City or Town Tours are few of the activities offered by travel agencies in popular tourist destinations. Most tourists would definitely avail this! Why? Well of course, it is less hassle and pretty convenient! And so is the Coron Town Tour!
Coron, Palawan, being one of the Philippine’s top tourist destination, is no exception to that. Upon arrival at the Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga, several travel agents will greet you with their own pamphlets for numerous tours in Coron and this includes the Coron, Palawan Town Tour.
This is great and all, but there are several reasons why doing your own Coron, Palawan Town Tour is much better than joining town tours from agencies.
Personally, I’ve got nothing against these tours, I’ve even availed some of them on my travels before. However, I know there are some of us here that would like to explore a certain area at our own pace (and maybe save a couple of peso or dollars along the way, too!)
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Here’s several reasons why you should DIY your Coron Town Tour:
1. Coron, Palawan Is Small
Coron is not a very big town. The attractions listed on the Coron town tour are a couple of blocks away from each other (except for the Maquinit Hot Springs).
If you love walking, then you can walk your way around the town and get that much needed exercise. We saw a lot of tourists making their way around the town just walking and if they can do it, so can you!
If not, then you can get almost anywhere by tricycle. It will cost you around 10 Php only (0.20 USD) – that’s per person and per ride.
2. Spend Less
The Coron Town Tour usually costs around 500-700 Php (10-14 USD). But, if you DIY, you can save about 100-200 Php (2-4 USD) each or even more!
For our Coron Town Tour, we walked from the St. Augustine Church to the Lualhati Park prior to hiring a tricycle to take us to the Souvenir Shop, Coron Cashew Harvest, Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Springs.
Total expense was around 347.5 Php (6.97 USD). We were able to save and enjoy the town at our pace.
3. Explore More
The town tour usually includes 6 places only and if you ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) you get to explore more of what the town offers! During our Coron town tour, we were able to explore the public market (where they sell the famous Danggit Lamayan), see the Sleeping Giant, visit other souvenir shops and most important of all, we were able to familiarize ourselves with the town!
4. Discover and Support Local
We hired a tricycle to take us from the Lualhati Park to the Souvenir Shop to the Coron Cashew Harvest to Mt. Tapyas and the Maquinit Hot Springs. By doing so, we were able to help locals earn and at the same time hear funny anecdotes and great trivia about Coron.
5. Learn From the Experience
Well, the great thing about taking the time to explore the town by yourself (or with your companions) and not relying on travel agencies, is that you get to learn. Learn how to navigate the place (can be beneficial on your next trip may it be in Coron again or to some other awesome place) and be the wise traveler that you can be!
Funny thing about going on your own and exploring it at your own pace is that you get to be a lot wiser in terms of spending your time and being the ultimate traveler in you!
Like most of Palawan’s tourist attractions, Coron has a lot of amazing places to visit!
Below are the Coron Tourist Attractions that you can visit:
St. Augustine Church
Our first stop was the St. Augustine Church. It is strategically located in the town center and it was near our accommodation in Coron.
The church was built on 1901 and had some major renovations throughout the years. I love the the facade and the interior of the church. It was clean and – despite being at the town center – it was very peaceful.
Town Plaza
The Town Plaza is a block or two away from the St. Augustine Church – less than a 5-minute walk. We started our tour around 10 AM, so it was a bit hot outside at this time.
At the Town Plaza, we saw this life sized concrete ‘Kulon’ or pot which – according to locals – derived the name of Coron.
We manoeuvred our way through the town, discovering some small shops and local food stops, before finding the Lualhati Park near the harbor.
Lualhati Park
The Lualhati Park is Coron’s very own bay walk. It’s a spacious area where you can grab a bike and ride around or just enjoy the views that it offers.
Here, we were introduced to what the locals call as the ’Sleeping Giant’. It’s actually a unique formation of the mountains of a man sleeping. Cool, huh?!
