Comparing Coron and El Nido to determine which is preferable for a visit. Palawan island is well-known for its beautiful tropical landscapes and opportunities for island hopping.
Both of these locations are fantastic and it is feasible to visit both (which I suggest), however, if time is limited, you may need to choose between the two as they are separated by 100 kilometers of sea in the Philippines.
El Nido is a well-known and developed destination compared to Coron, however, this may not always be advantageous. Coron offers a more peaceful environment and superior opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Both El Nido and Coron boast incredible islands and beaches waiting to be discovered.
This travel guide will provide a detailed comparison of all the distinctions between Coron and El Nido in order to assist you in making a decision on which destination is superior.
1) Directions on how to reach the destination
2) Activities and attractions to enjoy while there
3) Options for where to stay during the trip
4) Recommendations for dining options in the area
5) Comparing the pros and cons of visiting Coron or El Nido
6) Tips on how to visit both locations
7) Additional advice for traveling in Palawan
8) Top tour packages for exploring Palawan
Coron and El Nido are two popular destinations in the Philippines, but which
Traveling to El Nido town is possible by air, van, bus, or ferry.
One of the most convenient and efficient ways to reach El Nido Palawan is by taking a direct flight with AirSWIFT, although it may be more costly, it is highly recommended.
The El Nido island airport (ENI) does not have international flights, so you will need to first travel to one of the major cities in the Philippines like Manila or Cebu, and then take a connecting flight to ENI.
You have the option to search for flights to El Nido or Coron on Skyscanner.
• Coron
Traveling to Coron airport (USU) tends to be more cost-effective compared to El Nido due to the availability of more airline choices such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
If you are thinking of visiting both El Nido and Coron, the most commonly chosen method of transportation between the two destinations is by using the fast ferry service.
You have the option to participate in a 4-day sailing journey in Palawan from Coron to El Nido (or the other way around) where you can discover stunning secluded islands along the route. More details will be provided on this later.
Matinloc Island located in El Nido.
Pair of Lagoons in Coron
Activities
• El Nido
El Nido is a paradise for island hopping, featuring stunning turquoise lagoons, limestone mountains, and top-notch white sand beaches in Palawan.
If you have the opportunity, dedicate your initial days to completing all four El Nido island hopping day tours (A, B, C, and D). Afterwards, enjoy the sunset at Marimegmeg Beach and take time to visit mainland attractions such as Nacpan Beach and Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfall.
In my opinion, El Nido in Palawan offers the most activities and attractions. You could easily fill a week just doing boat tours. Even if you choose not to go on a boat tour, there are plenty of beautiful beaches on the mainland that are just a short drive away.
• Coron
Coron offers an Ultimate Island Tour that includes visits to a large Twin Lagoon and the popular Kayangan viewpoint, as well as stops at coral reefs and other secret locations.
Different tours, such as the Island Escapade, allow you to stroll on a slim sandbar across the ocean and explore various beautiful white sand beaches. These beaches are equipped with hammocks, fresh coconuts, and all the amenities necessary for relaxation.
Coron is known for having some of the top snorkeling and scuba diving spots in Palawan. The coral reefs, unique fish species, and sunken shipwrecks in Coron are more impressive than those found in El Nido.
In Coron, there are also beautiful beaches, but they can only be reached by taking a boat tour, making them less easily accessible compared to the beaches in mainland El Nido.
One of the beautiful beaches in El Nido is Ental
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Kayangan Viewpoint is a popular destination in Coron
Lodging
• El Nido
When it comes to places to stay in El Nido, there are many budget and luxury hotels to choose from. However, accommodations in El Nido can be more expensive than in other destinations in Southeast Asia. In comparison to Bali, you may not get as much for your money in El Nido.
I believe that the situation will improve in the future. I think there is a higher demand for tourists in El Nido compared to the available infrastructure, so we just need to be patient and wait for more hotels to be constructed to cater to the large number of visitors coming to Palawan.
• Coron
The cost of accommodation in Coron is slightly lower and offers better value compared to El Nido. However, there are more budget hotels available with only a limited number of luxury options.
During our last trip to Coron, we were trying to save money so we chose to stay at the Coron Visitors Hotel. We had a comfortable double room with air conditioning that kept us cool. The hotel was conveniently located near several excellent dining options.
Having more money set aside for travel expenses will allow you to discover good accommodation options in Coron.
Accommodation known as Frendz Hostel located in El
Accommodations at a place called Aquilah Homestay in
Dining options at El Nido surpass those at Coron, offering a wider variety of restaurants, street food, and nightlife. El Nido boasts numerous excellent dining spots to choose from.
For instance, affordable Asian cuisine is available at CB Cafe, pizza can be found at Altrove, fruit smoothie bowls are served at The Vegan Cafe, and high-quality international and western dishes are offered at El Nido Boutique Artcafe.
Coron has fewer dining options compared to El Nido, but the selection of restaurants is expanding rapidly. Some popular choices include Om’s Thai, El Kuvo, and Levine’s Eatery.
The food in Coron was delicious and affordable. While it's easy to find good food in Coron, the variety and options are not as extensive as those in El Nido.
Island of Shimizu located in El Nido
Exploring the underwater world in Coron
The limestone peaks in Coron are formed through the process
Deciding between Coron and El Nido can be difficult because both destinations are equally incredible.
El Nido is known for its top-quality hotels and restaurants, as well as excellent island hopping opportunities. However, Coron also offers outstanding island tours and better snorkeling experiences. Both locations boast beautiful beaches, with El Nido having more options that are easily accessible.
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting both locations during your trip to Palawan! Here are some tips on how to make that happen.
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Pinagbuyutan Island is located in El Nido.
