Choose El Nido for lagoons, kayaking, and beach time. Choose Coron for crystal-clear lakes and WWII shipwreck snorkeling and diving. Coron is also easier to reach from Manila, with direct flights under an hour. If you have 6 days or more, you can visit both: the ferry between them takes about 3–4 hours.
El Nido vs Coron at a Glance
| El Nido | Coron | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Lagoons, kayaking, beaches, sunsets | Lakes, WWII shipwrecks, diving and snorkeling |
| Top sights | Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Nacpan Beach | Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Siete Pecados, Maquinit Hot Spring |
| Island tours | Tours A, B, C and D | Coron Island tours and shipwreck trips |
| From Manila | No direct flight; fly to Puerto Princesa, then 5–6 hours by van | Direct flights under 1 hour, then about 45 minutes by road to town |
| Days needed | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Beaches | More and better beaches, near and in town | Fewer beaches; the lakes and reefs are the highlight |
| Good for families | Yes; a private tour lets you set an easier pace | Yes; some sites have steps and short climbs |
Why Choose El Nido
El Nido is the gateway to Bacuit Bay, famous for tall limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. Island-hopping tours are labeled A, B, C and D:
- Tour A: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commandos Beach
- Tour C: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach
- On land: Nacpan and Duli beaches for sunset, Las Cabanas Beach, and the Taraw Cliff climb for fit travelers
El Nido is best if you want a mix of island-hopping and relaxed beach days.
Why Choose Coron
Coron is on Busuanga Island in northern Palawan. It combines clear lakes with sunken WWII Japanese ships in Coron Bay:
- Kayangan Lake: climb a short trail to the famous viewpoint, then swim in the lake below
- Twin Lagoon: swim between two lagoons joined by a small opening in the rock
- Barracuda Lake: a favorite with divers
- WWII shipwrecks: several wrecks are shallow enough for snorkelers; certified divers can go deeper
- Siete Pecados and Maquinit Hot Spring: easy reef snorkeling and a saltwater hot spring
Coron is best if you love underwater views and want a shorter trip from Manila.
How to Get There (2026 Update)
Coron: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly direct from Manila to Busuanga Airport (USU) in under an hour. Coron town is about 45 minutes away by road.
El Nido: El Nido Airport (ENI) has no direct flights from Manila. Since July 1, 2026, all former AirSWIFT flights are run by Cebgo, part of Cebu Pacific, with the same schedules. El Nido flights connect with Clark, Cebu, Boracay (Caticlan), Bohol and Coron. Many travelers from Manila fly to Puerto Princesa instead, then take a 5–6 hour van ride north.
Between El Nido and Coron: Ferries take about 3–4 hours, depending on the sea. There are also short flights between El Nido and Busuanga. Ferries can be cancelled in rough seas, so keep a spare day in your plan.
Fees to Know
- El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF): PHP 400 for non-Palawan residents, valid for 10 days. You pay it once, usually to your tour operator or guide.
- Coron: Each lake and island site charges its own entrance or environmental fee, usually paid on the day of the tour.
In Astrokidd packages, check the “Inclusions” list on each tour page to see which fees are already covered.
Can You Visit Both?
Yes. Most travelers need at least 6–7 days for both: 3–4 days in El Nido and 2–3 days in Coron. A common route is Manila → Puerto Princesa → El Nido → ferry to Coron → fly back to Manila.
Our Manila to Coron Tours 10D9N package follows this route. It covers Manila, Tagaytay, Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron in one trip.
Which One Is Right for You?
- Short trip (3–4 days) from Manila: Coron, because of the direct flight.
- Beach lovers and first-time visitors: El Nido.
- Divers and snorkelers: Coron.
- Honeymooners: El Nido for sunsets and lagoon tours.
- A full week or more: do both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Nido or Coron better?
Neither is better; they are different. El Nido is best for lagoons and beaches. Coron is best for lakes, shipwrecks, and diving.
Which is easier to reach from Manila?
Coron. It has direct flights from Manila in under an hour. El Nido has no direct Manila flights, so most travelers go through Puerto Princesa.
How long is the ferry from El Nido to Coron?
About 3–4 hours, depending on sea conditions. Book early during peak season.
When is the best time to visit El Nido and Coron?
November to May, the dry season, when seas are calmest. Read our full guide on the best time to visit the Philippines.
Ready to choose? Astrokidd Travel and Tours has arranged Palawan trips since 2013. See our El Nido Palawan 3D2N package, our Coron Palawan tour package, or browse all tour packages.
Leave a Reply