After taking a few pictures and enjoying the view, we decided to hire the local tricycle to take us to the Souvenir Shop and the Coron Cashew Harvest. It was pretty hot at this time and the walking under the heat of the sun was tiring especially for me – pregnant here!).
We did a quick visit to the Coron Public Market to check out the prices of the Danggit Lamayo. We were thinking of reserving some to take with us to Cebu. But since we had a connecting flight going home, we decided not to. We already pre-booked our flight prior to the availability of a local airline’s direct flight from Cebu to Busuanga.
Souvenir Shop
The Souvenir Shop is a few blocks away from the Lualhati Park. It has tons of souvenirs available that you can choose from, including food, shirts, scarves, coin purse, bags and many more.
The shop is the perfect place for tourists who love bringing one or two ‘pasalubong’ for families and friends back home.
Coron Cashew Harvest
From the Souvenir Shop, we headed to the Coron Cashew Harvest. It’s a local shop that is famous for its high quality cashew nuts.
The Coron Cashew Harvest has been featured several times by local media and is managed by ‘Nanay Lita’,. We wondered at first why it was included in the Coron, Palawan Town Tour but upon getting there, we understood why.
Aside from its hospitable host – Nanay Lita- the cashew nuts were made fresh! Trust me, they were indeed!
They have several flavors or varieties including Garlic Cashew and Brittle. Yum-Yum! A definite must-try delicacy in Coron!
Nanay Lita even gave us a tour in their factory where several workers were busy cutting and preparing the nuts for roasting. We were also able to taste the cashew fruit where the seed is taken from. It was yummy!
It was around 12 NN when we left the Coron Cashew Harvest and decided to head back to our lodge so that we can have our lunch.
We decided to hire the same tricycle again for our visit to the Mt. Tapyas View Deck and Maquinit Hot Springs later in the afternoon. Around 4 in the afternoon was the best time to visit the last 2 remaining attractions to better enjoy it.
Mt. Tapyas View Deck
Mt. Tapyas is a mountain (obviously) with around 720 steps and is one of the highlights of the Coron, Palawan Town Tour. It provides one of the most astonishing views of Coron so the climb is definitely worth it!
The path going up is clean and maintained, so if you wish to rest for a few minutes before continuing the climb, then it’s all right.
Please make sure to bring lots of fluid to avoid being dehydrated as the climb can really work you up! You can take amazing photos almost anywhere when you get there!
Maquinit Hot Spring
After the tiring climb, the Maquinit Hot Spring will definitely help soothe those stressed muscles!
The Hot Spring is located outside the town (it was around a 30-45 minutes ride on the tricycle from the town proper). It was a bit late when we got there and there were still many people enjoying the place.
Among the places included in the Coron Town Tour, the Maquinit Hot Springs was the only attraction with the entrance fee (200 Php per person). There were a couple of cottages that you can use inside to leave your things.
The water was indeed hot, which was why night time was the best time to visit. I, for one, satisfied myself by soaking my tired feet on the lukewarm water. Just like in our recent trip to Camiguin with the hot and cold springs, the experience was great!
We left the Hot Springs at around 9 PM, completing our very own Coron, Palawan Town Tour. It was such a nice experience getting around the town and knowing its locals. What a fun and relaxing day indeed!
Have you tried to DIY your trips before? We did that too when we were in Hongkong earlier this year– except for our Macau tour- making our way around the city all by ourselves and completely relying on maps. How about your trip? Tell us about it!
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Great post. It’s nice to explore on your own in some places! I like being able to spend more time in some areas than others.
I totally agree. 🙂
Lovely post! I am also a fan of discovering new places also on my own and sometimes getting lost while doing so, but I think that’s the greatest way to do it!
Thank you, Ingrid! 🙂 Yes I agree. I think the more you get lost, the more fun it gets! LOL
I love the support locals idea via the tricycle idea! That’s really great. I think locals do make the experience unforgettable! Glad you had a great time!