In the past, it was difficult to travel between Coron and El Nido because there were no direct flights or fast ferries connecting the two places. This meant that travelers had to first fly to Manila or Cebu before flying to Palawan, which was costly and inconvenient.
Fortunately, the situation has improved. There are now several companies offering direct ferry services between El Nido and Coron, and you have the option to purchase tickets online through platforms like 12Go, Bookaway, or Biyaheroes.
For a unique experience exploring the lesser-known and stunning islands between El Nido and Coron, you should think about joining a sailing trip with Big Dream Boat Man. They offer expeditions that can last up to 4 days and 3 nights, allowing you to travel from Coron to El Nido or the other way around.
Exploring multiple islands in paradise at your own pace can be a wonderful option, as it allows you to avoid the crowds and time restrictions of typical day tours. You'll have the opportunity to discover hidden gems and lesser-known islands that are not typically part of standard day tours.
Have a safe and enjoyable journey
Island in El Nido known as Helicopter Island.
A lagoon with a turquoise color located in Coron.
Additional Tips for Traveling in Palawan
Thank you for reading! I hope that the comparison between El Nido and Coron was useful for you. We always love exploring Palawan and other islands in the Philippines.
Are you in need of additional advice for traveling to Palawan and the Philippines? Do you want more information on island hopping in Coron or El Nido before your trip? Take a look at my comprehensive El Nido Travel Guide and Coron Travel Guide for free tips, information, and plenty of photos!
Top Palawan tour packages are available for those interested in exploring the islands of El Nido or Coron. Various online options provide a convenient way to book and plan your trip.
GetYourGuide offers tours in Palawan that feature activities such as exploring different islands, relaxing on picturesque beaches, visiting caves, trying out water sports, and much more.
We have utilized this company for numerous tours and activities worldwide, and we have had a positive experience with them. We highly recommend their services.
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Comments:
A concern was raised about the power and internet situation in El Nido and Coron. In El Nido in 2014, there were daily power outages from 6am to 4pm, which was inconvenient unless businesses had generators or solar power.
Hello Dew. The power supply in El Nido and Coron has gotten better. Although there are still occasional power outages every day, they are usually brief, lasting less than an hour and often less than half an hour. The WiFi connection in both areas is still not very reliable, so the best option is to get a local SIM card and use it as a hotspot. We had good internet speeds using Globe.
Great message. I'm curious if you have any advice on how to divide your time between the two places. We have a total of 6 nights, but only 5 full days to explore starting from Manila. Would it be a good idea to spend 2 nights in Coron and 3 nights in El Nido? Do you have any thoughts on which destination to visit first
I appreciate it very much!
Hey Kev. In this situation, I believe it would be best to spend 2 days in Coron and 3 days in El Nido. Usually, we begin in El Nido and finish in Coron, but it doesn't really matter which order you choose. Have a great time!
Last month, we traveled to both islands. In our opinion, it is preferable to stay in Coron for hopping tours because the boats were less crowded with a maximum of 7-10 people, and the places we visited were not as crowded. On the other hand, El Nido tours are always more crowded with 20-25 people. However, Coron does not have a beach on the main island, while El Nido offers beautiful options like Las Cabanas, Lio, and Nacpan. I hope this information is helpful for those reading. ♥
That captures the essence of it nicely! Appreciate it!
Would you suggest that older individuals who use a walking cane participate in these trips?
I don't have personal experience with this, but as long as you are okay with being on a boat, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in Palawan without having to swim or walk. The process of boarding and exiting the boats at each stop can be a little challenging, so keep that in mind. Best of luck to you!
I would like more information on snorkeling in Coron. Can you provide details on how and where to go snorkeling? Are there boat tours available or is it easily accessible from the beach or marina? Thank you for the helpful information!
Hey Jack! In Coron, all the snorkeling spots are accessible only by boat. Unfortunately, the beaches and marinas on the mainland in El Nido and Coron do not offer good snorkeling opportunities. To find good snorkeling spots in either location, you will need to take a boat. Personally, I think Coron has better snorkeling spots and the boat ride to reach them is shorter compared to El Nido.
I appreciate the quick response! Thank you for the thorough and detailed information on your site. Well done!
Thank you! I hope you have an amazing journey
Hello, can you tell me about the current sea conditions? I tend to get seasick easily, so I'm deciding between flying between Coron and El Nido or taking a boat. Also, do you have any information on how long it takes to reach the diving sites in Coron by boat?
Hello, our journey on the boat from El Nido to Coron was relatively smooth, but if you easily get seasick, it might not be the most suitable choice. I would recommend flying instead in that situation. Upon reaching Coron, the waters in the area are very peaceful and the boat rides are short. The majority of dive sites are less than an hour away from Busuanga.
Please feel free to share your thoughts
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Personal Introduction
Hello! I'm David Leiter, an American who has been traveling around the world non-stop for the past 9 years. My wife Intan and I spend most of our time in Bali, our second home, but we also travel to various destinations worldwide. Join us on our adventures!
Explore various travel destinations with these featured articles, including a 10-day itinerary in Morocco, visiting the Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, interacting with monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali, taking a scenic flight over the Rock Islands in Palau, comparing Coron and El Nido in the Philippines, hiking the Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala, exploring Java with a 1-week itinerary, visiting the Kawah Ijen volcano in Indonesia, discovering the highlights of Bali and Nusa Penida, experiencing Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida, exploring Santorini in Greece, hiking to Sipiso Piso Waterfall in Sumatra, discovering the best waterfalls in Indonesia and Iceland, hiking the Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii, visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia, taking a boat tour to the Rock Islands in Palau, and exploring the Navagio Beach Shipwreck in Zakynthos. Stay updated by subscribing to the newsletter for the latest blog posts, tips, and travel guides. Let's keep in touch!
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