The Filipino province of Palawan is blessed with two of the most beautiful island destinations in the world, Coron and El Nido. Known as the last frontier of the Philippines, this region is one of the most biologically diverse in Southeast Asia. And with its soaring limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and brilliant white sandy beaches, it’s a dream come true for most travelers. Both destinations provide their own unique experiences though, and deciding which one to visit can be difficult. Having lived in the Philippines and visited both areas multiple times, I’ve created this guide to help you decide whether Coron or El Nido is a better choice for your travels.
I recommend booking an El Nido to Coron Expedition with Big Dream Boatman to experience the best of both locations in a relaxed and authentic way.
Coron VS El Nido: Which is Better?
If you don’t have time to read the entire guide, here are the key differences between El Nido and Coron. Coron is generally better for ocean lovers and those looking for a relaxing trip, whereas El Nido is better for those seeking a lively tropical atmosphere.
El Nido is a more developed tourist destination with several distinct areas to stay in, each having its own vibe. I’d never recommend visiting either Coron or El Nido and not going island hopping, but in El Nido, you’d still get to enjoy beach days and a vacation atmosphere without going on island hopping tours such as Tour A.
Coron on the other hand, has a much less appealing town center to stay in, and no nice beach in town. That said, it’s known for its world-class snorkeling and diving. There are gorgeous beaches on islands you’ll visit on island hopping tours. The hotels and resorts just outside of town can also feel much more peaceful than staying in the bustling beaches of El Nido.
Honestly, both are wonderful and in my opinion, the best way to experience them both is through Big Dream Boatman‘s El Nido to Coron crossing!
Where to Visit: Coron vs El Nido
In an ideal world, you wouldn’t have to choose between visiting Coron or El Nido, but for many travelers, this question is a thorn in their holiday planning. Although it largely depends on personal preferences, I’ve included a few sections below to help you choose which island destination is best for your travels. I’ve started with a brief comparison of Coron vs El Nido, followed by how to travel to either location. I then compare things to do and accommodation in both places.
Personally, I love Coron for its historic shipwrecks and incredible snorkeling. If you like being underwater, Coron is easily the better choice. That said, I’m getting married in El Nido because I love the vibe of this beach town, and knew my friends and family would too. If you want a fun time outside of tours, El Nido is the better option.
It’s important to note, however, that both Coron and El Nido offer both luxury private island resorts and party hostels. You can definitely experience both at either location!
Before going further with details comparing Coron vs El Nido, I want to repeat that my favorite way to see both destinations is by doing an El Nido to Coron crossing. Over 4 days and 3 nights, you’ll explore the most beautiful (and remote) islands, reefs, and sandbars between El Nido and Coron.
I sailed with Big Dream Boatman and it was the best way to experience Palawan. I’ve written a full review of my Coron island hopping with them if you want to read more.
Coron Compared to El Nido
Coron is the best choice if you’re passionate about diving and don’t need an amazing vibe outside of island hopping tours and dive trips. Several cheap hotels just outside of town also offer a peaceful environment perfect for a romantic getaway or a memorable family vacation.
For discerning travelers, Coron also has the newest and most opulent overwater bungalows in the Philippines, at SETIR. The private island resorts in Coron are highly coveted vacation spots for Manila’s jetset.
If you’re staying in Coron and expecting a beach holiday though, you might be disappointed. There’s no beach in town, and you’ll need to book island-hopping excursions to enjoy a beach day. Unfortunately, visiting Coron’s most famous sites on public tours means you may be sharing the beach with quite a lot of people.
If you’re set on diving but want to avoid the crowds, I recommend Sangat Island Dive Resort, located on a private island just a short boat ride from some of the region’s historic wreck dives.
Other fun things to do in Coron include hiking Mt Tapyas, visiting Maquinit Hot Springs, water sports, and of course, island hopping and diving!
El Nido Compared to Coron
El Nido is the best option if you’re a backpacker, solo traveler, or want beach time outside of tours. For luxury travelers, the region is also home to some of the most exclusive hotels in the Philippines, with romantic beachfront hotels dotting the gorgeous Bacuit Bay.
El Nido Town has beautiful limestone cliffs you can admire right from your hotel room. There are also several beaches near and far where you can find solitude in an otherwise popular tourist destination. Although I’ve noted Coron’s incredible diving, El Nido is also a world-class island-hopping destination. Its famous lagoons and idyllic islands are popular for a reason!