Thank you, Charmaine 🙂 Indeed, you get to know the place more by talking to locals.
Great post! I much prefer doing my own thing in places I visit, see a lot more and have more unique experiences!
It makes your travel more special too! 🙂 Thank you Rhiannon!
I totally prefer discovering the town on my own and at my own speed:-) I don´t like to feel rushed and also, when you are with a group, other people always end up in all of your photos!
LOL! That’s something to consider to I guess. No unwanted ‘photo-bombers’, I guess 😀
It looks so affordable to DIY Coron! The hot springs are lovely <3
Yes it is. It’s very affordable and pretty great! 🙂
Great post! Totally agree with your opening statement – travel agencies sometimes are just not worth it. Exploring on your own in a place like this is the way to go! 🙂 Safe travels. – Mariella
Yeah, sometimes they aren’t. 🙁 But I’ve had my share of great travel agencies too! LOL. I guess it just depends on the area 🙂 Thank you! Safe travels to you too!
Great post. I only have 2 more countries to visit in S.E.Asia, The Philippines is one of them and I really want to visit asap. Great post
Thank you Louise! I hope you can indeed visit. There’s just too many places to experience 🙂
Great guide! I’m writing my Coron guide right now. This makes me miss it so much. My favorite destination in the world
Wow! That’s great to hear! Would love to read your article too and learn what you saw and experienced in Palawan!
Lovely photos & wonderful post ! Most of the time I love discovering new places on my own (and getting lost sometimes) but when feasible I like having a travel local guide, one of those telling real and passionate stories and anecdotes of that place 🙂
I agree! I think one can get interesting and fun facts about a certain place when you’re with a travel local guide. 🙂
Wow, I love the view from Mt. Tapyas! The church looks so pretty and the harvest sounds interesting! I need to visit the Philippines!
I like wandering around a town on my own too. 🙂
It’s a truly breathtaking view 🙂 I hope you can indeed visit, Kat! 🙂
Great intro to Coron! I personally prefer to check out what a city I’ve never been to has available, then work out my own programs, more relaxing!
I’m glad you agree! 🙂
Great tips on how to see around the area for less, I totally agree with you!
Thank you Kashlee! 🙂
Great ideas, it is almost always better to DIY it! 🙂
I agree! Well, of course, it depends on the area and the activity 🙂
Great post! I always wanted to go to Philippines. How long should one plan to stay in Coron? The views are breath taking. Love the ocean and mountains. But the overall vibe I got from the pictures is similar to Key West, Florida. Am I wrong?
I think a week will be enough with a full itinerary! 🙂 Well in some ways, particularly the beach but Coron is much more laid back and has that provincial vibe 🙂
Loved this post and you’ve got great photos! I love doing tours myself, discovering different things and meeting people on the way.
Thank you Ashlee! 🙂
Wow that’s a crazy cheap trip! Will def add it to the never-ending bucket list 🙂
Yes it is! Cheap but amazing 🙂
I think that the best way to discover new things is to get lost. Not only you’ll discover new spots but also yourself! Lovely article ❤️
Thank you Nouhaila! 🙂 Great lessons are often achieved when exploring on your own 🙂
Yes, I prefer to do my own tour if I have time to plan it. I agree you save money and it’s nice to be able to go at your own pace. I hate being rushed especially with photography.
I definitely agree! Capturing that one great photo need not be rushed! 🙂
Yes I totally love to tour on my own – DIY tour is a good way to phrase it ;P
LOL. Very popular nowadays!
Thank you for sharing this great post! I rarely take guided tours as I prefer discovering new places at my own pace and take my time in places that I like.
Thank you Piia! I’m sure you also had some great discoveries yourself 🙂
This is a really informative post with great pictures! 🙂 love it!!
Thank you Courtney! Glad you liked it 🙂
Loved your post! I agree it can be better exploring by yourself rather than as a group because at least you can spend as much time you want in specific areas, or even stumble across somewhere you may not otherwise have found!
