best Coron travel itinerary – our recommendations
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diy or pre planned tour recommendations
Escape to the North: Hills, Views, and Hidden Gems of Busuanga
For a truly unique and refreshing experience in Coron and Busuanga, plan a day trip to the island’s captivating Northern Coast. This adventure combines stunning hills, hiking views, swimming, and an unforgettable seafood combination, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty.
The Perfect Day Trip
Your adventure begins with a beautiful drive to the North. You’ll pass through picturesque landscapes of rice fields and small villages, eventually reaching the town of San Nicolas. From there, you’ll traverse scenic hills leading to the tranquil northern shore.
Mt. Talapay: Views and Relaxation
Your first major stop is Mt. Talapay. This spot boasts beautiful gardens, providing fantastic scenic views and photo opportunities. The owners have created several highly “Instagrammable” spots within the gardens, but the real highlight is the small pool on top of the mountain. Imagine swimming with a panoramic view overlooking the entire bay—it’s one of the best places to truly relax and unwind.
Benches and hammocks invite you to hang out, read, or just listen to music. While food and drinks are available, it’s best to make a reservation for a full meal. For those seeking to really disconnect, Mt. Talapay even offers unique tree houses for overnight stays.
Hidden Gem: Floating Food and Fun
Just 20 minutes from Mt. Talapay lies a secluded bay featuring two floating houses. Surrounded by lush forest, this is a real hidden gem. They offer food, drinks, and a fun activity: jumping from the roof into the clear, refreshing water! You find them both in the Minangas Bay.
This place is known for its amazing Seafood BBQ—a definite must-try! To ensure a seamless experience, you should reserve your food and inform them of your arrival time. They will then pick you up by small boat at a little bridge. Bring your own drinks. You can buy them in the shop at the other float, just 500 meters from there. Ask the locals.
St. Nicolas Valley Cafe: A Perfect Ending
On your way back, be sure to stop at the St. Nicolas Valley Cafe (located before St. Nicolas Town). This beautiful spot serves great food and drinks (with reservation) and is the perfect place to cap off your day. Sometimes they even show movies in the evening, with the hills and stars as a backdrop. You can even camp here and grill marshmallows and bread on a campfire—it sounds great because it is.
Plan Your Hassle-Free Adventure
To book this unforgettable day trip, including transportation, reservations, and more, contact The-mermaid-Club in Coron town. They can arrange a car and driver for the day, offer discounted bike rental options, or even put together a hassle-free package covering the whole day trip, including transportation and even a nanny if you are traveling with kids.
Trust the mermaids—they are your key to a fantastic, stress-free day spent enjoying the water, nature, and good food of Northern Busuanga.
Blissful Beach Day : Lakdayan’s White Sand Escape
After days of thrilling island hopping, diving, and hiking, you deserve a break. How about a relaxed day on a pristine white sand beach with a cold drink and amazing food? We’re talking about Lakdayan Beach in the North of Busuanga, offering the ultimate rest-and-recharge experience—plus the adventurous option to camp overnight and sleep under the stars!
Getting There: Your Journey, Your Choice
The North offers a scenic escape from the crowds. To reach Lakdayan, you have two great options:
- For the Explorers: Rent a motorbike and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
- For Maximum Comfort: Contact the Mermaids-Agency to arrange a private car and driver, allowing you to simply sit back and enjoy the views. They can also reserve a picknick table and food, swim teacher for kids or Nanny.
Morning: A Refreshing Start at Guchi Falls
Before hitting the coast, make a pit stop near the airport area. Tucked away here is Guchi Falls—a charming, small waterfall featuring a crystal-clear natural pool. It’s the perfect spot for a morning dip to wake up your senses before the tropical heat sets in.
Midday: Sun, Sand, and Adelas Beach Camp
From the falls, a scenic thirty-minute drive brings you to Adelas Beach Camp, widely considered the most beautiful stretch of Lakdayan Beach.
Imagine an endless coastline of powdery white sand shaded by leaning palm trees. The beach features a stunning sandbar that connects you to a nearby islet, perfect for a midday stroll. When you aren’t lounging in a hammock, you’ll be indulging in the local food—which is, quite simply, amazing.
Pro Tip: If you aren’t ready to leave by sunset, Adelas offers the adventurous opportunity to camp overnight. There is nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up under a blanket of stars.
Sunset & Beyond: The Riverhouse Experience
As the day winds down, start your journey back toward Coron, but make sure to stop at The Riverhouse. Perched high on a hill, this hotel offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Busuanga River and Maricaban Bay.
