Palawan’s hidden tropical paradises feature plenty of nature, alone time, and beach fun!
Can you imagine a dreamier place to relax and unwind than the pristine shores of Coron Island? Best known for its exquisitely fine white sands, crystal azures, and secret lagoons, Coron is an unspoiled beauty waiting to be explored.
While Palawan―the “World’s Best Island”—may be popular with tourists, Coron offers beach lovers a quiet escape where you can meet new sea creatures and uncover the well-kept secrets of the island. If you’re on the hunt for the most picture-perfect beach destinations, check out our list!
Safe travel reminders
As of 2021, Coron in Palawan is open to fully vaccinated domestic and international travelers. That said, here are the things that you’ll need to prepare before your beach getaway:
- Tourists aged 15 to 65 years old are allowed entry
- Vaccination card (fully vaccinated)
- Approved S-Pass Travel application
- Negative RT-PCR Test result taken within the last 48 hours
- Booking from a licensed hotel and tour agency (with Mayor’s Permit, DOT Accreditation, and Safety Seal)
Check out the complete list for all travel requirements!
The best beaches in Coron, Palawan:
- Malcapuya Island
- Bulog Dos Island
- Waling Waling Beach
- Marcilla Sandbar Beach
- Banol Beach
- Banana Island
- Ditaytayan Beach
- Atwayan Island
- Smith Point Beach
- Bamboo Island
- Dibatok Island
1. Malcapuya Island
Go off the rails at this hidden tropical gem. For the unconventional traveler, or anyone who prefers a peaceful and quiet ambiance over bustling crowds of tourists, one of the last few places to escape in Palawan is Malcapuya Island.
A two-and-a-half-hour boat ride away from Coron Town, the island with its stretch of fine white sands and amusing display of swaying coconut trees certainly makes it the ideal remote getaway. Its shallow translucent water makes Malcapuya Island one of the best snorkeling spots in Coron, too, as you can easily dive and discover brilliantly colored coral reefs!
Photo Source: @maryhadalittledream on Instagram
2. Bulog Dos Island
Photo Source: Candid Sceneries Facebook Page
What’s one way to spend your island escapade in style? Do it at Bulog Dos Island. Another beach destination accessible by a private boat tour, Bulog Dos is a Shangri-la for long snake-like sandbars, turquoise waters, and surreal landscapes.
Though small, Bulog Dos has everything you need and more for the perfect vacation! Beach and ocean lovers will have plenty of good times snorkeling, kayaking, and climbing the tiny cliff on the island. But be careful! The waters are teeming with abundant marine life, with lurking parrotfishes, stingrays, and snappers.
Photo Source: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa Facebook Page
Oh, and the best part? This beach is only a short walk away from Two Seasons Coron Island Resort. When the water is low, you can easily cross over to Malaroyroy Island, where the 5-star eco-resort stands.
3. Waling Waling Beach
Hit two birds with one stone! An isle that connects to Bulog Dos is Malacory Island, the home turf of Waling Waling Beach. Waling Waling, named after the Queen of flowers―aka the Philippine Orchid—rightfully earns its title as one of the province’s most beautiful beaches.
This Coron Palawan beach features an extended stretch of the pearly white sandbar where you can soak your toes into the fine sands or take a snap with your best swimsuit on. On its shores, you’ll find uniquely shaped coral reefs that decorate the entire island. If you predict you’ll get hungry during your visit, don’t worry. There are several mini-bars in tropical huts that sell food and little knick-knacks!
4. Marcilla Sandbar Beach
Photo Source: Coron Palawan Properties Facebook Page
If you ever get tired of boat rides, drop a visit to Marcilla Sandbar Beach, the lost paradise of Coron. The beachfront looks straight out of Hawaii―only without the crowd.
Unfortunately, Marcilla, located at the farthest tip of Busuanga Island, is not easy to access. You’ll need a map, a scooter (or a car), and plenty of gas and patience to reach this hidden gem. Though the journey might take long, trust us, the magnificent view is worth the ride! When the sun goes down at Marcilla, it casts an orange glow against the dancing palm trees.
5. Banol Island
Photo Source: @travelwithbrothers on Instagram
For travelers on the hunt for a more local experience, Banol Island is the way to go. A popular spot for dine-ins and grilled fish served on bangkas, this island is your pit-stop in between island-hopping adventures. You can select from several Nipa huts that line up on the beach’s coastline to take your fill. Our favorite lunch-by-the-beach meal is a plate of juicy watermelons, pancit, atchara, and of course, pork barbecue!
