El Nido and Coron, both in Palawan, Philippines, are famous for their stunning landscapes. Choosing between them can be tough since both offer incredible island hopping, beaches, and underwater adventures. This article will help you decide which Palawan paradise best fits your travel style and preferences.
Island Hopping Adventures
Let’s talk about the heart of any trip to El Nido or Coron: island hopping! This is where you get to see the amazing lagoons, beaches, and hidden spots these places are known for.
El Nido Island Hopping: El Nido offers different island hopping tours, usually named Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D. Each tour takes you to different locations, so you’ll need to decide what you want to see most.
Tour A is probably the most popular. It usually includes the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach. The Big Lagoon is a must-see, where you can kayak through calm, turquoise waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Tour B takes you to places like Snake Island (a sandbar shaped like a snake), Pinagbuyutan Island, and Entalula Beach. It’s often a bit less crowded than Tour A.
Tour C is for those who love snorkeling and diving. It usually visits Helicopter Island (which looks like a helicopter from afar), Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, and Tapiutan Island.
Tour D is all about relaxing on beaches like Ipil Ipil Beach and Pasandigan Beach. It’s a good option if you want a more laid-back day.
Coron Island Hopping: Coron also has several island hopping tours, with similar names like Tour A, B, C, and D, but the destinations are different.
Coron’s Tour A, although commonly named as simply the “Coron Island Tour,” usually includes Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons, Skeleton Wreck, and CYC Beach. Kayangan Lake is incredibly clear and a popular spot for swimming and taking photos. Twin Lagoons is unique because you can swim through a small opening to get from one lagoon to the other.
Coron doesn’t strictly have Tours labeled B, C and D, but different tours take you to locations like Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island, Pass Island, and Lusong Gunboat & Coral Garden. These islands often have stunning white sand beaches and excellent snorkeling.
Another popular tour focuses on the calmer waters around Coron West, where you will find hidden gems like the Siete Pecados Marine Park, ideal for snorkeling.
Which Island Hopping is Better? This depends on what you’re looking for! El Nido’s tours often involve more kayaking and exploring lagoons. Coron’s tours often emphasize incredible visibility for snorkeling and diving in incredibly clear waters. Both are breathtaking, but they offer slightly different experiences. If you love hidden lagoons and kayaking, El Nido might be for you. If you want amazing underwater visibility and breathtaking lakes nestled in limestone cliffs, Coron might be a better fit.
Beaches and Landscapes
Both El Nido and Coron offer gorgeous beaches and amazing landscapes, but they have their own distinct feels. Let’s take a look.
El Nido Beaches and Landscapes: El Nido is known for its towering limestone cliffs that rise directly from the sea. This creates a dramatic and stunning backdrop for its beaches. Many beaches are relatively small and secluded, often accessible only by boat. Nacpan Beach near El Nido town is a wide and long stretch of golden sand that’s perfect for walking and relaxing. Las Cabanas Beach is popular for its stunning sunset views and the zipline that crosses the bay.
Coron Beaches and Landscapes: Coron’s landscapes are equally dramatic, but perhaps a little more rugged. While El Nido has more hidden lagoons nestled within its limestone formations, Coron typically has more open bodies of water nestled among its limestone hills. The beaches around Coron are also beautiful, with pristine white sand and crystal clear waters, however some beaches may have jagged rocks or sharper sand closer to the shoreline. Malcapuya Island is a postcard-perfect island with powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Banana Island (shaped like a banana, of course!) is another popular choice for its calm waters and relaxing atmosphere.
Which Beaches and Landscapes are Better? Again, it depends on what you’re looking for. El Nido is known for the lagoons, while Coron is known for lakes, wrecks, and unobstructed visibility in the water. El Nido has more beaches with fine powdery sand. The choice depends on your preference – do you want that dramatic backdrop of limestone cliffs, or something a bit more open?
Diving and Snorkeling
If you’re a fan of underwater adventures, both El Nido and Coron will impress you. However, they offer quite different diving and snorkeling experiences.
El Nido Diving and Snorkeling: El Nido has some decent snorkeling sites, with colorful coral and lots of fish. The visibility isn’t always as good as in Coron, but it’s still worth exploring. There are dive sites for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers, but it is worth noting that this area has stronger currents than Coron. You can find sea turtles, reef sharks, and many other marine creatures here.
