Getting Around Coron - Local Transport Guide for Island Town and Beyond

Coron is not a city in any conventional sense. It is a small town on the eastern coast of Busuanga Island in northern Palawan, and the rhythm of daily life here revolves around the water. The main settlement, Coron Town, is compact enough to cross on foot, with dive shops, backpacker hostels and barbecue stalls along the way. But the real destinations, the lagoons, shipwrecks, hidden beaches and limestone karst landscapes that draw travelers, are scattered across surrounding islands and remote corners of Busuanga, and need boats, vans or a motorbike.

Getting around Coron is simple. You will use motorized tricycles for short hops around town, rented motorbikes to explore the island independently, shared vans for longer overland journeys, and bangka boats (the Filipino outrigger) for everything on the water. Roads outside town can be unpaved, distances are deceptive on a map, and schedules are loose, so stay flexible.

Getting to Coron

Coron (Busuanga) is a Cebu Pacific destination.^[1] Since 29 March 2026, all Cebgo and AirSWIFT flights have moved from NAIA to Clark International Airport, so there are no direct flights between Manila's NAIA and Coron on those carriers.^[2] 2GO lists a sailing from Manila to Coron.^[3]

Getting Around Coron by Tricycle

The tricycle is the workhorse of Coron Town. These are motorcycles with an attached covered sidecar. They wait at intersections, outside the public market, near the pier and along the main road, and for any trip within town the tricycle is your default option. There are no meters, so always agree on the price before you get in, and pay in cash with small bills, as drivers rarely have change for large notes. Tricycles can also be hired for a driver to wait for you at a destination and bring you back.

Tips for Tricycle Travel

• Tricycles are best for short distances within or just outside town.
• For destinations like Mount Tapyas or Maquinit Hot Springs, negotiate a round-trip fare that includes waiting time.
• Late at night, tricycles become scarce. If you are out late, you may need to walk or arrange a pickup in advance with your accommodation.

Getting Around Coron by Motorbike

Renting a motorbike is a good way to explore Busuanga Island beyond Coron Town. You can ride out to the beaches, visit the Calauit Safari Park at the northern tip of the island, or follow whatever dirt road looks interesting. Rental shops are along the main road in town, and many guesthouses can arrange a bike for you. Shops usually ask for a passport or a cash deposit. Fuel stations become rare in the remote parts of Busuanga, so fill up before heading out.

Road conditions vary. The main road north from Coron Town is paved, though potholes appear without warning. Secondary roads to beaches and viewpoints can be unpaved, rocky, and muddy after rain. If you are not an experienced rider, stick to the paved routes.

• Wear a helmet. Philippine law requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a standard protective helmet.^[4]
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof phone case, as afternoon showers can arrive quickly.
• Watch for dogs, chickens, children and carabao (water buffalo) on rural roads.

Getting Around Coron by Van and Shared Transport

For longer overland distances on Busuanga Island, shared vans and minivans are the main option. The most common run is between Coron Town and Francisco B. Reyes Airport, also called Busuanga Airport. Booking platforms list a shared minivan at about $6 per person and 1 hour 15 minutes, and a private van at about $46 per vehicle (October 2026).^[5] For groups of four or more, a private transfer can make financial sense.

Beyond the airport run, vans and multicabs (small local trucks with bench seating) serve other points on the island, including the road toward Calauit. These are informal, so ask at the public market or your accommodation about departure times.

Getting Around Coron by Boat

The boat is the most important mode of transport in Coron. Most of the attractions that bring travelers here, such as Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Siete Pecados Marine Park and the Japanese shipwrecks, can only be reached by boat.

Island Hopping Tours

The most common way to reach the surrounding islands is an organized island hopping tour. These leave daily from the Coron public pier and the tour operator docks along the waterfront, and you can book them through hotels, hostels and the tour agencies on the main street. Prices differ by route and operator, and environmental or entrance fees are sometimes charged separately at individual sites, so ask what is included. The boats are traditional bangkas, wooden outriggers with a roof for shade, and you may need to wade through shallow water when boarding and disembarking.

Private Boat Charters

If you want to choose your own itinerary or avoid crowds at popular spots, private bangka charters are available. The price depends on the size of the boat, the distance and whether fuel is included. Arrange them through your accommodation or directly with boatmen at the pier, and agree on the price and the itinerary before you leave.

Ferry and Fast Craft Services

Coron is also connected to El Nido by ferry. Booking platforms list the trip at about 3 hours 30 minutes and about $42 to $46 (October 2026).^[6] Book ahead in peak season, as popular departures can sell out.

Getting Around Coron on Foot

Do not underestimate walking. Coron Town is small, and most of the essentials, such as restaurants, dive shops, ATMs, pharmacies, the public market and the pier, are close together along the main road and the waterfront. The Mount Tapyas staircase to a panoramic viewpoint starts at the edge of town. Walking is the best way to experience the town itself, but beyond the town limits it becomes impractical, so use wheels or boats for the beaches and attractions on Busuanga.

Comparing Your Options

Practical Tips for Getting Around Coron

Cash is king. Coron runs mostly on cash. ATMs exist in town, but they can run out of money during busy periods, so withdraw enough pesos to cover several days of transport, tours and meals. Credit cards are accepted at some resorts and dive shops, but not by tricycle drivers, van operators or boat captains.

• Apps are limited. Do not count on ride-hailing apps. Arrange transport in person or through your hotel front desk, tour operators and tricycle drivers.
• Bring small bills. Having a stack of small notes makes every transaction smoother.
• Book airport transfers in advance. If you have an early morning flight, arrange your van or transfer the night before. Your accommodation can usually arrange this.
• Negotiate before you ride. Whether it is a tricycle, a private boat or a motorbike rental, agree on the price before you go.
• Environmental fees add up. Many island destinations charge separate environmental or entrance fees. Budget for them on top of your tour cost.
• Afternoon weather. Rain squalls can roll in fast, especially in the rainy season, which runs from June to November.^[7] If you are on a motorbike, carry rain gear. If you are on a boat, trust your boatman.
• Safety at night. Coron Town is generally safe, but streets are poorly lit away from the main road. A small flashlight or your phone torch helps for the walk back to your hotel.

For comparing transport options and booking island hopping tours or transfers, GoAsia.cc can help you see what is available before you arrive.

Popular Routes and Destinations

Coron Town to Busuanga Airport: The route every visitor takes at least twice. Shared minivans cost about $6 per person and take about 1 hour 15 minutes; a private van costs about $46 per vehicle.^[5] The road is paved but winding. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit in front.

Coron Town to Maquinit Hot Springs: A short tricycle ride from the town center. Negotiate a round-trip fare with waiting time, or rent a motorbike and ride there yourself.

Coron Town to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon: These destinations are on Coron Island, not on Busuanga Island where Coron Town is, and are reached by boat. Join an island hopping tour or charter a private bangka from the pier.

Coron Town to Calauit Safari Park: Located at the far northern tip of Busuanga, reached by motorbike or van. The road becomes rough for the final stretch. Most travelers visit on organized day tours that include van transport.