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El Nido or Coron: A Comparison Table for Making Your Choice
Here’s the insider tips for figuring out whether to head to El Nido or Coron? Both are amazing, but they offer different vibes. Take a look at the quick comparison:
| El Nido | Coron | |
|---|---|---|
| Experiences | Island hopping, lagoons, beaches, sunset vibes, kayaking, cave exploring, beginner snorkeling, hiking | Island hopping, lagoons, beaches, diving, snorkeling, views of coral reef and shipwreck, hiking |
| Best for | Beginner snorkelers, families with kids, honeymooners | Divers, snorkelers, adventurers, history buffs |
Island Hopping: El Nido or Coron? It’s a Tie
El Nido vs Coron? When it comes to island hopping, it's a tie in terms of pure beauty, but each has its own vibe.
El Nido's all about that postcard-perfect scenery, including lagoons, hidden beaches, and towering cliffs. Coron, on the other hand, is more dramatic, with World War II shipwrecks and unique lakes.
El Nido Island Hopping
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and those who like a bit of adventure.
Route Options: Tours A (the rockstars!), C, B, and D. Most people do Tour A and C together. Come and get to know which El Nido tour is the best!
You'll be kayaking in unreal lagoons (Big Lagoon & Secret Lagoon), snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and chilling on beaches of 7 Commandos, Payong-Payong and Secret that look straight out of a movie. Tour B involves light hiking in Snake Island or cave exploring, so it's active but awesome.
Coron Island Hopping
Best for: Divers, snorkelers, and those who want something a bit different.
Route Options: Tour A is a classic, then you've got the Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour and the Coron Escapade Tour.
Get ready for epic dives in WWII shipwrecks, snorkeling in vibrant coral gardens (Las Isla De Coral), and swimming in other-worldly lakes like Kayangan. Coron's got more of that "wow, this is unique" feel.
Diving and Snorkeling: El Nido or Coron? Coron Wins
El Nido or Coron which is better? For diving, Coron. It's got those unique underwater coral reef landscapes and World War II wrecks that make it a world-class destination.
But if you're looking for a more laid-back experience with some snorkeling and pretty reefs, El Nido is still a great choice!
Snorkeling in El Nido
Best for: Combining snorkeling with lagoons, caves, and chilling out. Good for beginners and families.
Snorkeling Spots: You'll see lots of coral reefs and colorful fish, like in Tapuldan Channel, where you might spot some turtles and even Nemo!
Simply put, El Nido's diving is more relaxed, often mixed with other activities such as lagoon kayaking and cave exploring. The coral and fish are beautiful, but it's not as challenging as Coron.
Diving and Snorkeling in Coron
Best for: Wreck diving, coral gardens, and unique spots like hot and cold lakes. You'll need to be at least an intermediate diver.
Dive Spots:
- WWII Wrecks: Coron Bay is famous for these! Like the Lusong Gunboat (you can even snorkel here!) and the Olympia Maru. These wrecks are covered in coral and full of marine life.
- Lakes: Dive in Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake for crazy rock formations and water temperature changes.
- Coral Gardens: Places like Coral Garden have tons of coral and fish, great for all levels.
Coron is more for serious divers. The wrecks are incredible, and the lakes are out of this world. You need to be certified (OW and up) for many of the dives.
Land Exploration: El Nido or Coron? El Nido Wins
What to do when you're not out on the water in Palawan?
For land exploration, if you're looking for beautiful beaches and a relaxed natural vibe, I'd say El Nido takes this one. But if you want a bit more action and variety, Coron has some cool stuff to offer.
Coron doesn't really have beaches on the main island, so El Nido wins for that in my book.
El Nido Land Activities
What to do: You've got Nacpan Beach, that stunning sunset at Marimegmeg Beach (Las Cabañas), Taraw Cliff for a bit of a hike, a cool town vibe, Lete-Lete Cave, and some really beautiful rainforest and mangroves.
In a nutshell, El Nido's land activities are all about soaking up the natural beauty, relaxing and having fun on awesome beaches, and exploring the town at your own pace.
Coron Land Activities
What to do: You can climb Mt. Tapyas for amazing views, relax in the Maquinit Hot Spring, wander around the local market and night market in town, visit the Calauit Safari Park, and even try some shooting.
Coron's land activities are a bit more adventurous. You've got hikes, hot springs, local culture, and even some unique stuff like the wildlife park and shooting.
Transportation Accessibility: El Nido or Coron? Both Convenient
El Nido or Coron which is better for transport? Forget what you read before, because things have changed! El Nido and Coron are both convenient to reach these days. However, getting to Coron is cheaper.
One thing that might interest you. El Nido's airport is closer to town, while Coron's is further away.
