Mount Tapyas Stairs Hike In Coron, Palawan

HIKING MOUNT TAPYAS

Mount Tapyas in Coron is a popular spot for travelers and locals alike. With 700+ steps to the summit, this hike promises rewarding views of the town, bay, and distant islands. As you plan your ascent, myMount Tapyas Hiking Guide will provide practical tips, what to expect on the trail, and how to make the most of your trip to the top. Will you be hiking for sunrise or sunset?

MOUNT TAPYAS ENTRANCE FEE

There is no entrance fee for Mt Tapyas, which is great as it encourages tourists and locals to get out, get active and enjoy the view.

Just before you reach the top you can cut to the right on a new path so you can look up the hill towards the summit. Here you will be right in front of the ‘C O R O N’ sign, similar to that found in Hollywood. It is very recognizable and you can see it from Coron Island while you are out island hopping.

This is a great spot for photos in both directions. We took photos here years ago before the path was placed here but now it is very easily accessible. 

MOUNT TAPYAS HISTORY & INFO

1. Name Origin: The name ‘Tapyas’ is derived from the Filipino term which means “to chop off.” The mountain’s summit has a distinct flat area, which might be reminiscent of a portion being sliced off, leading to its name.
2. Tourism Boost: As Coron grew in popularity as a tourist destination in the Philippines, local authorities and tourism boards saw the potential of Mount Tapyas as a vantage point. It provides panoramic views of the town, the bay, and the surrounding islands.
3. Development of the Trail: To make it accessible, over 700 concrete steps were constructed leading to the summit. This initiative has made Mount Tapyas one of the most visited spots in Coron, especially for sunrise and sunset views.
4. Giant Cross: At the peak, there’s a giant cross, which also serves as a landmark. It was initially erected to symbolize hope after a fire that affected parts of the town. Over time, the cross itself became symbolic, and many locals and tourists visit it during Holy Week and other religious observances.
5. Natural Disasters and Restoration: Mount Tapyas has faced challenges like typhoons, which at times have damaged the cross and other facilities. After such events, restoration efforts are undertaken to maintain the area for both locals and tourists.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MOUNT TAPYAS

The best time to visit Mount Tapyas in Coron is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. These months provide a higher chance of clear skies, allowing hikers to fully appreciate the panoramic views from the summit. While mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temperatures for the ascent, many travelers prefer the late afternoon hike to catch the spectacular sunset over Coron Bay. However, it’s worth noting that December to March can be busier due to peak tourist season, so those seeking a quieter experience might consider climbing during the weekdays or the shoulder months.

SUNRISE OR SUNSET AT MOUNT TAPYAS?

Sunrise:

• Lighting for Photos: Morning golden hour at Mount Tapyas offers a soft, diffused light, which is excellent for photography. The hues during sunrise tend to be cooler, offering purples, pinks, and soft blues. If you’re looking to capture Coron town and the bay with this ethereal glow, sunrise is the time to do it.
• Direction: The sun rises generally in the east. While you won’t see the sun rising directly from the bay when you’re on top of Mount Tapyas, the ambient light casts a serene glow over the town and waters, providing a peaceful setting.
• Other Advantages: The atmosphere is cooler and quieter, and there are generally fewer people around, which means a more personal experience.

Sunset:

• Lighting for Photos: The evening golden hour boasts warmer, richer tones. The sun casts an orange, gold, and sometimes even a fiery red hue over the landscape. The side facing the bay gets illuminated with this warm glow, making the islands in the distance pop against the evening sky.
• Direction: The sun sets in the west. From Mount Tapyas, you can watch the sun descend behind the distant islands, creating dramatic silhouettes and reflections on the water.
• Other Advantages: Sunset hikes are more popular because the climb doesn’t require waking up extremely early. The vibe is often more communal, with both locals and tourists gathering to watch the day end.

In summary, if you’re keen on capturing the town and bay with softer hues and enjoy peaceful moments, opt for sunrise. If you’re after the dramatic silhouettes of islands and the rich, warm tones of sunset, then an evening hike is the way to go.

MT TAPYAS CLEANUP – ADVENTURE BAG

Coron is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. It was my third time returning to Coron but my first visit back since I started the Adventure Bag Movement. I decided to organize a quick clean-up of the most popular sunset spot on Coron, Mt. Tapyas. 

A small but determined group, the twelve of us set off up the stairs. There had been reports that the trail was clean and that there was daily maintenance of the trail. I wasn’t worried because we hear these nervous comments before every cleanup only to collect thousands of pieces of trash. This hike was no different.

We immediately found a little dump site off to the side of the stairs and filled 5-6 huge garbage bags within minutes. After clearing this site we headed up the stairs. 

Krish was our tour guide on our Big Dream Boat Man tour and went beast mode collecting 12 huge garbage bags of trash in 1.5 hours. The rest of the crew combined for another 10+ bags to total almost 25 giant garbage bags of trash on a short hiking trail.

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 

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: 22 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