KAYANGAN LAKE
The Cleanest Lake in the Philippines
Kayangan Lake is one of the most iconic and most photographed destinations in all of Palawan. Often referred to as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, it is located on Coron Island and is managed by the indigenous Tagbanua tribe. The lake is accessible via a short but steep hike up limestone steps, which leads to a famous viewpoint overlooking the stunning emerald waters of Coron Bay a must-see photo opportunity.
Once you reach the lake, you'll be greeted by unbelievably clear freshwater surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery. Swimming in its cool, calm waters is an incredibly serene experience, and snorkelers will enjoy the underwater rock formations and occasional sightings of small fish. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the raw beauty of nature, makes Kayangan Lake a top highlight of any Coron island hopping tour.
Why It's Famous
Kayangan Lake is a must-visit destination on Coron Island, Palawan 🇵🇭—often hailed as one of the cleanest and most picturesque lakes in both the Philippines and Asia .
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Crystal-clear, brackish water: A unique mix of roughly 70% freshwater and 30% saltwater allows for incredible underwater visibility down to 30 m in some spots
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Underwater limestone formations: Ideal for snorkeling and freediving, the lake’s submerged rock structures offer dramatic, sci-fi-like scenery
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Iconic viewpoints: A short climb (~300 steps) leads to lookout decks offering breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon and karst cliffs
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Cultural significance: The Tagbanwa tribe regards it as sacred. After ancestral rites in 2001, it was opened for tourism with protections and an entrance fee
BANUL BEACH
Powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs make it incredibly scenic.
Banol Beach is a small yet stunning stretch of white sand tucked along the rocky limestone cliffs of Coron Island, Palawan. Known for its powdery sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and scenic backdrop of rugged karst formations, Banol is a favorite lunch stop during island-hopping tours. The beach is peaceful and relatively uncrowded, making it perfect for relaxing, swimming, and taking postcard-worthy photos. Shaded nipa huts line the shore, offering a cozy spot to enjoy meals or simply rest under the trees. While the swimming area is shallow and calm—great for families or casual beachgoers—just a short snorkel from the shore reveals colorful corals and marine life. Its combination of natural beauty, serenity, and accessibility has made Banol Beach a beloved hidden gem among Coron’s tropical attractions.
Why It's Famous
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Stunning natural beauty – Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery with crystal-clear emerald waters.
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Hidden adventure spot – Features a secret passage between two lagoons that can be walked through at low tide or swum through at high tide.
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Thermocline experience – Swim through layers of warm freshwater and cooler saltwater, creating a unique and refreshing sensation.
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Perfect for peaceful activities – Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming in a calm, uncrowded environment.
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Highly photogenic – A favorite for travel photos and videos due to its dramatic scenery and vibrant water.
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Tranquil atmosphere – Offers a quiet escape from busy tourist spots, making it a relaxing and serene destination.
SKELETON WRECK
One of the most stunning and accessible coral reefs in Coron, Palawan.
Skeleton Wreck is famous for being one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly shipwreck dive sites in Coron. Unlike deeper WWII wrecks, this sunken Japanese vessel lies in shallow water making it perfect for both snorkelers and beginner divers to explore without needing advanced training.
The wreck's "skeletal" structure its exposed metal frame has become a living reef, beautifully covered in corals and teeming with tropical marine life. Its combination of historical value, vibrant underwater ecosystem, and easy accessibility makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of nature, history, and light adventure during their Coron tour.
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Why It's Famous
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WWII-era Japanese shipwreck – A piece of history resting in Coron’s shallow waters
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Easily accessible – Wreck lies in just 5–22 meters of water; visible even while snorkeling
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Rich marine life – Coral-covered hull with reef fish, sea fans, and occasional turtles
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Great for underwater photos – Clear water, colorful corals, and the ship’s shape make it photogenic
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Beginner-friendly – No need for deep dives; perfect for snorkelers and first-time divers
CORAL GARDEN
The peaceful environment and stunning views—both above and below water—make Reef Garden a must-visit for nature lovers and ocean explorers alike.
Reef Garden is a vibrant and colorful snorkeling site located in the calm, shallow waters near Coron Island, Palawan. True to its name, this underwater spot resembles a blooming garden—only instead of flowers, you’ll find a rich variety of coral species, including brain corals, soft corals, and sea fans, all teeming with marine life. Snorkelers and divers are often treated to sights of clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and other tropical species swimming among the corals.
The clear visibility and gentle currents make it ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Unlike some deeper dive sites, Reef Garden is very accessible and family-friendly, offering a peaceful and visually stunning marine experience. Its beauty and biodiversity make it a favorite stop on many island-hopping tours, perfect for nature lovers, underwater photographers, and anyone seeking a serene escape into Coron’s vibrant marine ecosystem.
Why It's Famous
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Colorful coral landscape – Resembles an underwater garden with soft and hard corals in full bloom
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Rich marine life – Home to clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and more tropical species
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Clear, shallow waters – Excellent visibility and easy depth, perfect for snorkeling
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Beginner-friendly – Calm currents make it ideal for first-time snorkelers and kids
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Great for underwater photos – Vivid colors and marine biodiversity offer stunning visuals
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Popular island-hopping stop – Included in many Coron tour packages due to its beauty and accessibility
TWIN LAGOON
Calm, deep waters and a peaceful environment make it ideal for relaxing and soaking in the scenery.
