How to spend less in Coron and Busuanga

Saving money in Palawan

Coron on a Budget: Smart Tips for Savvy Travelers

It’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of if you’re traveling on a tight budget. Especially now, with flights becoming pricier and travel costs on the rise, finding ways to save a few pesos is more welcome than ever!

Here are some practical tips to make your visit to Coron more affordable:

Accommodation Choices

Coron Town offers accommodation for every price range. However, during peak season (October to April), the good and affordable options often get fully booked quickly. It pays to book early or consider staying in places slightly outside the town center.

Safe ATM transaction fee

Every foreign card withdrawal in the Philippines incurs an international machine fee of 220 PHP, regardless of the amount you withdraw. Because this fee is fixed per transaction, it is far more economical to make fewer, larger withdrawals rather than multiple small ones.
Most ATMs in Coron cap single withdrawals at 10,000 PHP per transaction. However, the
BPI Bank ATM allows you to withdraw up to 20,000 PHP in a single transaction, effectively halving your withdrawal fees per peso.

Refillable Water vs. Single-Use Plastics

Staying hydrated in the tropical heat adds up quickly if you rely on single-use bottled water.
Daily Savings: Purchasing four 500ml or 1-liter plastic bottles a day at roughly 50 PHP each adds up to 200 PHP per day—or over 1,400 PHP a week.
Eco-Friendly Alternative: Most hostels, guesthouses, and dive centers across Coron offer complimentary filtered water refill stations for guests. Bring a reusable insulated water bottle to keep your drinks cold while keeping cash in your wallet and plastic out of the ocean.

Attractions & Tours

For island hopping, group tours are a fantastic, budget-friendly option. Not only do they come at a lower price, but they’re also a great way to meet fellow travelers.
If you still prefer a private island tour to avoid the crowds, consider approaching other travelers at your hostel or the harbor to see if you can team up to rent a boat with a guide. With a small group of 6 to 8 people, this becomes much more economical than going as a pair.

Use Public Transport

While public transport options on the island are limited, we’ve curated a selection of tours that don’t require renting a bike or hiring a private driver. Explore our top suggestions here..

Free & Budget-Friendly Activities in Coron Town

Exploring Coron on a budget doesn’t mean skipping out on local culture. Here are two fun, totally free activities to check out in town:

Evening Zumba at the Town Fountain: Join the locals for lively evening Zumba sessions by the central fountain. It’s an energetic way to experience town life, and visitors are warmly welcomed to dance along—just remember to show respect for the local community space. Starts mostly at 6pm.

Watch Local Basketball Matches: Basketball is a major passion in the Philippines. Head over to the municipal sports complex in the town center on almost any evening to catch a local game. Grab a seat in the stands, enjoy the high-energy atmosphere, and cheer alongside the local fans for free.

share a private boat tour

Want the experience of a private boat trip but wouldn’t mind sharing it with a few friendly people?
Find other travelers to share a boat with and split the costs.
Here is How

Bargain Hunting

If you’re renting a motorbike, you can often negotiate a better price by renting it for several days. There are many fantastic destinations around Busuanga that you can easily reach by motorbike, without needing a captain and a boat. Check out the tips in our “Exploring Busuanga” section for ideas.

Dining Smart

Coron Town boasts many wonderful restaurants, but also numerous small, local “eateries” (often called carinderias). These casual stalls offer a small selection of local dishes where you can peek into the pots and have a meal prepared for you at often half the price of a regular restaurant.
You can also enjoy your first beer of the evening on a budget. Buy some drinks in the village and take them up to Mount Tapyas (remember to bring everything back down!). It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Just remember, too many beers can make the descent dangerous!

Your Beach Hut Escape

On the west coast of Busuanga lies perhaps the island’s most charming spot: sleepy Ocam Ocam, with its dreamy beach right at your doorstep. Here, you can rent small bamboo huts very affordably and relax by the beach. These huts are typically rented by local families who are also happy to provide you with delicious, budget-friendly meals.

Even when you’re looking to save money, please remember that many people on the island have less than you do. So, save wisely, but avoid being stingy.

Budget Breakdown (in PHP)

Category	Ultra-Budget (Hostel / DIY)	Balanced Budget (Private Room / Mix)
Accommodation	500 – 900 PHP (Dorm bed / Beach hut)	1,200 – 2,200 PHP (Budget private room)
Meals & Water	350 – 600 PHP (Carinderias + market)	700 – 1,200 PHP (Local + 1 tourist restaurant)
Transport	150 – 250 PHP (Shared tricycle / Shared van)	400 – 500 PHP (Motorbike rental split)
Tours & Fees	1,200 – 1,800 PHP (Group tour incl. fees)	1,500 – 2,500 PHP (Shared private boat split)
Est. Daily Total	~2,200 – 3,500 PHP / day	~3,800 – 6,400 PHP / day

connected themes :

01

basic information

what you need to know and much more…
let us feed you with some basic information
and prepare you for your visit

02

accomodation

Hotels, Guesthouses, rooms
and cottages.
Find what suits your needs and your budget.

03

ways to get to Coron

Easiest ways to get here by direct flights , or explore ferry options from El Nido, Puerto Princesa, or Manila.

04

Getting Around

Your Guide to Taxis, Rentals
& Local Transport.
Just hop on.