And if you’re a bit adventurous, you can kayak to a few of them yourself from the mainland. I was even invited by Redbull for their cliff diving competition in El Nido!
Another favorite memory of mine in El Nido is watching beautiful sunsets from Las Cabañas Beach, or seeing the sunrise from Taraw Cliffs. There’s a string of great beachfront bars and restaurants on El Nido’s most popular beaches that also make for incredible sunset locations.
How to Travel to Coron vs El Nido
Most visitors travel to Coron & El Nido by plane. Both destinations have a nearby airport offering daily domestic flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark International airports. Travelers flying into Coron arrive at Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga), a 30 – 45 minute drive north of Coron Town. Travelers flying into El Nido arrive at either Lio Airport (El Nido), a 15-minute drive north of El Nido, or Puerto Princesa International Airport, a 5-hour drive south of El Nido.
It’s not uncommon for travelers to visit both Coron & El Nido, by taking a local ferry rather than the more expensive direct flight with AirSwift. I’ve written a complete guide on how to get from El Nido to Coron, but again, my favorite way to complete this transit is through an El Nido to Coron Crossing with Big Dream Boatman.
Just to note, traveling to El Nido is cheaper than Coron if you’re willing to fly to Puerto Princesa and then take a 5-hour shared transfer. I always regret this choice, but it’s a great way to get a bargain on flights!
Using Big Dream Boatman to visit El Nido & Coron
If you’re traveling in Palawan and want to experience the best of both El Nido and Coron’s island-hopping, I highly recommend booking an expedition with Big Dream Boatman. They’re a locally operated, bespoke tour company that specializes in off-the-beaten-path destinations and showcasing Palawan’s iconic sites – as privately as possible.
By visiting incredible (but popular) places like Kayangan Lake, Paradise Beach, and Twin Lagoons outside of day trip tour times, they avoid the crowds and create a more magical, private atmosphere. If you want to see the beauty of Palawan without the sea of life jackets – and double your tour time as a transit, this is the best choice.
- Time: 4 days/3 nights
- Price: $600
- Luggage: 20kg allowance
- Private island hopping
- Stay in local accommodations
- Includes all meals, equipment, & lodging
- Visit pristine islands, reefs, and sandbars
- Customizable itinerary
It’s a locally run company. I’ve met all the staff and their families, and we’ve even done cleanups together in Coron. They’re good, genuine people who care about their community and want to make a positive impact. It’s an awesome way to travel sustainably, make some great friends, and experience beautiful, remote islands.
The tour also takes you to the classic spots in both El Nido & Coron, either before or after the rush of public tours, ensuring a private and relaxed getaway. I got to visit secluded beaches, swim with stingrays, dine under the stars, and freedive at incredible sites without the crowds that often accompany Palawan’s most famous sites.
Things to do in Coron vs El Nido
If you’re wondering what to do in Coron vs El Nido, the following are my favorite recommendations. Both destinations offer beautiful island-hopping tours that visit blue lagoons and breathtaking beaches. They both even have an infamous hike that starts in town.
Things to do in Coron
As I’ve mentioned earlier, Coron should be your choice if you’re a diver, freediver, or love being in the water. While El Nido also has gorgeous island hopping, Coron’s wealth of dive sites, shipwrecks, lagoons, and lakes make it one of the world’s premiere diving locations. The following are the best things to do in Coron in addition to island hopping!
Hike Mount Tapyas
Mt Tapyas is the most popular viewpoint in Coron Town, with sweeping views over the rolling hills and islands of Coron Bay. The view doesn’t come easy though, with 721 steps between you and the summit!
Go Wreck Diving
If you’re a passionate diver, this has to be at the top of your Coron bucket list. Coron is home to several Japanese WWII shipwrecks, some possible for new scuba divers on “discovery dives”. Even snorkelers can enjoy swimming above these historic wrecks.
Visit Maquinit Hot Springs
Maquinit Hot Springs is one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world. With temperatures around 38 – 41 °C (100 – 106 °F), it’s best visited in the late afternoon due to Coron’s already warm climate. At only a 30-minute tricycle ride from town, it’s a must-do for most Coron visitors.
Snorkel at Coral Garden
Coral Garden is one of the best snorkeling sites in Coron. With a vibrant reef, clear waters, and accessible depth, it’s one of the best places to visit outside of Coron Island’s iconic sites.