Twin Lagoon is one of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations in Coron, Palawan—famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald-green waters, and the magical experience of swimming between two secluded lagoons. Separated by towering karst rock formations, the outer lagoon is accessible by boat, while the inner lagoon can be reached by swimming through a small crevice in the rocks (or a wooden ladder during high tide). What makes Twin Lagoon truly unique is the thermocline effect, where warm freshwater from the surface mixes with cold saltwater below, creating an unforgettable feeling as you glide through the temperature shifts. Surrounded by sheer limestone walls and tranquil waters, it’s a paradise for swimming, floating, and relaxing in nature’s hidden sanctuary. Whether you're snorkeling, kayaking, or just soaking in the views, Twin Lagoon offers a surreal, cinematic escape that captures the wild beauty of Palawan.
Why It's Famous
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Dramatic limestone cliffs – Surrounded by towering karst formations that create a stunning natural setting
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Thermocline experience – Unique mix of warm freshwater and cold saltwater as you swim through the lagoons
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Swim-through entrance – You can access the inner lagoon by swimming under a rock arch or climbing a wooden ladder at high tide
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Incredibly photogenic – Crystal-clear emerald waters and epic cliffscapes make it one of the most photographed spots in Coron
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Tranquil inner lagoon – Calm, hidden sanctuary perfect for swimming, floating, and quiet relaxation
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Popular island-hopping stop – A top highlight on most Coron Tour A or Ultimate Tour itineraries
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Snorkeling and kayaking – Great for light water activities in a peaceful, shallow environment
CYC BEACH
Enjoy soft sand and shallow, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and wading.
CYC Beach, short for Coron Youth Club Beach, is one of the most popular yet budget-friendly destinations in Coron, Palawan. It’s the only beach in the area that doesn’t charge an entrance fee, making it especially appealing to families, backpackers, and travelers on a budget. Despite its accessibility, CYC Beach remains a stunning natural spot, boasting powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a backdrop of mangroves and limestone rock formations. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with shallow and calm waters that make it safe even for children. Often included in island-hopping tours, CYC Beach is a favorite rest stop thanks to its relaxed, undeveloped vibe. There are no shops or cottages here, preserving its raw charm and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're sunbathing, snorkeling over coral gardens, or simply enjoying the tranquil scenery, CYC Beach offers an unspoiled escape that captures the laid-back beauty of Coron.
Why It's Famous
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Natural beauty – With white sand, crystal-clear waters, mangroves, and scenic rock formations, it offers postcard-perfect views.
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Family-friendly – The shallow, calm waters make it safe for children and enjoyable for all ages.
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Perfect for swimming and snorkeling – You can explore vibrant marine life and corals just a few meters from shore.
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Unspoiled and peaceful – With no commercial development, it retains a raw, natural charm that's hard to find elsewhere.
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Convenient stop – It’s commonly included in island-hopping tours, making it easy to visit without extra planning.
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Relaxed vibe – Great for lounging, picnics, or simply unwinding in a quiet tropical setting.
LAS ISLAS DE CORAL
Calm and crystal-clear water ensures great visibility, perfect for underwater exploration and photography.
Las Islas de Coral, also known as Coral Garden, is one of Coron’s most spectacular underwater destinations, famed for its vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem. Located near the Calamian Islands, this snorkeling paradise boasts crystal-clear waters and an abundance of colorful coral formations—ranging from brain corals and sea fans to soft corals and branching types.
The reef is teeming with tropical fish such as clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and sometimes even giant clams and sea turtles. With excellent visibility and gentle currents, it's an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs, Coral Garden offers not only a breathtaking snorkeling experience but also a chance to witness the incredible biodiversity that makes Palawan a world-class ecotourism destination. It's often included in island-hopping tours, and many consider it a highlight of their Coron adventure.
Why It's Famous
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Top snorkeling destination – Known for its vibrant coral reefs and clear, calm waters
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Diverse coral formations – Home to colorful hard and soft corals, including brain corals, sea fans, and branching types
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Abundant marine life – Spot clownfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and even sea turtles or giant clams
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Excellent visibility – Crystal-clear water with up to 20–25 meters of visibility, perfect for underwater viewing
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Easy access – Common stop on Coron island-hopping tours (like Tour A or Ultimate Tour)
ATWAYAN BEACH
Tucked beneath towering limestone cliffs and lined with powdery white sand
Atwayan Beach is a peaceful and scenic cove tucked along the coast of Coron Island, Palawan. Known for its powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, and lush limestone cliffs, this small beach offers a perfect escape for travelers looking to relax and enjoy nature. It’s a popular lunch stop on many island-hopping tours, featuring shaded picnic huts and cozy tables right by the shore where guests can enjoy freshly cooked meals and refreshing drinks like coconut juice or locally brewed coffee.
The shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish just a few steps from the beach. Despite being included in many tours, Atwayan remains relatively uncrowded, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, giving visitors a serene and laid-back atmosphere. Its natural beauty, friendly locals, and quiet charm make Atwayan Beach a hidden gem and a favorite stop for those exploring the islands of Coron.
Why It's Famous
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Scenic setting – A small cove (~220 m) surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush foliage, with pristine white sand
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Chill lunch destination – Equipped with shaded huts and picnic tables, making it a favorite stop for island‑hopping tours
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Accessible snorkeling – Shallow, calm, crystal‐clear waters hide vibrant corals, tropical fish, clams, and even turtles
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Local hospitality – Known for friendly locals (like Capt. Aguilar), serving homemade coffee and fresh coconuts
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Peaceful ambiance – Less crowded than other stops; best visited early or late for maximum tranquility
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Ideal for relaxing & photo‑ready – Perfect for leisurely beach walks, paddling, or capturing postcard-worthy moments .
