Our journey from El Nido to Coron started well before the sun came up. We'd been staying in Sibaltan and arranged a van to take us to the ferry terminal. It was supposed to arrive around 6:00 a.m., but island time meant we weren’t picked up until just before 7:30. Still, we lucked out—the ride into town only took 50 minutes, and we were the only passengers. A far better outcome than we’d expected given the usual chaos of local transit.
Once in El Nido proper, we headed to Brunch ALO for iced lattes and breakfast. Dave had a sausage silog with English muffins, while I went with a fruit and yogurt bowl—oat milk for my coffee, of course. After breakfast, we headed to the port, which was already packed with people lining up to board. It was wild to see how many people were funneling onto boats for the same trip to Coron, which reminded us why we had avoided the mass tours back in El Nido.
The ferry crossing was packed, but smooth enough, and after arriving at the port in Coron we hopped in a trike to our hotel for 200 pesos. We spent our first couple of days in Coron laying low—editing videos, catching up on rest, and preparing for our next adventure: the climb to Mount Tapyas.
Mount Tapyas is a popular viewpoint in Coron town, with 720 steps to the summit. We started around 5:20 p.m., sweating within the first few flights. The heat here is no joke, and I definitely struggled more than Dave, but we made it to the top in just over 25 minutes. The reward? A panoramic view of the town below just as the sun dipped behind the horizon, and the glowing lights of the "CORON" sign turning on behind us. For a free activity, it’s absolutely worth doing—just don’t forget water and bug spray.
Later that evening, we returned to one of our favorite spots in town, a humble little eatery called NL Eats. It’s become our go-to in Coron because of the unbeatable value and consistent quality. We both had barbecue chicken breast with rice and some pork skewers on the side. They were out of their Lomi soup again, which we’d been wanting to try, but the meal hit the spot—especially after that hike.
The next morning started bright and early for the “Super Ultimate Tour,” a full-day island hopping experience around Coron Bay. Pickup was scheduled between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., but to our delight, they were right on time. After a quick stop at the port and a short wait, we boarded our boat with 16 other travelers. This was a far cry from the overcrowded El Nido tours, and we were instantly relieved.
Our first stop was Barracuda Lake, a beautiful but slightly underwhelming snorkeling spot. The water is warm on the surface and surprisingly even warmer deeper down due to geothermal activity. While the setting was peaceful, we didn’t find much to see underwater as snorkelers—this spot is probably more rewarding for scuba divers. If we did it again, we’d probably skip it.
Next, we swam through Twin Lagoons, a surreal and stunning highlight of the day. You can either kayak or swim between the two lagoons, and we opted for the swim. The water was clear and calm, and we really felt the magic of Coron’s limestone cliffs here. We also stopped at a beach for lunch, which was simple but satisfying. Even better, the staff took note of my gluten sensitivity and prepared separate dishes for me—a really thoughtful touch.
From there, we made our way to a coral garden for snorkeling. Originally, the plan had been to go to a different reef, but due to rising wind and waves, our guides changed the destination. Even the alternate spot was a bit rough, but the reef itself was incredible—vivid corals, plenty of fish, and just enough shelter to float and enjoy.
At our final stop, we were supposed to hike down to a lake, but with tired legs and sore shoulders, we decided to stay on the boat and enjoy some hot, sweet coffee that our guide kindly prepared. Sometimes, skipping a hike for a moment of peace is just the right call.
Overall, the tour exceeded our expectations. The group size was small, the pace was relaxed, and the scenery—jaw-dropping. What really made the difference was how unhurried it all felt. After seeing the swarms of tourists on El Nido’s beach, we were bracing for another hectic experience, but Coron surprised us. Even the most popular spots had space to explore without bumping into flippers and elbows.
We ended the day with a walk back to the hotel, skipping the van transfer and enjoying the fresh air. It was one of those days that reminded us why we travel this way—off the beaten path when we can, and fully present for the moments that matter.
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