Things to do in El Nido
El Nido is the perfect place to visit if you want plenty of options to stay active while also being able to just lounge on the beach. Unlike Coron Town, El Nido has several beaches. There’s also bustling nightlife and plenty to do around the area. It’s my recommendation if you want a trip with a fun vibe.
Try the Zipline
The El Nido Zipline takes you for a thrilling ride over Las Cabañas Beach to Depeldet Island. It’s a fun way to see the views of Bacuit Bay and makes for a solid hike in the midday sun if you make the same mistake as I did.
Hike Taraw Peak
Taraw Peak is one of my favorite short hikes in Southeast Asia. It’s a great way to start your day in El Nido with an adrenaline rush. Unlike Mount Tapyas in Coron, there aren’t any stairs, but rather, scrambling. I recommend going with a local guide!
Go Chasing Waterfalls
El Nido has several hidden waterfalls, including Bulalacao Falls, Nacpan Falls, and Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls. These make for a great way to cool off during the summer and are a fun way to see the region outside of island hopping.
Lounge at the Beach
El Nido is blessed with many beaches. From the basic beach in El Nido Town proper to Corong Corong’s epic sunsets just south of town, Lio Beach’s chill vibes 10 minutes north, and Nacpan Beach’s fine white sands a half-hour away, there’s a beach for any vibe in El Nido.
The Best Time to Visit Coron vs El Nido
To experience the breathtaking islands of Coron and El Nido at their finest, you’ll want to visit during the dry season, from November to May. This period sees the most stable weather, with conditions that are ideal for sightseeing and island hopping. Visiting in the shoulder seasons of November and May can provide a decent trade off between discounted travel and ideal weather.
If you plan on visiting El Nido, April will be your best bet, as the Amihan monsoon can cause adverse wind conditions earlier in the year. It’s worth noting that April and May are very warm though! Additionally, it’s wise to avoid traveling in the week leading up to Easter Sunday. This is Holy Week in the Philippines, and often sees a surge in domestic travel (and prices).
If you’re looking to attend some events on your trip, Coron hosts the Festival of Islands in December which is a celebration of the Calamian Islands which includes traditional music, dance and games, as well as an array of local food.
How Long to Spend in Coron vs El Nido
I recommend a full 4 days in El Nido and 3 days in Coron. This allows you to do multiple island hopping tours, and also have a rest day between sightseeing. Both Coron and El Nido offer 4 standard tours, A, B, C, D. My recommendation is to do at least two!
Because El Nido also has Nacpan Beach (a 45-minute drive away), I recommend adding the extra day in El Nido to take a day trip to Nacpan. In addition to island hopping, El Nido also has great beach clubs and restaurants to spend extra days and nights in the area. Unless you’re a diver, or prefer slow travel, 3-4 days in Coron is fine for most visitors.
Where to Stay in Coron vs El Nido (The Complete Guide)
For travelers wondering which location is better to stay in, Coron or El Nido, the following is a summary of accommodations you can expect at either location. Both islands have a variety of mid-range, luxury, and budget accommodation options that cater to all tastes.
Where to Stay in Coron vs El Nido (Coron Accommodations)
Coron is a sleepier town than the more developed tourist hub of El Nido. However, it still offers accommodations to suit all budgets and styles of travel. Those considering Coron also benefit from lower costs in Coron compared to El Nido. Here are my top recommendations for luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations in Coron.
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort is my pick for the best luxury resort in Coron. Located on a peninsula on Bulalacao Island, guests arrive via a complimentary 45-minute boat ride from Coron Town. Its idyllic setting in the Bay affords sweeping views of turquoise waters, emerald islands, and sunrises and sunsets from its two beaches. Guests can choose from 46 bungalows and casitas scattered across the palm-tree-laden grounds. I recommend booking an island-tip bungalow with a private pool.
Apart from its beautiful grounds and well-appointed rooms, the Two Seasons offers a host of amenities. Guests enjoy access to a fitness center, aqua sports, and the Narra Spa. There’s also a karaoke room and the Bahura bar for entertainment, and the Sulu Restaurant for relaxed fine dining. With all this on offer in a sustainable way, the Two Seasons Coron is my favorite luxury resort in Coron, and a worthy competitor to El Nido’s private island resorts.
