
Club Paradise Resort(Rates Here)
More Accommodations:
Night Life
Make your tour exciting by trying the incredible nightlife in Palawan. You can sing along with the local live bands. It is best to bring your friends with you to seize the moment together. It can be one of your tour highlights.
Who knows, you might even find your ‘the one’ at these exciting places.
El Nido
Reggae Night at Puka Bar
- Puka Bar
- Sava
- Habibi Shisha
- Art Cafe
- Subasko MUSIC BAR
Coron
Chilling at No Name Bar
- No Name Bar
- Hangover Bar
- Helldivers
- Hardrock Disco Bar
- Tribu Kuridas Bar and Tattoo
DINING
Traveling would not be memorable as it should be without trying the Palawan’s signature dishes, including exotic and local foods. While you are in this place, make sure to try authentic foods with the real taste of their delicacies.
El Nido
Cadlao Resto best-seller
- Bella Vita El Nido
- Happiness Beach Bar
- Big Bad Thai
- Osaka Castle El Nido Sushi & Ramen
- Ashoka – Authentic Indian Cuisine
- Artcafe
- Cadlao Resort & Restaurant
- SAVA Beach Bar
- Habibi Restaurant & Shisha Cafe
Coron
- Pacifico Coron
- Kawayanan Grill
- Trattoria Altrove Coron
- Island Boy Grill
- Sharky’s
- The Old House Restaurant Coron
- LobsterKing Seafoods and RestoBar
- Santino’s Grill
- Two Season’s Baya
- Coron Westown Resto
BEACHES WARS
When you find yourself wandering around El Nido Island, you will see the magnificent islands and islets everywhere. It is popular with white beaches where you can swim and take a picture all day. On the other hand, Coron gives the serenity relaxation by showing you the stunning islands available at that place.
El Nido
Coron Town Beach
Talisay Beach
Secret Beach
Papaya Beach
Nacpan – Calitang Beach
MORE BEACHES HERE: 18 Must-See Beaches In El Nido, Palawan
Coron
Banana Island
Malcapuya Island
Cyc Beach
Pass Island
Bul-og Dos Island
TOWN VIBE
El Nido
Wandering around at El Nido leaves you refreshed and renewed. The Palawan locals are friendly and make you feel safe throughout your tour. You will see how it feels to live near the beautiful beaches in the world.You can take long beach walks in the morning and watch the beautiful sunsets in Corong-Corong in the afternoon. El Nido’s town vibe is totally different from the rural city places. Seize the moment and enjoy every glance at these fantastic beaches.
Coron
Coron town gives you a peaceful vibe while walking at the bay walk. The souvenir shops are located on the sidewalks in case you decided to buy pasalubong for your family or friends. Coron town is peaceful and refreshing. It has a lesser crowd compared to other islands in Palawan. However, during summer and peak season, the crowd is getting bigger.Nevertheless, it is the best place to walk around with your loved ones. If you get hungry along the way, you can always find delicious snacks at the street.
About the Author: WayPH
