El Nido vs. Coron: What is the best in Palawan ?
Coming to Coron
Coron and El Nido – where are the differences ?
Palawan, a Philippine province, has rightfully been declared one of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations. When Palawan comes up, the names El Nido and Coron are often mentioned, being the most well-known areas in the northern region. Many travelers face the question: Coron or El Nido? We’re here to highlight the similarities and differences between these two captivating areas.
Similarities Between El Nido and Coron
Both El Nido and Coron are breathtaking destinations in Palawan, offering an abundance of nature and adventure. They are famous for their majestic rock formations, pristine beaches, and lagoons. Belonging to the province of Palawan, both are renowned for their stunning limestone karsts and powdery white sand beaches.
Main Activities: Without a doubt, Island Hopping is the absolute highlight in both areas. Snorkeling and diving are also excellent in both locations, boasting rich underwater worlds and vibrant coral reefs. Additionally, both offer opportunities for trekking and adventurous activities like kayaking.
Accommodation and Dining: El Nido and Coron provide accommodation options for every budget, from hostels to luxury resorts. Both are generally considered safe travel destinations for tourists.
Differences Between El Nido and Coron
Despite their similarities, El Nido and Coron have distinct differences that might influence your decisio
Location & Access:
El Nido is a town/area at the northernmost tip of Palawan’s main island. You can arrive directly by flight from Manila or Cebu to El Nido (ENI), or more affordably (but longer) by commercial flight to Puerto Princesa (PPS) followed by a 5-7 hour van or bus transfer. El Nido has a longer tourist history and is noticeably more crowded and touristy than Coron.
Coron Town is located on the neighboring island of Busuanga. Coron Island itself is a protected ancestral domain of the Tagbanwa tribe and is only visited for day trips. Arrival is generally more convenient and slightly cheaper, with flights from Manila or Cebu directly to Busuanga (USU). Coron Town’s center is very compact, with most places easily accessible on foot.
Travel Between Them: A high-speed ferry connects El Nido and Coron (approximately 4 hours, 1800PHP), or you can take a small, 20-minute flight. For those with time seeking a truly unique experience, consider island-hopping with overnight stays between the islands to enjoy absolutely stunning, untouched nature away from the crowds.
Activities and Sights:
Diving: Coron is world-renowned for its World War II shipwreck diving and adventurous freedives in spots like Barracuda Lake. Its coral reefs are generally more vibrant and intact. While El Nido also offers good dive spots, Coron definitely surpasses it in this category.
Beaches: For beaches accessible by land, El Nido generally offers more spectacular options, such as Nacpan Beach, Lio Beach, or Las Cabanas Beach. In Coron, reaching truly spectacular beaches usually requires a boat trip or about an hour’s drive to the island’s north or west.
Island Hopping: While both offer island hopping, tours in El Nido can be very crowded. Coron’s tours often feel more personal, simply due to fewer overall crowds.
Nightlife: El Nido boasts a livelier nightlife with a noticeably larger selection of bars and cafes. Coron’s nightlife is more relaxed and subdued.
Accommodation and Comfort: The choice of accommodation is larger and more varied in El Nido, especially in the mid-range to luxury segments. El Nido makes it easier to find comfort and luxury. In contrast, Coron’s hotel offerings are more polarized, with many private island resorts or budget-friendly hostels.
Coron or El Nido : Which is Better for You ?
The choice between El Nido and Coron largely depends on your personal preferences and desired travel experience.
Coron is the better choice for:
Divers and history enthusiasts, especially due to the impressive World War II shipwrecks.
Travelers seeking less crowded island hopping tours and a quieter, more intimate experience.
Adventure seekers who also want to explore trekking opportunities and unique attractions like the Maquinit Hot Springs, Calauit Safari Park, or snorkel with dugongs.
El Nido is the better choice for:
Beach lovers who want easy access to beautiful beaches by land (scooter rental is recommended).
Travelers who appreciate a lively nightlife and a wider selection of bars and restaurants.
Those who enjoy exploring the island itself and discovering diverse landscapes with rice fields and waterfalls.
Couples seeking a romantic getaway focused on relaxation in high-end hotels and private excursions.
If you have at least 9 to 12 nights planned for your Palawan trip, our recommendation isn’t “El Nido or Coron?”, but rather “El Nido and Coron!” This way, you can experience the best of both worlds and fully enjoy Palawan’s breathtaking diversity. However, you should plan at least 4 days and 3 nights for Coron to truly enjoy it without feeling rushed.
Our general advice for the Philippines is always to plan at least one extra day beyond your initial estimate. Ferries can be delayed or canceled due to high waves, buses can get stuck, or excursions might be postponed. With a little extra time, you’ll enjoy the Philippines much more relaxed.
For travelers with time seeking a special island experience, we highly recommend the three-day island hopping tour between El Nido and Coron. You’ll escape the masses and spend three days enjoying the most beautiful islands and beaches in the region that are not visited by day-trippers. You’ll spend nights in tents or bamboo huts, enjoy starry skies in the evening, and dine right on the beach. This excursion is absolutely worthwhile!
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what you need to know and much more…
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Hotels, Guesthouses, rooms
and cottages in Coron and Busuanga.
Find what suits your needs and your budget.
an overview on flights,
ferry and island-hopping
connections to Coron.
where to eat and drink and
more useful informations about
Coron Town.