Photo Source: Breakfast PH Facebook Page
This Coron, Palawan beach has a ton of fun activities for you, aside from good food. You can go limestone cliff viewing and snorkeling in the island’s most shallow portions. And while it’s not entirely secluded, as Banol beach is full of tourists and locals, you can easily bond with them by trading stories, catching some hoops, and immersing yourself in all things Coron!
6. Banana Island
Photo Source: @jamesgordo on Instagram
Can’t get enough of the sun? Come on over to Banana Island, the best beach in Coron to laze around and take a refreshing afternoon nap. When it comes to the ultimate leisure vacation, this crescent-shaped island in Calamian, Coron Island, is at the top of our list. Here you can find giant clams, starfishes, and parrotfishes under the clear azures, as well as several fun hammocks secured tightly against coconut trees to swing by and doze off on. Now, imagine waking up at this tranquil haven. It’s the dream!
Photo Source: @iammarex29 on Instagram
Note: Since the island is close to Malcapuya and Bulog Dos, vacationers can take a private guided tour in one go. Book your island escapade with Klook today!
7. Ditaytayan Beach
Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=415157316401994&set
It’s time to bring out the drones at Ditaytayan Beach! With its turquoise-hued waters and splendid greenery, this Coron Palawan island is a natural beaut!
Ditaytayan Beach, nestled in between Cuilion and the Bulacaocao islands, is made up of three separate beaches on either side. Its long strips of white sandbars, known to locals as “Long Beach,” are the homes of vibrant coral reefs and exotic blue tangs. Beach lovers can feed the fishes, dip their toes in the cool water, or take a snap for the ‘gram at this island wonder.
8. Atwayan Beach
Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10202660616996511&set
Get stoked by the thousand-year-old limestone cliffs at Atwayan Beach. While many of the islands of Coron are far apart, Atwayan Beach is conveniently located at the Coron Town Proper and its nearby famous tourist sites. The Skeleton Reef, Twin Lagoon, and the Calamian Islands are just a few minutes boat ride away from the beach’s shorelines.
But just because it’s near doesn’t mean it’s lacking in natural wonders. True to its name, “tuay,” meaning clam, Atwayan is a treasure trove teeming with abundant sea creatures. If you take a dip into the beach’s shallow waters, you’ll discover rainbow-colored reefs and schools of fishes on their merry way. For a change of pace, dock your boats at Atwayan beach and rent a tropical hut to dine and chill on.
Photo Source: @eleashagooding on Instagram
9. Smith Point Beach
Photo Source: Colette Cooper - Travel Counsellors Facebook Page
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink of fresh buko at Smith Point Beach. Located at the northwest coast of Coron Island, Smith Point Beach is the runner-up for the best tropical dining spot in Palawan. At this tiny island, beachgoers can fill their tummies with the freshest seafood in town!
Photo Source: @r2roycerull on Instagram
For travelers who prefer a much quieter island experience, Smith Point Beach is an alternative to the bustling Banol Beach. Far from being secluded and not as touristy as one might think, this beach is the perfect place to unwind and spend the night. There are several nearby charming lodges that you can stay at, including the Discovery Island Resort and the KokosNuss Garden Resort. Apart from that, Smith Point Beach comes with translucent waters and limestone cliffs that’ll make you say, “beach, please!”
10. Bamboo Island
Photo Source: @bambooislandsph on Instagram
It’s not every day that you encounter turfs as pristine and as soft as the shores of Bamboo Island, a luxury paradise southeast of Cuilion Reservation. Part of the Bamboo Private Islands, the beach offers plenty of space and no boat traffic for tons of exciting water adventures. Thrill-seekers can try out parasailing, paddle boarding, surfing, and deep-diving at the emerald green waters of Bamboo Island Beach.
Note: Travelers need resort accommodations to be able to use the beach.
11. Dibatok Island
Photo Source: Exclusive Tour Coron Palawan Facebook Page
Completing your Coron Island adventure is a trip to Dibatok Island, one of the jewels of Calamianes. Where the sky meets the sea, this simple yet stunning beachfront is a picture-perfect postcard waiting to be mailed out.
People like to flock to Dibatok because of the scattered rock formations decorating the island’s shores. Not only are they picturesque, but they’re thousands of years old! One can easily spot the gigantic rocks from a mile away, even from the hidden caverns of the Twin Lagoon. For island wanderers, Dibatok Island is a fave jump-off point between the famous lagoon and Kayangan Lake.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
