Coron Lakes and Lagoons in Palawan
Part of the Palawan travel guide — see every topic in All Palawan Guides.
Coron is a town on Busuanga Island, in the north of Palawan. Across a narrow channel is Coron Island, a wall of sharp limestone cliffs with clear lakes and lagoons hidden inside. Much of the island is the ancestral land of the Tagbanua people, who manage several of the sites. This guide covers the main lakes, lagoons and beaches, and how to see them.
Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake is the most famous stop in Coron. Boats land at a small cove, and you climb a steep path of steps for about 10 to 15 minutes. Near the top is a viewpoint that looks back over the cove and the limestone islands. This view is one of the most photographed in the Philippines. The path then goes down to the lake, which has very clear fresh water mixed with some salt water. Wooden walkways run along the edge. Swimming is allowed in marked areas. Arrive early, because it gets crowded by late morning.
Twin Lagoon
Twin Lagoon is two lagoons separated by a rock wall. Your boat stops in the first one. To reach the second, you swim through a small gap at low tide or climb a short wooden ladder over the rocks at high tide. Inside, the water is calm, clear and surrounded by tall cliffs. In places, cool fresh water and warm sea water meet, and you can feel the change in temperature as you swim. Kayaks and small paddle boats are often available. A life jacket is a good idea, as the water is deep.
Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is a deep lake inside the cliffs of Coron Island. You reach it by a short climb over the rocks from a small landing. The lake is known for a thermocline: below a certain depth, the water becomes much warmer. Divers come here for this unusual feeling and for the underwater rock formations. Snorkellers can also swim at the surface and enjoy the clear water and the views of the cliffs. There are few fish, but the setting is very beautiful. Wear water shoes for the rocky path.
Beaches and snorkelling stops
Most Coron island-hopping tours add one or two beach stops. Banol Beach is a small, popular beach on Coron Island with shade and clear water. Other tours visit islands further out, such as Malcapuya, Banana Island and Bulog Dos, which have long white beaches and good snorkelling. Siete Pecados is a small group of islands close to town with a protected reef. It has many fish and is good for beginners. Check which stops each tour includes, as routes are named differently by different operators.
Fees and booking
Each lake, lagoon and beach charges its own entrance fee, and these are often not included in the tour price. Some fees are collected by the Tagbanua community, who protect these places. Bring enough cash in small notes. Tours can be booked in Coron town or through your hotel. Shared tours leave in the morning and return in the afternoon. In the busy months, from about December to May, private boats that leave early are worth the extra cost. Do not touch the coral, and do not feed the fish.
Coron Lakes and Lagoons at a glance
| Getting there | Boats leave from Coron town harbour; Busuanga Airport is about 30 to 40 minutes away by road |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tours usually run from about 8 or 9 am to late afternoon |
| Cost | Tour price plus separate entrance fees at most sites; check before you go |
| Best time | December to May for calm seas; early morning for fewer crowds |
| Bring | Cash in small notes, water shoes and a dry bag |