How to Get to El Nido
Gateway: El Nido is super accessible now, with direct flights from 4 hot destinations (Manila, Cebu, Bohol & Boracay) in the Philippines.
Flights: You can fly straight to El Nido from Manila (1.5 hours, daily flights), Cebu (1.5 hours, daily flights), Bohol (1.5 hours, daily flights), and Boracay (1 hour, daily flights).
Airport Transfer: El Nido Lio Airport (ENI) is quite close to town, about 3 KM. You can grab a tricycle – that's our local ride for short trips – or arrange a transfer to your hotel. Contact us at Asia Odyssey Travel!
| Departure | Arrival | Flight Type | Flight Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila | El Nido | Nonstop | 1.5 Hours | Daily |
| Cebu | El Nido | Nonstop | 1.5 Hours | Daily |
| Bohol | El Nido | Nonstop | 1.5 Hours | Daily |
| Boracay | El Nido | Nonstop | 1 Hour | Daily |
Tips: Many visitors travel to Puerto Princesa first for the Underground River. Then take a van to El Nido. It’s a 5-6 hours drive. Check out how to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido >>
How to Get to El Nido? Flights, Vans & Ferries from 4 Key Spots
How to Get to Coron
Gateway: You can fly directly to Coron from Manila, Cebu, and Bohol.
Flights: Flights from those places to Coron take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Specifically, flights from Manila to Coron take 1.5 hours. Flights from Cebu to Coron also take 1.5 hours. Similarly, flights from Bohol to Coron take 1.5 hours. All are daily.
Airport Transfer: From Busuanga Airport (USU), you'll take a van to Coron Town. It's about a 45-minute trip.
| Departure | Arrival | Flight Type | Flight Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila | Coron | Nonstop | 1.5 Hours | Daily |
| Cebu | Coron | Nonstop | 1.5 Hours | Daily |
| Bohol | Coron | Nonstop | 1.5 Hours | Daily |
How to Get to Coron: Getting to Coron from 5 Major Cities of PH
Travel Costs: El Nido or Coron? Coron Is Cheaper
Which is cheaper, El Nido or Coron? Overall, Coron tends to be a bit cheaper, especially when it involves where you're staying, getting around, and grabbing a bite.
Let's break down the costs a bit now.
Island Hopping Tour Cost: El Nido Edges It
When it comes to the island hopping tours themselves, El Nido tours might seem a little cheaper per tour, but Coron offers a wider variety of tours, though they tend to be a bit more expensive.
- El Nido: Their popular Tours A and C are around $81-$84.
- Coron: Tours are around $85-$90.
Note that these prices are for Asia Odyssey Travel’s group tours and include lunch, a tour guide, boat fee, life vest, lagoon entrance fee, town transfer, and basic snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel).
Exclusions! Kayak rental is excluded and costs an extra ₱450 for two people.
Lodging Cost: I Vote for Coron
This is where you'll see a bigger difference. I vote for Coron.
- El Nido: You can find budget hostels and guesthouses in El Nido Town for $20-$50 a night, mid-range spots for $100-$150, and luxury for $200-$350.
- Coron: Budget is more like $20-$40, mid-range is also around $50-$100, and luxury starts at $150 as well.
Dining & Drinking Cost: My Vote Goes to Coron
Eating and drinking costs are pretty similar, but Coron can be slightly cheaper.
- El Nido: Expect to pay around $20-$30 for a meal, and beers are about $3-$5.
- Coron: Meals are roughly $15-$25, and beers are around $2-$4.
Transportation Cost: Coron Offers the Better Deals
Flights to El Nido are more expensive. For example, a flight from Manila to El Nido is around $100, while the same flight to Coron would cost around $50-$60.
Philippines Trip Cost: How Much is a Trip to Philippines?
Traveling with Kids: El Nido or Coron? El Nido Is Better for Families
El Nido or Coron for your family vacation in Philippines? I'd say El Nido is more suitable for family trips. Because unlike Coron, you don't have to take a boat to get to the beach. El Nido has beaches right in town, with lots of activities for kids.
El Nido with Kids
- If you don't want to sail, hit the main island!
El Nido has a lot land experiences to offer families.
For example, Nacpan Beach has free beach volleyball and ATV rentals, and they even have bonfire parties at night! Las Cabanas Beach offers tandem ATV rides as well, great for families, and a zipline with amazing views of the coral reefs and the sunset.
Here comes another beach! Lio Beach has a boardwalk with many local restaurants and a light show at night.
And if you're up for a bit of a hike, you can head up to Taraw Cliff for panoramic views. Lete-Lete Cave is also a hit, especially for more active kids over 6.