Coron Diving and Snorkeling: Coron is world-famous for its wreck diving. During World War II, a fleet of Japanese ships was sunk in Coron Bay. Today, these wrecks are home to a diverse array of marine life and offer incredible diving experiences. The visibility in Coron is often outstanding, making it a diver’s paradise. Even if you’re not a diver, the snorkeling in Coron is fantastic. Siete Pecados Marine Park is a popular snorkeling spot with vibrant coral and lots of colorful fish. Kayangan Lake also offers great snorkeling in incredibly clear water.
Which is Better for Diving and Snorkeling? If you’re into wreck diving, Coron hands down wins. It’s one of the best places in the world to explore sunken ships. If you prefer more general reef diving and snorkeling, both El Nido and Coron have their merits. Consider the visibility, which is generally better in Coron.
Ease of Access & Getting Around
How easy is it to get to each place, and how easy is it to move around once you’re there? Availability of flights, boats, and general infrastructure all influence travel experiences.
El Nido Access: El Nido has its own airport, El Nido Airport (also known as Lio Airport). You can fly directly to El Nido from Manila and other major cities. However, keep in mind that flights to El Nido are often more expensive than flights to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. From Puerto Princesa, you can take a van or bus to El Nido, which takes around 5-6 hours. Once you’re in El Nido town, you can get around by tricycle or rent a motorbike.
Coron Access: Coron also has its own airport, Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU). You can fly directly to Coron from Manila and other cities. From the airport, it’s a short tricycle ride to Coron town. Getting around Coron town is easy by tricycle. You can also rent motorbikes, but be aware that some roads can be rough.
Which is Easier to Access and Get Around? Both are relatively easy to access thanks to their own airports, which saves lots of travel time by land. However, flights to El Nido’s Lio Airport are historically way more expensive. Coron sometimes wins in terms of flight budgets to USU airport. Getting around within each town is pretty similar, mainly by tricycle.
Accommodations and Budget
Let’s talk about where you can stay and how much you can expect to spend in El Nido and Coron.
El Nido Accommodations & Budget: El Nido offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. You can find guesthouses and backpacker hostels in El Nido town. If you’re looking for something more upscale, you can find resorts on the islands or in the outskirts of town. Expect to pay more for accommodations in El Nido compared to Coron, on average. Island hopping tours in El Nido are generally a bit more expensive. Food can also be slightly pricier in El Nido, especially in touristy areas. According to various travel blogs and websites, a comfortable daily budget for El Nido could be around $50-$100 USD per person, depending on your travel style.
Coron Accommodations & Budget: Coron also has a good selection of accommodations, but it tends to be slightly more budget-friendly than El Nido. You can find plenty of guesthouses and hotels in Coron town. There are also some resorts on the outskirts of town and on nearby islands. Island hopping tours in Coron are typically a bit cheaper than in El Nido. Food is generally more affordable in Coron. A comfortable daily budget for Coron could be around $40-$80 USD per person.
Which is Better for Accommodation and Budget? Coron generally offers better value for money in terms of accommodations and overall travel costs. You can find decent places to stay and enjoy the islands without breaking the bank. But this also depends on your travel preference.
Nightlife and Activities
What can you do after the sun goes down in El Nido and Coron?
El Nido Nightlife: El Nido has a livelier nightlife scene compared to Coron. You can find bars and restaurants along the beach that stay open late, with music, drinks, and fire dancing shows. Pukka Bar is a popular spot with live music. Republica Sunset Bar is another good option for enjoying drinks with a view.
Coron Nightlife: Coron’s nightlife is more laid-back. There are some bars and restaurants, but they tend to close earlier. Some bars have happy hour deals and live music. Overall , the nightlife in Coron is less focused on late night parties and more on enjoying the island vibes.
Which Has Better Nightlife? If you’re looking for a more active nightlife scene, El Nido is the better choice. But if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, Coron is perfectly fine.
Crowds and Atmosphere
How crowded do these places get, and what’s the overall vibe like?
El Nido Crowds: El Nido has become very popular in recent years, and it can get crowded, especially during peak season (December to April). Some lagoons and beaches can feel overrun with tourists. However, you can still find quieter spots if you’re willing to go off the beaten path.
Coron Crowds: Coron also attracts a lot of tourists, but it generally feels less crowded than El Nido. While some popular spots like Kayangan Lake can get busy, you can often find quieter beaches and snorkeling sites.
