Discover Southwest Busuanga : Concepcion, Sagrada & Busuanga Bay
just 45 minutes from Coron Town
Concepcion, Sagrada, and Busuanga Bay
If you want to escape the busy streets of Coron Town and experience authentic island life, head south-west. The area around Concepcion, Sagrada, and Busuanga Bay is a hidden paradise packed with lush mangroves, hidden waterfalls, quiet coves, world-class dive sites, and unique places to stay.
Here, you get all the adventure and beauty of Palawan with way fewer crowds—and without giving up comfort, great food, or relaxed vibes.
What Makes Busuanga Bay (Pearl Bay) So Special?
The coastline around Concepcion and Sagrada is one of the most charming parts of the island. While Coron Town gets busy with crowded tour boats every morning, life here moves at a refreshingly peaceful pace.
Highlights of the Region:
Authentic Village Vibe: A laid-back fishing village with a small pier and friendly locals.
Shorter Boat Rides: Top spots like Pass Island and famous WWII shipwrecks are right on your doorstep.
Nature & Adventure: Cool off in waterfalls, kayak through mangrove mazes, or go hiking.
Great Food & Stay: Everything from cozy treehouses and overwater local joints to luxury resorts with infinity pools.
Getting There & Getting Around
Reaching this part of Busuanga is straightforward and budget-friendly—no expensive private taxis required:
Shared Minivan (Q-Van): The easiest public transport option. Minivans depart near the main Plaza in Coron Town. A ticket to Concepcion costs about 250 to 300 PHP per person and takes around an hour.
By Scooter / Motorbike: If you prefer total freedom, rent a scooter in Coron Town. It’s a scenic 45-minute drive west along the paved National Highway.
Top Things to Do in Concepcion & Sagrada
Concepcion Falls
A quick, 10-minute walk through the forest from the main road brings you to Concepcion Falls. Even during the dry season when water flow is lighter, the natural freshwater pool remains a refreshing spot for a cool dip.
Local Hospitality & Boat Transfers with Mrs. Laura
Right across the road from the waterfall trail, Mrs. Laura runs a small bistro serving great coffee and food. She is the local go-to person for organizing private boat trips to Pass Island, booking a tricycle, or asking for local trips. Whatsapp +639156983549
(Tip: Feel free to reach out to us directly, and we can easily put you in touch with Laura and other helpful locals in the area!)
Kayaking Adventures in Sagrada: Mangroves & Hidden Beaches
Just a 15-minute walk from Concepcion lies the quiet neighborhood of Sagrada, perfect for exploring the mangove bay by kayak:
Paddle to Kaniki Island: Rent a kayak at Bella Louise House and navigate through a maze of mangroves toward Kaniki Island. Destination: a quiet, white-sand beach attached to an abandoned resort. While the resort grounds are guarded and off-limits, the beach itself is open to everyone and exceptionally peaceful.
This area is also heaven for bird watchers and wildlife lovers. There are even dugongs coming to the bay occasionally
The Other Side of Busuanga Bay: Marina del Sol & Al Faro
For watersports, craft cocktails, and stunning sunset views, head over to the opposite side of the bay:
Seaplane Wreck Kayak Tour: Adventure seekers can paddle out to the floating wreck of a historic seaplane resting in the bay. Kayak rentals are available at places like Al Fresco, Al Faro, and Busuanga Backpackers.
Al Fresco Busuanga Restaurant: Located near the entrance to Marina del Sol, offering a pool, kayak rentals, scenic bay views, and food (around 750 PHP minimum consumable spend, which can be applied toward kayak rentals).
Al Faro Cosmio Hotel: A short boat ride takes you up to this perched resort overlooking the bay. Expect a magnificent pool, excellent dining, great cocktails, and panoramic views.
More Bay Highlights: Neighboring spots like Busuanga Bay Lodge, Pearl Bay Villas, and Marina del Sol also offer gorgeous pool settings and waterfront dining.
Island Hopping from Concepcion: The Shortcut to Pass Island
Starting your island tour from Concepcion beats starting from Coron Town every single time:
Much Shorter Boat Journeys: Instead of spending 1.5 to 2 hours crossing open water from Coron Town, a local bangka boat from Concepcion gets you to islands like Pass Island in a fraction of the time.
Pass Island: Picture-perfect powdery white sand, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear turquoise water. The vibrant house reef right off the beach makes for world-class snorkeling.
Scuba Diving & Triathlon in Busuanga Bay
Busuanga Bay is a prime base for wreck divers and underwater explorers, as it is closer to some of the famous wrecks :
Beat the Crowds: Diving from Concepcion means your boat is often the very first to reach the famous WWII shipwrecks—long before the big tour boats arrive from Coron Town. No crowded piers, no diving in too large packed groups.
Top-Notch Dive Centers: Two excellent dive centers operate in the bay, coordinating directly with nearby hotels for easy boat pick-ups.
Event Highlight: Every year in mid-January, the bay hosts a community-run Triathlon. It’s a fun, action-packed event centered around sports, community spirit, and side events. For details, get in touch with Al Faro Hotel or Pirate Divers Busuanga.
Where to Stay: Concepcion, Sagrada & Busuanga Bay
Whether you are traveling on a backpacker budget or seeking luxury, the area has options for every style:
Budget & Mid-Range Favorites
BellaLouise Inn: My personal favorite offering a warm atmosphere, beautiful views, exceptionally welcoming hosts, and fantastic food. Excellent value for money.
Busuanga Backpackers: Newly renovated and reopened—ideal for budget travelers and kayak enthusiasts.
Ann and Mike Guest House, Bar & Restaurant: Set right by the sea near the pier. Comfortable rooms, great service, and good food while waiting for your island-hopping boat.
West Atlantic Inn: Clean, fully equipped rooms with quiet air conditioning and tasty food right at the local bus stop.
Unique Stays
Sanctuaria Treehouses: Magical treehouses nestled in nature, overlooking the mangroves with a pool and ultimate peace.
AL FARO Cosmio Hotel Palawan: A unique sanctuary set high up with bay views, warm hospitality, and great activities.
Mid-Range
Stone Manor Inn / Tourist Inn: Very well-maintained property near the pier featuring a pretty garden, swimming pool, and seaside breakfast (don’t miss their pancakes!).
Busuanga Bay Lodge: Tucked away in the southwest, featuring an infinity pool, connected dive center, and its own wine cellar.
Luxury Resorts
Marina del Sol Resort & Yacht Club: Situated on a private peninsula in Puerto del Sol Bay, offering 13 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a pool, and marina vibes.
Pearl Bay Villas Private Resort: Delightful atmosphere, great drinks, and unbeatable sunset views right from the restaurant bar.
connected themes :
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Kayaking
PaddlingTrails & Hidden Waters. Our guide through lagoons and mangroves, rivers and bays.
Pristine Beaches, Local Charm, & Unique Wildlife Adventures.
Embrace the Beauty of Nature in the West.
These budget-friendly trips offer a deep dive into the island’s true spirit that most tourists never see. No boat or bike needed.
Explore Coron’s Iconic Lagoons & Beaches Your Guide to Unforgettable Island Hopping Tours.