- If your kids are a bit older (12 and up), go island hopping!
If they're into adventure, you can go on an island hopping tour in El Nido!
El Nido's Tour A includes kayaking through the limestone cliffs of Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Shimizu Island and Tapiutan Island (part of Tour C) have great snorkeling spots, and Tour B has cave exploration in Cathedral Cave and Cudugnon Cave.
Don’t how to choose? Read the guide to know which El Nido tour is the best!
Coron with Kids
Unfortunately, the beaches in Coron are only accessible by boat. But Coron Town also has some nice places to visit.
For example, the Maquinit Hot Spring is a natural saltwater hot spring, perfect for a relaxing family soak in Philippines. If you’re fond of hiking, hike up Mt. Tapyas for views of the town.
El Nido or Coron for Honeymoon? El Nido is More Preferred
Lovebirds, let's talk honeymoon spots now! So, which is better, El Nido or Coron for honeymoon?
In my opinion, if you're looking for that super romantic, "lost in paradise" vibe, El Nido is definitely the way to go. Coron is amazing, but it's a bit more on the adventurous side.
El Nido for Honeymoons
El Nido is all about those dreamy, romantic moments.
It's got that extra touch of romance: Think stunning karst landscapes, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. Places like the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are seriously like something out of a movie – perfect for those honeymoon photos!
It's more private: Some of the high-end resorts there offer that "one-island, one-hotel" setup, like Lihim Resort. You get ultimate privacy, amazing service, and even things like private beach dinners.
Beaches are better: Nacpan Beach has the best white sands in Palawan. Las Cabanas Beach is perfect for those romantic sunset strolls.
Coron for Honeymoons
Coron is fantastic, but it's geared more towards adventure-loving couples.
It’s a diving paradise: It's famous for its World War II shipwrecks, coral gardens, and those crystal-clear waters. Great if you're into diving, but it might take away from that relaxed honeymoon vibe.
It’s more fast-paced: Places like Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoons are breathtaking, but getting to some of these spots involves boat rides and some hiking. It can be a bit more fast-paced.
Itinerary Plan Ideas for Your Trip to El Nido or Coron
Now it’s time to talk about some itinerary ideas for your trip to El Nido or Coron! If you only have a few days, say 3 to 5, It's a choice between El Nido and Coron.
El Nido Focus (3-4 days)
If you're all about stunning natural landscapes and chill vibes, El Nido is the place to be.
You'll want to spend at least 2 days island hopping, hitting up Tours A and C for sure. Then, you can use the other day or two to explore El Nido Town, relax on the beaches like Nacpan and Las Cabanas, or hike up Taraw Cliff for amazing views.
If you've got an extra day, you could squeeze in a trip to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, but just a heads up, the van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is about 5-6 hours, so it might be a bit much if you're traveling with kids!
Coron Focus (4-5 days)
If you're more into diving and unique shipwreck view, Coron is your best bet.
On your first day, you can either climb Mt. Tapyas for the views or chill at Maquinit Hot Spring. Then, spend a couple of days island hopping.
I recommend spending one day on Coron Island Hopping Tour A to see Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, and all those amazing spots. The next day, do the Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour – it's a must for snorkelers and divers!
Finally, spend a day exploring Coron Town, checking out the local scene, and picking up some souvenirs.
El Nido + Coron (7-10 days)
If you've got more time (more than 7 days), I highly recommend combining El Nido and Coron to get the best of both worlds. Find out how to get from El Nido to Coron >>
Here are a couple of options:
Option 1: El Nido (3 days of island hopping) → Coron (4 days of diving and exploring)
Option 2: Manila (for transfers and a half-day tour of Rizal Park and Intramuros) → El Nido (3 days of island hopping) → Coron (4 days of diving and exploring) → Manila (for your flight out)
Check the itinerary layout for a 7 days El Nido and Coron tour:
| Day | Destinations | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Nido Arrival | / |
| 2 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 3 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 4 | El Nido to Coron by Ferry | Mt. Tapyas or Maquinit Hot Spring |
| 5 | Coron Island Hopping Tour A | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
| 6 | Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour | Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, East Tangat Wreck |
| 7 | Coron Departure | / |
Plan Your Trip to El Nido or Coron with Asia Odyssey Travel
Let’s explore the best of El Nido and Coron together! With over 8 years of experience in the Philippines, Asia Odyssey Travel is your local expert.
We have offices right in Palawan and Manila, ensuring seamless support throughout your trip. From island hopping to diving excursions, and everything in between, we'll take care of all the details.
Let us help you create a personalized itinerary that captures the magic of El Nido or Coron. Whether you choose the romantic allure of El Nido or the adventurous spirit of Coron, your dream Philippine getaway awaits!
If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.
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