Which is Less Crowded? Coron often feels less crowded than El Nido, especially during the busiest times of the year. Although both places have their peak seasons, the geographical area of Coron is wider than El Nido, therefore it feels less packed.
Overall Experience
Let’s sum up the overall experience of visiting El Nido and Coron.
El Nido: El Nido is a perfect mix of adventure and beautiful scenery. It offers stunning landscapes, hidden lagoons, and a vibrant atmosphere. But be prepared for crowds and higher prices. According to TripAdvisor, El Nido is highly rated for its beaches, scenery and island tours.
Coron: Coron is a great place for diving and snorkeling, and it offers a glimpse into history. It’s also generally more budget-friendly and less crowded than El Nido. According to the Department of Tourism Philippines, Coron is increasingly being recognized as a sustainable tourism destination.
Which Experience is Better? This depends on your priorities. If you want a mix of adventure, nightlife, and stunning scenery, and you don’t mind crowds, El Nido might be a better fit. If you’re into diving, snorkeling, and want a more relaxed and budget-friendly experience, Coron is a great choice.
Weather Considerations
Palawan generally enjoys a tropical climate, but understanding the weather patterns in El Nido and Coron can significantly impact your trip.
El Nido Weather: The dry season in El Nido runs from November to May. During this time, you can expect sunny skies, calm seas, and pleasant temperatures. The wet season is from June to October, with heavier rainfall and the potential for typhoons. Sea conditions can be rougher during the wet season, which might affect island hopping tours.
Coron Weather: Coron follows a similar weather pattern to El Nido, with a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October. However, some travelers report slightly better weather conditions in Coron during certain months of the wet season compared to El Nido. This is subjective and worth researching closer to your planned travel dates. You can check the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) PAGASA’s website for weather updates.
Conservation Efforts and Responsible Tourism
Both El Nido and Coron face environmental challenges due to increasing tourism. Supporting responsible tourism practices is crucial to preserving these beautiful destinations.
El Nido Conservation: El Nido has implemented several initiatives to protect its environment, including regulating the number of tourists allowed on certain tours and promoting sustainable waste management. It’s important to choose tour operators that follow responsible tourism guidelines and minimize their impact on the environment.
Coron Conservation: Coron is also working on sustainable tourism initiatives, such as promoting eco-friendly accommodations and supporting local communities. Be mindful of your waste, avoid using single-use plastics, and respect the local culture.
Local Culture and Food
Immerse yourself in the local culture and savor the delicious food that El Nido and Coron have to offer.
El Nido Culture and Food: El Nido town offers a greater variety of restaurants catering to different tastes. You can find Italian, French, and other international cuisines alongside Filipino dishes. Try fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local specialties like adobo and sinigang.
Coron Culture and Food: Coron town has a more traditional Filipino feel, with local eateries serving authentic Filipino cuisine. Try the fresh seafood, especially the grilled squid and fish. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local delicacies like cashew nuts and seaweeds.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to El Nido or Coron.
Q: Which is better for families with young children, El Nido or Coron?
A: Coron might be slightly better for families with young children. The water visibility is superior and calmer, offering safer snorkeling. Additionally, generally, accommodations are less expensive. However, both locations offer calm beaches suitable for young children.
Q: How many days should I spend in El Nido and Coron?
A: Aim for at least 3-4 days in each location to fully experience their highlights. You could easily spend a week or more in each place if you want to explore more thoroughly.
Q: Is it possible to visit both El Nido and Coron in one trip?
A: Yes, it is possible! There are ferries that connect El Nido and Coron, although the trip can take several hours. You can also fly between the two via Manila or Busuanga to save time.
Q: What is the best time to visit El Nido and Coron?
A: The best time to visit both El Nido and Coron is during the dry season (November to May) for sunny skies and calm seas.
Q: Do I need to book tours in advance?
A: It’s highly recommended to book tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability. You can book tours online or through your hotel.
References
TripAdvisor
Department of Tourism Philippines
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
Ready to dive into the Palawan paradise that’s calling your name? Don’t just dream about those turquoise waters and limestone cliffs – start planning your adventure today! Whether it’s the vibrant atmosphere of El Nido or the breathtaking wrecks of Coron, your unforgettable journey awaits, book your flights and accommodations!