It is the ideal spot for a final break. You can enjoy another world-class meal while watching the sky turn purple. If you stay long enough, you might even witness the magic of the fireflies illuminating the surrounding forest—a truly fairy-tale ending to your northern adventure.
Kayaks, Waterfalls, and Private Islands in Concepcion
Just a 45-minute drive from the busy streets of Coron Town lies Concepcion, a hidden gem that offers a more intimate, laid-back side of Busuanga Island. If you’re craving a day (or two) filled with hidden airplane wrecks, lush mangroves, and postcard-perfect beaches, this is the place to be.
Here is how to make the most of your trip to Concepcion.
Chasing Waterfalls: Concepcion Falls
Nestled in the forest between Concepcion and Sagrada village, you’ll find Concepcion Falls. While it isn’t a massive cascade, this charming waterfall features a refreshing natural pool perfect for a cool dip. It’s the ideal “starter” for your day of adventure when combined with the activities nearby.
Choose Your Own Kayaking Adventure
Concepcion is a paddler’s paradise, offering three distinct ways to explore its waters:
- For Snorkelers: Head to Bella Lou Guesthouse. Rent a kayak here to paddle through lush mangroves toward a secluded beach with a vibrant reef and frequent turtle sightings.
Bonus: The food at Bella Lou is absolutely delicious and worth the stop alone. - For the Adventurous: Did you know there is an airplane wreck hidden in a labyrinth of mangroves? Exploring this area by kayak feels like a scene from an adventure movie.
Visit Busuanga Backpackers Hostel or Al Fresco Restaurant to rent a kayak. Paddling through this bay offers stunning nature views.
Local Tip: If you want a “day club” vibe, Al Frescois a must. For a 750 PHP walk-in fee (which you get back as a voucher for food and drinks), you can spend the day using their pool and soaking in the best panoramic views of the bay.
Pass Island: The Tropical Dream
If you’ve ever imagined a picture-book tropical island, Pass Island is it. Think blindingly white sand and turquoise water. The snorkeling here is fantastic, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle gliding by.
How to get there: You can easily rent a small boat and captain in town. We recommend checking with Ann & Mike’s Guesthouse or the small shop located next to the West Atlantic Hotel.
Why Not Stay the Night?
There is simply too much to see in Concepcion for just a few hours. To truly soak in the magic, consider staying overnight at one of these unique spots:
For a “Home Away From Home”: You’ll feel like part of the family immediately at Bella Lou or Mike & Ann’s.
For Special Experiance & Views: The Sanctuary Treehouses offer an eco-chic experience, while Al Faro provides unmatched hilltop elegance.
Shhh… Don’t Tell Too Many People: The Magic of Ocam Ocam
We’ll be honest: we debated whether or not to even write this. We love Ocam Ocam exactly as it is—quiet, authentic, and tucked away from the main tourist trail. But if you’re looking for the one experience that will define your Philippines vacation, this is it.
Our best advice? Don’t just visit—stay the night or more.
The Journey: The Scenic Route
Located on the western tip of Busuanga, the drive from Coron Town takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s a beautiful journey that deserves a few stops along the way:
- Cool Down: Take a refreshing dip at Concepcion Falls.
- Fuel Up: Grab a snack or a delicious meal at Bella Louise House, Vincemma Pit Stop, or Winnie’s Restaurant.
Transport Tip: If you want to ride yourself, look for discounted rates for motorbike rentals longer than two days. Prefer a smoother ride? The team at the Mermaid-Club in Coron can arrange a private van and driver or help with your reservations.
The Destination: Ocam Ocam Beach
Ocam Ocam is a “sweet spot” for tourism—it’s small, intimate, and incredibly peaceful. There are several cozy accommodations right on the sand, allowing you to wake up to the sound of the ocean.
The vibe here is slow, the locals are friendly, and the sunsets are legendary. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
The Highlight: Black Island trips
The main reason to base yourself at Ocam Ocam is its proximity to Black Island. Rent a boat from the beach, and within a short ride, you’ll arrive at a place that looks like a movie set.
- Looming Limestone Cliffs: Massive black rocks create a dramatic backdrop.
- Hidden Caves: Explore the inland caves with natural swimming pools.
- Crystal Clear Snorkeling: A shipwreck and vibrant coral reefs sit just offshore.
Want to Learn More?
For a deeper dive into the surrounding areas, check out our featured articles on the “Busuanga South Coast” and “West Coast” or visit the official Ocam Ocam website.