Click Here to view the current rates and availability of Two Seasons Coron
Paolyn Houseboats
Paolyn Houseboats is my choice for the most unique accommodation in Coron. These floating houseboats are set in Laknisan lagoon on Coron Island, and staffed by members of the Indigenous Tagbauna tribe. Coron Island is owned by this tribe, and Paolyn is one of the only tourist accommodations they’ve allowed on their land. This special privilege allows guests at Paolyn to enjoy Coron’s famous sites outside of official tour times, providing a nearly private experience.
The accommodations range from simple double rooms to entire houseboats with space for 40 guests. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the turquoise lagoon and expansive decks with direct lagoon access. Guests can enjoy complimentary watersports in the lagoon, and paddle themselves to the iconic Twin Lagoons. Other nearby attractions include Kayangan and Barracuda Lake. For a one-of-a-kind experience with a positive local impact, Paolyn Houseboats is one of the most unique accommodations in Coron.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Paolyn Houseboats
The Ridge Coron
The Ridge Coron is my favorite mid-range hotel in Coron. This comfortable inn sits atop a hill in town, with free tricycle transfers up and down the slope. Its vantage point affords beautiful sea views from many of its rooms and its rooftop restaurant. Guests can choose from cozy Twin Bed accommodations to Double Rooms with either sea or mountain views. I recommend booking a Double Room for their private terraces.
The Ridge has a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a cafe. Guests recommend the pizza and daily breakfast selections. For activities, guests can rent bicycles free of charge, and the staff is happy to assist in tour bookings and sightseeing suggestions. If you’re wondering where to stay in Coron for great value, the Ridge Coron is your best bet.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Ridge Coron
Outpost Hostel Coron
Outpost Hostel Coron is my personal recommendation for the best hostel in Coron. The hostel offers both dormitories and private rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning and fans. This makes it a great choice for both budget travelers and those just interested in meeting new people and enjoying a good vibe.
The key draw to Outpost is its great rooftop deck and infinity pool. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny rest day, and makes for incredible sunsets. The onsite restaurant serves Filipino fusion at affordable prices, while the bar provides plenty of entertainment. Although its a great place to meet other travelers, the bar closes at 11:00 pm every night, making the hostel a great place to rest between Coron adventures. For this reason, Outpost Hostel is one of the best hostels in Coron for backpackers and fun-loving travelers.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Outpost Hostel
Where to Stay in El Nido vs Coron (El Nido Accommodations)
El Nido is one of my favorite places to visit in the Philippines. Unfortunately, many people share similar sentiments, meaning it’s one of the most popular (and expensive) places to travel in the country. Those considering El Nido vs Coron should be ready to book earlier and pay a bit extra for accommodations in El Nido. That said, the region has an incredibly diverse range of resorts, hotels, and hostels. The following are my favorites!
Pangulasian Island by El Nido Resorts
Pangulasian Island has long been El Nido’s most alluring private island resort. This tempting hideaway is an eco-luxury haven, with only 42 villas spread across a pristine beachfront and jungle hilltop. Guests can choose from beachfront villas, pool villas, canopy villas with treetop views or my favorite, the Kalaw Villas for a truly secluded escape. Each of the suites boasts modern amenities combined with traditional Filipino architecture, creating a best-in-class offering for discerning travelers.
As one of the Philippines’ most exclusive hotels, Pangulasian provides a wealth of amenities. Naturally, the island offers incredible sunrises and sunsets, with its south-facing beach making for incredible panoramas of Bacuit Bay. As for facilities, it boasts a fitness center, multiple pools, island tours, and the Amianan restaurant serving international cuisine. Guests can also indulge in spa treatments, explore the island with water sports, or simply lounge in the comfort of their spacious villas. With its gorgeous natural setting and exquisite accommodations, Pangulasian is one of the best places to stay in El Nido.
Click Here to view the current rates and availability of Pangulasian
Nacpan Beach Glamping
Nacpan Beach Glamping is my choice for the most unique accommodations in El Nido. Located on Nacpan Beach, this glamping spot is about 40 minutes north of El Nido. The secluded beachfront resort offers luxurious and exotic accommodations and gorgeous grounds. Guests love the tall coconut trees and tropical gardens surrounding the glamping domes.