Thank you Elle! I agree. It’s so much fun exploring and having your own town/ city tour 🙂
Such an amazing place 🙂 Definitely added to my bucket list! And I agree with you: the best way to learn is to explore on your own (especially if you get lost) 😀
It is an amazing place 🙂 I hope you can visit it one day, Brigitta! 🙂
Lovely photos and fantastic views. Had never heard about this place!
Thank you Ketki! 🙂
Great photos! Definitely want to visit Palawan someday so I’ll keep in mind 🙂
Thank you, Anna! 🙂 Hope that you do visit! 🙂
Love this! Tours can be amazing but this definitely seems like the sort of place where exploring without a tour guide pays off!
LOL. There are so many ways to enjoy your travel and meet new people 🙂
Hi! How much did you pay for your tricycle trip to Maquinit? Do you still have your driver’s contact details? Thank you! 🙂
Hi Princess! Cost for the tricycle is around 300 Php but you can still haggle with the driver 🙂 No, i’m sorry. I didn’t get the chance to get his phone number/ contact details. But I’m pretty sure you can easily find one to negotiate with as there are plenty of tricycles in the area. 🙂 Have a safe trip! 😉
Can’t wait for our Coron Travel next year!! This post is very informative. What tour agency can you recommend? Thanks
Glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed it! 🙂 We tried the Calamian Islands Travel & Tours and they were fantastic!
Thanks!
Beautiful Palawan, one of my favourite places in the Philippines 🙂
I love DIY tours. Seriously, if you have access to a local, or even a guide on your phone, and want to move more at your own pace, DIY tours are the best. Those “free” walking tours around cities in Europe (through Sandemans) are great too, but I usually only go on them if a city has a particularly interesting history.
I really like that you took the time to break down the costs as well, that’s very helpful!
Now that you’ve mentioned it… Walking tours does give you more information, not unless you go out and talk to locals 🙂 Great insight…:) Thank you, Tom.. Glad you found it useful! 🙂
What hotel did you stayed in? Would you recommend it?
We stayed at Darayonan Lodge Coron.. Recommended! You can check my review of our stay here : https://osmiva.com/coron-accommodation-darayonan-lodge/ 🙂
Hi po, ilang months ka po pregnant during the tour? Thanks!
Hi Julie! I was 5-6 months pregnant 🙂
Hi! Thanks for all the info, pwede po kaya pumunta ng morning sa maquinit.. tapos bumalik ng evening na hindi na magbabayad ng 200php fee?
Hello Sky! Thank you for dropping by! I’m not really sure as we only went there once.. They do issue receipts, however, maybe if you can show it to the admin, they’ll let you in.. 🙂
Hope this helps! Happy travels! 🙂
Hi,
Thank you! This article is very helpful.
You’re welcome, Zarah! Thank you for dropping by! 🙂
Hi Ms. Marvi!
Any tips or suggestions. We (10pax) will be touring around coron. All rates are really expensive, from town tour to diff types of island tours. Meron po ba kayong alam na nagpaprivate tour or basta may affordable tour rates..Most of the agencies ay may Tour A, Tour B, etc. Nagiisip me pano maaccomodate lahat ng magandang spots without breaking the bank. :'(
Hi Martha!I received your comment. Ngayon ko lang nacheck sa inbox ko. 🙂 Anyways, sounds like you’ll have an amazing time! 🙂 The tours can be expensive, true. 🙁 You can always DIY your Town Tour to save. As for other tours, maybe you can inquire at Darayonan Lodge Coron. We availed our tours through them. You can check out our itinerary here:
https://osmiva.com/coron-itinerary-palawan-philippines/
Thank you so much for your DIY experience. I had an idea,planning to go there this month with my tatay.
You’re welcome.. That’s such a sweet trip! I’m sure you’ll both enjoy it! Cheers!