As for amenities, guests have air conditioning units in each tent, an outdoor pool, a restaurant & bar, and a delicious complimentary breakfast. The resort’s Nacpan Beach setting affords guests direct access to one of the best beaches in the region, perfect for sunrises and sunsets without other tourists. Considering its aesthetic design and great hospitality, Nacpan Beach Glamping is my favorite unique accommodation in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Nacpan Beach Glamping
Sea Cocoon Hotel
Sea Cocoon Hotel is my favorite mid-range hotel in El Nido. I stayed here for the first time in 2015, and since then, the hotel has been renovated and continues to impress guests with its great value and service. The hotel features 44 cozy rooms, with some offering beautiful views of Bacuit Bay or the mountains. Guests can choose from standard twin rooms or family rooms with space to accommodate 4. Each room offers air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a complimentary breakfast.
Amenities at Sea Cocoon include a beautiful rooftop restaurant and an outdoor pool. A highlight is the delicious complimentary breakfast served with sea views. Guests also note the convenient location, warm hospitality, and great value that Sea Cocoon offers. For these reasons, it’s one of the best value places in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sea Cocoon Hotel
Frendz Hostel
Frendz Hostel is the top-rated hostel in El Nido. Boasting a rooftop pool with sea views, this hostel is known for being a great place to meet new people while enjoying a comfortable and affordable stay. Guests can book dormitory rooms or private rooms with two full beds and a private bathroom. The hostel features a clean, modern aesthetic, with a trendy lounge and multi-story foyer.
Guests at Frendz can enjoy access to the beautiful rooftop pool, a restaurant & bar, in-house tours, and games facilities. Best of all, the hostel has a convenient, central location, and an exceptional staff. For a great vibe at a friendly price, Frendz is the best hostel in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Frendz Hostel
Conclusion: Coron vs El Nido: Which One is Better?
That’s it for my complete guide comparing Coron vs El Nido. Hopefully, you were able to pick the best island to visit for your upcoming stay. Even better, maybe you’ll decide to visit both with Big Dream Boatman! I’ve also included links to some of my other Palawan articles that might help in your travel planning. As always, happy travels!
ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?
- Best Island Hopping Experience: (4 Days & 3 Nights) Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review.
- My Ultimate Travel Guide: Coron Travel Guide: 25 Awesome Things To Do
- A detailed activity schedule for you: Ultimate Coron Itinerary for 3-4 Days
- A comprehensive accommodation guide: 20 Best Places to Stay in Coron
- Best activity that is not in the water: Mt. Tapyas Hike for the best view in Coron.
Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:
- Read my blog post about Kayangan Lake
- Read my blog about Black Island
- Read my blog about Barracuda Lake
- Read my blog about Lusong Gunboat
3 POPULAR CORON TOURS
- Coron Island Hopping Trip: The iconic boat trip to amazing Kayangan Lake & Barracuda Lake. Best value and most popular
- Coron Tour B: Barracuda Lake Snorkel, Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon & Skeleton Wreck. This is my favorite island hopping in Coron and is the snorkeling paradise & active tour.
- Coron Tour C : Malcapuya Beach, Ditaytayan Sandbar and more. This tour is about beaches, sandbars and chilling out!
WHERE TO STAY IN CORON TOWN
Coron Town is the base for all of your adventures in Coron. In Coron Town you have the bars, restaurants, transport, places to book tours and you are close to Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring. It is also just a $3 shuttle to the airport. Below are my three picks plus one all-inclusive resort (I’ve stayed multiple times) that includes private island hopping.
- The Funny Lion (Good Atmosphere): The Funny Lion is a boutique resort in Coron that I visited several years ago. Let’s just say that beer from the hot tub with one of the best sunset views in Coron is about as good as it gets. It’s ultra-modern and has a spa, pool, and immaculate rooms. The rooftop bar and dining is an awesome place to be after a long day of island-hopping in Coron.
- Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (Value): Located by the bay in Coron Town, this upscale hotel features an infinity pool which makes for a picture-perfect sunset view (Possibly the best sunset hotel view in Coron). If you want comfort and luxury at the same time this place is for you. It has its own private dock so you just leave straight to the island-hopping tours from your hotel room!
- Casa Fidelis Resort All-inclusive (Includes private island hopping): I had the most amazing stay at Casa Fidelis. The villa had a large patio area that looked out over the garden. Stepping stones led you from the room to the dining area, where we had decadent spreads of gourmet food for every meal. Casa
